I now have a dealer

Tanguay Custom Knives

Tanguay Custom Knives

Joined
Jun 15, 2003
Messages
1,500
While visiting another knifemaker in my area last weekend I was introduced to a knife dealer who dropped in too. The maker I was visiting has used this dealer for a few years, and seemed happy with him (I got the idea that summers were better due to tourists in our area that time of year). He offered to represent me as well. The maker I was visiting was cool with this, as he and I make very different styles of knives. I plan to give this dealer four of my knives to sell on consignment later this week, including a few I have listed here on BF if they do not sell before then.

Having a dealer, or two, is an an idea I've been toying with for a while. While I enjoy talking to customers and giving them what they want, I don't like the process of "peddling" my knives. By peddling I mean photographing, listing on several forums, updating my web site, haggling over price, listing on ebay, and all the things that go with that, etc. I don't see myself getting out of the selling business completely (never put all your eggs in one basket), but I would like to concentrate on making knives more than selling them. I'm only a part-timer as it is. My regular job is 40-60 hrs per week. Some weeks I have to fight to get any shop time at all. I guess I'd rather use what little time I have making knives.

A search here on the forums turned up some good info. For instance, I was surprised to see dealers charging 20%, even 30%! My guy is much lower than that.

Any information, pitfalls, things to mention, avoid, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Maybe some of you guys who have been around for a while can steer me in the right direction. ANY help, advice, or guidance is greatly appreciated. I know you are all very busy too.

Thank you,
Scott
 
Scott, they are just jealous... :)

I would say try it, you might like it or not.
And good luck!
 
Hey butcher block and Dmitry
I'll let you know how things go after a while.

Right now part of me wants to hand every knife I make to someone else to sell, and I'll go make more knives. The other half says if you want something done right, do it yourself.

Sometimes its hard to know what to do.

Thanks,
Scott
 
Hi Scott , I'm sure the obvious has already crossed your mind such as , what is his commission? Which brings up the question, How much less are you willing to accept for your knives due to commission.Another concern would be whether or not he'll turn them over as fast as you might on your own. Can you also advertise the same knife for sale ? And if so , and it sells before he might have sold it will he mind if you come and get it ? (there are several other issues that could arise over that arrangment)Those are just the first few that come to mind.
 
I use Bladegallery.com as my dealer. Dan has always said nice things about my work and took 20% for his trouble. It really gave me a boot to the rest of the world. I highly recommend somebody selling for you. It gives us more time in the shop and takes away a good share of the transaction difficulties. Be sure the dealer has a good reputation and does his advertising so your name can get out there. Let us know how its working out for ya.
 
I would only deal with a "dealer" that will BUY! your knives. Then, give him a discount - 25% is fair.
I just worked out that exact formula with a dealer.
I once gave a knife to a Dealer for commission. It was a $1000.00 Stag/Damascus hunter.
He has the web site, does the promotion, goes to all the shows, etc.
I ran into him at a show and he had the knife, in its case, UNDER THE TABLE!
He had NO investment in the knife.
If a dealer BUYS the knives from you, then he has incentive to move them.
 
All Very good points guys.

That's exactly the stuff I'm looking for. Sometimes you get so wrapped up, the obvious questions escape you.

I'm making a list...

Thank You,
Scott
 
Anyone else have any positive or negative dealer stories or advice?

I've got a list with a few questions for my guy now. I'm meeting him again Friday morning to turn over a few knives and discuss our terms. Any help is appreciated. We work too damn hard making these things to get screwed on selling them!
Thank You,
Scott
 
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