Conversion

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SteveAxelrod

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Nov 11, 2015
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Oldsmar, Florida
I added a fountain pen conversion to this Jr Abraham rollerball so the customer has the option to easily switch between types of pen. The cost was $9. Best of both worlds for the discriminating pen collector?
 

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magpens

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Feb 2, 2011
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Canada
Very beautiful pen, and I am always impressed by the architecture of the Jr Abraham.

But ... I just don't know the answer to your question, Steve.

I have the feeling ... and it's only a feeling ... that discriminating pen USERS are either in one world or the other ... fountain pen OR other pen. . Perhaps there are discriminating COLLECTORS who do want the "best of both worlds" ... just don't know. . Do discriminating COLLECTORS actually use their pens ?

Speaking for myself ... if I want to write with a fountain pen I want it to be available as a fountain pen ... I don't want to switch it from a rollerball to a fountain pen, and I most certainly don't want to do the reverse switch ... because how/where do I then store the fountain pen nib and the attached, partially full ink cartridge.

I can see having two functional pens ... one of each ... but I can't relate to changing parts from one to the other.

Having said that, I do recall having purchased a couple of convertible pen kits which I have not yet made ! :rolleyes:
 
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jttheclockman

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Feb 22, 2005
Messages
19,082
Location
NJ, USA.
Have no idea about want both type pens because I never offered it or made any. But I will say I like this kit the more times I see it. I ordered some the other day and need to try a few. Nice job with yours either way you set it up. Thanks for showing.
 

More4dan

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Joined
Mar 17, 2016
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2,102
Location
Katy, TX
Most likely it will appeal to either market better ensuring a sell as one or the other. Another could appeal to someone shopping for someone else and not sure of their preferences.

Lovely pen none the less.


Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app
 

mecompco

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Apr 24, 2015
Messages
1,607
Location
Fairfield, Maine
My take on convertibles is that you now have two pens in one to sell. I market my Atrax pens as available in either FP or RB configuration. I just put whatever section on that the customer chooses. As far as swapping back and forth, I'd personally never bother to do it (but perhaps others would).

Regards,
Michael
 

SteveG

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Dec 21, 2009
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Eugene, Oregon 97404
I have long been selling my capped pens as "one, the other, or both" (RB, FP, or RB & FP). That way the customer could choose. Some really like the idea of a convertible pen. My observation is that it is not a pen collector who goes for the convertible option, but rather someone who enjoys pens, and is intrigued by the option to convert. I would typically price the upgrade to "convertible" as at least adding the cost of a second kit that I would pull the needed parts from. On a pen like the Imperial, that can be a little expensive, but was OK with customers.
 
Joined
Aug 13, 2016
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Surprise, Arizona
I have no idea of the market for a convertible and I don't think it matters much as that is one beautiful pen regardless of what nib is used. Well done Steve!
 
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