Never underestimate the fantasy value of a brand name.The folks at Sutliff were a bit perplexed that the same product sold ten times as much in a BS tin as it did in a FS tin. And the BS tin was more expensive.
I knew a salon owner had to much business so raised prices and made that issue worse. People enjoy things they pay more for assuming it's better cause of the price.As the guy who started the resurrection of Bengal Slices, trademarked the name and dealt one on one with Russ O. to make it all happen, I can tell you with 100% certainty that at that time, the two blends were one and the same. The folks at Sutliff were a bit perplexed that the same product sold ten times as much in a BS tin as it did in a FS tin. And the BS tin was more expensive.
Whether this still holds true, I do not know, but unless anyone has detected a noticeable change in either product, I’ll have to assume that the status quo stands.
Northwoods mixed 50/50 with Railroad Station is amazing. To me anyway...When I was at Boswell's last week, I saw there was a jar of Frog Morton something or other on the shelf. I asked JM some questions about McClelland. While I won't share all that he said, he did joke that many people in the pipe industry said that he would have to stop selling Northwoods when McClelland shut down because he was just taking a McClelland Frog Morton blend and reselling it. Well that certainly wasn't the case!
Last time I checked a few years ago, there were only three factories that made all sneakers whether new balance ($40) or air jordans ($150+).My understanding is that tennis shoes, and most shoes in general, are also made this way
Luxottica. If anyone wants to learn more check out YouTube.Yep, sunglasses and eye frames all also come off of the same factory floor in China. Ray Bans, Chopard, Prada, to Kroger value sunglasses. In my work for that industry designing frames, I was amazed. The $800, $100, or $2 eyeframes are all made in the same place. Next time you are at your Optometrist, notice how many eyeframes look the same with different logo on them. Even some sunglasses will have ANSI codes on them, showing that they can also double as RX wear.
Sure, some have different materials in them, but they are designed that way before the brands will selects them and puts their logos on them. Guys like me design them, not ever knowing which brand they will be used for.
My understanding is that tennis shoes, and most shoes in general, are also made this way. But, I've never designed for them.
This is all a little bit different than tobaccos, but it just goes to show how people buy the brand over value, mostly because we don't have any other way to judge these things by.
Yes, I met with a Luxottica guy in an airport. He brought this Chinese guy who was in charge of the factory. They explained how to draw up the designs I was making for them. And, they explained how everyone who starts making eyewear, they buy out, which is what I was doing.Luxottica. If anyone wants to learn more check out YouTube.
Yeah there was something about Oakley glasses where they didn’t want to do a certain deal with Luxottica (Sunglasses Hut), they removed Oakley from their stores, Oakley stock tanked, then they bought Oakley.Yes, I met with a Luxottica guy in an airport. He brought this Chinese guy who was in charge of the factory. They explained how to draw up the designs I was making for them. And, they explained how everyone who starts making eyewear, they buy out, which is what I was doing.
I’ve only seen a couple of my designs actually made, (hinges) but when you cash their check, it makes it hurt less if they don’t make the designs, ha ha.