Dear Sal,
I hope I'm not opening a sensitive issue here.
Two years ago I bought some Spyderco knives at the NYC show. I later realized I
could have gotten them at better prices on the Internet.
Last year I didn't stop at your booth because I didn't want to waste the
time of the "Derby Guy" (a very pleasant, colorful and effective Spyderco representative)
since I had no intention of buying anything there.
Is the purpose of the booth "Spyderco Public Relations" or "Sales" ?
I'm not being sarcastic. I really am perplexed.
(My Spydie collection is at 8 now, so I'm not just a browser/pest)
Depending upon your answer, at the NYC show I will either:
Introduce myself and ask you to show me the Vesuvius.
Or, introduce myself, apologize and then ask you to show me the Vesuvius.
No offense or sarcasm intended.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Respectfully
Doc
Purpose of Spyderco Booth at shows
Hi Doc. Interesting question. Not sensitive, but maybe long?
When Spyderco began in the late 70's, all of our sales were at shows like New York Knife. We worked shows, fairs, etc. Dealers were not intersted in carring our "strange" products until the mid 80's.
As we gained more and more dealers, Shows became more of a PR thing than a sales tool.
Since most of the "workers" working shows were commission based, most shows were phased out. At one time, we worked 125 shows per year with 5 full time "Road Warriors".
Now we only work a few "consumer" shows where we actually sell product. Most of our shows now are wholesale shows where there are no actual sales at the booth.
The only reason we sell product at a show now is to service the retail customer (ELU - End Line User)). Many of our ELUs do not have an opportunity to see all of our products due to the fact that most dealers don't carry the entire line. (too many models).
However, if we sell our products at shows at a discount that is "too great", then our dealers complain that the "factory is undercutting the dealers". A legitimate complaint. So, we price our products at shows at a small discount, or in the case of new items, no discount.
Last year, Jeff worked the show because Dan & Christina were having a baby. Jeff was one of the "Road Warriors" of past and knows how to demo the products, especially the sharpmaker.
Please feel free to visit and introduce yourself at the show. Sales are not our main issue for being there. I will be there chatting and showing the protos. Dan will be demonstrating and selling product. Gail & Chris will be alternating.
Although we may appear larger, Spyderco is a small family owned business. Gail (my wife) and I founded the company. Christina is our daughter and Dan is our son-in-law. (We also have a grown son, Eric, staying in Golden going to school).
Hope to see you there. Purchase is not necessary. Vesuvius will be available to see and touch as well as a few other protos.
And welcome to the Spyderco forum...thanx for the support.
sal
When Spyderco began in the late 70's, all of our sales were at shows like New York Knife. We worked shows, fairs, etc. Dealers were not intersted in carring our "strange" products until the mid 80's.
As we gained more and more dealers, Shows became more of a PR thing than a sales tool.
Since most of the "workers" working shows were commission based, most shows were phased out. At one time, we worked 125 shows per year with 5 full time "Road Warriors".
Now we only work a few "consumer" shows where we actually sell product. Most of our shows now are wholesale shows where there are no actual sales at the booth.
The only reason we sell product at a show now is to service the retail customer (ELU - End Line User)). Many of our ELUs do not have an opportunity to see all of our products due to the fact that most dealers don't carry the entire line. (too many models).
However, if we sell our products at shows at a discount that is "too great", then our dealers complain that the "factory is undercutting the dealers". A legitimate complaint. So, we price our products at shows at a small discount, or in the case of new items, no discount.
Last year, Jeff worked the show because Dan & Christina were having a baby. Jeff was one of the "Road Warriors" of past and knows how to demo the products, especially the sharpmaker.
Please feel free to visit and introduce yourself at the show. Sales are not our main issue for being there. I will be there chatting and showing the protos. Dan will be demonstrating and selling product. Gail & Chris will be alternating.
Although we may appear larger, Spyderco is a small family owned business. Gail (my wife) and I founded the company. Christina is our daughter and Dan is our son-in-law. (We also have a grown son, Eric, staying in Golden going to school).
Hope to see you there. Purchase is not necessary. Vesuvius will be available to see and touch as well as a few other protos.
And welcome to the Spyderco forum...thanx for the support.
sal
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sam the man..
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