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[sgcricket]

Kudos to you, Chris and Paul for taking a stand. Good to see that you have a clear vision of what you want to be and are doing the things that fits in with that.

[lazza32]

chris what ever happened to affinity? and for that matter ST cricket

[Parkman]

I think it's a good stand from both a moral & potentially a business point of view. For a business to thrive it needs to have a USP, to be a 'point of difference'. Particularly with the bigger brands as they are so readily available it will be a crowded market. Every other cricket shop will stock GM, not every other shop will stock Blank Bats or H4L.

[grunter]

Sad to hear about Spartan as well - they seem to have major supply issues with their softs. Their mid-range stuff is pretty average at best, but their "limited edition" ranges are as good as any of the top kits going around.

With regard to New Balance, I don't feel that their bats stand out: there are only two options, and it's more about the branding than anything else with them. I just don't feel as if they take their cricket bats seriously enough.

[liscon12]

Sad to hear about Spartan as well - they seem to have major supply issues with their softs. Their mid-range stuff is pretty average at best, but their "limited edition" ranges are as good as any of the top kits going around.

With regard to New Balance, I don't feel that their bats stand out: there are only two options, and it's more about the branding than anything else with them. I just don't feel as if they take their cricket bats seriously enough.

Yup New Balance have sprang onto the scene and obviously feel they can muscle there way in to make a few bucks which they seem to be achieving after signing the worlds top players, if they get supply chains working correctly I can them selling loads of gear. I think overall your here to help and make sure each customer that walks into your store and shops online gets the best quality gear possible which I applaud.

[Stuey]

I think it's a good stand from both a moral & potentially a business point of view. For a business to thrive it needs to have a USP, to be a 'point of difference'. Particularly with the bigger brands as they are so readily available it will be a crowded market. Every other cricket shop will stock GM, not every other shop will stock Blank Bats or H4L.

just my opinion, but I think its a strange stance. Where are the morals, were IJC ripping customers off before this stance or offering 2nd rate goods?  Ive not bought from IJC but plenty of members seem to have and had no issues, so I assume not. And not stocking 2 major brands for a custom base which i assume is wider than this forum and probably less nerdy/knowledgeable about bats seems a bad business call, id compare it to a an independent garage not stocking ford because of a 'morale' stance.
But its IJC's business and they can do what they want, just strikes me as strange business plan to advertise.

[smilley792]

Personally I'd use that garage that refuses to stock ford...........




In a world were something, anything even so small can make you stand out from the crowd. I applaud ijc for there decision and choice. With there loyal customer base, and word of mouth this isn't going to turn customers away!
Infact if anyone spends a fortune on a dud, the promise of fully hand picking bats to ensure all are good can help you pick up a few new customers.!

I hope it works out for you boys.


As for GM, well I'd reckon every other cricket shop in Britain stocks them, so I'm sure it won't really harm either party that they can't come up with an agreement that works for both.

[RoCo Da Pixie]

I personally think it is a good move. I would prefer to purchase a bat that has been fully vetted by a source I trust. My last 2 bats have come from IJC and they have both been very good bats. One Salix ( Perhaps I was one of a limited number that purchased one from IJC) and a Newbery Kudos.

I am sure when I need a new bat I will give the lads at IJC a shout.

[TangoWhiskey]

I'm on my way over tonight, looking forward to a peruse!

[Stuey]

Personally I'd use that garage that refuses to stock ford...........

On what grounds, are fords made by poorly paid 7 year olds working 18 hours days, are they funded by illegal means, do they make overpriced 2nd rate products? Why would you use another garage to buy a car just because one stocks fords?
But back to the main subject, I'm just not getting IJC's USP is, are they stocking only bespoke handmade bats...appears not, are they stocking only bats made by the name on the bats....don't thinks so, from what I've read there USP is they are stocking a lesser branded range than competitiors.
I'm not saying this is right or wrong, it's their business plan, just everyone's claiming a USP, I just don't get what it is.

[smilley792]

Having owned a few fords, they suck. But it was more in jest. Thanks for the rant.

[Stuey]

Having owned a few fords, they suck. But it was more in jest. Thanks for the rant.

My pleasure 

[ItsJustCricket]

On what grounds, are fords made by poorly paid 7 year olds working 18 hours days, are they funded by illegal means, do they make overpriced 2nd rate products? Why would you use another garage to buy a car just because one stocks fords?
But back to the main subject, I'm just not getting IJC's USP is, are they stocking only bespoke handmade bats...appears not, are they stocking only bats made by the name on the bats....don't thinks so, from what I've read there USP is they are stocking a lesser branded range than competitiors.
I'm not saying this is right or wrong, it's their business plan, just everyone's claiming a USP, I just don't get what it is.

The term "USP" is being used a lot here.  Whilst this is obviously a consideration for us - especially in terms of the handpicking - we are more interested in promoting our philosophy and explaining the method to (what some people think is) our madness.

It really boils down to the fact that I got into this industry because I wanted to enjoy every working day.  I still feel the same.  I don't think this enjoyment would be the same if I am trying to sell bats that I don't necessarily like, which I haven't chosen myself, and push brands just because they are "flavour of the month" and may therefore make us a bob or two.  I know some are wondering why we bothered with the likes of PiriPiri, Mars, CP etc. in the first place - we had our reasons at the time and even personal connections with those brands, which made them difficult to ignore - but every business must evolve and we now feel it is time to take a stand in what we really believe in, which is supporting the more genuine brands and bat makers.

Paul

[Stuey]

The term "USP" is being used a lot here.  Whilst this is obviously a consideration for us - especially in terms of the handpicking - we are more interested in promoting our philosophy and explaining the method to (what some people think is) our madness.

TBF Paul, I don't think it was you who was using USP, your business model is your own and power to you. 

[WalkingWicket37]

Having owned a few fords, they suck. But it was more in jest. Thanks for the rant.

I personally love Ford, I think they make very good cars that are reliable and offer good value for money.
Was I after a hot hatch would I buy one - no
Was I after a performance car - no

Does my MK6 Fiesta fit a cricket bag in the boot and get me from A to B - yes
Is it a practical daily driver that was good value for money - yes

It's all relative really, be it cars or bats. One man's junk is another man's treasure and all 

Finally, do I wish I'd kept my old T Reg car and spent the money on cricket kit instead - certainly!