How to convert non-believers

I have converted 1 friend and 1 cousin so far, simply by showing them my results. Like me, they were both long time sufferers of severe razor burn, but when they saw my face free of burn, they asked how I did it. I told them how and now they're traditional shavers free of razor burn as well. Showing them the long term price difference (after initial investment in the basics) was icing on the cake.

I don't seek to proselytize about my shaving habits, but if I see someone else struggling to stop the bleed, I'll share with them what I've learned.

Justin

I've helped a few people who either saw my postings on social media, or whom I know in person. Making shaving soap helps - there's an obvious jumping off point. "How does that work, exactly?" That kind of thing. I also hooked up a friend of mine who's about 10 years older than I, and my father. So they're back to the way things were, and my friend, at least, has brought his wife along.

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?

Interesting and 15 years ago it may have been perfect but....I think people now need info in tiny chunks or bytes. That was the goal with http://itscalledwetshaving.com - Give the newbs short, basic How-To's in less than 2 minute vids....even 2 minutes might be too long. So I think your concept is great but the medium is wrong...that make sense?

A pamphlet is a great idea, but I would recommend it being as short and sweet as possible. Perhaps just a traditional tri-fold pamphlet.
As CaD314 stated, attention span is the biggest issue facing this. It's hard enough to convey in regular conversation, let alone expecting someone to read/view information on the subject.
I'm not in the market for converting folks just for the sake of converting though.
If someone asks me,  "How is this better than what I already do?"
I usually respond with something like: "If you're happy using what you're currently using, there's really no point in switching. If you're looking to (potentially ) save money or if you're prone to consistent irritation with your current shave setup, I would recommend looking into traditional wetshaving".
That's usually enough to determine a person's level of interest.

I don't know....to me, pamphlets for shaving sound very boring. I'd rather watch a video of someone shaving, or making lather, or loading their razor blade, etc.

if someone wants to put together a small series on the basics, I can easily add the videos on the DFS youtube channel.

Personally, I don't care if anyone I know converts to wet shaving.

If it comes up I'll talk about it, but in the end, it makes no difference to me if they want to use electrics or cartridges. I'd rather talk to people about music, movies, food, entertainment etc

Now if I was in the wet shaving business, that's another story.


All evidence has been buried. All tapes have been erased.

A pamphlet is a great idea, but I would recommend it being as short and sweet as possible. Perhaps just a traditional tri-fold pamphlet.
As CaD314 stated, attention span is the biggest issue facing this. It's hard enough to convey in regular conversation, let alone expecting someone to read/view information on the subject.
I'm not in the market for converting folks just for the sake of converting though.
If someone asks me,  "How is this better than what I already do?"
I usually respond with something like: "If you're happy using what you're currently using, there's really no point in switching. If you're looking to (potentially ) save money or if you're prone to consistent irritation with your current shave setup, I would recommend looking into traditional wetshaving".
That's usually enough to determine a person's level of interest.

I don't do it for the sake of converting but for the sake of conversation, observation. The best part is watching someone tumble down that rabbit hole....then there is the potential to future trades, lol.

I don't know....to me, pamphlets for shaving sound very boring.  I'd rather watch a video of someone shaving, or making lather, or loading their razor blade, etc.

if someone wants to put together a small series on the basics, I can easily add the videos on the DFS youtube channel.

I love the old school brochures and pamphlets Gillette used to include in their razors. I would get sucked in if it looked like those.

I don't discuss it as a regular thing and more often than not if it comes up somebody else brings it up in some fashion. Much as I don't discuss haircuts, trimming nails or other grooming essentials

When I gift things it is more from the novelty perspective but seems that it takes hold as most seem to enjoy it to some degree and feel they eventually get better shaves as a result.

As mentioned, I do have a quick start guide that I print and throw in the gift box but also do always provide links to vids as I think that is a great way to share knowledge (not my vids but Mantic, etc.). It is also how I started out...

Yeah, I can't recall anyone ever actually bringing it up in day to day conversations at all. As Bruce said if your in the wet shaving business that's one thing but I think most people have other things on their minds. These forums exist so we have a place to talk to the guys that do enjoy getting their shaves 'right', as for me, this isn't a hobby at all but more about getting great shaves and the hardware/software that gets us there.