My experience with pen weight

[randywa]

After reading Ed's posts about pen weight, I thought I'd pass this on. This evening a lady (well more a friend than a lady) was looking at my pens. A Triton was too heavy to be comfortable, with and without the cap. A cigar was too clunky feeling. She loved the way a click sierra felt, so she went with that. The Sierra was 41.4grams, the cigar was 45.8, and the Triton was 46.7 with the cap and 25.0 without. After reading Ed's thesis, I thought this was interesting. I think I'll be scaling every pen now, and keeping some notes.
I would like to hear your comments about weight and perceived weight.

Thanks

 

[ed4copies]

Hey Randy!!

My thesis is more of an hypothesis: You will sell more by LISTENING to the customer, than by trying to convert them to YOUR thinking.

The more "fanatic" your pen prospect is, the less likely you are to change their thinking.

I learned a LOT about fountain pens listening to my customers and reading "nibs.com". But I still find it best to LISTEN to the high-end buyers. Yes, your average craft show attendee who wants "One of those old-time type pens" (referring to a fountain pen) is malleable.

If I have a thesis, it is simply---in a "bad" economy, it is better to be flexible and work with those who can afford your products. If you don't, they will find someone who will. Their cash is universally accepted. My expertise is not as universally perceived as having a value. They are more likely to pay me for agreeing with them in their quest for their next nice purchase.

FWIW.

 

[sbell111]

Yep. The true weight (or size) of the pen doesn't matter. If the customer perceives it as not being acceptable, then it isn't. Listen to what the customer has to say and offer alternatives that meets his perceived needs.