Doin' buisness with the creator...........

[lwien]

No, this is NOT a religious post. lol.

It's really is just an observation. After reading a bunch of posts in the MZ thread as well as the Woodez thread, along with the tons of posts in the PD thread, a light bulb kinda went off.

I know that I've been pretty darn critical of varying degrees regarding the MZ, the Woodez and the Launch-Tube when it was first introduced. And what I'm gonna say isn't backtracking on anything that I have said previously, but.....................one thing that is really, really, nice and is shared by ALL of the manufacturers stated above is that there is a very personal relationship between the creator of these vapes and the customers that purchase them. There just seems to be something that is very "right" about doing business this way rather than purchasing a vape from a large distributor where the only person a customer can communicate with is a customer service rep, and that rep typically doesn't even work for the company that makes the product.

That special customer/manufacture relationship manifests itself in many ways, particularly here with passionate defensive and offensive posturing by both the the people that buy these vapes as well as the creators that make them, but in my mind, it kinda comes with the territory, and is a price that is well worth the ticket of admission in being able to do business this way, that is, doing business with the creator.

I noticed that one of the brothers from the VaporBros started posting here. I don't know if that is really who he is, but if it is, than I would think that he too realizes not only how nice it is, but the value in being able to do business this way. The feedback that a manufacturer gets from their customers is beyond value, from a business perspective ,and I have no doubt that he wants a piece of that pie.

Bottom line to all this? It's just kinda warms my heart to see the personal communication that goes on between Tom and his customers, Rick and his customers and Todd and his customers.

Anyway, I'm kinda vaked, so I thought I'd put some rambling down on the 'puter, for whatever it's worth.

(wonder if its this darn Christmas spirit that's gettin' to me......... )

Laters..............

 

[lwien]

(double post)

 

[tuttle]

If this board had Karma, you would have some coming your way

 

[Lo]

Great post Lwein!!

I love this place

 

[vape4health]

Too true .

 

[thepope]

I'll second the motion.......A motion has been made and seconded,all in favor say I.

 

[Lo]

I

 

[Beezleb]

Not to take anything away and not to be a scrooge hehe.

It is just a simple business model that generally is shared by small businesses. Large businesses seem a step or so removed from the most part from the public comparatively. Simply big business versus small business models.

The larger guys typically have more money and more influence in the market place such as in marketing, distributing and may be able to secure better purchasing and other deals than a smaller company. Generally they squeeze the mom and pops out of business or prevent them from making it in the first place by taking up the larger share of the markets and other aspects such as marketing advantages and such.

Large companies and smaller companies do not necessarily equate to one being of higher quality than the other. Their are trade offs, much similar to how people may discuss the differences in analog and digital temp switches and/or the virtues of hands free. It is really a business 101 aspect and sort of Mom and Pop operations compared to large companies.

However, growing in reputation and in customers can be a daunting and powerful thing that can either be a boon and/or a detriment. In the case of the PD it spawned the WDY because demand was higher than the PD could be created. It is very much like an ecosystem. If their is room for business/life, it will be filled one way or the other. This is why it is important to do a proper business plan so that these things can be accounted for but with that said, generally mom and pop operations lack the ability to create a professional business plan and it would likely seem absurd to pay someone to do one for you if it is not part of your business management practices which typically mom and pop operations do not employ nor would they typically have the resources to be effective on many issues but it would map out the foreseeable.

It is typically not wise to attack another mom and pop operation as while the products or whatnot may be slightly different generally most everything else is similar, including the customer base. It is generally folly to attack one without expecting a back lash that typically will have consequences.

The main reason I believe the PD, MZ and WDY are doing well is because in large part of this forum as it has given them a spot light in which their products have met the quality levels expected from their customer base so they have done well. Without FC.com I do not believe the PD & MZ would be as known and the Wdy would not exist. Says quite a bit about FC.com and those who give their time and energies to make the place a valued spot for vapist.

I will say I am for both type of businesses, large and small. They all have a place and I will say that it is only the appearance of warm and fuzzy feelings with the mom and pop type of businesses here but that would all likely change if they were able to become large operations. Simply because their is not enough time in the day for the owners to actually sit and do this kind of thing. They are generally far to busy to personally attend to every little detail. Their operation is just too large.

Just imagine if Tom had 2 or 4 distributors/vendors all pulling in similar weekly orders from him. I think much interaction between FC.com and Tom would be diminished. Not because Tom would be a bad guy or anything, but simply because he would have to run his business. It is just that is what it generally means to be in a successful business and it generally has different degrees depending on the size of the operation.

Merry Xmas everybody!

 

[standard]

In agreement with the OP.

It just shows how the VITAL state of this board and this sport, that we have front-row seats to the process of product development. I love that an FC'er can just put out there, "I wish the WDZ had a more rounded top; it would feel and look cool." And next thing you know, you can ask for that too! (the other vape manufacturers here are similarly responsive).

Here's hoping everyone appreciates what a gift it is to have the access to owners that we do (and for the owners to have access to such dedicated vaporists).

There's so much going on, I'm like a kid in a candy store.

Keep dreaming aloud, FC. Ears are listening.

Peaceful vaping, everyone!

 

[DevoTheStrange]

I also think having the creators as members of FC also allows buyers a certain sense of safety concerning these vapes. If any issue pops up concerning manufacturing, materials, or even how too use the Units themselves... The creators are here too answer and address any issues that arise. Usually within hours too. Although done through the internet, this kind of customer service is even more hands on and personal, creator too consumer, than other products. This experience is extremely valuable, and highly appealing.
I know I have purchased in the past because of Creator involvement in the past. I have recommended Vapes based on creator involvement. I will continue too recommend, and purchase, vapes based solely on the interaction with the Creators/Manufacturers within the FC Community.
awesome post and observation lwien

 

[Durden]

Now if only I can get one of these guys to make me a wooden stem

 

[vape4health]

Now if only I can get one of these guys to make me a wooden stem

That would be awsome to have wooden stems to match your custom vape , it would be just like making a wooden pen right ?

Edit to keep on track , It was a little hard for me at first to believe that it was the vape markers posting , not now but like the first couple days that I visted FC . These people really do care , alot , I'm talking the vape makers , the guys who keep this great place going ( FC Staff , thank you so very much ) and not to leave off , the people who buy all this stuff . Its a very cool place .

 

[Durden]

Well I know Tom has done it before (at least I've seen pictures), and Todd said he would try when he had time. So hopefully someday! Reminds me of the my old wooden dugouts and pipes that I started out with so many years ago

So I'm not way off topic ...I also really enjoy the personal touch of having a unit you know is hand crafted. I already own a PD myself and have a MZ in the family, and I see myself buying a WZ in the near future as well. It's nice to own a little piece of vaping history.

 

[jeffp]

All of what the OP wrote has merit and it's also good to see someone from vaporbrothers posting here as well; regardless if the company is large or small, the communication aspect is golden.