Members THein Posted December 31, 2010 Members Report Posted December 31, 2010 After a couple days of driving the loader back and forth from the haystack to the cows, I figure there are two or more issues going on here. It's regrettable that someone seeking our products has to read this c**p from within the community member or not. The first problem, as I see it, this appeared like a small feeding frenzy. I'm assuming we're all in the same boat trying to market our creations and pay the bills. If I were to reply to this type of inquiry, I would invite Tommy to view my work and go from there. Let the customer see your work, your linings, etc. and decide. If he likes what he sees, he will come. As far as Aaron and Josh, I know exactly where you both are coming from. Aaron, I too am a tool junkie, there's times I should push away from the table and don't, that's my problem. I make a passable bit of work and try to make up the gap between the price of feeder calves and our bills. (understand everyone that our share of the price you pay for beef is about 5-10% of the store price depending on whether it's burger or steak) Josh, I'm not familiar with your situation but it appears you are trying to make a living with your leather work. You've done your homework and figured what your profit point is. Aaron, you have a talent, don't sell it short. We can't all necessarily command the prices of the top names but we need to make sure that we can stay in business or at least pay for our passion. The he problem we need to avoid is that as leather workers we don't tread on one another's business in our pricing. Case in point: A woman in town asked me to make here a noseband/ bronc halter style. When I went in to see what she wanted on it she said a freind wanted a couple as well. Friend wanted a full floral pattern, she pointed out which pattern she wanted "adapted" to the noseband and then informed me she could get the same thing made for $60.00 from "somebody" down the road including conchos The somebody down the road was doing, if all's equal the same work for less than minimum wage. I told her I couldn't do it for that. I hope I didn't offend anyone with this note. It was just my two cents worth. Actually the Canadian goverment is talking about doing away with the penny so next time it might cost me a nickel! Happy and Prosperous New Year to all, Terry Quote www.singletreeleather.com
Contributing Member UKRay Posted December 31, 2010 Contributing Member Report Posted December 31, 2010 An interesting and though provoking post, Terry and I completely agree with you about letting the customer choose for themselves. Do you think those responding to an enquiry here should add a picture of their work with their response or wait until it is requested? Personally, I'd like to see a picture up-front as it would help the potential customer choose who to contact. The bigger picture throws up some issues that, IMHO, have no answers. The pro-leatherworkers will always have 'someone down the road' who will do a job cheaper than they can - and the amateur guys are just trying to fund their hobby (and good luck to 'em!). The situation isn't about to change any time soon and there is no reason it should. Personally, I quite like competition from amateur craftspeople as it keeps me on my toes and makes sure I watch the pennies when I do my costings - that way I stay competitive and don't get greedy or lazy. I also enjoy to see work that has taken weeks to complete (and would be impossible for me to make a profit on so I don't do it) it is often absolutely amazing and inspirational. I can't tell you how much I've learned from the so-called amateurs on this board. So many contributors here really are artists in the best sense of the word. Okay, there are some (both pro and amateur) who see a shoddy job as a quick way to make money but they never last long. Most people aren't stupid In the end, I believe all anyone can do is show their work and let the customer choose. Some you win and some you lose! Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
King's X Posted January 3, 2011 Report Posted January 3, 2011 I know JBird and his words were not meant to belittle anyone. He is right, what cost him to run his shop will be different than me who runs my tooling bench out of the corner of the master bedroom. I think if Electrathon can sell the hell out of his wallets for his cost, well I am behind him! I believe it was merely competition as would anyone bidding on a job. But I can see PinkChaps side from the open field. The seeker put out an open request and he sought was he was looking for. He seems like a smart shopper. I am sure that he did not just go off word or replies alone. I am sure he was looking through everyone gallery or websites before any decisions were made. I am sure he has done his homework and knows what he wants and seeks. For the future, I do believe on open invitations for work, we should just send a PM and post that you have replied so others are aware. This will allow the opportunity to avoid these issues. Just my .02 cents! Good luck to all and Happy New Year! Quote Greetings from Central Texas! The Grain Side Up blog #TheGrainSideUp
electrathon Posted January 13, 2011 Report Posted January 13, 2011 Here is a pic of the way I do the interiors. I do them myself solely because when I have bought pre-made interiors they come apart! I want my wallets to be simple, thin and long lasting. I sew these out of pig, two pockets and a sideways slot on each side. I have been doing them this way for a couple years, never to my knowledge has one came apart.. Every one I built with a premade interior had a seam come apart in less than a year, one in less than 6 months. I made a wallet for one of the guys I work with over a year ago, he just told me the other day it has lasted him longer than any wallet he has ever had. Aaron Quote
JRodz Posted January 19, 2011 Report Posted January 19, 2011 I agree with the comments posted above and I think the suggestion that interested parties send a pm is a great idea. I personally would have done it that way. Other post I have participated in for graphic design and screen printing had such rules and prices were never posted. As far as pricing goes, we all have our own formulas and consumers know that, the value of any product will always be a balance of what the client is willing too pay and you are willing to take. I personally do not discount my work to compete for a sale, I know what I put into a piece and what I need to make from it. I also know what materials, tools, and equipment cost me and what that means to my pricing.That being said, I have learned a lot and really enjoy the forums. Everyone is always very open and welcoming and that is just proof of the integrity of the members. In many industries, good luck getting help, feedback, and tips from others because people horde their knowledge and experience.Keep up the good work, supportive commens, and keep the neighborhood safe and clean.Cheers,Jose Quote Jose Rodriguez SoCal Leather Co.
Contributing Member TwinOaks Posted January 20, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted January 20, 2011 This post has been viewed quite a number of times, but not visited by the OP. According to his profile, he was active today. Either he has found the maker of his wallet, or has lost interest. Quote Mike DeLoach Esse Quam Videri (Be rather than Seem) "Don't learn the tricks of the trade.....Learn the trade." "Teach what you know......Learn what you don't." LEATHER ARTISAN'S DIGITAL GUILD on Facebook.
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