View Poll Results: Would you like to see Molly Mac Gear DIY Kits?

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  • Yes! I'd like that.

    12 44.44%
  • No... I prefer to make my own all the way

    1 3.70%
  • Maybe... depends on the price

    14 51.85%
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  1. #1
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    Molly Mac Gear DIY Kits

    What do you think about DIY Kits for the Gear Box, Hammock Sock or Baby Orca?
    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  2. #2
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    Toss in the Molly Mac Pack, too

  3. #3
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    We used to make kits for items we made commercially. It was a royal PITA. The cutting was bad enough but the assembly directions were the real problems. No matter how carefully we worded and diagrammed the process it was never good enough for some folks, particularly the "why are we paying _so_ much for a few pieces of fabric" crowd. "This is supposed to be a real money saver and it is just too hard to do!" Boo Hoo...... I'm not saying don't do it. But I am saying consider the cost both in terms of monetary expense and peace of mind. The talented DIY folks are not the problem. It's the cheapo, untalented hacks who can't tie their own shoes. If there was a way of keeping them from buying it would be one thing. But there isn't. They will always find a way.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

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  4. #4
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    Ramblin,
    I feel your pain. It is a darn shame.
    I sure hope you would consider doing it on a selective basis.
    Have you tried a pre-purchase instruction sheet that specifies twice(or more) the normal hours required to complete the project "Assuming the buyer is experienced at sewing these types of materials...."
    That might just scare off the whiners and excite those who enjoy a challenge.
    Regards,
    Paul
    Paul or Sarge or Hawk; anything but Sue!

    Bless all of those who go voluntarily into Harm's Way on our behalf, whether they wear Blue, Red or Camo, and all of those who wait for them each night not knowing if.....

  5. #5
    Senior Member WV's Avatar
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    As a graduate of the "Frostline Kit school of gear making", I wish there was a market for hammock gear kits, but I suspect Ramblinrev's assessment is correct. Still, maybe it's not such a problem on a smaller scale operation that sells to cognoscenti, such as us. Ayce is still selling kits on Thru-Hiker.

  6. #6
    Senior Member nuttysquirrel's Avatar
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    i think it would be great for noobs. no guessing what matireals to use, no wondering about desing, just sew! thats if the pieces are precut anyway.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Offering a pattern might be a way around the whiners. Patterns provide fabric options (for those who want a different color pattern, weight) while stepping up the knowledge level of the buyer. Saves you the cutting. Places more emphasis on the skill of the maker. The instructions issue is not eliminated. But somewhat remedied.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

  8. #8
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    Ray Jardine seems to be doing quite well in this niche, and has been for quite some time. Emulate what he's doing vis a vis instructions, etc. and you should do OK.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ramblinrev View Post
    Offering a pattern might be a way around the whiners. Patterns provide fabric options (for those who want a different color pattern, weight) while stepping up the knowledge level of the buyer. Saves you the cutting. Places more emphasis on the skill of the maker. The instructions issue is not eliminated. But somewhat remedied.
    +1 - I think this is the way to go, it eliminates all the 'but I want it in this color'.

    If the skill level is sufficient on the part of the purchaser then they can also do whatever alterations they like.

    If you go this route, do beta testing with people of different skill levels.

  10. #10
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    I think kits are a lot of work, to prepair, and writing instructions is a challenge. People interpert instructions differently. Plus other folks that only read the directions after they have made a error. Then the error is blamed on the kit or directions.


    I wish you the best of luck if you decide to move forward with the project.

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