Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Custom companies => Topic started by: procricket on September 18, 2012, 12:40:07 PM

Title: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: procricket on September 18, 2012, 12:40:07 PM
Just a little pie in the sky idea why do not all the small brands custom makers have there own little trade show open to the public type affair

There must be 15 brands on here and others elsewhere surely they would be a interest from shops as well

Maybe this is just a mad cap idea but it could happen ???
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: ItsJustCricket on September 18, 2012, 12:42:29 PM
Just a little pie in the sky idea why do not all the small brands custom makers have there own little trade show open to the public type affair

There must be 15 brands on here and others elsewhere surely they would be a interest from shops as well

Maybe this is just a mad cap idea but it could happen ???

I think it's a good idea, Dave, but I'm not convinced enough of these custom type companies are keen to get into the retail trade.  But I hope I am proven wrong in the not too distant future...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: procricket on September 18, 2012, 12:44:00 PM
Not just trade though and where things were sold too

A type of expo with bat making demo and so on with a admission price as well
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: ItsJustCricket on September 18, 2012, 12:45:06 PM
Well, I have a lot of experience in the trade show industry, so you never know...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Vantage_Cricket on September 18, 2012, 12:50:11 PM
Sounds like a good idea...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: tushar sehgal on September 18, 2012, 12:53:10 PM
I think its a great idea, if anything it would/could be a showcase for all the smaller brands to come out and show customers what else is out there and prices...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: alba caerulea on September 18, 2012, 12:54:53 PM
Well, I have a lot of experience in the trade show industry, so you never know...

sounds like you are taking responsibility for organising this event Paul, good on you
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: procricket on September 18, 2012, 12:56:41 PM
Bloody hell not often sense comes out of my mouth and the idea is nicked

Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: safbats on September 18, 2012, 12:57:55 PM
Bloody hell not often sense comes out of my mouth and the idea is nicked

Whose nicked it?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: procricket on September 18, 2012, 01:01:31 PM
Only kidding any would be a good idea I think with some educational stuff on
Bat making as well with a little roadshow the cricket roadshow expo could be a massive thing
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: ItsJustCricket on September 18, 2012, 01:07:18 PM
sounds like you are taking responsibility for organising this event Paul, good on you

Easier said than done, but it's certainly a good start! Let's open this up to the floor and see what the batmakers on here think first...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: trypewriter on September 18, 2012, 01:11:11 PM
Sounds a great idea - maybe could widen it out to  have your bat(s) re-furbed as well? If it couldn't be done on the day at least you'd save something on the postage?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on September 18, 2012, 01:17:01 PM
Bit messy sanding down a bat at a "trade-show" type of event, shaving are a little easier to control than sawdust in the air
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: tim2000s on September 18, 2012, 01:18:33 PM
Bit messy sanding down a bat at a "trade-show" type of event, shaving are a little easier to control than sawdust in the air
Do it at Lord's where you have the batmaker's shed...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on September 18, 2012, 01:19:18 PM
Something like ( a version of) this was discussed after the lords trade show over a beer. sounds like a good idea but its getting people to it. we do have alot of members but look at cricket roadshow or whatever it was. held at 3 test venues but by all accounts wasnt that busy. that was held and promoted by the ecb i believe so may be a little harder for us to make it work

Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on September 18, 2012, 01:21:08 PM
Thought yesterday gave the smaller bat makers an insight into what the most established brands do in terms of work to get their branding/displays and products correct to launch for the forthcoming season. It takes alot of planning and work to get things sorted to look professional and presented ???

Working with the retailers is key to successfully getting the products into the public domain and forming a healthy relationship of supply and demand.

Would be great to see the custom bat makers being able to supply a retailer with their own hand made bats so that the customers who may walk into the shops gets to see what they are capable of making with their respective skill sets.

Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: tushar sehgal on September 18, 2012, 01:29:11 PM
Could you buy anything at the tradeshows like lords?

I think there could be a few ways of doing this but here are my suggestions...

Pick 4-5 cities (hubs) and spread the word that you are coming so you have a day at each city.
Find cheap locations to host the show, keep it free enty or if you charge an entry then have a draw for entrants to win a bat or something.
forum members from the area donate some of their time to help setup, break down, security, logistics etc and in return batmakers could offer them a free refurb or a discount..
you would have to market it using word or mouth and maybe contacting local leagues...especially if there are exclusive offers to be had while buying at the show it would bring in a lot more ppl...

downside is companies that take part would be on the road for a week or longer..upside is by going to various cities you are engaging ppl who are interested but not willing to travel too far..
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on September 18, 2012, 01:34:18 PM
Thought yesterday gave the smaller bat makers an insight into what the most established brands do in terms of work to get their branding/displays and products correct to launch for the forthcoming season. It takes alot of planning and work to get things sorted to look professional and presented ???

Working with the retailers is key to successfully getting the products into the public domain and forming a healthy relationship of supply and demand.

Would be great to see the custom bat makers being able to supply a retailer with their own hand made bats so that the customers who may walk into the shops gets to see what they are capable of making with their respective skill sets.

i think that would be great. potential issue here is costs. most of us smaller bat makers have high manufacturing costs for the bats but sell relatively low in comparision. larger brands tend to have higher RRPs and lower manufacturing costs. margins are therefore easier to manipulate for the establisjed brands. it may not look an attractive prospect for a retailer if they only make £30 off a bat from me/ryan etc but can  stock a larger brand and potentially make more on each sale. I guess it depends who the retailer is and what margins they would look for. if they can promote the smaller brand then it could work - 2-3 bats at £30 each rather than one sale at £80 profit.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Tom on September 18, 2012, 01:50:46 PM
Not enough people are bothered about it - the cricket resource show was poorly attended and Lord's tried to run a show for the public last year, but about 6 bats were sold despite Trescothick being there and a mailout to thousands of their members.

If it's something for us gear geeks to get excited then perhaps a day at a cricket ground with a few gazebos for the brands to show off their stuff would be sufficient
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: tim2000s on September 18, 2012, 01:51:23 PM
What about the Custom Bats Barn? Which is in an out of town area with lowish rentals and stocks multiple Custom Bats Brands in a surrounding akin to a bat workshop, with visits each weekend from a brand maker?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on September 18, 2012, 02:03:08 PM
What about the Custom Bats Barn? Which is in an out of town area with lowish rentals and stocks multiple Custom Bats Brands in a surrounding akin to a bat workshop, with visits each weekend from a brand maker?

where would said barn be though? this may limit visitors as it may not be easy to get to for all of us, both brands and customers/forumites.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: tim2000s on September 18, 2012, 02:42:34 PM
where would said barn be though? this may limit visitors as it may not be easy to get to for all of us, both brands and customers/forumites.
Maybe a forum sponsor has a custom bats Barn section...?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: charlie15 on September 20, 2012, 10:53:25 AM
The alternate is to run 4/5 over the course of the season at a forum members club.  The idea of having 4 or 5 means that you can cover the whole country rather than just be in one location.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Vantage_Cricket on September 20, 2012, 11:00:38 AM
The alternate is to run 4/5 over the course of the season at a forum members club.  The idea of having 4 or 5 means that you can cover the whole country rather than just be in one location.

Only problem with this is, that it's going to be really be the same customers going to these that have already seen and views products of the brand before due to geographical locations. Compared to a one off show/meet up where all different companies are together in one place - this allows members/customers from different parts of the countries to get to view other brands that aren't around their own area.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: charlie15 on September 20, 2012, 11:56:42 AM
Only problem with this is, that it's going to be really be the same customers going to these that have already seen and views products of the brand before due to geographical locations. Compared to a one off show/meet up where all different companies are together in one place - this allows members/customers from different parts of the countries to get to view other brands that aren't around their own area.

Hmmm, I see your point, but if I knew the Custom Bat makers were coming to Surrey on x date I would wait until then instead of travelling North or elsewhere.  I think quite a few of the other guys would be the same as well, obviously you'd get one or two coming to them all tho!
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on September 20, 2012, 12:01:35 PM
With the greatest of respect to all I really think that the most you will get any of the smaller batmakers/companies to do is one show and even then it would have to be pretty much guaranteed that they would sell product as a result of it! The costs involved in doing shows like this is surprisingly high.

Much better to get the respective batmakers to individually arrange a series of 'open days' via this forum. Everyone can meet up at a batmakers premises, stroke some wood, learn a bit about the process and buy stuff if they want...cheaper for the companies involved and more 'interactive' for any potential customers...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: FattusCattus on September 20, 2012, 07:36:26 PM
That sir is a bloody brilliant idea!!!!!

Limit the numbers to suit the batmaker, caters for geography and means the bat-maker might even make a few quid out of it!

Dan at Chase first then ( :D)
SAF
Redback
Kelsall (will we all get in your loft Ryan?)
H4L

anyone got any contacts with Warsop, Salix, Hawk or any other suggestions?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Ryan on September 20, 2012, 07:42:21 PM
That sir is a bloody brilliant idea!!!!!

Limit the numbers to suit the batmaker, caters for geography and means the bat-maker might even make a few quid out of it!

Dan at Chase first then ( :D)
SAF
Redback
Kelsall (will we all get in your loft Ryan?)
H4L

anyone got any contacts with Warsop, Salix, Hawk or any other suggestions?

I haven't been in my loft for some time young sir! I've got a little workshop yhay i built back in april, anyones welcome to come through.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: FattusCattus on September 20, 2012, 07:46:02 PM
You built your own workshop as well as all those bats????????????

Jesus - when the rain comes down I'll be first round to your house to see about a large boat full of pairs of animals!
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Ryan on September 20, 2012, 07:52:36 PM
Yeah, what's wrong with that? Lol ask sunny, it's like a bomb shelter! Im making a couple of custom round bottom planes shortly. I've got 4 already but it keeps me busy  :D
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on September 20, 2012, 07:58:32 PM
That sir is a bloody brilliant idea!!!!!

Limit the numbers to suit the batmaker, caters for geography and means the bat-maker might even make a few quid out of it!

Dan at Chase first then ( :D)
SAF
Redback
Kelsall (will we all get in your loft Ryan?)
H4L

anyone got any contacts with Warsop, Salix, Hawk or any other suggestions?

Thanks mate, I'm not used to having good ideas....It would seem that my work here is done!  ;)

I'll be lying down with a flannel on my forehead if anyone needs me....
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: FattusCattus on September 20, 2012, 08:21:01 PM
No you don't. You need to get on the blower to your mate in Dummer and start the ball rolling - also ask him what biscuits he's got.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Simmy on September 20, 2012, 08:30:50 PM
You built your own workshop as well as all those bats????????????

Jesus - when the rain comes down I'll be first round to your house to see about a large boat full of pairs of animals!

mate when he was building it i was like never mind posting photos of ur bat making should do a build thread for the shed! it was an epic build!
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on September 20, 2012, 08:33:14 PM
No you don't. You need to get on the blower to your mate in Dummer and start the ball rolling - also ask him what biscuits he's got.

Hahaha.........!! Probably best to throw it open to the forum sponsors first mate!  ;) I'm sure it could be arranged though. I think the temptation of a number of bat nerds visiting in the close season to prospectively spend some money would be quite appealing to most batmakers, especially if we're all well behaved!

Biscuit wise I seem to remember a packet of Ginger snaps floating around....a good dunker, the ginger snap....up there with the malted milk!
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: tim2000s on September 20, 2012, 08:39:14 PM
I think the temptation of a number of bat nerds visiting in the close season to prospectively spend some money would be quite appealing to most batmakers, especially if we're all well behaved!
Forum members? In a barn full of willow and cricket bats? With our reputation? What were they thinking of.....

Well behaved????
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: FattusCattus on September 20, 2012, 08:42:32 PM
Hmmmmmmmm, the perfection that is the Chocolate Malted Milk mmmmmmmmmmmm!

Which forum sponsors might accept a money-spinning visit?
.......answers on a postcard please (or even answers from the sponsors themselves - remember you can restrict the amount of nerds milling about your property!)

Retailers could have an open evening just for the nerds too I think -

Asad
Tall Paul
Lukey

whadya reckon?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on September 20, 2012, 08:49:21 PM
Forum members? In a barn full of willow and cricket bats? What were they thinking of.....

Well behaved????

Admittedly it is a recipe for disaster Tim! If it were to happen it's probably best to get in on the first one in case it never happens again. 

Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: norbs on September 20, 2012, 09:18:19 PM
so what are you expecting to see/learn on a visit to a bat maker?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: procricket on September 20, 2012, 09:26:11 PM
Nothing bar watching my bat get made if Iam honest and a way of getting spine and edges right


Have you the bun in the oven andy
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on September 20, 2012, 09:32:22 PM
so what are you expecting to see/learn on a visit to a bat maker?

Free biscuits, a goodie bag for everyone, 50% discount and a lift home if we get drunk..?  :D :D
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: trypewriter on September 21, 2012, 08:30:21 AM
I'd like to see how they go about selecting/grading clefts. Oh, and chocolate rich tea get my vote.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Manormanic on September 21, 2012, 09:39:45 AM
hobnobs.  preferably with chocolate.  :D
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on September 21, 2012, 09:46:03 AM
Hmmmmmmmm, the perfection that is the Chocolate Malted Milk mmmmmmmmmmmm!


An often overlooked culinary treat.....never dismiss the malted milk....the godfather of the dunking 'subset'
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: DevAussie on January 12, 2013, 10:00:01 AM
As someone who is just starting to experiment with podshaving, I'd love to see first hand how everyone else works and what tools they do and don't use...then have a chance to sit around and talk about bat ideas etc....I'd be there for sure if gets off the ground....problem with cricket roadshows etc its along way to travel from Plymouth if what I'm really interested in is a small part of the exhibition...
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: FattusCattus on January 12, 2013, 10:44:28 AM
Thanks for the reminder Dev - as it's close season, I'd like to put the question out there.

Are any forum sponsor / podshavers willing to have  few nerds come and visit them for a batmaking / bat finishing demonstration?

I believe Dean has sorted something like this at Choice, but would anyone else be interested?

As a batmaker you would be able to dictate how many were allowed to visit, so you were comfortable, and the duration of the visit. Members should be encouraged to purchase something whilst they are there, so the maker stands a chance of earning a few quid for his troubles.

ALSO - are any retailers willing to do an open evening (or an open morning at the weekend) strictly for forum members only - they could perhaps offer a few forum discounts? It would be a great way for some forum members who are geographically close to actually meet each other, and it may also benefit the retailer?


Anyone up for this at all?
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Bruce on January 12, 2013, 11:51:29 AM
Splendid idea, Sir Cat. Imagine a forum meet up at Uzi Sports, Swindon. The scenes!
I hope Asad would have a few spare Securicor band at the ready to bank all the £!
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Bulldog Cricket on January 12, 2013, 02:01:13 PM
Thanks for the reminder Dev - as it's close season, I'd like to put the question out there.

Are any forum sponsor / podshavers willing to have  few nerds come and visit them for a batmaking / bat finishing demonstration?



I believe Dean has sorted something like this at Choice, but would anyone else be interested?

As a batmaker you would be able to dictate how many were allowed to visit, so you were comfortable, and the duration of the visit. Members should be encouraged to purchase something whilst they are there, so the maker stands a chance of earning a few quid for his troubles.

ALSO - are any retailers willing to do an open evening (or an open morning at the weekend) strictly for forum members only - they could perhaps offer a few forum discounts? It would be a great way for some forum members who are geographically close to actually meet each other, and it may also benefit the retailer?


Anyone up for this at all?

I'm happy to open any evening or weekend for a forum visit and have a special forum discount event or something. It Would be great to meet up and discuss all things cricket.

Kieron
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: Vitas Cricket on January 12, 2013, 02:05:58 PM
Thanks for the reminder Dev - as it's close season, I'd like to put the question out there.

Are any forum sponsor / podshavers willing to have  few nerds come and visit them for a batmaking / bat finishing demonstration?

I believe Dean has sorted something like this at Choice, but would anyone else be interested?

As a batmaker you would be able to dictate how many were allowed to visit, so you were comfortable, and the duration of the visit. Members should be encouraged to purchase something whilst they are there, so the maker stands a chance of earning a few quid for his troubles.

ALSO - are any retailers willing to do an open evening (or an open morning at the weekend) strictly for forum members only - they could perhaps offer a few forum discounts? It would be a great way for some forum members who are geographically close to actually meet each other, and it may also benefit the retailer?


Anyone up for this at all?

We offer club nights, they don't have to specifically be for clubs though, a bunch of friends or forum members are just as welcome. We'll close the shop for a few hours so you get unlimited access to the net to have a hit with your own gear and our demo bats, as well as being able to try out any new purchases instantly!

Any attendees also get 10% off any purchases/orders paid for on the day.

All we need is a small deposit to cover ourselves in the unlikely event that no-one buys anything.
Title: Re: Custom bats/independent bat company show
Post by: FattusCattus on January 12, 2013, 04:35:48 PM
This is a great start, anyone down near Kier want to liaise with him in getting few nerds together for a set date?

Same for Jake - anyone near him want to go?