How should Collector Knives sell GEC SFO's

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Hey...for all of you SJKWs (Social Justice Knife Warriors) I may have an elegant solution to this apparently self-created problem: Do your due diligence! Strike while the iron is hot! First come, first served!
 
I am .5-2 meaning I was selected as a standby for the Saw Cut and I was not selected for the Micarta. This lottery system makes me feel like I have a fighting chance on the last two covers. I can honestly say that if Mike did a free for all drop on these, I would've most likely gone 0-4 which would've been a huge disappointment. It seems like "most" everyone is taking their losses like an adult, while keeping their spirits up. It's also cool to see that some folks who have never been able to score one of these knives via the old way are getting a chance to own their very first 77!

Kudos to you Mike, for coming up with a fair way for everyone to have a shot at these and for having the fortitude to stand by your decision and thick skin for dealing with those who have become a little less than admirable in their behavior and treatment of a valued and respected vendor. I have no doubt that you are gaining more customers than you are possibly losing by approaching this issue the way you did.
 
From my stats above and the feedback so far, it is evident that you need to enter all drawings whether or not you prefer that particular cover over another. Therefore, if that simplifies future drawings, all knifes could be raffeled away together in one drawing to the same effect. It is an illusion that you can pick your favorite covers now, so why bother. Makes it easier for Mike and you have a much higer chance to get a knife (close to 100%).
 
Mike, keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let a few obnoxious people get to you. We unfortunately live in world where a lot of folks feel entitled for one reason or another.
In 2016 I was able to ER a 77 because I happened to hear my cell phone ding at 9:30 AM. At the moment, I loved the ER system.
I also was lucky enough to ER one of Rob’s Heartland Clips initially, only to see that reservation vacated because of the unintended notice. At that moment, the ER system didn’t seem so friendly.
For the current offerings, I’m 0-2 but still feel the lottery system is far and away the fairest way to do things. But, in the end, you need to do what’s easiest for you and your business. It’s obvious you care about us as customers...that in itself is rare in today’s world.
 
Leslie Tomville said:
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Ok it is definitely time for all of us to move on, please. New page, new topics. If anyone feels tempted to say something harsh, just look into the eyes of this pup, relax, and let it go. Otherwise he might convince me to give up on GEC and return to Case, where you do not have to go through this baloney to buy a knife.
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I agree. This is silly. Very nice knife and pupper though.

knifeswapper said:
OK, this has turned out to be way more expensive and time consuming that I am interested. After this run of #77's is gone I am thinking about some other solutions and want input.

A) Add them to the Early Reserve System unannounced and hope the server doesn't crash
B) Make 500 of the same knife in addition to letter A
C) Put them on eBay with a buy it now that has 15% built in to cover the extra costs
D) Any other option that is less work and people won't show up and beat me with a stick

I have been cussed like a dog by several customers aggravated that they are 0-2 via emails. Personally if that is what they have in their heart they can go, but I don't want to aggravate others in the future.
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Mike, I wasn't a huge proponent of the lottery system but I think you've implemented it as well as can be expected and are trying to offer the best solution you can. I'm certainly not trying to tell you how to run your business, but in my business is someone starts cussing me out I hang up. If they have to say it by swearing it's probably not worth your time until they calm down. I've been pretty mad on the phone before without resorting to cussing someone out, I think it's a sign of other problems beyond not getting a knife. I have gone 0-2 and honestly am not upset. I wish I'd gotten a saw cut, but such is life.

I think the last thing to do is change the system again right away in the absence of a true failure. That said, I don't think A and B are bad options, B being the less fortunate for collectors and flippers and the more fortunate for users and enthusiasts. I think if you were to do C it would make better sense to be a higher percentage increase, if you mean you'll simultaneously sell them through your site. If you mean you'll only sell them on eBay, I think that's still not a huge increase and probably won't slow sales much.

I honestly don't mind the lottery. I don't gamble or play lottery regularly, so it's kind of fun. Lots of other knives to buy if I don't get one of these.
 
Although I don't think everyone is trying on each variation; one draw might be the solution. Then you can trade for what you want or decline the draw if you so desire. That would be viable for my SFO's (500 knives). But for runs like Charlie's where there are only a handful of each, I don't like that so well. Maybe just initiate the standard ER without notification.
 
knifeswapper said:
Although I don't think everyone is trying on each variation; one draw might be the solution. Then you can trade for what you want or decline the draw if you so desire. That would be viable for my SFO's (500 knives). But for runs like Charlie's where there are only a handful of each, I don't like that so well. Maybe just initiate the standard ER without notification.
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Agreed Mike. I would be happy with just one, wouldn't bother me which option.
 
knifeswapper said:
Although I don't think everyone is trying on each variation; one draw might be the solution. Then you can trade for what you want or decline the draw if you so desire. That would be viable for my SFO's (500 knives). But for runs like Charlie's where there are only a handful of each, I don't like that so well. Maybe just initiate the standard ER without notification.
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It's probably not popular but if your intent is to get as many of these into more customers hands, I know I was personally hoping that once someone had won a drawing then they would be unable to keep throwing their name in the hat so to speak.
 
Signalprick said:
It's probably not popular but if your intent is to get as many of these into more customers hands, I know I was personally hoping that once someone had won a drawing then they would be unable to keep throwing their name in the hat so to speak.
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IMHO this is the best answer . It is not what I would like to see for me as someone who was trying to collect them , but at least a very high percentage of people will have a chance of getting one of these very fine Barlows . 400 people entering every time for 100 knives still gives you basically a 1 in 4 chance every time . It is just like flipping a coin : every time is a 50 / 50 chance . It should be time for GEC to allow you to increase your run size to a higher number than 500 anyhow .
I appreciate all your work to make these available Mike and whatever your decision is will be what rules I will have to work with . I can play the game , if I know the rules .

Harry
 
Having come to appreciate the spirit so many folks on "the porch" have, the idea of not trying for more than one cover has some appeal to it, since it encourages the idea of trading with others who win a cover they prefer less than another. The fun of trading is better when I only have one knife to trade, rather than two or three or four and have an advantage. It doesn't satisfy the collector's urge to get all the covers, but it does maximize the ability for lots of people to get a knife and to work with one another to get their preferred cover.
 
JTB_5 said:
Having come to appreciate the spirit so many folks on "the porch" have, the idea of not trying for more than one cover has some appeal to it, since it encourages the idea of trading with others who win a cover they prefer less than another. The fun of trading is better when I only have one knife to trade, rather than two or three or four and have an advantage. It doesn't satisfy the collector's urge to get all the covers, but it does maximize the ability for lots of people to get a knife and to work with one another to get their preferred cover.
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Oftentimes I get the urge to trade or buy or sell knives simply to interact with other knife people.
 
I'm 0 for 2 so far, but no complaints from me, Mike. Appreciate the opportunities.

Fingers crossed, though, on these last two random drawings...I'd be super happy with either!!
 
I like the lottery system. It gives everyone a fair shot without the stress of having about .2 seconds with the early reserve . However the early reserve system was fine with me as well . Thanks Mike for trying to keep it fair for all and I will support any system you choose to put in place .
 
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