does any one sell saddles that are not custom orders

[figthnbullrider]

i am doing a class project for my marketing class. i was wondering if any of you guys make saddles then sell them or if every one just takes custom orders. if you do id like to ask you a few questions. I am working on my first saddle now but its really just a custom order for me.

[Hidemechanic]

I only did custom orders and because of my family choices I didn't get to market my saddles in a way to increase my orders.I made marketing mistakes as well.

Now I am going to build what I want to build and use a few different market stratigies to find the persons willing to pay on the spot. Ask away and I'll answer what I can.GH

[AZThunderPony]

I only did custom orders and because of my family choices I didn't get to market my saddles in a way to increase my orders.I made marketing mistakes as well.

Now I am going to build what I want to build and use a few different market stratigies to find the persons willing to pay on the spot. Ask away and I'll answer what I can.GH

Hidemechanic, whatever happened with our conversation?

;)S

[TracyMoss]

I do a little of both, but mostly custom. If I get the opportunity and I have the tree, I will make a prospect saddle, or stock saddle if you will. However you must be patient with the prospect saddles and take them to some trade shows. Chances are you will have to sell it at a little lower price, but you get the balance up front. If you want to make saddles for a living, at some time or another you will have to do some contract saddles, or consignment saddles at a feed store, etc. Now, this is just my experience.

[superchute]

I my self dont makes saddles but I'm shere most makers have made a speck saddle or two like house builders. The four things to look at when building them are size , shape, for work or for show. My self i would look at some thing around 15.5 inch seat tooled some but not full to keep the price and time down just kinda a show case thing. You need to show what you can do but dont go over board on it.

Just my thoughts

Russell

[raftert]

I have saddles in my shop that I have bought ie. Saddle King, Billy Cook, and some mexican saddles. The saddles that I build are in a seperate part of the store. My customer base is more the actual working cowboy ( we have alot of feed lots and pre-conditioning ranches around here ) and they want a simple but super strong style. The next group of customers are the weekend riders who want to ride as a form of entertainment and relaxation. I am just starting in the custom end and finding it hard to deal with some peoples whims.

Tim

[Go2Tex]

I do both. It's really nice to have orders because you know it's going to be paid. But, I like doing spec saddles because there is less pressure. I can do it any way I want. So far I've done well selling them.