Replacement nib assembly for Omega's

[Chriscb]

Afternoon,

I'm sitting on the horns of a dilemma. (ouch). I've a commission for a couple of blind end Omega fountain pens, and the customer has requested one to be a fine nib.

Now I know Phil sells a Bock assembly that would suit very well, but even the least expensive option will add £12 to the pen, which already has a price tag of £18. I'd like to offer an even less expensive option to the customer, if
one is available. My dilemma clearly is: give the customer the choice of a £30 pen with a fine nib, or an £18 pen with the existing nib, or a pen with a fine nib less expensive than £30!

Comments and suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Chriscb

 

[Penpal]

Good luck.

Peter.

 

[Chriscb]

Good luck.

Peter.

Ho ho. http://www.penturners.co.uk/images/smilies/Turners/waver.gif

Thanks.

 

[Phil Dart]

With respect, I believe you may be underselling your Omegas at £18 Chris. But given that is your price, if it were me I would just sell him the pen with the existing nib and offer to supply him with a fine Bock for what ever it is you decide to charge him. By showing him your prices separately, he knows what he's paying for what, at all stages. He's still paying the same in total, but he then understands that the upgraded nib is extra.

 

[Bammer]

What he said

But I don't believe the back nib assembly will fit the Omega, it would have to be a kit compatible one from Mr Dart, just don't lose the small ring ...

 

[Chriscb]

With respect, I believe you may be underselling your Omegas at £18 Chris. But given that is your price, if it were me I would just sell him the pen with the existing nib and offer to supply him with a fine Bock for what ever it is you decide to charge him. By showing him your prices separately, he knows what he's paying for what, at all stages. He's still paying the same in total, but he then understands that the upgraded nib is extra.

Thanks for the input. On the matter of pricing, what's too high, high enough and too low? I guess what I would call too much others may call normal.

 

[Phil Dart]

Thanks for the input. On the matter of pricing, what's too high, high enough and too low? I guess what I would call too much others may call normal.

Yep, I'm in complete agreement. If you are selling at that price and you are happy with the level of profit you are making, not forgetting all the things you have to account for when establishing what your profit actually is, then its the right price for you.

 

[Lons]

I'm not in agreement at all and no way would I sell an Omega for £18 however - as Phil says if that's what you feel is right then it's your decision and entirely up to you.

The danger in underselling, apart from the fact you're devaluing your time and expertise is that at that price it's a cheap item and will be treated as such. £18 is only a few quid up from a slimline IMO.

 

[Penpal]

One mans food is anothers poison. The see saw between survival and profit inevitably creates differences of opinion.Question is why make pens?

Initially most everyone succumbs to making money from a hobby. For myself I grew Cymbidiam Orchids. With a young family of five children I travelled to the sth coast buying Orchids in spike, then when they flowered sold each flower for one shilling and six pence then the plants were paid for and I could get on with enjoying them.

Thirty or more yrs ago I started making pens and decided to enjoy this fully by mostly using Slimlines. I have sold some but given huge numbers as presents, rewards etc. Giving advice on selling is fraught with variables. Let sleeping dogs lie peacefully.

Peter.

 

[Lons]

Let sleeping dogs lie peacefully. Peter.

With all due respect Peter and whilst I understand your opinion, by posting your comments you have contributed to the argument. Perhaps taking your own advice is in order also?

 

[Penpal]

As always Bob when the finger is pointed there are three pointing back. For me belonging to a woodgroup has enabled me to have this conversation fairly light heartedly over the years. When I had our Photo Studio there was a guy who photographed weddings and processed (B&W) then sold at the reception. A big rub was the person who processed the film and prints also called daily to our studio to collect our colour work for processing. He ran a daily trip 60 miles every day to a Kodak place. He the bloke I saw every day never let on what he was doing. There is room for all. When I bought the Studio there was no goodwill to pay ,that dissapeared when anyone could set up in opposition even next door like Petrol Stations do.

I do hope everyone enjoys making pens.

Peter.

 

[Lons]

:wink: Wasn't having a go Peter, just winding you up

Pricing is a simple matter really unless you are happy making a loss and like you I prefer to give my pens away however many people need to sell to fund their hobby and are happy just to get their material costs back to use for more purchases, they have a different view to me and to those who are looking to make a living from sales.

My view is very black and white. You need to cover all your materials, (don't forget finishing products) plus overheads such as heating and electricity, possibly business cards, postage, advertising, telephone etc. maybe, then add an element for your time, that total I see as the cost of producing the product, doesn't matter what the product is, then an additional amount of profit which very much depends on the area you market and what that customer base will pay. That calculation comes from research of the market and competitors as well as the direction you want your hobby or business to take. You need profit to invest in tools and machinery.

My view on undervaluing your work is also simple - it's bad practice! Sell too cheaply and you become a maker of cheap products, a reputation which is very difficult to reverse. Sell at a decent price and your customers will appreciate your products as the quality they deserve and look after them.

It is very easy to price a pen at say £20 and offer a discount for whatever reason you like to state than it is to increase your prices. I wouldn't sell a slimline for less than £15 unless to a friend or relative and definitely not a fountain pen for less than £30.

Just as an aside, some people think that deprived and poor areas can't stand higher prices, not so! We have lots of that in the north east and my experience is that many of those on benefit handouts don't think twice about spending sizeable sums especially at Christmas.

Have you got a driving licence for that mobility scooter Peter? Had one for my missus before her hip operations and it was great fun to drive.

 

[Penpal]

Bob I don,t mind a a bit of fun either thanks for that.The mobility scooter is fun,our shopping days used to be a burden for me now its great fun. I am amazed at the strength of the tiny motor.I took the basket off the front it lessened the agility around crowds.

Wilma is a big help loading and unloading into the car. With our ethnic, seems majority I seem to sit as high as many stand.

Grateful for the increased temps, beaut flowers and activities, a bit late coming this year. Dry as a chip around here, still got in some more me time today on the lathe ,pics and pen tomorrow.

Take care mate.

Peter.