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[Vitas Cricket]

Jason

What is your USP? Why should people buy bats at your prices when they can get the same quality for less elsewhere? I hope this comes across as a genuine question, it is  in no way a sly dig.

Regards

*I take the point you aren't having a dig, but many people saying this sort of comment are having a dig, so please regard what is to follow as being addressed to them*

I think the point you are missing is that only a very small percentage of the bat buying public are aware of the things forum members are aware of (or think they are aware of)

Does Kookaburra stickering up someone elses bats mean they don't have a USP? In the opinion of most people who are going to buy a bat, i would say no it doesn't, this would apply even if the buyer was made aware of this outsourcing.

So why should it be any different for Jason and Hammer? Is it because he is new, or relatively small by comparison? Does this make him and his company fair game?

Having become a relatively good friend of Paul's over recent months, i think a lot of the flak he is copping as a result of all this is very unjust.

I have not always been Jasons biggest fan for various reasons, and i don't always agree with some of the things he does. But i do believe he is very committed to providing a quality product, he's been as honest as possible with people who have questioned him, and to be honest i think his reaction to some of your comments is totally understandable.

Don't judge the product based on what you perceive it to be. Just because its made by 'x' and bats from the brand 'x' makes are available at cheaper prices means very little.

We get Hunts to make the bats that we give to local players we sponsor with our own brand (we may soon get Hunts to make all of our own brand bats) and not one of them is like a Hunts in any way, aside from the distinctive shoulders. They are pressed differently, the shapes are different, etc.

If you've got a 'recipe' for a bat, ie you want a certain shape and you specify the quality of wood and pressing etc and then get 'x' to make it for you, i don't see how anyone can compare this to 'x' own brand.

There will always be people who want a premium product, i highly doubt knowing the provenance of the bat they are about to buy would sway their decision. They wouldn't turn down a hammer just because its made by 'x' and an 'x' made bat is on the shelf next to it at a cheaper price. Stickers, image and most importantly, EXCLUSIVITY are very important to many people.

[Tom]

Why did you choose to stock Hammer, out of interest Paul?

There's lots of fantastic young English cricket batmakers here, manufacturing, shaping and branding. What was it about the Texan brand which drew you in and made you want to import those, over supporting a British maker?

(This isn't a loaded question, I'm just after understanding a little more about what makes this brand stand out)

[ItsJustCricket]

Why did you choose to stock Hammer, out of interest Paul?

There's lots of fantastic young English cricket batmakers here, manufacturing, shaping and branding. What was it about the Texan brand which drew you in and made you want to import those, over supporting a British maker?

(This isn't a loaded question, I'm just after understanding a little more about what makes this brand stand out)

They have awesome momentum, the timing's great, and I love everything about the bats, and Marcus and Jason are two of the most savvy, honest and professional businessmen I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.  I trust them and the product 100%, which is a lot more than I can say for many other brands out there.  Hope that answers your question satisfactorily, Tom?

[imogzyboy]

Is there any reviews of the bats anywhere?

[justnotcricket86]

Have you tried to do business with Matt from H4L? Or Andy from Saf?

They have a lot more weight in the UK market than Hammer do Paul, ok you're in the business and that's cool, but maybe look closer to home sometimes? I'm not knocking you pal, I think you're a top guy, but it would be interesting to hear why you didn't have a chat with these lads first. If you have, then I apologise and will eat my words, so to speak.

And secondly, what is it that makes you untrusting to these other brands you mention? No names of course, but business ethics, plan etc

I will just say I'm trying to be constructive mate and ask questions because I'm interested that's all

[Tom]

I actually think it was a good move, albeit riskier than other options, to stock Hammer. But for different business reasons than stated above.

[Canners]

I actually think it was a good move, albeit riskier than other options, to stock Hammer. But for different business reasons than stated above.

such as ?

[ItsJustCricket]

Have you tried to do business with Matt from H4L? Or Andy from Saf?

They have a lot more weight in the UK market than Hammer do Paul, ok you're in the business and that's cool, but maybe look closer to home sometimes? I'm not knocking you pal, I think you're a top guy, but it would be interesting to hear why you didn't have a chat with these lads first. If you have, then I apologise and will eat my words, so to speak.

And secondly, what is it that makes you untrusting to these other brands you mention? No names of course, but business ethics, plan etc

I will just say I'm trying to be constructive mate and ask questions because I'm interested that's all

Is there any reviews of the bats anywhere?

Yes, on our YouTube channel, and Jason's too - plenty of videos to see! 

[ItsJustCricket]

Have you tried to do business with Matt from H4L? Or Andy from Saf?

They have a lot more weight in the UK market than Hammer do Paul, ok you're in the business and that's cool, but maybe look closer to home sometimes? I'm not knocking you pal, I think you're a top guy, but it would be interesting to hear why you didn't have a chat with these lads first. If you have, then I apologise and will eat my words, so to speak.

And secondly, what is it that makes you untrusting to these other brands you mention? No names of course, but business ethics, plan etc

I will just say I'm trying to be constructive mate and ask questions because I'm interested that's all

I'll PM you about this later, mate

[charlie15]

I actually think it was a good move, albeit riskier than other options, to stock Hammer. But for different business reasons than stated above.

I agree with Tom on this, I think it's a great idea to stock Hammer.  Yes it's a risk, but they're good quality premium priced sticks.  I see no reason why Paul should look at a UK brand over Hammer, I'm sure he has done the business analysis needed before making this decision.  I wish both Jason and Paul the bet of luck in this venture, but I must admit it is getting a little tiresome with what appears to be constant nitpicking of Paul's business decisions and Jason's products.

[ItsJustCricket]

I agree with Tom on this, I think it's a great idea to stock Hammer.  Yes it's a risk, but they're good quality premium priced sticks.  I see no reason why Paul should look at a UK brand over Hammer, I'm sure he has done the business analysis needed before making this decision.  I wish both Jason and Paul the bet of luck in this venture, but I must admit it is getting a little tiresome with what appears to be constant nitpicking of Paul's business decisions and Jason's products.

Thanks, Charlie, I agree - it is getting a little tiresome! This is that last thing I'll say about it tonight (because there is one other reason): I wanted to vary up our stock a little and stand out from the crowd.  It's a competitive market in this country so you have to do what you can to be different from the others...

[tim2000s]

I'm going to refer everyone to my earlier comment. Why should a retailer not stock produce from whom they wish?

[thecord]

I wanted to vary up our stock a little and stand out from the crowd.  It's a competitive market in this country so you have to do what you can to be different from the others...

That is a very good reason indeed and with Vantage in stock too you are well on your way with this one. Good luck with it

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Variety is the spice of life,

And Paul I think you have been chatting to Jason too much. There's been a few "Awesome's" in your posts  your becoming americanised!

[ajmw89]

Have you tried to do business with Matt from H4L? Or Andy from Saf?

They have a lot more weight in the UK market than Hammer do Paul, ok you're in the business and that's cool, but maybe look closer to home sometimes? I'm not knocking you pal, I think you're a top guy, but it would be interesting to hear why you didn't have a chat with these lads first. If you have, then I apologise and will eat my words, so to speak.

And secondly, what is it that makes you untrusting to these other brands you mention? No names of course, but business ethics, plan etc

I will just say I'm trying to be constructive mate and ask questions because I'm interested that's all

Paul's already supportng the smaller brands by stocking vantage