Some Market research

[waksupi]

Hi Folks,

I'm doing a bit of market research here. One of the companies that many of you probably deal with regularly, is looking to expand it's offerings.

What we have in mind, is 19th century style beaded rifle scabbards, beaded holsters, beaded knife sheaths, beaded belt bags, beaded hatbands, and such, all done on brain tan buckskin. The producer does exceptional museum quality work.

The question is, will people buy the stuff? It won't be cheap, considering the time and materials used. What are your spending limits?

Is there anything you can think of you would like to see produced to dress up your outfit? Let's see a dream list.

Thanks for any imput,

Ric Carter
Somers, Montana

[Mainspring]

*Putting down my "WILL WORK FOR FOOD" sign for a moment*

Times are tough for a lot of folks right now.  I'm not sure how far out in front of a venture like that I'd get right now.  

The concept is great...something I've wanted to do for a while...but I wonder how many costumes in CAS would be right for beadwork.  I'm an FNG to this sport, but I'd guess that 80%+ of the folks in it go for the traditional (or B western) "cowboy" look, which tends not to lend itself too terribly much to beadwork.  Personally, I think that any rig could use some beadwork, but from what I've seen most folks don't seem to feel the same way.

So what I'm saying is...items like you're talking about I'm sure would be great quailty, and priced accordingly.  Since most folks go with the leather/cowboy look, and given present economic conditions, I guess that I wouldn't be standing in line to make much of an investment like that.

Having said that, if the price was right, I'd love to add a beaded knife sheath, and maybe a belt pouch, and of course little hangy wizzie gizzies.  I'm positive, though, that a rifle scabard would be out of reach for me right now.  Baby needs diapers.

Hmm...beaded diapers...  :lol:

[Cheyenne Ranger]

I can only speak for myself but after being in SASS all of 9 months I'm taking a breather from buying stuff.  The guns, leather and clothes have depleted what "fun funds" I had put back.
Down the road something else might strike my fancy and a knife sheaf would be near the top of the list.
Just my 2 cents
Cheyenne

[MOGorilla]

I may not be the best person to answer this.  One of the many reasons I love this sport is that I have taken the time to make my own holsters and other leather items.   I am currently making a brain tanned rifle scabbard for my Henry, complete with some beaded decoration (maybe).  Many of the other shooters I know  are doing the same thing, all for various reasons, but one that gets mentioned by all is $$$$.  I am Kissing six foot and closer to 300 than 250.  Being a big fellow makes buying leather items a little pricey.  I found a leather outlet and made my own.  At least 6 other Pards I know did the same.   I agree that with the economy what it is, I don't know who will be able to buy the items.

[howdy doody]

It's funny how some things sell and some don't. I am on the budget status myself, due to some unemployment troubles, but I see folks oll the time with expensive guns and clothes. Not everyone that shoots CAS is in the same financial status.
I recently went to a shoot and saw a vendor there from Tucson, I think. They were selling and taking orders for indian style apache boots and leggings. They were doing custom stuff with solid silver conchos to secure the laces and everything. Folks were snatching them up. The leggings for the most part were $350 and one guy ordered a custom pair of the boots and told me they were going to be $1000. I wish I paid more attention, but that stuff doesn't go with my outfit and it would be too expensive for my personal budget.
I suggest you make up what you can afford to and do a little test marketing. That is about the only way you can find out. Get a website going and business cards out all over the place. Try Rendevous too.