What to do?

[hickman1]

Well, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...

 

[Apec]

People complained after winning a giveaway? For real?

 

[GotDogs]

Thomas and Kershaw rock. I said it time and time again. This post has a place in my heart because of a similar situation I was in a few years back. An electrical supply company that I worked for used to give Christmas bonuses to it's employees. I was the warehouse manager at this company. Keep in mind that they also used to give each of us 100 bucks at Thanksgiving for turkey. At Christmas, some employees would get near 10,000.00 CASH !!! as a bonus. This was a small company with 30 employees. Well the year after I started working there the company's accountant told them that they cant give away that kind of cash without it being taxed. The following year well guess what, the company gave out checks that had taxes and such withheld. That turned into a SHIT STORM of biblical proportions. The company sux, F@*K the company, even Anti-Semitic slurs were being tossed about. I was floored at this reaction, I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. It's a damn shame. Have we become a society of YOU OWE ME?? I for one don't think we have. I am sorry for the rant, it just struck a nerve as I look back at that situation. Thomas, don't let it get in your head. Karma, good things good people.... you know the drill. Thomas and everyone here, Have a safe and MERRY CHRISTMAS. John

 

[cziv]

Have a drink or something GotDogs

 

[GotDogs]

Have a drink or something GotDogs

I think I will !!!!

 

[lava_lamp]

What's with all this fallout from good intentions turning bad? Are we reacting in a right manner with our decisions in theses cases?

My advice is keep on keeping on. I would imagine that for every crazy you have bumped into here, you have met several good folks who make you feel good about what you do and even offer valuable input on products from time to time. The internet is a strange place unlike any real world place. It is sometimes difficult for people to distinguish between and among Thomas the person, KAI the company that it going out of its way to treat its customers in a special way, and the stereotype of the monolithic big business that cannot be trusted.

It is ungracious and stupid to complain about shipping times on a giveaway knife. Very few of the folks here would do that. We tend to have folks here that value respect, dignity, honor, humility, etc. That said, we have some knuckle-heads and stupid youngsters. They usually grow up or go away, though.

About the Microtech and other thievery - we all understand that you must do what you need to to protect your company.

 

[Chris_Himself]

You know what I don't understand?

From Microtech losing so many potential customers over things like their overall reputation about their warranty and customer service, to blatant theft of intellectual property, how do they manage to stay in business? I stopped buying Microtech just because I quit buying autos before I got in trouble carrying one, then I see all this inflammatory stuff on the internet, so who in the heck is still buying these things?

 

[AKWILD]

I also can't believe that people are so caught up with themselves that they cant appreciate a good gesture. I am excited about my christmas present this year. My wife found a nib kershaw s30v speed assist. Can't wait to flip on christmas day.

 

[cziv]

I think I will !!!!

About your rant (no insult intended). The dumb sob's probably never realized that a bonus check is taxable income and they should have been (were liable for) reporting it on their 1040 tax returns and paying the tax deductions anyway.

The accountant made a wise decision if the owners weren't reporting the bonuses and sending out 1099s or add it to their w-2's....."It is a federal crime to receive payment in the form of cash bonuses and not report it" or barring either of those reporting it as "Other Income." Can't believe they gave up that kind of money w/o reporting it on a 1099 or in the end of year w-2. Of course they sound like such idiots, it may have been included on their w-2 and they never even noticed it.

 

[GotDogs]

The company catered to small hardware stores etc. back in those days there was a lot of cash flying around. My rant was'nt a tax question, just a I cant believe that people would react this way to something that is FREE. John

 

[gooeytek]

There are people on BF that don't have, or have never had, a kershaw? for reals?

 

[1SHOT1KILL]

For what its worth....my experiences with KAI/ZT have been THE best with regards to customer service. I have had to call their CS dept to get replacement clips/screws...whatever...I tell them its my fault and that I'll gladly pay for the parts/shipping/handling etc...they still ship said parts out as a courtesy. You can't beat that...I don't care who you are. What caught me off guard was when I called to get an answer regarding my 0551 and the individual that answered the phone asked me if I had a complaint or if I just needed to speak to CS. I asked how that was possible (a complaint) as I know for a fact that KAI/ZT has THE best CS in the industry. Proof that you just can't please everybody...albeit KAI/ZT come the closer than anybody.



@Thomas...can you tell me where to get one of the Tilts...I can't find one to buy/place to buy it and it seems you have spares to award to the lucky few.

1S1K

 

[ol_sc]

As a recent Kershaw convert I am extremely impressed with the company and their products! I would never complain about a freebie but there's always that one a$$hole that screws everyone else over. I really enjoy seeing a knife before it is released because it gives me time to save up for it. Thomas - maybe you could still give a preview but only a month or two before hand? Keep the free knives coming though whether its giveaway threads or personally.

 

[thegeek574]

Thomas, I can totally understand where you are coming from. I can't comprehend how someone would not be grateful for something that is free and works well. it doesn't make sense to me. I would appreciate it if you gave us all another chance becuase I am really confused as to how that works. as far as no more first looks, I can understand. Mr. Marfione (sp?) is trash, but that does not change the fact that you can't risk losing money to humor some people on a forum. I wouldn't mind if you did a detailed breakdown of them after they came out, but I can also understand that that could become a problem. in short, keep doing what you are doing. keeping the company alive and profitable is more important than keeping the forum happy. we will continue to support you however you choose to proceed.
I, with a group of friends, were in line at the kershaw sale at 4 AM and spent upwards of 500 dollars between us. that is pretty good for 4 teenagers and a pastor. I love your products and will continue to buy them. I will not be able to afford any of your nicer offerings in the next 3-5 years, but I will continue to treat myself to some of your less expensive and equally excellent products. I am up to 5, with 3 more and a ZT that my dad has and loves. I wouldn't mind another one, and I promise not to complain about it.

 

[presz]

All of this not having any more giveaways, made me think about the one on facebook.

Right now 6 XXXX Kershaws are out there to be won. Go sign up and be grateful if you win!

Thanks Thomas for all of the great giveaways in the past. Most days at work I still carry the 2445st that you kindly gave me back in 2009.

Today the Crown is in my pocket also compliments of Kershaw and Thomas.

As much as I love to drool over all of the new designs ahead of time, this may be the right move. Under promise and over deliver.

I loved the way you did it back 2008. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/535831-New-Models?highlight=new+items
30 days out is all the heads up I need.

Never did get that S60V Blur.

 

[Leek_Freak]

So...here we are, just over a week before Christmas.

I can't believe the year has gone by so quick!

This week I posted about wannabe manufacturers copying our award winning designs, and coming to market prior to ours.
Customers have additionally been upset at what they consider long lead times with new products.
Due to these two situations, we've opted on not allowing First Look threads, and only showing products when we're ready to ship.

For the manufacturers issue, I have tried to think of what other companies do. Does their wrongdoings make an impact on your sales? Do you think they would be ballsy/stupid enough to try it twice? I think it's sad that a one time event could change your strategy this much, however I do completely understand as that was a pretty major hit.
For the customers being upset, I agree with j3jymann and think it's just a timing issue. I think have sneak peaks are awesome and something to look forward to, but agree that sneaking it out too early will just have people lose patience in the "instant gratification" world we live in.

You all may have noticed that we used to have a bunch of giveaways, but it has been some time since we have put up any new threads sharing our products with our valued customers.
Mostly this is due to winner reactions once they receive their giveaway. More than once there were complaints about the product itself, or the time it took to receive their free knife. I was called names, and even had people claim to not buy our products again because of a giveaway. Its just got me to the point of not having them anymore.
I've opted to give random knives out to folks I simply feel like giving them to. So far it's worked well.

People never cease to amaze me. I think it's obvious that Kershaw has a very strong following with very dedicated people especially on these boards (you have your own mafia for crying out loud! lol). The one problem I see with you giving out knives to random people is that now everyone knows it and is going to try and get a free knife. I've already seen a couple people almost begging you for a free knife. I'm afraid that it will only get worse the longer it goes on. I could be wrong on that though. I can see good and bad points about both ways.

What's with all this fallout from good intentions turning bad? Are we reacting in a right manner with our decisions in theses cases?

I will never understand why people act the way that they do. I do know that there are a lot of people that will try and take advantage of everything they can. Unfortunately it happens even when a great person working for a great company tries to do great things.

And to make my very long response a little more visually appealing, some appreciation for Kershaw's addictiveness

 

[Leek_Freak]

All of this not having any more giveaways, made me think about the one on facebook.

I just looked at the prizes and I was made for this giveaway!

 

[1SHOT1KILL]

All of this not having any more giveaways, made me think about the one on facebook.

Right now 6 XXXX Kershaws are out there to be won. Go sign up and be grateful if you win!

Thanks Thomas for all of the great giveaways in the past. Most days at work I still carry the 2445st that you kindly gave me back in 2009.

Today the Crown is in my pocket also compliments of Kershaw and Thomas.

As much as I love to drool over all of the new designs ahead of time, this may be the right move. Under promise and over deliver.

I loved the way you did it back 2008. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/535831-New-Models?highlight=new+items
30 days out is all the heads up I need.

Never did get that S60V Blur.

For some unknown reason didn't see that giveaway until you mentioned it.....I have since signed up, thank you. If I win I'll post it here along with my undying gratitude.

On another note...the expression "you'd complain if I hung you with a new rope" comes to mind regarding the freebie whiners...

 

[Guyon]

I like giveaways.
You'll notice that I never said anything negative about the 0551 you sent me.
In fact, I still have it, and carry it quite often.:thumbup:

If it will restore your faith in humanity, feel free to send me a knife of your choice to keep it company.

Fine, for this one post only (within this thread), I'll grant your request. Addy please.

I'll let you know about the restoring faith in humanity part...

Thomas, you're the coolest.
PM being sent.

stabman, it's a trick! He's sending the MicroTech clone!

I'm only kidding, of course. Classy maneuver as always. :thumbup:

 

[Maniacal Pete]

I've waited for, and paid, for all of my Kershaws (more than a dozen of them so far).
I've never found anything to complain about with any of them.
I don't think you owe anyone an explanation, or to tell them what you plan to do in the future.

pete