Too Many Models?

JK Knives

JK Knives

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I`m wondering if I offer too many models, maybe it`s too confusing to pick one to order? Or, maybe I should just stop taking orders altogether and just offer knives for auction, with a buy it now option?
 
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I think that might be a good idea John. Or go half and half. A lot of us get a bit of money and want to buy something now, not wait a month or two for it, so it could be a great idea to start making and selling what you like. I hope you continue offering orders and custom designs when a customer wants one though.

In the future I hope to get an 8" and 4" C/U from you, identical to my 6 I should be getting today. One for each length specops sheath, lmao.
 
All the different models are only a problem for you - trying to have a working amount of material in so that you don't end up with a bunch of scrap that won't be used for a few months yet be able to make what people want when they do order. If you had a larger fan base then I would go to just making what you wanted or tended to sell in a reasonable period of time and then make one or two of something people were asking for that you haven't made in a while. Make four of something that tends to sell consistently and then if you get four or five emails asking when you're going to offer another C/U of a particular size maybe make one and see how fast it sells. If you get four emails saying, "darn, I missed it", then maybe make another. If not, then hold off a few months before making another of that model.

Or let people know that, "Hey, I can make two XYZ's from a bar of steel or 1 XYZ and two EFG's so I'll make your XYZ when I get another order for an XYZ or orders for 2 EFG's to go with…"

I know personally that I want a lot of stuff but my overtime comes in the summer and sometimes the knives just aren't in the budget. Especially since I want something of quality and sometimes to some of my specifications.
 
Ps. I think auctions with a buy it now option are a good choice too. The only snag there is I feel that you would need to set a realistic starting point so you don't take a bath if no one got their taxes back or if you only struck the fancy of one cheapskate. I also wouldn't set the buy it now price any lower than you would regularly price the item. That way if someone doesn't want to chance missing it you get your full price. Maybe offer free shipping on the buy it now and your normal shipping on an auction price.

The only draw back to the reasonable starting price is that some folks will say its not really an auction if it doesn't start at $0 and go up from there. I think that's too risky for you at this point.
 
JK Knives said:
I`m wondering if I offer too many models, maybe it`s too confusing to pick one to order? Or, maybe I should just stop taking orders altogether and just offer knives for auction, with a buy it now option?
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I don't understand why you couldn't do both - lots of models so people can choose the models they like and offering some knives for auction when you'd like to. If it's a matter of stocking material, make some of those models a make-them-as-you-get-enough-orders to warrant ordering the materials, or run occasional specials on that model with the understanding that the run will be made only if enough orders come in (for hard to stock materials).

For models that require materials you commonly stock, I'd think that a variety of models would appeal to a larger audience.
 
I don't think that "knife people" will ever be confused by too many models. They will look for the small details that make a particular pattern just right for them. I would keep every pattern that I ever made and never discontinue a single item.

Jeff
 
You could just pick 2 or 3 models and do small runs of them each month, then choose different models the following month. Keeps it simple.
 
Honestly, all these are good suggestions. I think you need a "signature" knife. Something small to medium, easy to carry, cost-efficient, and one that has versatility from kitchen to outdoors, with handle options and sheath options but NOT a lot of variation in blade mods.
 
jds1 said:
I don't think that "knife people" will ever be confused by too many models. They will look for the small details that make a particular pattern just right for them. I would keep every pattern that I ever made and never discontinue a single item.

Jeff
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Well said.
 
I like the variety of models and customization options (handles material, liners, etc) you offer now. Not to mention that it's possible to have you make a design of my own choosing. As mentioned beforehand one of the downsides is the problem with stocking all of the materials for the different models. I'm wondering if you track your sales per model? If yes, I would remove the ones that aren't selling and focus on those that are and sell them via auction. You could still take custom orders just limit the numbers per months. Also, have you thought of doing a deposit system on custom knives to at least recoup some costs on canceled or unpaid orders? Something like 10-20% of the purchase price before you begin production wouldn't be something I would be averse to paying.
 
It does seem like every time I look there are new models coming out. I think you should post up a list with pics of all models you still offer. Then we can vote on which to keep. Maybe once a month you do a final numbered run of models that didn't make the cut. There are so many models I have seen in the pic archive on this forum from years past that I would love to have, but I can't figure out which models they were or if you still make them.
 
I think keeping a smaller standard line is a good idea since you offer a "make any knife you can design" option as well. I really think developing a"siguature" knife is a good idea, if it's the kephart then somehow featuring it more often.
 
The reason that I own so many JK knives is because there are always new models to choose from.

Jeff
 
I have no issue if you charge 10-20% more for the customs. Justifies the extra hassle of dealing with a customer versus the buy now blades you could put up here. Just a thought
 
Have you considered making a folder on your website for all the one offs or customer designs you've made very few of? I am sure they would garner attention of potential customers. Even if they don't order that exact model, it could lead to custom designs further down the road.

Variety is the spice of knife.
 
Rockywolf said:
Honestly, all these are good suggestions. I think you need a "signature" knife. Something small to medium, easy to carry, cost-efficient, and one that has versatility from kitchen to outdoors, with handle options and sheath options but NOT a lot of variation in blade mods.
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Good idea! Just need to figure out what that model should be.
 
cbwoods67 said:
Have you considered making a folder on your website for all the one offs or customer designs you've made very few of? I am sure they would garner attention of potential customers. Even if they don't order that exact model, it could lead to custom designs further down the road.

Variety is the spice of knife.
Click to expand...

Another good idea, I`ll just need to go through and find pictures of them.
 
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