Do Buyers Really Just Not Care?

[TXAG]

Looks like some people around here do not cannot differentiate between bad design and bad technique.

Edited November 16, 2013 by TXAG

[Sylvia]

Just remember TXAG... while you are pointing fingers and passing judgment 3 of your fingers are pointing back at YOU.

[Fullmetalsam]

Looks like some people around here do not cannot differentiate between bad design and bad technique.

Oh, I think you're wrong on that - they can.

They just don't point it out unless they are asked to.

------------------

I'm with Sylvia.

We can all spot a shitty job... but everybody has to start somewhere and you guys don't know that guy's deal.

Maybe he's just selling to family and friends and they are trying to support him (and they don't care how it looks.)

[TXAG]

Maybe he's just selling to family and friends and they are trying to support him (and they don't care how it looks.)

You don't need an etsy store to do that.

Anyway, I posted a legitimate question -- I didn't understand why people are apparently drawn to poorly-made items, but thanks to most of the responses in this thread, I get it now. Too few people left in the world that appreciate well-made, finely-crafted items.

Got it.

Edited November 16, 2013 by TXAG

[TXAG]

Just remember TXAG... while you are pointing fingers and passing judgment 3 of your fingers are pointing back at YOU.

Blah, blah, blah...

[chiefjason]

I'm actually an artist by education. I've got a minor in fine art. It's a minor because I got tired of all the subjective BS and putting hours upon hours into something and no one wants to pay you for it. It's a tough way to make a living. And has a lot of parallels to leatherwork I would think. One of my best pieces ever is sitting just over my computer monitor. It took me 15 minutes to finish. There is a piece on the desk somewhere that is 1/10th the size and I have too many hours to count in it and it's not even finished. May never be. Go figure.

A lot of folks are artists, just ask. Everyones brother, cousin, mom, spouse, or something can do exactly what you are doing. Put your stuff on display and they will tell you. It's a crazy world. Put tons of work into something and ask a low price, people will think it's cheap and not want it. Ask too much and you never sell it, unless you build a reputation that justifies that price. Because it's rarely the work that justifies it. Let's be honest here. An artist is only as successful as their marketing. Some of that marketing is about quality, but most of it isn't. If you can find the balance between work and what folks will pay you for something you might do OK and get to build that reputation.

But there is also always a market for cheap stuff; made, priced, and sold cheap. Then there are the lunatics that appear to be giving their time away and selling their product at cost. BTDT. Not much past that now sometimes.

I caught a great comment on another board recently from one of the best holster makers in the world. He said most holster makers have never seen the inside of another shop. They are self taught. We no longer apprentice in many industries. I know I fit that bill and judging by what I see for sale a lot of other guys fit that bill and don't pay any attention to the details. It's annoying to see that stuff sale. It's annoying to go into my local gun shop and see the mistakes on the production holsters he sells. But I just shake my head and keep doing my thing my way. I'll pass or fail on my terms. And what others are doing does not have to have much to do with that.

[Red Cent]

" Put tons of work into something and ask a low price, people will think it's cheap and not want it. Ask too much and you never sell it, unless you build a reputation that justifies that price."

Amen to what Chief said.

A retired State Police and a cowboy buddy told me that you are going to discover your friends want "their" price and will snort at a HALFWAY reasonable price. He is a handstitcher and makes his and his wife's holster.

Yup.

Been around leather for most of my life. Never set foot in a shop. Didn't realize all the work and time involved in "finishing" a rig. Love it though.

Edited November 18, 2013 by Red Cent

[Matt T]

Add another one to the list:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20mm-Handmade-Horween-Leather-Watch-Strap-Chromexcel-/121215051146?pt=US_Watch_Bands&hash=item1c38fae58a

[Tex Shooter]

I have always heard that "One man can't count another mans money". I think that also applies to talent. My wife is in a "Nursing Home" and I see what some there make. There items might look crude until you know there disability, then you wonder how they did it. Also I recently went to a "tourist trap town" and noticed that crude things were out selling the finely made items and for a good price. Go figger! -- Tex

[AndyL1]

Add another one to the list:

http://www.ebay.com/...=item1c38fae58a

GAH! MY EYES!!!!!!!