I'm with NCP, "newfangled" is just a fun word and it get's my vote.
That, and I need an excuse to get a Cuben tarp. I'm tired of being left out of the loop.
Not Interested
standard silnylon tarp designs.
custom tarp designs.
ultralight tarps with newfangled fabrics.
I'm with NCP, "newfangled" is just a fun word and it get's my vote.
That, and I need an excuse to get a Cuben tarp. I'm tired of being left out of the loop.
Trust nobody!
you know...i'v talked about opening up a gear shop as well...one thing that stops me from doing so is not have an Original product to offer....
i'm all about new options for gear...but if your tarp is alot like sclittlefield
i wouldn't call that an original product...sounds to me more like clone
don't get me wrong i clone gear myself...but not to sell
if you really look at alot of the tarps out there...all of them have something that sets them apart from the rest ...
It puts the Underquilt on it's hammock ... It does this whenever it gets cold
The cuben tarps I sawee at the RRG hang looked really nice.
Ask the small vendors here how much fun it is to run a niche gear shop. Heck, I can't even get Brandon to go goof-off because he's busy 24/7. If there was a bundle of money in it, maybe. But, I don't think any of these guys are getting rich and they surely don't have as much time to hike/paddle/whatever as I bet they wished they did. I'd rather contribute to their benefit and hike more.
Trust nobody!
I would love to trade my money for another member's tarp, but the problem lies in my lack of money! I can't even get a job at wal-mart scrubbing toilets, or at mcdonalds at the drive-thru. Or on an assembly line, or as a dishwasher, or road worker, or carpenter, yardwork, quality control, janitor, census worker, mail delivery, you name it! I was going to open up a bike shop in my town, but some old guy beat me to it. I would like to open up an outdoor gear shop with a section set aside for my own gear, but I need to start somewhere in order to get there. I think my ability to quickly solve design issues and a focus on ease of use will serve me well, though. Just since starting this thread, I have created a rough draft for a quilt I could make... I dunno, I try to be optimistic, and creating and testing camping gear is something I already do for fun (stoves and cook sets), so why not pay the bills with it?
Not trying to discourage you, or anybody. My girlfriend and I thought about it long and hard for about a year. Thankfully, mercifully, Paul at AHE beat us to it. We were about to go ahead and push the button when Paul made his announcement. Since the business models were very similar, we decided against it. In hindsight, I think my girlfriend and I are very happy about the way it worked-out. It really is a lot of work and customers, in general and worldwide, are a finicky lot. Plus, the time constraints just to top it off.
I think it's a marvelous idea to put your talent to work for you and folks love quality work regardless of any label. Just don't believe the illusion because it's a lot of work for not much in return. Of course, anything done for love is worth everything in and of itself. It just better be true love.
The more options, the more better!
Trust nobody!
Appreciate that very much Knotty, and others.
To clarify - I am not currently able to build tarps, but Backwoods Daydreamer Gear is certainly not done (I've done lots of R&D during this time, and have some exciting new things to share in the future). I do apologize for the long delay - believe me, it's been as frustrating for me as it has for you. I've stopped giving ETA's, because I've had a couple things fall through that would have had me up and running by now, so I want to wait until I'm already going before announcing again.
I also appreciate that Tyler.
Maneuvering the "don't copy someone's work" line is a difficult line to walk properly. Let's be honest, for basic tarps, they're all going to be more or less the same. Same with stuff sacks. Pack Covers. Pack liners. Sleeping bags... Even Hammocks - how many "ENO" style hammock companies are out there? There are certain basic design issues that have to be similar for them to function.
Now, don't misunderstand. We all have a unique approach to gear, and will have unique items that shouldn't be copied for marketing, both out of respect and integrity. And there is a lot of room for innovation on all those products I mentioned. I look forward to seeing what you have in mind Tyler.
Grizzbeaks and WB Doors are competition for the Winter Dream's function - but not it's design or style. That's a distinction I would make, what's unique on the WD is that the outside edges are longer than the ridgeline. The "patent pending" wording would be a bit different than that, but it gives the general idea.
I especially look forward to your idea of giving smaller tarps better function. I think you'll hit a good market there.
Feel free to toss me an email anytime to talk shop if you have any questions ([email protected]). I'd be glad to give any advice I can. Welcome to the club.
And as for Cuben - don't forget Mountainfitter. He's a member here and is making Cuben tarps currently.
Be well all - and go enjoy the woods!
- Scott
DIY Gear Supply - Your source for DIY outdoor gear.
I say if you have the talent and the ability go for it. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I would advise going slow at first and test the waters if you will. By that I mean make a representative example of each of your offerings. Post pictures of them on the forum to get some feedback. Then assuming you get favorable feedback offer them for sale. Perhaps just on or two at a time. I would echo what others have already said about creating your own designs. For the most part we are about talking cottage industries here. So there is in all likely hood no patent infringement issues. But for the sake of good ole common courtesy. Try not to copy or clone someone else's existing product. With the current offerings out there it would be pretty tough to design a tarp that does not resemble somebody else's. Your uniqueness could be something as simple as ridge line attachment locations, number / locations of tie outs, sewn on side tie outs, door attachment methods, possibly a light weight clear plastic or mylar side window or other such ideas as these. Get busy, get creative and get to thread injecting. As far a pricing goes that is a very tough subject. You need to consider your material costs, your labor and set what you consider to be a fair price. People are willing to pay for quality, but the price needs to be completive with what is already on the market. Reputation is everything and it takes a while to build a reputation. A quality product with good customer service and communications. Go a long way towards building that reputation. Good Luck!
Last edited by Poppabear; 06-15-2010 at 15:38. Reason: I was a little slow typing Scot already cover the unique products and patent issues.
Thanks for the support! What you outlined in your post basically mirrors my 'business plan.' Make a few samples, take pics and videos, post on various forums for feedback, and go from there. I would love to have at least a few for sale by Fall this year, even if just to pay for missed work to go on some extended trips!
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