Bread and Butter

[rdb]

I don't remember if I posted these before, but they are new pictures anyways, so indulge me this once please..

I make these for a local Company here in Pittsboro, NC.. Carr Amplifiers makes Tubed Amplifiers for Guitars and other instruments. They had some problems with the standard handles being sold by many suppliers. The rock and roll of it all sets all the plastic inserts, and chain stitiches all akilter. They asked me to come up with designs that would eliminate the problems. I offered some samples, some impeccably burnished, some with no hardware, etc. They choose the look and feel of this style..a simple but hefty, 12oz bridle leather.

It has become a dependable amount of hours each month, which gives me breathing room as I try and find my place in the Leather world.

For the chance, I am truly thankful, and proud that my work is now part of theirs.

For any of you musicians out there, you know that the true audiophile prefers the tubed sound, and understand the quality of these amps.

It is a rare thing to see anything made of quality in the USA nowadays. So if you are looking for a special amplifier, you might have a look at these:

http://www.carramps.com/

PS, I also made a vintage style guitar strap for one of the workers.

Thanks for the eyeballs, and I hope this gives a few of the small guys, like me, to go out and try for some little jobs like this.

[UKRay]

Way to go, Dave - nice work if you can get it!

I love jobs like this 'cos they give such satisfaction when you have a box full.

Congrats on doing the deal.

[rdb]

Thanx Ray.

Same as you, I get a kick out of a bucketful of things...

I haven't got it down good yet, but when I'm making something nowadays, I try to make several at a time. It's a little slower at first, but it does help to build up the inventory.

I was hoping this thread would generate some discussion on how to go out and hunt down work, as opposed to waiting for it, or doing shows. I've gotten some work by being just naive enough to go up and ask...lol. And other work, like these handles, by doing something for someone who knows somebody else. Around me, for instance, there is a BIG "buy local" kind of thing going on, and it's helping a whole variety of people I know. But, I suppose, this is all better off in more of an open thread.

[rcsaddles]

Hi Dave,

You know, word of mouth is the best kind of advertisement, even if you are the one talking to someone. I have a job that allows me to meet all kinds of people in my area. I take every opportunity to talk to them when I can.

Through this, I have gotten an order for a rawhide bosal, a cell phone case, made a couple sets of saddle bags and done various repair work. Also, I need to talk to a guy about reproducing an 80 year old saddle that he just loves to ride.

I guess the bottom line is, somehow always work a conversation to what your speciality is. It can be done in a way that people don't think you are being pushy or conceited. If I don't talk about the work I do, who will? I will even try to find someone that specializes in a certain product and send the work to them. I know that eventially these people will come back to me for something.

Having a steady monthly income like that is great. The handles look great. Just keep them happy and things will keep rolling in.

Joe

[rdb]

I've moved this thread to Conversations, it's a better place for it.

You are right RC, word of mouth is always the best way to get started, and keep going. I guess they call that "viral" now. There's a lot of leatherworkers here, who have taken that viral thing and used it in a more modern way...with facebook, myspace, twitter, other forums, etc. It must be working good for some of them, or they wouldn't keep doing it.

But there are old fashioned ways of digging up work too. If you can afford/manage to get a manufacturers rep, or be one for yourself, I still believe that is the most effective way to get consistent work. Word of mouth viral, etc tends to hit pockets of customers, that may deluge you for a few days/weeks, but then they disappear, and you have to reinvigorate that by adding something new, or finding new pockets. With some consistent sales, not subject to whims so much, it's easier to build a true business. I'm not saying to go all wholesale, but a concerted effort to build some wholesale allows time for custom, and development work.

Hope this starts a good conversation....

[Grunt]

Nicely done! There's no mistaking quality!

Nick

[UKRay]

Although I get most of my work from word of mouth advertising, I do get a fair proportion from my internet efforts but the best ones for me are those that I get from nowhere. Call it luck or good fortune if you like

As an example: I picked up a nice little order this week almost by accident. I was pricing for another job and the lady's husband walked past carrying a neat little wood burning stove he had just finished making. By the time I left I had an order for 100 leather mittens for opening the stove doors when they are hot - just so you know, chrome leather is pretty fireproof and heat resistant and works fine for this application. That was his fiirst stove. He hadn't even thought about burnt fingers and opening the doors. He is now going to give my mittens away free with every stove. I simply reached out and grabbed the order as it went past...

My point is that we have to be looking all the time and be prepared to use our knowledge to solve problems for people who may not even know they have them. Those handles of yours, Dave, are an example of the same kind of thinking. You solved their problem (quality issues) because you knew how to. You got the job because of your specialist knowledge.

Maybe we need to do more lateral thinking?

[rdb]

Thanks Grunt! Simple usually looks best....

Ray, You must be pretty amazing in real life...lol...BUT, I don't believe the story about the mittens, cause there ain't no PICTURES.

Here's another thought. With all the people on this board, and the far reaching fame it's beginning to garner, WHY hasn't some manufacturers rep, or retail sales person come here and solicited an interest?

A few types I have seen here involve some stitching work, and making a few things. I know a lot of us have contacted/worked with some suppliers and vendors to get them on the board, but maybe we need some of that "lateral thinking" Ray was talking about, and speak to some of our contacts about requesting actual reps and retailers to come on the forum?

Geez, they would have their pick of the cream of the crop in the country here....

This would also fall into my thoughts about Guilds, and Co-ops, but that will probably be another thread, unless here is a good enough place...

[Kustom]

I don't remember if I posted these before, but they are new pictures anyways, so indulge me this once please..

I make these for a local Company here in Pittsboro, NC.. Carr Amplifiers makes Tubed Amplifiers for Guitars and other instruments. They had some problems with the standard handles being sold by many suppliers. The rock and roll of it all sets all the plastic inserts, and chain stitiches all akilter. They asked me to come up with designs that would eliminate the problems. I offered some samples, some impeccably burnished, some with no hardware, etc. They choose the look and feel of this style..a simple but hefty, 12oz bridle leather.

It has become a dependable amount of hours each month, which gives me breathing room as I try and find my place in the Leather world.

For the chance, I am truly thankful, and proud that my work is now part of theirs.

For any of you musicians out there, you know that the true audiophile prefers the tubed sound, and understand the quality of these amps.

It is a rare thing to see anything made of quality in the USA nowadays. So if you are looking for a special amplifier, you might have a look at these:

http://www.carramps.com/

PS, I also made a vintage style guitar strap for one of the workers.

Thanks for the eyeballs, and I hope this gives a few of the small guys, like me, to go out and try for some little jobs like this.

Congrats. That's very cool. The handles look like something I'd like on an Amp if I was going to buy one.

[esantoro]

good looking rugged handle. Much better than the plastic handles on some of those other amps. Are you also making the lighter-duty handles on some of the other pictured amps?

ed

[UKRay]

Real life is what I have been doing today to make enough money to pay a few bills, Dave. You really don't want to know! However, I am now my own man again until next Monday when it all starts again...

I promise to post pictures of mittens when they are made - right now I'm still at the design stage. I just drew up a quick mitten shape, stitched 2 bits together and turned 'em inside out as a sample and the guy drooled and bit. Now I have to do the job properly or cousin Luke will be on my case again... "Its not about the dollar - its about a job well done and the satisfaction of doing a job well". I have to agree but I like the dollar too!

Go on - give me Guilds and Co-Ops, I can take it...