While I'm clearly still in hobbyist territory (heck I've only made 3 things so far, and only get to really dedicate one full day a week, and a couple hours here and there the rest of the week to forging/making things) it is really nice to have a blacksmithing talk that doesn't require me to WATCH the video and allows me to listen in the background. Loving this new content!
I'm just outside of Charleston, SC, so still firmly entrenched in the South. Would it be possible for you to do a video of what you price some of your lower cost items? Specifically, S-hooks, J-hooks, tent stakes, cooking forks and spatulas, and maybe camp cooking tripods. I enjoy making such things; my wife says, "Oh, so you're going to play outside." You're a pro, but at least it will give we shade-tree smiths an idea what to price to put on some of our parrot stuff. Parrot stuff? There's a small, ground dwelling parrot in New Zeeland called the KaKaPo. Pronounced Kah-Kah-Poo. Saying something looks like a parrot helps you express yourself in some of the more genteel crowds.
Great advice, those numbers are scary. Luckily I’m just a hobbyist and will never be able to quit the day job 😂. I know it was a while ago but maybe cover your time on tv. Between FIF and Master at Arms you have seen and done what 99% of us will never do. Keep em coming but definitely looking forward to seeing hot steel and hammer blows
Excellent pointers. Wonderful video! Here is a tough question: Say you want to sell only online (either hobbyist or professional) via Amazon, ebay, whatever. What do you think about it?
5 minutes in - our current inventory for the historical village i volunteer at - $1850 worth of stock for our annual heritage festival being held next weekend. We usually go close to selling out at this event. We have a few shelves in the gift shop, inventory on hand there usually runs maybe a thousand in dollar value of stock, sales are probably a couple of hundred a month. Obviously this isnt a commercial blacksmith operation, just volunteers raising money for the historical village. But yes, if you dont have it, you can't sell it! I have found you need a reasonable range of goods, sometimes things sell, sometimes they dont, its like fishing you need the bait that works on the day! $5000 of fire pokers on your table in the middle of summer probably wont make you beer money.
I think positioning is as important as having a lot of product available for sale. If my position is that I'm an artist blacksmith, and I make art, filling a table at a show with S hooks erodes my position. If my position is that I'm a general blacksmith and make all kinds of traditional stuff, filling a table with S hooks and the like enhances my position. If I want to be known as a high-end patterned steel bladesmith, I won't stock my table with anything but high end patterned steel knives.
While I'm clearly still in hobbyist territory (heck I've only made 3 things so far, and only get to really dedicate one full day a week, and a couple hours here and there the rest of the week to forging/making things) it is really nice to have a blacksmithing talk that doesn't require me to WATCH the video and allows me to listen in the background. Loving this new content!
I'm just outside of Charleston, SC, so still firmly entrenched in the South. Would it be possible for you to do a video of what you price some of your lower cost items? Specifically, S-hooks, J-hooks, tent stakes, cooking forks and spatulas, and maybe camp cooking tripods. I enjoy making such things; my wife says, "Oh, so you're going to play outside." You're a pro, but at least it will give we shade-tree smiths an idea what to price to put on some of our parrot stuff.
Parrot stuff? There's a small, ground dwelling parrot in New Zeeland called the KaKaPo. Pronounced Kah-Kah-Poo. Saying something looks like a parrot helps you express yourself in some of the more genteel crowds.
Great advice! Thank you!
Lots of great info here!!
Great advice, those numbers are scary. Luckily I’m just a hobbyist and will never be able to quit the day job 😂. I know it was a while ago but maybe cover your time on tv. Between FIF and Master at Arms you have seen and done what 99% of us will never do. Keep em coming but definitely looking forward to seeing hot steel and hammer blows
Inspirational
Excellent pointers. Wonderful video!
Here is a tough question: Say you want to sell only online (either hobbyist or professional) via Amazon, ebay, whatever.
What do you think about it?
I might see you in Thomasville.
5 minutes in - our current inventory for the historical village i volunteer at - $1850 worth of stock for our annual heritage festival being held next weekend. We usually go close to selling out at this event.
We have a few shelves in the gift shop, inventory on hand there usually runs maybe a thousand in dollar value of stock, sales are probably a couple of hundred a month.
Obviously this isnt a commercial blacksmith operation, just volunteers raising money for the historical village. But yes, if you dont have it, you can't sell it! I have found you need a reasonable range of goods, sometimes things sell, sometimes they dont, its like fishing you need the bait that works on the day! $5000 of fire pokers on your table in the middle of summer probably wont make you beer money.
another hobbyist here, but love your thoughts and perspective. Definitely gives me things to chew on while I'm swinging my hammer!
Do you have anything on what makes practice effective?
I think positioning is as important as having a lot of product available for sale. If my position is that I'm an artist blacksmith, and I make art, filling a table at a show with S hooks erodes my position. If my position is that I'm a general blacksmith and make all kinds of traditional stuff, filling a table with S hooks and the like enhances my position. If I want to be known as a high-end patterned steel bladesmith, I won't stock my table with anything but high end patterned steel knives.
Just an idea how about working in the heat. When it is 90+ it is just too hot to work
Monday July 29th??? Maybe you should check that release schedule... just saying.
Just put up a post explaining!
The Al Gore uses lots of product.
Is this why the money laundering? Lol