Post #71184 by SugarCaddyDaddy on Tue, Jan 20, 2004 11:32 AM

Gustw~

First, welcome to Tiki Central.

A bit of information that you may not have known (unless you were a long-time reader of this site), is that in the past TC has been hit with LOTS of individuals that come on to sell their tiki-related items. Most of the time these past seller/posters that came on the board just end up fading away (no pun intended).

Looking at your hat, I would say that the quality of the stitching really does look like it is made very well, with lots of detail and tight stitching. The message on the hat, though, may not be as well accepted as you would like it to be. Why? Well, first, most of members on this board would probably like to associate "tiki" in a more positive light rather than to wear or buy something that says "Tiki Trash" (even though you said it was an homage to Shag). Second, there has been talk on this board as to whether people like or dislike smoking, with opposition to it from people that have lost loved ones or are currently caring for loved ones with failing health as a result from smoking. This is a whole other discussion, but my point is that even if someone did like Tiki, they may not like wearing something with a cigarette on it. (I myself am an occasional cigar smoker). Third, there may be some people that are not fans of mesh hats, thanks to Ashton Kutcher.

I can understand and appreciate your wanting to sell your hats and make a whole load-o-cash. Who wouldn't? Unfortunately, TC may not end up being a cash cow for these hats. I also took a look at the past history of the sales of your Tiki Trash hats on ebay. Since December 14th to present, out of 13 hats being sold, only 1 sold for $8.99. The counter, where it shows how many people viewed your hat, was as high as 186 people. To date, that viewership has declined.

My point? Well, there may not be as many people that share (or understand) your view as this being a "trashy homage" to Shag. Maybe try redesigning a new image that would appeal to the majority, rather than the minority. After all, you have the resources (monogram tools, machines and hats), try something different and see what happens.

You said that you are not out to make a buck off of trends. Ok, but you are in business to make a buck, right? Well, since there are quite a few cocktail drinkers here online, how about a cool bar-cloth with a cool tiki design? Just a thought. This, of course, is my personal insight to this. I'm not much of a marketing expert. :wink:

I do hope that if you are a tiki enthusiast that you will stick around, either as an active member or lurker, and wish you the best of luck with future designs and sales.

SugarCaddyDaddy