One thing I love about Goulet is the fact that they are open about their conflict of interest. Brian is a great instructor, but his goal and his lively hood is to sell you a pen. Most others would try and hide it, but I trust his honesty more because he admits to it.
Have you considered doing what Warby Parker's done for glasses? Essentially, keep a set of sample pens that you send to a person to try/test while you keep a hold of their credit card info. They get a week to try them and then send them back to you after sampling. When they're returned to you, your company would check to make sure there's no damage (and charge the customer if there is) and then perform some upkeep to make them available to the next customer who wishes to sample them. If a client likes a pen, they could keep it, and you charge them face value for the pens they don't send back, or they could place an order for a brand new one after sending back the full set. You could also separate customers into tiers based upon how far up they can sample. It would be risky to send Visconti's to a new client, but one who has an established patronage with you might be able to do so. You could use this service to sell ink samples as well. This might help your problem of not having a showroom. Bring a showroom to your customer!
Yeah, that's definitely something we've thought about. It'd require a lot of planning & strategy to figure out what makes sense for our customer & for us as well. Lots of logistics involved with that. Definitely good feedback though! - Colin
I just cant say it in any other way: you guys are geniuses! Love the goulet pen company, you are one of the main reasons I got into fountain pens at all (just a few months ago). All the support here on youtube, the quick responds to any e-mail questions I had, the nib nook... and now from this video I found the pen plaza.... Makes me feel bad that I had ordered a few of my fountain pens from other companies. I just want to return those so I could order them again from you guys! short version: THANK YOU! for all your online support and education. I really feel as if I just walked into the most friendly exclusive store every single day.
Excellent answer about how to choose pens online (there is not a brick or mortar store within 100-400+ miles!!). Your staff have been extremely helpful, which was important to me!! Thank you!!
I believe that there is no way that you can come out of this, having a "grail" pen, without acquiring a small collection of inexpensive fountain pens. By trial and error you learn what grind of nib and size of pen body you prefer. In the process you develop a taste for pens that you initially hated. By the time you pull the trigger on that big one, you can appreciate and adapt to the little quirks that pen will have. The more experience you have with your collection,the more reasonable your expectations. One pen is not enough. You should have at least four pens and four colors of ink anyway. At this point it is very difficult to find a pen that will disappoint me. That is the power of being an educated customer. I have become difficult to displease.
William Albert my first fountain pen was the Parker sonnet and its my least favourite pen. It's just way too small for my liking and my far cheaper twsbi 580 writes better
One day I gotta pick up a twsbi. Just to get something other than a cartridge converted pen. I had a similar experience to your's with razors. A bought a very expensive Murkor Vision razor. Then I bought a cheaper two piece razor because I was going on a trip and didn't want to risk loosing the expensive adjustable Vision. I wound up liking the lowly two piece so much more, that the other now sits in the medicine cabinet unused for years.
My first pen was a zenzoi pen. $37 and i didnt like it. When it didn't work I was upset for buying such an "expensive" pen. 3-4 months later and trying a dozen or so more pens I purchased a mb 146 (after trying and not having a good experience with the mb 144). I had about 30 fountain pens now I have 9 and of which I really like 5 of them. Your tastes will develop over time. I also would watch 2-3 youtube fp videos especially goulet (have some other their pens and they have been so instrumental in my fountain pen knowledge ), figboot and pen habit.
You guys have added so much to the site! The nib nook is insanely helpful! I also am so impressed by your sample library. I know buying a pen on ebay is a bit of a wild card, but I actually like to buy pre-owned things to try to be more environmentally friendly. I would be very interested if you guys started selling pre-owned pens, especially because buying them from a company that you know is knowledgeable about pens where you could do some level of more standard quality control takes some of the randomness out of it. One thing that came to mind when you were talking about watching people write with a pen in a store (vs online): Have you considered doing online video consultations? I'm not sure what the demand/going rate would end up being, but that could possibly help fill some of those gaps between in store and online. The conversation could also be recorded to help with that 90% memory loss. I've had consultations for pointe shoe fittings that are costly on their own, but if you buy an expensive pair of shoes there, you pay $(price-consultation) for the shoes. I have never run a shop, but it made sense to me that the customer assistance was included with a big purchase, but if you then didn't buy anything or bought elsewhere, they charged for their time/expertise.t I'm new to your channel and fountain pens in general, but learning lots! Thank you =]
Your customer care is beyond good. I get replies in just a few hours and they are so humble they will still say "Sorry it took me a few to get back to you."
I have a Lamy CP1 and bought it when I was in college. It looks nice, it hurts my hand after writing for a while. I also don't recommend it lol. Worst experience was when I was studying abroad in France and had to write A LOT, it is not comfortable at all. Caught me off guard when he called it out out of the blue haha
You're killing it on being genuine and your direct approach about the logistical retail approach. I'll be direct as you have been, I'm looking for my first mid-tier gold-nib entry-level pen, and I trust you and your company to be up-front about the barriers that are common in buying such a tactile tool, before your even hold it in your hand. I mean, buying before use is a bigger risk for the consumer, but you have garnered my trust, and I thank you.
The tools on your website are great. I just bought a Monteverde Prima, and before buying it, I compared it to other pens I have, and it was exactly what I expected. The nib nook was also very helpful.
+Jill Graf Thanks Jill! A lot of hard work went into getting those tools up and running, so I'm glad you find them helpful. Enjoy your new Prima! - Colin
So far, my Pilot Metropolitan has been the best writer right out of the box of the five pens I've snapped up, though to be fair, I haven't inked up the Duragraph yet.
First of all... Love your company! I buy all my pens and accessories through you. I feel like you are like a trusted friend that has all of our interests at heart. So not sure if this idea is feasible, but to the question of marketing expensive pens, have you thought about having potential buyers borrow the pen for a certain amount of time? I know this is probably a logistic nightmare... But maybe a seed to an idea? Like checking out a library book... But with a fee to cover the cost of shipping and use. You would need a contract agreement of course so that potential buyer doesn't just sell the pen, but I know if I could just have the feel of it in my hand, I'd probably be more likely to buy it. Plus, I feel your model of business attracts honest people. You could also maybe base borrowing decisions on the amount people have bought? I'm coveting one of those exquisite Namiki Maki-e pens... But absolutely would not buy it without trying it first. I love the zappos model... It's so easy to try things, then return them if they don't work out. They're very customer oriented too... Just like you. 😊 Just a thought.
Definitely an interesting idea, but I do think a bit of a logistical headache. The coordination to set something like that up would be extensive. The diminished value of the pens from frequent 'rental' use might be hard to overcome. It's definitely a challenge, especially when we're talking about Visconti/Maki-E pens, for customers to feel comfortable enough to make a purchase. - Colin
12 hours is a marathon session! Had some difficult choices to make? You can't go wrong with anything on our site though, so it should be good. :) - Colin
+The Goulet Pen Company it's easy to spend hours drooling over pens with all those high quality images. I need to make my first order from Goulet pens very soon.
Darius Brooks haha yours sounds like a familiar case. I spend maybe 1-5 hours a day on GPC 3-5 days a week as my evening or falling asleep routine. Some people read magazines and books before bed, I drool over FPs, inks, and paper on gpc and other sites like YT and FPN
I'm what Brian would call a "Newbie" to the fountain pen world, it's nice to know that you have provided this resource to get as much info as we can, I truly appreciate that, THANK YOU!! with this particular question do you also think, if your someone who is nervous about buying a pen online, to maybe wait for a pen show? I've never been to one and not really sure how they work,
That's a great resource if you're having trouble making that purchase. There's a lot of great people at pen shows who are always more than happy to let you test out a pen of theirs. So, if there are pen shows in your area, that's an awesome option to help convince you on a certain pen. - Colin
I consider the cut to be Lamy Safari. That one is mid-tier, anything below can be still mid-tier, if less than $10 it's budget-tier. Anything pricier than the Safari is expensive. Anything over $100 is VERY expensive. Anything over $500 is "are you kidding me?" territory
I know this is an old thread, so I hope my suggestion helps with figuring your options. You asked for our thoughts about adding value to buying a high-end pen. 1) Offer a free bottle of ink or ten free samples, 2) Offer a gift certificate for a renowned nibmeister, 3) Offer a $20.00 Goulet gift certificate. Just some ideas.
Definitely interesting ideas. I know we've definitely offered ink bottles in the past, but I like the idea of the gift certificate. Maybe you get 2 Diamine bottles or a new Metropolitan instead. - Colin
Watch and read as many reviews and detail sheets as possible. Use your previous experiences to decide what nibs, filling mechanisms, etc. works for you. If you’re experimenting then try the cheapest possible option with whatever nib/ filling mechanism/ pen styles you’re wanting to try.
Hello, thank you for the video. If I want to buy a $2000 brick stores let me dip it. At 9 minutes you say pens are 20% off online. Is that what your onlines prices are? Thank you!
I think it's still good advice to be thorough before purchase online. That said, a brand like Pilot is usually a safe bet for great quality control. - Colin
One thing I love about Goulet is the fact that they are open about their conflict of interest. Brian is a great instructor, but his goal and his lively hood is to sell you a pen. Most others would try and hide it, but I trust his honesty more because he admits to it.
I also trust Rachel I know I was watching a video one time when she said I don't care for that pen and I have trusted her from that moment on
Have you considered doing what Warby Parker's done for glasses?
Essentially, keep a set of sample pens that you send to a person to try/test while you keep a hold of their credit card info. They get a week to try them and then send them back to you after sampling. When they're returned to you, your company would check to make sure there's no damage (and charge the customer if there is) and then perform some upkeep to make them available to the next customer who wishes to sample them. If a client likes a pen, they could keep it, and you charge them face value for the pens they don't send back, or they could place an order for a brand new one after sending back the full set.
You could also separate customers into tiers based upon how far up they can sample. It would be risky to send Visconti's to a new client, but one who has an established patronage with you might be able to do so.
You could use this service to sell ink samples as well.
This might help your problem of not having a showroom. Bring a showroom to your customer!
Yeah, that's definitely something we've thought about. It'd require a lot of planning & strategy to figure out what makes sense for our customer & for us as well. Lots of logistics involved with that. Definitely good feedback though! - Colin
I just cant say it in any other way: you guys are geniuses! Love the goulet pen company, you are one of the main reasons I got into fountain pens at all (just a few months ago). All the support here on youtube, the quick responds to any e-mail questions I had, the nib nook... and now from this video I found the pen plaza.... Makes me feel bad that I had ordered a few of my fountain pens from other companies. I just want to return those so I could order them again from you guys!
short version: THANK YOU! for all your online support and education. I really feel as if I just walked into the most friendly exclusive store every single day.
Excellent answer about how to choose pens online (there is not a brick or mortar store within 100-400+ miles!!). Your staff have been extremely helpful, which was important to me!! Thank you!!
I believe that there is no way that you can come out of this, having a "grail" pen, without acquiring a small collection of inexpensive fountain pens. By trial and error you learn what grind of nib and size of pen body you prefer. In the process you develop a taste for pens that you initially hated. By the time you pull the trigger on that big one, you can appreciate and adapt to the little quirks that pen will have. The more experience you have with your collection,the more reasonable your expectations. One pen is not enough. You should have at least four pens and four colors of ink anyway. At this point it is very difficult to find a pen that will disappoint me. That is the power of being an educated customer. I have become difficult to displease.
William Albert my first fountain pen was the Parker sonnet and its my least favourite pen. It's just way too small for my liking and my far cheaper twsbi 580 writes better
One day I gotta pick up a twsbi. Just to get something other than a cartridge converted pen. I had a similar experience to your's with razors. A bought a very expensive Murkor Vision razor. Then I bought a cheaper two piece razor because I was going on a trip and didn't want to risk loosing the expensive adjustable Vision. I wound up liking the lowly two piece so much more, that the other now sits in the medicine cabinet unused for years.
My first pen was a zenzoi pen. $37 and i didnt like it. When it didn't work I was upset for buying such an "expensive" pen. 3-4 months later and trying a dozen or so more pens I purchased a mb 146 (after trying and not having a good experience with the mb 144). I had about 30 fountain pens now I have 9 and of which I really like 5 of them. Your tastes will develop over time. I also would watch 2-3 youtube fp videos especially goulet (have some other their pens and they have been so instrumental in my fountain pen knowledge ), figboot and pen habit.
It's like good Scotch, or perfume, you have to try a good few before you find the one that's TRULY YOURS.
William Albert I don’t think that’s good to be hard to displease... that means you have lower base standards than you should. I digress though
You guys have added so much to the site! The nib nook is insanely helpful! I also am so impressed by your sample library. I know buying a pen on ebay is a bit of a wild card, but I actually like to buy pre-owned things to try to be more environmentally friendly. I would be very interested if you guys started selling pre-owned pens, especially because buying them from a company that you know is knowledgeable about pens where you could do some level of more standard quality control takes some of the randomness out of it.
One thing that came to mind when you were talking about watching people write with a pen in a store (vs online): Have you considered doing online video consultations? I'm not sure what the demand/going rate would end up being, but that could possibly help fill some of those gaps between in store and online. The conversation could also be recorded to help with that 90% memory loss. I've had consultations for pointe shoe fittings that are costly on their own, but if you buy an expensive pair of shoes there, you pay $(price-consultation) for the shoes. I have never run a shop, but it made sense to me that the customer assistance was included with a big purchase, but if you then didn't buy anything or bought elsewhere, they charged for their time/expertise.t
I'm new to your channel and fountain pens in general, but learning lots! Thank you =]
Your customer care is beyond good. I get replies in just a few hours and they are so humble they will still say "Sorry it took me a few to get back to you."
Yeah, our Customer Care team are superstars. Thanks for the support! - Colin
Brian does it again. He is so good with the advice.
I have a Lamy CP1 and bought it when I was in college. It looks nice, it hurts my hand after writing for a while. I also don't recommend it lol. Worst experience was when I was studying abroad in France and had to write A LOT, it is not comfortable at all. Caught me off guard when he called it out out of the blue haha
You're killing it on being genuine and your direct approach about the logistical retail approach. I'll be direct as you have been, I'm looking for my first mid-tier gold-nib entry-level pen, and I trust you and your company to be up-front about the barriers that are common in buying such a tactile tool, before your even hold it in your hand. I mean, buying before use is a bigger risk for the consumer, but you have garnered my trust, and I thank you.
The tools on your website are great. I just bought a Monteverde Prima, and before buying it, I compared it to other pens I have, and it was exactly what I expected. The nib nook was also very helpful.
+Jill Graf Thanks Jill! A lot of hard work went into getting those tools up and running, so I'm glad you find them helpful. Enjoy your new Prima! - Colin
So far, my Pilot Metropolitan has been the best writer right out of the box of the five pens I've snapped up, though to be fair, I haven't inked up the Duragraph yet.
First of all... Love your company! I buy all my pens and accessories through you. I feel like you are like a trusted friend that has all of our interests at heart.
So not sure if this idea is feasible, but to the question of marketing expensive pens, have you thought about having potential buyers borrow the pen for a certain amount of time? I know this is probably a logistic nightmare... But maybe a seed to an idea? Like checking out a library book... But with a fee to cover the cost of shipping and use. You would need a contract agreement of course so that potential buyer doesn't just sell the pen, but I know if I could just have the feel of it in my hand, I'd probably be more likely to buy it. Plus, I feel your model of business attracts honest people. You could also maybe base borrowing decisions on the amount people have bought?
I'm coveting one of those exquisite Namiki Maki-e pens... But absolutely would not buy it without trying it first.
I love the zappos model... It's so easy to try things, then return them if they don't work out. They're very customer oriented too... Just like you. 😊
Just a thought.
Definitely an interesting idea, but I do think a bit of a logistical headache. The coordination to set something like that up would be extensive. The diminished value of the pens from frequent 'rental' use might be hard to overcome. It's definitely a challenge, especially when we're talking about Visconti/Maki-E pens, for customers to feel comfortable enough to make a purchase. - Colin
I just spent the last twelve hours shopping on your wonderful website. Well worth the hours
12 hours is a marathon session! Had some difficult choices to make? You can't go wrong with anything on our site though, so it should be good. :) - Colin
+The Goulet Pen Company it's easy to spend hours drooling over pens with all those high quality images. I need to make my first order from Goulet pens very soon.
Darius Brooks haha yours sounds like a familiar case. I spend maybe 1-5 hours a day on GPC 3-5 days a week as my evening or falling asleep routine. Some people read magazines and books before bed, I drool over FPs, inks, and paper on gpc and other sites like YT and FPN
I'm what Brian would call a "Newbie" to the fountain pen world, it's nice to know that you have provided this resource to get as much info as we can, I truly appreciate that, THANK YOU!! with this particular question do you also think, if your someone who is nervous about buying a pen online, to maybe wait for a pen show? I've never been to one and not really sure how they work,
That's a great resource if you're having trouble making that purchase. There's a lot of great people at pen shows who are always more than happy to let you test out a pen of theirs. So, if there are pen shows in your area, that's an awesome option to help convince you on a certain pen. - Colin
My $280 Visconti Van Gogh pen is exactly what that Conklin is to the guy, my tears flow better than the ink does whenever I use it XD
I keep hearing that about those! Mostly that they could use a tune.
my wife bought me a cp1. i have to like it ;)
+Yves Däschle lol! -Brian Goulet
Lol
7:02 It's always important to get as many o-*PEN*-ions as you can.
I wish I could give you 5 likes for that. Good job.
I consider the cut to be Lamy Safari. That one is mid-tier, anything below can be still mid-tier, if less than $10 it's budget-tier. Anything pricier than the Safari is expensive. Anything over $100 is VERY expensive. Anything over $500 is "are you kidding me?" territory
I have three Conklin pens Mark Twain and two d u r a g r a p h and they all write beautifully right out of the box I couldn't be happier
I know this is an old thread, so I hope my suggestion helps with figuring your options. You asked for our thoughts about adding value to buying a high-end pen. 1) Offer a free bottle of ink or ten free samples, 2) Offer a gift certificate for a renowned nibmeister, 3) Offer a $20.00 Goulet gift certificate. Just some ideas.
Definitely interesting ideas. I know we've definitely offered ink bottles in the past, but I like the idea of the gift certificate. Maybe you get 2 Diamine bottles or a new Metropolitan instead. - Colin
Watch and read as many reviews and detail sheets as possible. Use your previous experiences to decide what nibs, filling mechanisms, etc. works for you. If you’re experimenting then try the cheapest possible option with whatever nib/ filling mechanism/ pen styles you’re wanting to try.
practicing with cheaper vaity of pens will help sob that people get to know what genral features of pens they like.
My all american wood sits in my drawer . Never wrote even after housing switch , nib switch ,
Hello, thank you for the video. If I want to buy a $2000 brick stores let me dip it. At 9 minutes you say pens are 20% off online. Is that what your onlines prices are? Thank you!
Yes, for the most part. You'll see the MSRP on the website and then our price for sale. :) -Margaret
Where are you located?
Is that question still going to be valid if a pen brand that have a really good reputation?
I think it's still good advice to be thorough before purchase online. That said, a brand like Pilot is usually a safe bet for great quality control. - Colin
Sell me this pen.