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[Aldred Cricket Bats]

Wish I could cricket badger but minimum wage and all the crap that goes along with it prevents that for a small business like this. I just have to work steady longer hours really to make it pay. We don't and can't ask for premium prices like the big labels which makes it harder for the small hand made bat makers as they dominate the market by massive endorsements and mass manufacturing. We are trying to pick up what we can by providing quality products and service and try and support british manufacturing as well. Its a shame we can't get everything made over here softs clothes the lot at reasonable prices. Such is life but we will get there if more people can support this ideal.

[RossViper]

Paul, 

Not sure if you ever came across them,  but remember the boot made by the guy in Leicester,  Paul Taylor used them a lot.  I would love a pair of them now,  if I could sink a few grand and buy that business I'd do it in a heart beat!

[ItsJustCricket]

Well done, Paul.  This video is genius.  Absolutely love it!  I am going to link this to everyone who asks me the same question (and we get asked it a lot too!!)

[fasteddie]

Wish I could cricket badger but minimum wage and all the crap that goes along with it prevents that for a small business like this. I just have to work steady longer hours really to make it pay. We don't and can't ask for premium prices like the big labels which makes it harder for the small hand made bat makers as they dominate the market by massive endorsements and mass manufacturing. We are trying to pick up what we can by providing quality products and service and try and support british manufacturing as well. Its a shame we can't get everything made over here softs clothes the lot at reasonable prices. Such is life but we will get there if more people can support this ideal.

There enters the expansion problem. Maybe an equity investor could solve that.....At some point.....

[IWTUK]

Really admire the honesty, its a breathe of fresh air, and probably in my opinion a major factor as to why your bats have taken off so well and you have the great reputation.

Like you said you are telling people they don't need to buy the top end bats to get the best bats, so not really doing your sales any favours, but at the same time, your honesty will I'm sure, persuade people into buying your bats, and returning over and over again in the future.

Cant wait to get my hands on mine

I echo this sentiment completely. To see and hear such honesty is so refreshing, and I have to believe that this attitude (along with fantastic products), is a major reason Paul's bats are taking off in popularity; I have yet to read or hear a bad thing about any of them. For what it's worth, I intend to get my hands on one of these beauties in the near future. Customer service  like this is priceless.

[horseman]

Honesty and great  service will always get you customers paul. A refreshing approach and a bit of banter works wonders. Its pieces like this on the forum that get people thinking and moving their  'allegiances'. The performance of the bats will then get you repeat custom. Great effort.

[Giraffe208]

Thanks for the video Paul, enjoyed watching it. In addition the profile and finishing on those 2 bats looks class!

[SOULMAN1012]

Very good video Paul. Also very true what you say about performance vs grade. I can only speak for what I have learned through Andrew Kember and that is that there are some amazing bats performance wise lower down the grade ladder. That is what we will always ask the customer is what level do you play and what do you want from your bat. Some want instant performance and amazing grains and know and are prepared to pay top price for it. Others want price as the main issue but either way we offer the best performance we can through pressing.

The other point that I know is true of your bats is that the finish is of the same quality on a G3 as a G1 and that is certainly not the same though the industry. Well done mate and really think Aldred will be a rising brand in the coming seasons.

[Ams4287]

Paul just to echo some of the earlier comments, I tip my hat to you a great refreshing piece! Your certainly earning more fans by the day with your work!

[Aldred Cricket Bats]

Paul, 

Not sure if you ever came across them,  but remember the boot made by the guy in Leicester,  Paul Taylor used them a lot.  I would love a pair of them now,  if I could sink a few grand and buy that business I'd do it in a heart beat!

Can't remember those what were they like

[Cricketmad1973]

I'm a new forum member and I was interested in the topic of butterfly willow. Over the last few years I've had a few butterfly willow bats and all of them have always been belters. Normally pressed really well and really fly and given the price of willow at the moment a butterfly wins every time for me. As the 2014 season is a few months away would a long blade butterfly be something you would make?

[cricketbadger]

There enters the expansion problem. Maybe an equity investor could solve that.....At some point.....

If you find an investor, I'll be your trainee as you expand

[Number 11]

Great video Paul, honest and wise words.

As for an apprentice, they should be paying you!!! They would be buying your knowledge and techniques and will eventually start their own company in competition to you. Why be paying someone who will eventually be taking away your living.

[smilley792]

Number 11 makes a good point.


I'd happily pay to spend a week, or a day a week for a month or so with you being taught the trade.

[Bats_Entertainment]

Andrew Kember...there are some amazing bats performance wise lower down the grade ladder.

Andrew Kember definitely said in one of the cricket mags that good looking bats tended to perform better.