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Terry Q
Fellow
Most people don't care what style the pen is. I wouldn't worry about it.
Call it what you like!
Many change the name as slimline kits can easily be searched so people can see what a “slimline” pen kit value is.
I know there will be many that say not, but if you advertise the same name as the pen kit then you can expect the astute to search online to see if they can get the same one cheaper. Only to find the kit and then see what you are likely buying the parts for and then put 2 and 2 together and come up with 24.
Why the price of slimline pens are Rock bottom IMHO. Only my opinion.
Many change the name as slimline kits can easily be searched so people can see what a “slimline” pen kit value is.
I know there will be many that say not, but if you advertise the same name as the pen kit then you can expect the astute to search online to see if they can get the same one cheaper. Only to find the kit and then see what you are likely buying the parts for and then put 2 and 2 together and come up with 24.
Why the price of slimline pens are Rock bottom IMHO. Only my opinion.
It could of been any pen really, but I chose slimline as the example because of how cheap the kits are. I was thinking the same as you answered, that mentioning the pen by it's generic name could lead to many a lost sale.
I'm not pro-actively looking for sales at the moment but the question was something I have been meaning to ask for a while now.
I think "Garno's Skinny Pens" will become a best seller one of these fine days
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
- Posts
- 23,113
- First Name
- Mark
Just make sure you remember what you call them, couple years time someone might come back and ask for one of your skinny pens, and you will be thinking what the hell is this fruitcake talking about.
I know a couple of turners who rename everything, and others who front it out (me included) I am proud of what I do and always try to add ' value' to what I do... Yes 'you' can buy a kit for £5 but you then need, a lathe, mandrel, materials oh and skill, that's why my £5 kit does not sell for £5, be proud of what you have 'invested' 
I know a couple of turners who rename everything, and others who front it out (me included) I am proud of what I do and always try to add ' value' to what I do... Yes 'you' can buy a kit for £5 but you then need, a lathe, mandrel, materials oh and skill, that's why my £5 kit does not sell for £5, be proud of what you have 'invested'
Know exactly where you are coming from Mark, but it's happened to me on more than one occasion. Having the source of your suppliers names on show doesn't help to sell anything, never mind pens.
I did an afternoon small fair at a little village school this weekend and it was supported really well and had some good sales. Grandson also sold 5 slimline pens as well, so its picking up.
But had a conversation with one of those guys that seems to know everything and had explained he researched "how to make a pen" a pen while sitting having a coffee at the little rest area they had put on.
The rest of the conversation went downhill as he said he could make them cheaper. That's OK then, go ahead. "I obviously value my time, skill and experience to be more worthwhile than yours" was the last conversation I had with him and off he went. only to find out from village residents (nearly said People
) that he was the original "Jack of all trades, master of none" 
TonyMilner
Full Member
I'm this question has been asked, as I'm thinking of selling mine. I'm happy to call them slimline. As to price UK ones sold online range from about £10 to £20, so I'd be thinking somewhere between £15 / £20 depending on cost of the wood blank, how does that sound? I'm off to collect some pear wood this weekend, a commission from a friend who wants pens making from the wood, once completed I'll post the results here.
I have no idea at at all what the Slimline pens reach, The thing I do know is that I would never be prepared to sell them that cheap unless I had set up just to cover costs.
Again I am only guessing here but if you set your stall out cheaply from the start it would be so much harder selling premium pens where you can make good profits later on.
There are enough people out there selling pens cheaply, that you will only be one of a large number, If you sell for more money then people will believe they are getting a better pen.
It's difficult choosing the right markets and IMHO the worst thing anyone can do when starting out is to try and "fit in" with existing markets, find a level and stick to it.
Just the ramblings of an old bloke who is over tired, sorry
I have no idea at at all what the Slimline pens reach, The thing I do know is that I would never be prepared to sell them that cheap unless I had set up just to cover costs.
Again I am only guessing here but if you set your stall out cheaply from the start it would be so much harder selling premium pens where you can make good profits later on.
There are enough people out there selling pens cheaply, that you will only be one of a large number, If you sell for more money then people will believe they are getting a better pen.
It's difficult choosing the right markets and IMHO the worst thing anyone can do when starting out is to try and "fit in" with existing markets, find a level and stick to it.
Just the ramblings of an old bloke who is over tired, sorry
I understand where you come from here, discussion on selling 1 pen for £100 or 10 at £10 has been discussed before and I know which one I would prefer to do. However! the £10 pens will bring people to your stall, then they will see what you are selling. Such as the "loss leader"
There are many in the pen turning world that rely on selling pens "at cost" or cheaper, to keep them active and something for them to get out of bed in the morning. Which I fully support and fully understand as people have different reasons to make and sell pens.
You only have to look at the links attached below.
Hand Turned Weeping Willow Slimline Twist Pen (104) | eBay
SLIMLINE HAND MADE ACRYLIC MULTI COLOUR PEN. | eBay
Selling prices of pens is regional. What you can charge down south you’d never get in my area. A commodity is only worth what people are prepared to pay.
Geoff Kent
Graduate Member
Pricing of pens and other turned items is a bloody minefield that has been discussed many times and will be discussed ad infinitum.I try and go as high as the market will stand.
Re naming of pens,I call them twist,rollerball,fountain etc.I find customers are more interested in the wood than what the kits are/come from.
Re naming of pens,I call them twist,rollerball,fountain etc.I find customers are more interested in the wood than what the kits are/come from.
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
- Posts
- 23,113
- First Name
- Mark
Tell me about it!
It's not just the part of the country you are in, I have found that being selective in what craft/Christmas fairs you do in which village or town Bill.
As Geoff said below, the material and what its made from is more popular in a lot of cases. I have noticed that some customers are asking where we get the woods from and more conscious of the environment. I just switch it by saying that its a "pen for life" refills readily available and all parts can be replaced/repaired. seems to switch people on to them being that way.
My problem is I can’t identify a lot of timbers now.��
alpha1
Fellow
I am never going to be able to make a living selling pens. But I enjoy making them if I can recoup what its cost me to buy the bits and make the pen and a couple of pound to wards the next one I am happy.