To what degree does the online audience reflect the pipe smoking community?

[deathmetal]

Possibly of relevance:
http://www.fastcompany.com/1285202/myth-rational-buyer-how-too-much-thinking-can-hurt-your-brand

 

[andrew]

Considering aromatics are the top selling pipe tobacco's, I would say no. Any forum is just a small niche of very passionate people.

 

[iamn8]

I believe the reason for OpusX production is a lack of supply, not a lack of demand. We are kind of arguing chicken or egg. Who controls the market, the manufacturers or the customers? Companies can be taken down but customers will always get what they want, under the rules of supply and demand.

 

[iamn8]

On this we can agree

 

[warren]

customers will always get what they want,

For God's sake do not breath a word of that to Penzance smoker wannabes and addicts!

 

[iamn8]

Secrets is safe with me warren. Don't forget "under the rule of supply and demand"

 

[deathmetal]

Penzance is just re-branded Mixture 79. The secret's out.

 

[iamn8]

Yes it's totally 79!!

 

[warren]

I understand. What happens when the supplier refuses to meet the demand? I mean, besides all the threads bemoaning hoarding and such.

 

[deathmetal]

What happens when the supplier refuses to meet the demand?

In theory, competitors arise with products that offer the same advantages. However, many people shop by brand recognition or other factors, making this difficult.
People are buying Penzance for the tin. They already know what's inside, which is Mixture 79. But no one looks cool smoking that, where Penzance shows the smoker is literate, wealthy, hip, cool and sexually attractive.