Selling "used cars"?

[ed4copies]

Shortly after I started selling copiers in 1972, there was a survey that found that "copier salesman" enjoyed a "credibility rating" that was lower than used car salesmen. Close to the bottom of the list of "professions".

So, I have always believed you will gain more customers if you tell them the truth. This also results in an obligation to LEARN about your products, even if those who manufacture or distribute are reluctant to TELL you. To this end, I have attended several schools for technicians, where the weaknesses of the product are discussed openly, since these are the folks who will have to "fix" the equipment.

These experiences were interesting, since they often said, "Of course it won't do that---we all know the salesman LIES." Meanwhile the sales arm of these companies continued to preach that it WOULD perform these miracles.

What's this got to do with PENS??

When I started researching fountain pen nibs, I was amused that the industry had no test for "iridium" when the phrase "iridium point" was originated.
Later, I was intrigued when we saw nibs labelled "Germany" that were known to be made in Taiwan. It was explained that it did not say "Made in Germany".
Now, I question the makeup of the plating. Again, I don't KNOW what is there, but I would like to LEARN, so I can be honest in selling to all of YOU, who will quote me, when selling to YOUR customer.

Just "Let it go"!!

So, I see this as a question of honesty, for me. I want to be persuaded that what we say is correct. But, I will NOT just follow the herd.

So, that's my position. Those who disagree, please don't take offense. I don't demand that you ascribe to my philosophy, I appreciate it if you don't demand that I ascribe to yours.

We are different, one from another.
And that is good.

I've worked a lifetime to KNOW what I sell, I don't plan to change now, no matter how many or how loudly you protest.

Now, we KNOW what "Iridium point-Germany" means.

Soon I hope to push the industry to tell us what "Rhodium" means.

FWIW, Ed
​

 

[Smitty37]

OK. Personally I have no problem with that.

For my source in the other thread go to www.proplate.com/rhodium.html .

Now they do not address pens specifically but they do talk about rhodium and, based upon my experience in other fields, I can think of no reason why plating pen components should be much different than plating metals for other uses so it seems a good place to start.

 

[Displaced Canadian]

For me what is important is a finish that will stand the test of time no matter what they call it. My wife has a friend that was a jeweler and he said that anytime you hear the word plated it is quite a thin layer and usually has been mixed with something else to help with the process. What I expect out of whatever the hardware is made of covered in is that the hardware doesn't look worn or is peeling. I'm not sure for how long it should last, but several years would a good starting point. If I'm being asked to pay a lot more for a better finish I would like to know that it is a lot better and worth the higher price. Rhodium and chrome are both durable. If chrome wasn't it wouldn't be used for bumpers and cylinder linings. I don't know how long either will last to the point of failure to see which lasts longer and by how long. to me it is all about durability. If it is twice the cost and lasts twice as long you can call it whatever you want and I'll be happy. I would also say that putting "Germany" in a Taiwan made part is much worse than low rhodium content in plating. A lot of people see pen making as a craft and "creatively" labeled parts aren't going to help anybody.

 

[Smitty37]

For me what is important is a finish that will stand the test of time no matter what they call it. My wife has a friend that was a jeweler and he said that anytime you hear the word plated it is quite a thin layer and usually has been mixed with something else to help with the process. What I expect out of whatever the hardware is made of covered in is that the hardware doesn't look worn or is peeling. I'm not sure for how long it should last, but several years would a good starting point. If I'm being asked to pay a lot more for a better finish I would like to know that it is a lot better and worth the higher price. Rhodium and chrome are both durable. If chrome wasn't it wouldn't be used for bumpers and cylinder linings. I don't know how long either will last to the point of failure to see which lasts longer and by how long. to me it is all about durability. If it is twice the cost and lasts twice as long you can call it whatever you want and I'll be happy. I would also say that putting "Germany" in a Taiwan made part is much worse than low rhodium content in plating. A lot of people see pen making as a craft and "creatively" labeled parts aren't going to help anybody.

That is a whole 'nother issue. I have not figured out yet if they are forgeries of a real German made nib just a bit of slight of hand deception. Some of them all they say is Iridium and Germany. I don't know if there is a real German producer who marks their nibs that way.