I have been spoiled I tell ya'!

No reason to get personal over non-personalized posts, BadDad. It's all just observation, facts, and opinions. We can all agree, or agree to disagree without emotion and upset.

Anyway, I like samples and free stuff as much as the next guy, it just isn't my deciding factor when buying a product (unless free bonuses are substantial). I mainly care about vendors providing the best product, at the best price, while providing the best customer service, without constantly being out of stock. This is how I feel "spoiled".

No amount of hand written notes makes up for losing track of inventory, or gouging on price, imho.

Hmm...the only thing personal that I mentioned was indicating that my post was not specifically directed towards Bruce.

Not sure how that is getting personal...

Glad to hear you're not personally singleing out my posts or character upthread, BadDad. Now we can get back on topic.

Glad to hear you're not personally singleing out my posts or character upthread, BadDad. Now we can get back on topic.  

I'm doing my level best to ignore you altogether...

And I never left the topic.

I hardly think it childish or immature and yes, it does work to establish a connection. This thread was a somewhat tongue and cheek juxtaposition of vendors who do add a personal touch and those that don't- giving those that do a nod of appreciation as it is in fact an extra effort.

As to whether the connection is false or not, if I get recommendations from a vendor on hotspots for the Amalfi coast to hit on an upcoming trip or general questions on how the new house build is coming it does seem to indicate some degree of interest beyond commerce. At the end of the day doesn't really impact the order but it's just pleasant- some of these artisans/vendors I've been ordering from for years.

Beyond that, I still enjoy a simple "Thanks!" and all things being equal, as mentioned [price, availability, etc.] I'll throw the business to those that make an incremental effort. Even more to those that go out of their way to support the community as a whole!

Regardless, it's a great time to be in wetshaving as there are so many choices to source product everybody can find their favorite vendor, from Amazon to Artisan.

Kevin, what are the hot spots on the Amalfi Coast? I want to deal with that vendor - I've got some great hot spots for a trip to Iceland from my gunsmith but that doesn't sound like quite the same thing
Marko

Hey Marko ,Ischia, Pizzeria Michele [Naples], Positano and Ravello. We are doing a walking tour for my wife's birthday later in the year and got some inside tips for the coast from somebody who victimizes me via marketing vehicles and took the time to shoot over a comprehensive note, with links all so I would hopefully spend a few hundred dollars this year

Also, just a quick pointer as I saw some additional posts and, although this thread was heading back and forth as others recently, wanted to comment briefly:

1. As mentioned, this is not a Shaming thread. To Shame, you normally have to Name. No names were shared until the artisan was erroneously named. At that point I stated the actual vendor, mainly as they are not active here.  No upside, particularly as I get free OneBlades with every order placed with every merchant since their release. Except for the last. Can you believe it? [humor]

2. I am a mod but also a community member and entitled to a point of view. As we don't have any merchant fees not sure how much leverage I would have on any merchants other than as a wetshaver who has used a lot of things, purchased from a lot of vendors, over the last decade plus and controls where they spend their own money. Said numerous times, I have no expectations from vendors but those that differentiate beyond simple execution naturally get more of my business. Simple human nature and thank goodness or I'd be out of a job too.

So crazy how what was intended to be a fun thank you to the merchant and artisan community at DFS who I think are all exceptional, grew these legs and the discussion became who determines what is and is not childish, appropriate etc.

Now I am out!

BadDad

Despite the intention of this thread to keep it humorous as a joke, it will impact people.

As it stands, members have said that if they get a note they become fanboys, will stand up when anything negative is said about those vendors and will choose them to purchase over others.

Add to that, the thread was started by a wet shaving forum moderator, which will no doubt impact the thought process of other members and vendors who do not include samples and notes.  I can't see how it wouldn't.

In the end, it's just shaving. And whether you agree or disagree with the opposers of the thread, it is adding to the discussion.  Which in the end, is why forums exist.  It doesn't all have to be "RA RA RA", some disagreements are fine if handled and discussed properly.

I don't think any of my comments have crossed any lines and none have been personal attacks.

I don't think Kevin being a moderator will hold any extra sway with vendors or members regarding thank you notes or samples. I've been a repeat customer of places who don't add a hand written note. I've also chuckled reading a note from Catie's Bubbles which are always signed "Mrs. Bubbles". Either works for me, but I still remember the Catie's Bubbles note.

On a side note, I did order my first tubs of Stirlings not long ago, and I got two nice sized samples of the bath soap and I will be ordering some bars so I can attest this does work. The samples just need to be a usuable size for me any way, not just a way to sample a scent but to actually use the product.

I don't think Kevin being a moderator will hold any extra sway with vendors or members regarding thank you notes or samples.

You are free to believe that.

I'm fine with him posting as he is a contributing member to the site and enjoyed reading his perspective and the comments that followed.

But I stand by my comments. I may be the only one who sees it that way, but I can't change how I feel. And since there is no way to measure it, I guess we'll never know.

So the general idea is moderators cannot express their own opinions? It's already a pretty thankless job (unpaid at that); to not be able to participate in our forums is asking a bit much.

If Kevin's post means some vendor decides to write "Thank you" on an invoice because of it, I still don't see a problem.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

wingdo

You came in late, Kevin had addressed the concerns, we even talked via PM and are all good. There had been plenty of discussion after my post, I was done but you quoted me...or I'd have been done too (as I told Kevin via PM).

It is MY opinion, nothing more, nothing less. I was just expressing my thoughts and opinions to add to the discussion.

Again, I stand by my posts and don't think I crossed any lines, broke any rules or personally attacked anyone?

As Kevin also said I'm done too....but if someone wants to challenge my comments, quotes me or asks me something, I will reply again if I feel necessary.

Did someone say shame? I will supply the Shame Nun. Then we can escort them through town.

[Image: l41lP9PkGs7yhg9s4.gif]


In all actuality;
I do remember those that hand write me notes, to include Mrs. Bubbles (always with a smiley face Will, and sometimes Maggards.
Do I expect it? No.
Does it personalize the sale? Yes.
Is it more personal that a drop-shipment, no-reply, no return, gotch-ya sales like Shaveabuck? Oh hell yea.


But something I have always wondered. And this is a shameLESS question. Where is the specific line that delineates fanboy from favorite vendor/artisan of choice? Is it the number of times you mention them on a forum or is having a home-made avatar suffice? I'm looking for that red line mentioned in the UN meeting.