by Frank "Retail Harlot" Turk
When we first put up the junk shop, there was a somewhat-noisy cry for the most-obviously missing item: flip-top lighters.Our e-tail partner (cafepress.com) has about 100 different items they can put your graphics on, but lighters ain't one of the items. Apparently they have some safety-fascist code of ethics that will not allow them to sell any products related to the tobacco industry. This makes me sad.
However, I have found a vendor who can source the lighters and customize them, but (and this will make you sad) they will retail at
So let the wondering about lighters cease; if I can get 50 people to say, "yes, I want one", and then get all 50 of them to pre-pay for the lighters, we can get some of these made.
Now back to your wrangling about theology.
UPDATED: A quick count of responses so far is that we can muster about 30 orders for the premium Zippo lighters, but that's a straw poll. If you are interested in the $30 Zippo, click this link and send the e-mail, and make sure you list the QTY you want in the message. I'm thinking I can collect the pre-payments via Paypal, but to do that I need the e-mails for the people who are going to pre-pay. The other great thing about Paypal is that if we don't get orders for 50, I can release all the prepayments without ever actually handling the cash.
Note that you will need a paypal account to pay. If that causes troubles, let's find that out now.
Note that you will need a paypal account to pay. If that causes troubles, let's find that out now.
18 comments:
For the invasively-curious, black is the only color available at the price of $10. We can get some metalic stuff, but those are the ones which turn out at $30 each after set-up and printing.
Call me cheap, but I would probably only do a $10 one. Okay, I will do a $10 one and might do a $30 one if you just had to have one more taker to cut the deal.
Steve: the cheap black lighters are cheap lighters, but the imprint is screen printed -- not engraved. Believe it or not, on the first 50 lighters the set-up cost is higher than the price of the blank lighter.
GrayDave: if I can get commitments from 50 people for the honest-to-Zippo metallic lighters, we'll go with a real Zippo in silver or bronze; it would be crazy-classy to get them engraved rather than screen printed. However, I have this feeling that even with our thousands of readers, we won't get 50 people who would part with $30 for a lighter they prolly won't ever use.
Coyote: between you and me, if we can get 50 takers, TeamPyro will each get a lighter for free. The vendor has a +/- 10% rule, so to get 50 lighters for 50 pre-paid customers, I'm going to have to order 60 lighters -- and even if they short us 10% we'll break even and have a momento of the blog for when the Muslims take us into the street and stone us for out intransigence.
Count me in for either the $10 or the $30...I will take two of whichever we decide, as my brother collects lighters. THis would be a great way to start a conversationw ith him about spiritual things and maybe light a fire of a different kind. Thanks guys!
I'm still waiting for the produce labels. I'm dying to have a true Pyromaniac Chiquita banana. What wonderful gifts those bananas would be!
Count me in for the $30 "Zippo version"... I want that thing bad!
PS: why yes, I am a hopeless blog groupie, why do you ask?
In Christ,
Eek
Cent-
Never been a fan of cheap, knock-off Zippos.
Put me down for three real ones.
Mensa Reject
Retail Harlot my foot! Frank, please keep this up...you really are fast becoming a sort of "Retail Mentor" for me. Seriously.
[...Well we're movin' on up (movin' on up!), to the East siiide (movin' on up!), to a deluxe apartment, in the skyyyyy....]
¡sbgtfa!
Frank:
A few items that I believe would move well for you.
1. Pyro-Matches. A nice book of matches with cedar stems go for about $2.00 a box. ( is a great brand on this). You could offer a sliding white box (1/2' by 3 1/2") with the Pyro logo on top. The cedar touch makes a nice experience for those who enjoy a pipe or nice cigar to the glory of God.
2. Pyro Humadors (25 and 50 count) would run for about $69.95 and $85.00 respectively (natural grain); and a pipe tobacco Humador jar (white) for around $10.50.
3. Pyro Golf Shirts These would be embraced by virtually any pastoral team. They would sell for about $50.00-$75.00. You would have the Pyro logo hand stiched on the pocket. Really nice.
4. Pyro Golf Tees An inexpensive item that would offer tremendous pass around value.
Steve
Frank:
One more item for the truly dedicated Pyromaniac. A stadium Jacket. This is a bit pricy, but man is it cool. $350.00 with leather sleaves and body inlay, great for Autumn and Spring sports season or light winter atire.
The Pyro logo would be stiched on the back in a large powerful vibrant color; pocket slogan on front with person's name hand stiched as well.
SWEET!!
Campi
Frankl: (sorry, last one).
Pryo briefcases/computer bag. Remember the Shepherds Conference briefcases a few years ago? You could offer the same thing for Pyro. Most of the guys attending SC would love this item. And you could offer a limited special edition in leather. Both would have the Pyro logo handstiched.
Pricing you would have to determine on this ($50.00 to $200.00 possibly).
Steve
Chah, chaah, chaaah...Chiinnng!
Bless You!
Juuust kidding!
¡sbgtfa!
I can't believe you guys. I'm gone for a day and you are hawking drug paraphernalia on my blog.
...On the other hand, that would be great for lighting the bar-b-que.
And for camping trips.
OK. Put me down for two of the real Zippos. I don't want any of that cheap knock-off junk.
"hawking drug paraphernalia"?
That one hurts, bro.
However, to see Campi come up with merchandising ideas ... whatever shame I suffered in publishing this post was worth it to see Campi admit that some things are just worth buying for the fun of it.
I wasn't being silly here... I think these have some real potential.
Only one thing: "remember me in the day of thy royality."
:-).
Steve
Phil said:
I can't believe you guys. I'm gone for a day and you are hawking drug paraphernalia on my blog.
Phil, you are lucky I wasn't enjoying a tall glass of goat's milk or cider'n-shine when I read that. Otherwise, you would have owed me a new keyboard.
Frank, I think I'd like one of the lighters. BTW, when are the Camp Pyro Humadors availiable? ;)
I like the lighter and the matches.
I intend to use mine camping.
I love the logo actually. I am wondering if it would be suitable for tattooing. What is the licensing fee for that, btw?
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