2021-2022-Artisans that are New, Artisans that are Done

Actually, you got me there as I had made the assumption they were (no posts on 'new' purchased razors, collapse of collaboration with well regarded artisan soap maker, website appears not to have not changed in ages, though does show 2022 date).

Perhaps someone could confirm here either way, as they may simply be on furlough.

Yea, looks like they're done.

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https://damnfineshave.com/showthread.php...#pid432716

Looks like BEST ADVERTISING in the business if you ask me! 

Now, what he needs to do is get back in touch with the ceramics ppl he used on the last project (blue ceramic container) and upon his 2022 re-Grand Opening should offer cool ceramic CRSW containers!

I’m just bitter because I accidentally fell on mine and broke it along with my iColoniali container.  Posted BST ads for the longest time no one would sell me either

Maybe I'm wrong.
You're very optimistic. Bullgoose doesn't have them listed.

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CRSW only ever sold through their own website. Bullgoose would know bc CRSW was a vendor on their forum TSN, and I guess they stay in touch.
Not saying it's gonna happen or not, just giving the links.

I do like the Cold River Soap Works Glide soaps, but the formula has not been updated to keep up with competition.
They did come out with the Oliva formulas and Schapenmelk, but I do not know how popular those soaps may have been.
They rarely came out with any new scents.
They never made arrangements with stockists, so they only sold direct from their web site. That minimizes exposure.

They may be down temporarily, but the shaving soap business is so highly competitive that you have to have great products, great scents, great marketing, and great service. There was a time when CRSW was competitive, but I have not considered them that way in the past few years.

I do like the Cold River Soap Works Glide soaps, but the formula has not been updated to keep up with competition.
They did come out with the Oliva formulas and Schapenmelk, but I do not know how popular those soaps may have been.
They rarely came out with any new scents.
They never made arrangements with stockists, so they only sold direct from their web site. That minimizes exposure.

They may be down temporarily, but the shaving soap business is so highly competitive that you have to have great products, great scents, great marketing, and great service. There was a time when CRSW was competitive, but I have not considered them that way in the past few years.

I’m going to play devils advocate here. It is not necessary to update your formula to “stay competitive”.
Look at the freak out when Tabac updated their formula.
The other things you mentioned are important. Good service, marketing, and availability.


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Will add, not at ALL convinced there is value in having vendors for quality artisans unless:
* it solves an issue selling to a foreign market, particularly with cultural or regulatory barriers to entry - but price adjusted to be rev neutral
* it a destination mecca in a destination city; e.g., Pasteur's
* prestige retailer with reach far beyond hobbyists: e.g., Nordstroms or Sephora
* an unknown brand lacking quality reputation - of which literally dozens existent
* middling mass market brand

Sure, I get it akin to financing for artisans but comes at a significant cost that is multiples of simply establishing a bridge LOC

"Sure, I get it akin to financing for artisans but comes at a significant cost that is multiples of simply establishing a bridge LOC"

Not sure I follow you on this statement.


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I know of some artisans strapped for production funding that presell to vendors as a (n expensive) method of bridge financing. Surely, I am not alone in such knowledge?

I know of some artisans strapped for production funding that presell to vendors as a (n expensive) method of bridge financing. Surely, I am not alone in such knowledge?

I don't think it's just the sales, though. Vendors provide visibility. If I'm going to look through WCS or TRC and I see a lesser known soap, I might check it out. Unless someone specifically mentions the soap brand to me, I'm not at all likely to say, " hey, there's probably a new soap company called Master Soap Creations... I should look for their website". How would i know? It also allows folks to try a new brand or product, along with other brands in one purchase (shipping).

Absolutely it costs the vendor to sell wholesale to the store. They hope these things help them in the long-run... Not just extra low-profit sales.

I could be wrong. But this is how I see it.

That is the missed opportunity for the artisan resulting in surrendering 40-50% of the revenue as a tax for lack of effort/basic marketing skill or as an incredibly usurious short term finance COK

I know of some artisans strapped for production funding that presell to vendors as a (n expensive) method of bridge financing. Surely, I am not alone in such knowledge?

Now I get what you're saying. Sir Henry's does not operate this way.