Hey Guys,
Buff and some others told me ya'll were talkin' about me behind my back. Not much time to chat, but I reckon I'll weigh in. I've got no appologies for the price I'm chargin' for the buckles. I may never see a profit on this project, but it needs to be done. I hope in the long run it will be profitable, but life offers no guarantees 'ceptin diein'.
If you look at the price of quality brass plate buckles at Civil War suttlers, my buckles start to look a little inexpensive. I don't reckon there is much differnce in cost, for those who choose to have their buckles made in the States. And, I would stack-up the craftsmanship of the buckles I'm puttin' out against anything on the market. The foundry handeling the production is bendin' over backwards to produce the best quality possible.
While the buckles are more expensive than I had invisioned before I started on this project, I had no idea what I was doin' either. And, the bottom line bein'; not a penny of the money spent on these buckles is goin' overseas to people who don't like us or our ideals of freedom. I can rest easy at night knowing nothin' I'm doin' is goin' to end up as bullets bein' shot back at our Armed Servicemen and Servicewomen. Every cent spent is goin' to support hard workin' American craftsmen and their families, (and the U.S. Postal Service). Havin' said all that, if you can find anything comperable to what I'm offering, for less money, buy it! I don't think there is anything else out there. That's why I was forced to do this if I wanted these buckles.
Now, don't think I'm steamed at ya' because you may think the buckles are too expensive, (Frankly, I only worry about what my wife thinks). I'm just puttin' the "price" issue in context. If you you can get a better deal someplace else, I'm happy for you. Me, I'll be happy if this project gets out of the red before the end of the year.
There ya' have it. And, a hearty "Thank You" to those of you who have purchased the buckles and can't stop gushing about how great they are, (though I think you guys are over-doin' it a bit!)
Will
