How to convert non-believers

The more people that wet shave the better it is for us.  Artesians see increased traffic, the Market has more available dollars, and in general it promotes and grows this hobby of ours we love so much. I have converted several people at work, friends outside of work, and I would say my success rate is about 80%.  8-11 in the last 12 months, let's call it 80 percent. 

I have failed miserably a time or two, but have found the best way to convert someone, make the first shave free.  Birthdays, a thank you for house sitting, Christmas, anytime a gift is appropriate. 

1.  We all have blades laying around, create a sample pack Cost- nothing 
2.  We all have razors that look new that we have used and may not use much anymore, clean and sanitize them, put them in a nice box.  Cost-nothing 
3.  A good soap pick your poison, I for one always buy a new tub of something that generally everyone likes, that I like, and several reviewed and given high marks. cost- 10-15.00 
4.  Brush.  Any of the omega entry brushes 7-12.00 
5.  Aftershave nothing fancy here, I usually use Aqua Velva or old spice cost-6-8


So out of pocket with a gift that contains a ton of "stuff" and looks manly on the high end I pay 32-40 dollars.    That's a heck of a good looking gift, and as much as I would spend on another gift, and we as a community generally gain a convert.

I will say that I have won my friend Rick to using a DE razor.

I gave him a 'communist ' razor. Maybe that term isn't used any more.

And I gave him two blades. I didn't believe he would even try them , since it takes 20 shaves or so to get good at shaving with a DE razor.

And I gave him some Aqua Velva AS.

Now I intend to give him an old boar brush. I'll give him more blades if he keeps using a DE razor.

He doesn't love DE shaving. The only thing he likes is getting free stuff. I'll see what happens.

Completely agree. I have gifted starter sets 5-6 times over the years.

Sent one out last month to a friend:
EJ Kelvin razor
Proraso Green Soap
Astra SP blades
Semogue 1305 brush

I have a "Quick Start" guide that I generated a while back that includes basics of inserting blade, generating lather, beard reduction, etc. that I print and include for their reference then typically email a link to Mantic vids.

Consistently across the board, everyone I have gifted a set is now a traditional shaver and loves it!

Step back non-believers or the rain will never come
Someone start that fire burning, somebody beat the drum
He said some may think I'm crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before this day is over you folks are gonna see some rain.

Gifting really does seal the deal. I shave at the gym if I am feeling like creating a convo with some noobs. This has worked famously and need not only be done at the gym! Anyone have any other strategies?

What a great thread.... I have been shaving about a year now. Between Christmas, birthdays and just gifting starter sets to friends I think I have 10 to 12 friends who have taken up one form or another of wet shaving.

As a way to help folks learn how to shave I put together a simple blog with some links to videos for new wet shavers. http://Toddonshaving.blogspot.com are always include this in my card or information to them. It's an easy way for newcomers to learn. It's how I did/ still do!

Just this past weekend I bought some vintage razors at an antique store. The gentleman at the cash register was asking me about shaving. I told him about my experience / obsession. and then gave him a link to the blog. You never know.

Would love to hear what others have done as well.

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Completely agree. I have gifted starter sets 5-6 times over the years.

Sent one out last month to a friend:
EJ Kelvin razor
Proraso Green Soap
Astra SP blades
Semogue 1305 brush

I have a "Quick Start" guide that I generated a while back that includes basics of inserting blade, generating lather, beard reduction, etc. that I print and include for their reference then typically email a link to Mantic vids.

Consistently across the board, everyone I have gifted a set is now a traditional shaver and loves it!

Would love to see your quick start Guide

Ryan Steven Green and I created this commercial to aid in converting folks too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK3yZ32JbKo
we have had a very positive response! keep this thread going I'm curious of other strategies!
D

Ryan Steven Green and I created this commercial to aid in converting folks too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK3yZ32JbKo
we have had a very positive response! keep this thread going I'm curious of other strategies!
D

Wow. Add another positive response to this commercial.  Good stuff!  
Planning to shoot any more of them? 


Ethan

Ryan Steven Green and I created this commercial to aid in converting folks too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK3yZ32JbKo
we have had a very positive response! keep this thread going I'm curious of other strategies!
D

Wow. Add another positive response to this commercial.  Good stuff!  
Planning to shoot any more of them? 


Ethan

Thanks man! Ryan originally wanted to do a trilogy, so two more coming down the pike! However, he and his wife just had a baby soooooo...expect some delays.

I think the notion of "converting non-believers" might be mistaken. Most wetshavers converted themselves after discovering the traditional options and doing additional research. Perhaps a better approach would be that of information providers and educators rather than crusaders. That way, we avoid annoying people who don't want to hear about it and have no desire to change, but also provide new choices to those who are potentially receptive and interested.

How about a Damn Fine Shave pamphlet containing basic wetshaving information and instructions? I am not suggesting something like Leisurguy's treatise, but something limited to say 30 pages. Including a few illustrations would be nice, too. That would make it a quick and easy read, and increase the likelihood that it would be read from cover to cover. The content could be created by the members here, as dividing the workload would make it quick and easy to produce. Publishing the pamphlet on CreateSpace or similar would make printing them out in a convenient size a breeze. They could then be ordered and handed out as needed, educating and allowing interested parties to acquire the basic shaving skills and information. Vendors could also include a copy as an freebie or at nominal cost when they ship out orders. Any brick-and-mortar stores could do the same. Perhaps vendor-branded versions could also be done? Most of all, it would be helpful to those just learning to shave. IMHO, it would get a better response than telling someone to go look at a website or download and print a PDF file.

What do you all think, a useful idea or a waste of time?