Had a good bit of constructive criticism - exactly what I'm after.
Overall it does lack that spark that gets peoples attentions, working with Ratso (Colin) to sort it out.
Also trying to get a buyers group together for the buffalo jackets etc so If anyone would like to buy a few send me a msg.
If there is anyone doing the 30 miler for charity and who needs boots etc I'll knock another good bit off them for you. Thinking of doing it as well now but not sure as I really should have done it properly by now. Still, nice to get a test run.
Have you thought about offering online purchasing. There are some 3rd party companies out there who will setup and administer this for you (for a fee).
I mention it because a ot of the companies are now starting to offer this as a matter of course.
Online purchasing is something we need to get.
At the moment banks are trying to shaft us with merchant fees to take visa etc. Thats why the network we are working in is so vital. Even paypal want 3.4% + 30p +£1 everytime I withdraw cash from that account. It might not sound a lot but its money lost for no gain for the customer or me. On top of that I'd have secure hosting costs and design costs.
Colin's magical network ( just a working title that) will hopefully offer similar at far lower rates.
Not 100% sure about the network idea though, raises the business size but also the costs very quickly. If we can get it working with more people on board it will be a success though. Struggle to find time as it is!
gash-hand wrote:Have you thought about offering online purchasing. There are some 3rd party companies out there who will setup and administer this for you (for a fee).
I mention it because a ot of the companies are now starting to offer this as a matter of course.
We hope to have lot less range but a lot lower prices.Won't be selling gas masks. Not cashing in on the hysteria/fetish market!
Do FPGRM (lets just call it Commachio group as it should be known) and/or 45 Cdo have a kit shop? Heard there were very few places for these lads to get their own kit.
I sent 25 emails to hillwalking clubs yesterday, guess how many replies I've had?
1. And they wanted a civvy buffalo jacket that I dont' have an agreement for yet! Never mind, hopefully ordering buffalo kit tomorrow.
What kit do I really really have to stock? Any serving bootnecks who could tell me exactly what they all want? (kit wise only please I can't supply kylie)
Particularly what boots are the best to replace the rather crap assault boots.
Trying to get Pro-boots ( gore-tex and the leather version which is similar to magnum but with better sole), Not hi-tecs, Matterhorns (new and ultra cheap surplus).
The best boot I ever had were made in the US by Danner. There is a lot of great equipment on the market and it is about time we saw firms willing to pass it to the lads to test. With the corps being a great test bed you would think more would do it.
It is also true that most camps have no provission for additional kit and this should be looked into, BY US THAT IS.
Anyone know how good the Poole shop is?
This is a great project with scope to expand very rapidly. I have passed on a number of ideas and will be setting a thread off soon with two of them. If you are in this line or fancy getting into it (not in Jock land) then this could be a very good opportunity for a few people to network.
Falklands Veterans Foundation
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
Kev, a few of the lads had Matterhorns and Danners (I had a pair of Lundhags which were indestructible) when I was in but I think that pro-boots are general issue now so there's less need to get your own (not that they're necessarily as good as those above just that they're decent boots).
Buffalo's as you know were in demand and also those helly hensen fleece jackets that you put your thumbs through a hole in the sleeve (sorry for the technical description) - I could do with a new one. Mandatory kit though was a pair of berghaus goretex yeti gaiters (unless you were too tight like me and just tightened the straps on the issue snow gaiters). Waterproof bergan liners were popular - unless you were (or knew) a VM who could get thick rubbery bags for waterproofing engines (or something like that). Decent meraklon gloves were a winner in Norway. Karrimor Sport Boots for off-duty and a few lads I knew bought Scarpa Attack boots and died them black - perfect with yeti gaiters. If you can get old of the old-style pussers thermals - white waffly sort of material - I would pay top dollar. Pussers green thermals are arse so this could be an opportunity. I tried a few sorts but the old white ones were by far the best.
Got surplus matterhorns arriving soon - top quality boots.
Danner are immense but really dear and not sure I'd be able to get a discount for the lads. I don't want to sell them kit at expensive prices when something half the price is virtually perfect!
Pro-Boots are only standard issue in the balkans I think mate, apart from that we get the really rather shit assault boot. Made by the same company but the "pro-boot" range are far superior, standard assault ones are made to a set cost sadly. Couple of extra quid per pair and the MoD could have given the lads fantastic boots.
Buffalo jackets/snug pak are immense, I'll be getting them in.
Not sure of the HH fleeces you are after though, I was thinking of the lightweight tops with stripes down the sleeves - Lifa shirt I think its called.
The bergen liners are ortileb dry bags - seraching for source as I write this! I have one and I know its essential.
"meraklon gloves " not sure of them mate, are they thermal and/or waterproof? Best ones I've seen are the sealskinz ones but they ain't thermal.
The new giant mittens (yes you get mittens issued) are pretty good apparently.
Berghaus yeti gaiters may or may not be issue! I go them issued in 2000 along with windproofs etc at RMR. Second time I got issue they were not included - any serving regulars who can solve this?
I'll have a look for those white thermals - I have lined up a far superior replacement to the norgie shirt - one that keeps its thermal properties even when wet!
Hoping to get far better desert boots - either danner or the 'pro-boot' version. Will sell at cost+ minor overheads to any of the lads en route to middle east at the mo - and tax free as well as they are overseas. Can I send them BFPO?
Looking to earn a decent bit of money while at uni and completing RMR while supplying bootnecks with the kit they want at minimum price. Not out to maximise profit.
