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goings on at Warbonnet
i know this is a touchy subject and this thread isn't meant to spark a big discussion, i just wanted to post the details here so there isn't a bunch of confusion later.
a few months back one of my customers (who does alot of business in asia) offered to assist me in having a batch of stuff manufactuered over there. i decided it was worth trying. i had one batch of things made in china. i was there, on-site for a little over 3 weeks, to oversee the quality control and i am happy with the finished products.
i'm not currently planing on this being my permanent production solution. as of right now it was just a one time trial run and a good learning experience. i am currently considering a few different production options for a more permanent solution for the future.
so, the import items are marked with an (i) on the website.
those items are: silnylon edge, silnylon MJ (both with and without panel pulls) and the dl1.1 blackbird. The imported BB won't show up online till the old inventory filters through, but the tarps are on there now. fabric is slightly lighter weight so those tarp weights came down a few oz. color is similar to the current dark grey, except a few shades darker (both shades of grey are depicted in the tarp photos on my website).
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Brandon,
I think you deserve some positive credit for (a) exploring ways to reduce cost and wait time, and (b) being open and "transparent" about your process.
I'm personally not hung up on where things are made, but I'm a real stickler for quality and workmanship. All things being equal, I'd rather pay a US-based manufacturer for their product, but I don't spend a lot of time researching where things are sourced.
Thank you for sharing your efforts with us. I'll be happy so long as you can insure that whatever you sell is up to your usual high standard.
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Brandon,
I understand the competitive position you're in, but just so you know... I sure do like the work YOU do.
swampfox
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Nothing wrong with seeing what options are available Brandon, if it's good enough for the big names then why not.
There's a company over here called Alpkit who make some fantastic gear, they have most of their kit produced in Asia so they can keep their costs low but the quality and finish is still high end.
Hope it works out for you
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Brandon, It is a bitter sweet time in the evolution of a cottage industry. When demand outweighs the owners ability to produce his product fast enough or he just plain gets overwhelmed. I applaud your efforts and openness in trying to find relief for your supply problems. I have purchased from you in the past and the quality of your work and your reputation is second to none. You stated that the quality of the imported samples meets your quality standards and that is endorsement enough for me. With that thought in mind I just placed an order for a (i) Big Mamajamba with pulls. I have no doubt that this will be a welcome addition to hammock gear collection.
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I think in a perfect world we would love to see all products made here and know that we are supporting those companies, but it really is a global economy, and options have to be explored when they are presented to us. Really what I appreciate is the openess that you are displaying. So do what you have to do.:thumbup1:
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Brandon,
Business is business...........You make a great product and deserve the ability to meet your demand. If you were there to oversee the QC, then it is still your product quality made by smaller hands. Keep up the good work.
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the truth is that there are high quality products coming out of countries like china. you could always buy cheap junk in America when things were made in America. The key is that companies need to stay on top of the quality control aspect. Set a standard and never ever go below that standard.
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A bit torn, but having also sourced out of China I understand the economics.
I am glad my BB was hand made in the US. I hope this venture works out for you Brandon.
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Good on ya for the honesty...beats the snot out of damage control later. Also wonderful news that your business is prospering so.:thumbup:
That said I consider this a sad day (the beginning of the end for a mom & pop cottage business) while understanding the realities of your growing business. In my case, when presented with a reasonable choice, I will go to the cottage shop with North American made products. That's my honesty.
So then, since we love your work how about a few bucks more for a Brandon made custom?;)