The M31M Trial Run Idea, and a discussion of shipping

Andy,
It is a pretty interesting idea. My personal take on the situation is: "why buck the system?" If the current method/schedule is working for you and is the result of previous trial and error then let it be. We'll all just have to be patient. I think most of us realize that the amout of knives you are completing in such a short amount of time to begin with is simply an amazing feat in itself. Don't burn yourself out.
With that said I know a lot of time is eaten up during your work days taking care of operations/clerical/ & customer service issues as well. If you add up all the time you spend typing PM's, Email's, Thread Posts, etc., it's probably a day in itself. So the fact that you just spent extra time typing this post and possibly being open to the idea, indicates that it may help you as well?

So, I say:
1) What would help you the most? I think those of us that routinely visit/purchase here would want to make it more streamlined for you.
2) Shipping costs? Do you currently factor that cost into the list price of your knives? If so, it's nice to always just pay the "total" price up front. If not, maybe a small bump, let's say $5-10.00 in the list price?
3) Try it for a couple of weeks. If it's a bomb/ people are confused/ or it's just a plain hassle for you, then scrap it. If not, people will adapt and I'm sure members will help/guide each other through the process.

Thanks, Sergio

 

That's what I was thinking as well. Perhaps someone here who does it, posts a thread/tutorial with step by step instructions on how to process the label and sent it to you. If I happen to spot a knife in your upcoming batch this week, I'd be willing to do so.

 

Andy, no thoughts on the shipping...you know me and whenever you can get to it works for me. As for meeting the bus, I know your stress. When I went through my divorce about 12 years ago I went to work at Lowe's on the morning stocking crew (when they still did that), my work hours were 5am till 2pm mon through fri...which as a single parent was the best I could work out. The earliest Sarah could be dropped off at school, even in their early morning program, was 6am so I was Lucky a friend...one I later married...was able to take her to school for me, but school let out at 2:45 and sometimes I had to work over. The school also had an afternoon program where I could pay like $40.00 a week and Sarah could stay at school in after care up till 6pm. Does your school offer any such programs?

 

Killer schedule Andy. I have a tough schedule but without the stress of kids. Can't imagine. Ill take then when I get them even if I am eager and anxious like all knife junkies.

 

Andy, I am in no hurry when I aquire 1 of your blades. Just put it out there, after Fiddleback Friday is over, let em sit for a week. Whatever sells ship out the following Thursday. If you have any left you can roll them into the next batch. I think over the last couple of months, with isues with "I'll take it if", you post your knifes too early for me, and ship it now, I got ants in my pants, more folks should switch from Whine to beer. I do like your new posting on knifes sold in the Fiddleback Friday post. Anyway do what you need to, your kids only grow up once, be there now. Us Bozos will always be here, that is until we run out of money. Keep it simple make us wait.

 

Andy,
First let me thank you for considering my suggestion. My line of thought was if all the knives are sold, and paid for, then would it make a difference if you shipped them a few days early. Based on hearing your schedule and other people's input I believe it would be more of a hassle for you not only determining who paid but who sent labels and matching them up to the knives. I would rather have you concentrate on what you do best than get the knife a few days early. If you really want to try this out, and think it may help you out in the long run, I am open to giving it a shot. If so let me know and I will try and send out the label tomorrow when I have access to a desk top computer. If not that is Ok also. Again thanks for the consideration.

 

Dude. Don't get burned out. On the other hand...do go ahead and forge some Curly Cues..

 

Errors are going to happen since we are all human. I am a Quality Manager and a big portion of what I do is try and correct errors that have occurred and try and prevent them in the future. The main objective is to do what works best for all concerned while making it as simple as possible.

 

Thursdays work fine for me! Stick with what works, if shipping a few earlier works, great! If not, ship Thursdays!

I've started to follow your lead by only shipping twice a week. This will be my second week doing it, and I think it's going to make life easier and work go faster.

 

Any Fiddleback Forge knife is well worth the wait. Be easy on yourself.

 

This is definitely the way I feel about this as well. If you think that the shipping label thing might help you to streamline the fulfillment part of your operations then I'm sure you will find many people here willing to help you try it out. However, if you think that it will be more hassle than your current method, then I say stick with what's working. Especially if toying with the fulfillment process is going to add hours to your day. Seems like you already work hard enough!

As with all good things in life, these knives are worth waiting for. The shipping is fast as is but I know some of us (myself included) can get over-excited sometimes and find waiting to be tough. Try putting it in perspective: Fiddleback makes a tool that will last a lifetime, maybe more than one, so if you have to wait a little while for it to arrive, that's ok...you will have lots of time to use that blade

 

Andy - I'm voting with whatever is easiest for you.

As an aside, I used the USPS click-n-ship system for the first time today and noticed that it is

1) fairly easy to use;
2) expects you to know what size box / level of service you need
3) expects that you know when the box will be accepted at the USPS or picked up by a carrier

Sending you a PDF of the label may work ok/better than ok and make it easier (but that is your call) but think it may be helpful to specify a standard size box (so the correct postage can be purchased) and whether or not a carrier pickup request would work for you. Not sure what time your carrier makes their rounds - but it could save you a trip to the USPO.

I'm happy to be a guinea pig to assist in working through the steps (if you'd like) - lord knows there seems to be a more frequent 'I'll take it' coming from me than I would have ever thought - I've voting with my wallet and happy to do so.

Have a great day and hope that Hurricane Sandy is leaving you alone

 

Andy, adding steps in the process is just going to add error. Matching up a label to a box to to a knife is going to be a headache. It's just my opinion, but I think the standardized numbering in the friday post coupled with maybe asking people to put the address in the paypal comments in cut and paste format with a description of the knife would definitely help out if it were me. I also like the standard price.

Sample paypal text:
2012 1026 001 – Hunter, Osage Orange over natural canvas with a white pinstripe, 5/32” 01

Blaine Parkerson
123 Main Street
Whoville, VA. 23456