multiple requests for one knife???

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
So what's the most appropriate way to handle that? I've never had to deal with something like that, and the last thing I'd want to do is piss somebody off or cause hurt feelings.

There's a viewing period at the San Antonio show during which sales are not allowed anyway... so what's a guy to do? Put a drawing/lottery box on the table? If there had been a single phone call or something I suppose it would be a really simple solution, but there were calls, emails, and even a text inquiring about a knife... some of which are from people that can't be at the show.

I'd really appreciate any advice! :)

***It feels a little weird posting this for some reason (and I apologize if it seems rude or pretentious!) but since most of my customers hang out here it seemed like the best place to ask.***


Thank you! :)
 
I bet if you auctioned it you could make a killing!

But really maybe you should try the draw box. Everyones been itching for a Wheeler fighter.

The post is totally legit, don't worry about feeling weird. :)
 
I though they had some kind of draw at San Antonio anyway, no?

If not, a draw is the way to go.

Roger
 
Well that solves it Chris! Why didn't I think of that sooner?!?! :p :D

Thanks for the replies guys. A box does seem like the most fair I suppose.

It's funny, you think learning to forge, or grind, or do a quality hand rubbed finish is hard... and then you run into stuff like this. :foot:
 
A drawing seems like the best way to go in this situation.

Now you will need to build a very nice box to put all the cards in:D

Take care

Charles
 
Good question as there's negatives associated with each method.
Don't feel bad as you are asking a question which some makers are faced with every show.

If you sell the knife to someone who isn't attending the show, then soon there's no reason for collectors to incur the expense of attending shows.
The community needs knife shows and if collectors/buyers stop attending then there are no knife shows.

If you sell it to the first collector who contacted you, then the collector who has the most access to a computer and was able to see your posting first has an advantage.

If you participate in the draw procedure, then rather than having a handful of tickets from collectors who really want and appreciate your work, there will be dozens of tickets from those wanting to make a quick profit or those who are not attending the show but are having their buddies who are attending put in tickets for them.
So if you go the drawing route, do you monitor ticket drops to insure there's only one ticket per person and the person named on the ticket is at the show?
CKCA members can be baned from participating in future drawings if found to be putting in tickets for non-members or campaigning for multiple tickets to be dropped for knives during our mini-knife show at our annual banquet/meeting.

First come/first serve seems fair, however can be hard to manage in giving everyone equal chance in getting to your table first.

You choose who purchases the knife. A knifemaker will definitely benefit from certain collectors owning their knives more than some others. For example, some collectors will take the knife and put it in a safe never to be seen again, while others will have it photographed and it will practically become a billboard for the maker's knife business over time. However, you will most likely upset collectors who you don't choose.

There's no right answer Nick, just one which makes the individual maker feel more comfortable than others.
 
Last edited:
Nick, this is why I do not show all my knives here before a show. Might show a few but always have surprises for the show goers :)

I thought the ABS show was a 'Box Show' anyway? But I know a few collectors who hate the boxes ;)
 
Don Hanson III said:
Nick, this is why I do not show all my knives here before a show. Might show a few but always have surprises for the show goers :)

I thought the ABS show was a 'Box Show' anyway? But I know a few collectors who hate the boxes ;)
Click to expand...

I believe makers who set-up at the Expo have the option to sell out right or use the draw system. Anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
After doing a drawing show last year we changed it. Many of the makers did not like it. So we changed the show to have a preview of the knives with no sales so the collectors can see all the knives. Once the preview is done all knives are up for sale. If the maker wants to do a drawing that's his choice.

Nick, another way you can handle it is whoever is there at your table holding the knife when the preview ends can have the knife. However that can be a bit frustrating for collectors. If you've got that kind of demand for it a box seems to be the best way. Good problem to have!!
 
that's a tough one Nick, but a good problem to have.
You're a smart and empathic guy, trust in your instincts and you'll do the right thing. Whatever that is.
 
Nick, my opinion for what it's worth, is that you made the knife for the ABS show so you take it to the show and hold a lottery for it.
 
Another realistic option is to offer a Silent auction. Have a sheet of paper with highest bids presented above a starting price. At least with this method, you will probably eliminate the flipping that may occur with a drawing chance. And, YOU will retain all the money that a collector is willing to pay.

Are these legit at the ABS Show?

Like Kevin recognized, all options will have benefits and detractors.

Coop
 
^great idea!
 
SharpByCoop said:
Another realistic option is to offer a Silent auction. Have a sheet of paper with highest bids presented above a starting price. At least with this method, you will probably eliminate the flipping that may occur with a drawing chance. And, YOU will retain all the money that a collector is willing to pay.

Are these legit at the ABS Show?

Like Kevin recognized, all options will have benefits and detractors.

Coop
Click to expand...

Here's the detractor :p - so the knife goes to the collector with the deepest pockets? Coop, we both know guys who $10k to them is like $1k to you and me.

Roger

PS - Nick - bottom line is that, as Josh observed, it's a nice problem to have. Understand that you will NEVER please everyone no matter what your choice - so go with what seems right to you and don't lose any sleep over it.
 
Wow, thanks for all the replies folks!!! :thumbup:

You're all right, it's a good "problem" to have in a way... but it sure sucks when you would like to make everyone happy but the consensus is that you simply can't.

I mean, it's easy to just say, "Well I can't make everyone happy, so it is what it is."

BUT!!! When you're actually faced with making the decision of what to do it doesn't seem so easy anymore.

I get overwhelmed people want to buy something I built with my hands in the first place.... So not being able to accommodate all the folks that show enough interest in your work that they'll lay their hard earned money down... is hard to swallow.

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate all the help! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top