Olimex, who are in a strong position to know, say that the cpu alone (Allwinner R8M) costs $16, direct from Allwinner[1], in volume.  That&#x27;s just the CPU.  None of the other components, the PCB, the labor, etc.<p>The $9 price just isn&#x27;t sustainable. It appears the the CHIP team is doing a combination of padding shipping prices, and  probably taking a loss for the sake of initial marketing.<p>[1]<a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;olimex.wordpress.com&#x2F;2015&#x2F;06&#x2F;05&#x2F;how-to-get-in-the-news-tell-people-that-you-will-make-and-sell-something-which-cost-you-20-for-9&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;olimex.wordpress.com&#x2F;2015&#x2F;06&#x2F;05&#x2F;how-to-get-in-the-ne...</a>