.....I'm sure there's a good business reason he won't support reserving blade numbers for JYDs. And I believe he's already articulated that the reason has to do with keeping his costs down.
So here's an idea. How many JYDs would be willing to pay a premium to get knives with their numbers on them and if so, how much? $5.00 over the cost of the knife? $10.00? In other words, what would it take to make it feasible for Dan to provide JYDs with their own numbers and offset his costs for doing so or possibly even turn an incremental profit?
Just thinking like a businessman here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I have NO interest in paying EXTRA for a number - even if my JYD #.
I would view that as taking advantage of your loyal customers.
Personally, I would rather they KNOCK OFF about $10.00 or so from the LE's to keep costs down (... or $30 - $40 off the price of the S5LE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />) to just not have NUMBERS at ALL.
Personally, I would rather just have satin finished knives at s reasonable price. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> - Dan's LE's aren't typically too over-priced, but with some exceptions. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> - Unfortunately, the S5LE was one of them IMO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> (The "First" DMLE was another over-priced LE).
I passed on the S5LE because I felt/still feel the price was too high. I like INFI, but I don't feel it is worth so much more than SR-101. Obviously, others (mostly HOGS) disagree, but I KNOW that is the KOOL-AID talking. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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That said, I know not every JYD cares about their number - some JYD's aren't even around anymore. But, there are some who are pretty passionate about getting their number. So, "generally" speaking, I feel it would be "Nice" and help maintain good will if Dan went a little out of his way to help provide the JYD #'s to those who want them. I "could" argue that it is good business to help keep your loyal business patrons happy - And further argue that could easily be more important than trying to feed the HOG FRENZY.
However, my guess is that (unfortunately for Tom and maybe a few others) that certain numbers are so highly desired (like #1), that the first few minutes are a bit of a frenzy to "Get" #1.
Personally, I don't beleive that frenzy drives the actual number of knives sold. It just creates the frenzy in the first minute or so.
People want #1. And some other people will want certain other numbers. Personally, I wouldn't go out of my way to try to provide "other" numbers, but I WOULD try to keep my loyal customers (JYD's) happy and try to provide their numbers...... Otherwise, why have numbers???????
It is either about getting the #1 or about getting your JYD #. I think JYD #'s should trump the frenzy for #1.
Personally, I would be happy for Tom and fine with Tom getting #1 EVERY time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
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