D/C Pen Show

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ashaw

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It was great meeting all the turners from IAP. Every ones work look wonderful. I also had a chance to meet Ed (ed4copies) and Eagle.
The pens eagle had there were fantastic.

We had a good a turn-out at our table. We did a little over 2500.00 in retail. My goal was 1500 in retail. None of the Founding Fathers were sold which was disappointing. Still trying to figure that one out. A lot of people was interested.

Had good customer feed back whether they bought or not. I item that kept coming up was gold nibs. The customer wanted a choice of having a gold nib in various widths. Fine, Med, Broad and Stub sizes. I expect to have gold nibs available next year. Also the customers are not dumb. They know our pens are kit pens. What I tried to do was to shift the paradigm from kits to components. That way you had a more professional appearance.

The other good news is that I picked up two more dealers. With additional three more showing interest.

The biggest benefit from the show other than sales was getting my name out. I think we were successful in getting that done.

My biggest seller was the Churchill Fountain Pen and that was selling at $220.00 retail. I did sell one of my Majestic and that sold for $450.00 retail.
 
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Sounds like you did very well. People always ask about nibs at least at this show. But I would say you did real well if you sold a pen at 450 with a steel nib.

Nice to meet you and your wife. Good luck on the dealers.

Dan

PS eagle wanted everyone to know that he really is a pain in the butt.
 
Dan
The travelers pen is really awesome. Glad to meet you. Once things settle down I would like to get together with you.
 
For those who don't know Alan, he and his wife are great "people". Both share a passion for establishing the pen business. His pen "packages" are VERY well thought out and presented with great marketing acumen.

They WILL succeed, and it was a PLEASURE to talk with them. I think our business relationships were reinforced and we will be helping each other's success in the future.

Thanks for your "words of wisdom" Alan.
 
Here are a couple of pictures of the table.

Founding Fathers - For the National Constitution Center

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My Regular pen line for Bertrams Ink Well



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Alan,

I'M SHOCKED AND DISMAYED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU DIDN'T FIND A WAY TO BLOCK <b>LEVENGER'S</b> SIGN SO THERE WOULD BE NO VIEW FROM YOUR TABLE??????????????????????????????

<center>EGAD, MAN!!!!!!!</center>
 
I guess this show allowed businesses in other than hand crafters, correct?

I looked up Levenger and their website didn't look like they were selling handcrafted pens.
 
George
As Ed said we were the minority. But what was great about the show was after hours. I had a chance to set down with Stipula, Visconti, Pen World, Dragon Pen Company and a number of dealers. Get their ideas where they see the market is going, exchange business cards and even just have fun. Also had a chance to talk to Richard Binder and John from Nibs.com. This show is for the pen collector. If you are serious about getting into the pen business go to the shows as a collector. Then next year get your self a table or like ED, Lou and Eagle had done get a table between yourselfs. You need to get your product and name out in the public.
 
Alan, It was great finally meeting you and Nancy. This was the 1st Pen Show I had attended and was totally impressed with the variety and amount of pens out there. Lots of high quality kit pens also which was great to see. Had to chance to visit with some friends from past woodturning shows and was also able to meet Ed Brown, Barry Gross, Dan Furlano, Scott Meyer and Eagle. All had some excellent pens with them and Eagle has now been documented as having had a friendly conversation with a laser engraver. Unfortunately I had to leave early on Sunday so I only had Saturday to visit.
 
On the way to the airport, Eagle actually stuttered out the word "laser" with no "expletive deleted" on either side.

I think he is becoming VERY open minded!!!!

Eagle also talked with Rick Kleinhenz - BOTH had the good sense not to mention the PMG.

A GREAT time was had by most all!!
 
I also had a great time there got to meet everyone mentioned above and look at their work up close, something that was worth the trip all by itself!
 
Chris,

My college education was expensive and I have only used it on rare occasion. All education has a cost and so, this did also. I sold under $200, the trip cost about $1000 in total. Knowing that, I would do it again for the experience and, even more, the opportunity to spend a weekend with guys I have come to know online and get the chance to meet them in person.

The commeraderie was worth EVERY PENNY, to me. But I look at it as the vacation I have earned in the last 35 years of owning a company. As owner, I have never taken vacations - so now, I can indulge myself from time-to-time.

I would NOT have done it when I had more responsibilities. (Kids in the house)

Probably, "Too much information!!" But, you know me ----
 
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