I would like to propose a sales model for Spyderco

[BeggarSo]

I call it try before you buy.

Let's face it Spydercos catalog is very deep with all the models and steels so the idea of What If? Came to mind as I research steels and models yet again.

It looks something like this.

What if Spyderco would offer a trial with option to return or buy?

What if Spyderco charged let's say $35.00 to try a knife, people would pay for insured shipping of the retail price of the knife both ways.

If the customer decides they want to keep the knife trial cost would be deducted.

If not knife returned within 30 days.

This would also require an annual membership to this service of let's say $300.00 annually to be part of the program or quarterly coming to $100.00 per quarter.

Intentional misuse would not be covered nor dissasembly or modification or the full price of the knife charged to a credit card on file.

Honest reviews would also be a part of it in selected social media platforms.

This could go a long way towards keeping manufacturing here in the U.S.

Stock could be sourced from Spydercos retailers and returns handled by Spyderco or said retailer to rotate out again.

Years ago when I bought and sold used cars there was nothing better than a car that sold twice.

[Evil D]

I am certain this is already happening on some level, maybe not all the way to the point of using knives, but definitely getting them in hand and evaluating them and then returning to dealers or Amazon if they're not happy with them and at the worst they're out return shipping cost.

[zhyla]

What happens to the $250 knife that you rented for $35 and returned in a used state?

For unused knives, you can buy on Amazon and return for free.

[BeggarSo]

Used good abused no. Pretty sure Spyderco could fix it up if needed, but these knives would be part of the rotation, heck a used knife could even give you a better idea of how great they are.

[zhyla]

Used good abused no. Pretty sure Spyderco could fix it up if needed, but these knives would be part of the rotation, heck a used knife could even give you a better idea of how great they are.

No offense but if you’re going to propose a “business model” you’re going by to need to understand how quickly a company loses money doing literally anything. Maintaining a pool of loaner knives is a financial sinkhole.

[yablanowitz]

Sounds like a recipe for bankruptcy to me. Never being certain that the "new" knife you just ordered is going to be new and not something someone else has been carrying around and using would certainly curtail my purchases. That's one reason I don't buy from Amazon.

[BeggarSo]

Well it's just an idea who knows maybe a genius like Sal or Eric can make something of it? maybe not? IDK? nothing pondered, nothing gained.

[shunsui]

Keep it simple.
Go to a real store. Hold the knife in your hand. Cut some paper.
Decide if you want to buy the knife.
If you buy and don't like it six months later, sell it on BladeForums.
Rinse and repeat.

[BeggarSo]

You have no idea how often I wish there was an actual store with Spyderco in stock, around these parts it is sadly not a thing.

[Danke]

Save up all your bread and fly trans love Airways to Blade Show U.S.A.

Or the Amsterdam meet. One or the other.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

I can still remember the feel of holding one of the earlier Spyderco original generation folders as a kid in a brick and mortar knife shop but not having enough money. I bought an American Queen jack knife and the seller said, "Son, one day you will own one of these Clip Its." He was right :)

[navin johnson]

I bought more Spyderco knives when there was a local retailer with a large stock

I am not aware of any retailers in the three most populated counties in Washington that stock more than a few models

A store I did much business with years ago said It was difficult to be a direct distributor for Spyderco do to a large financial investment and little say in what models you get (had to take obscure and unwanted or hard to sell models as part of your order)

Seems like now most shops with Spydercos for retail buy two or three common models from secondary sources.

Three other major manufactures have local sporting goods and gun shops full of product

I have one in my area that will order most anything I want including other brands but others are not interested in doing so

Best bet is to order on line from a legit seller (and not chase a few dollars) and play with it for a few days and then commit

[BeggarSo]

I guess I am old fashioned the idea of ordering something and then returning it when there is nothing wrong with it other than I dont like it just smacks of dishonesty to me.

Maybe the way of the world today I guess still dont feel like joining in on that type of behavior.

Then again a strong argument can be made that over the last 20 plus years now what with the internet and retailers refusing to stock merchandise and instead offering to order it for you. Maybe just maybe the online retailers just accept this as part of doing buisness without all the brick and mortar expences and various locations and extra employee expence.

[zhyla]

I guess I am old fashioned the idea of ordering something and then returning it when there is nothing wrong with it other than I dont like it just smacks of dishonesty to me.

That’s not old fashioned, it’s just confused. Amazon has a good return policy so people feel safe making purchases and buy more things. Brick and mortar stores have had return policies for the same reason and operate the same way.

This idea you have of retailers bending to make you feel good about returning things you don’t want is impractical. Why not adapt to how the world actually works?

[Danke]

Spyderco, pivoting to becoming a folding knife library. I'd like to check out two PM2s and a Slysz Bowie for the weekend.

[BeggarSo]

I guess I am old fashioned the idea of ordering something and then returning it when there is nothing wrong with it other than I dont like it just smacks of dishonesty to me.

That’s not old fashioned, it’s just confused. Amazon has a good return policy so people feel safe making purchases and buy more things. Brick and mortar stores have had return policies for the same reason and operate the same way.

This idea you have of retailers bending to make you feel good about returning things you don’t want is impractical. Why not adapt to how the world actually works?

Perhaps you are right I will consider this.

[sal]

Hi BeggarSo,

Thanx for the suggestion. I think it would be challenging for us to get involved in such a project with all of the other thing we're doing.

sal

[DKRS1978]

They're spyderco knives. Of course they're going to be nice. Don't even need to see it to know it.
I just got a Bodacious yesterday without having ever holding one. The positive comments on the forum made me very comfortable that it was a knife I would enjoy. And indeed it absolutely is!

[BeggarSo]

Yes all Spyderco knives are excellent, cant think of one that isnt, but... but.. some feel just right in the hand to some folks and some dont. For example I love the Stretch 2 XL and many other models due to the choil they have that alone was a genius Spyderco design.

It actually causes me problems though I am always trying to hold knives like they have that choil. Not ideal with one's that dont.

Design in the dark.