Varlet is moving to Order Form

feel free to start your own forum if you don't like our incredibly minimalist rules.

One cannot (re)examine the rules of the forum?

sure, who said they can't?  except this said user knows exactly what they're doing, and on purpose...

private property is the key to a functioning free market

This truism is no more insightful than, e.g., the solecisms in your—borrowed, granted—Latin.

do you like my signature? 

I’m all for quality brushes, but I think he will price himself out of business once the demand is gone... Those prices are nuts.

I think it's odd that some people presume that the owner of Varlet didn't realize the immense price increase he has posted! He must have some insights how people view/sell/trade his brushes, or he maybe he doesn't want to make as many brushes as people think he should. Maybe this is a hobby for him, nothing more! There are a lot of maybe, we don't know the guy!

On the other hand, are Varlet brushes now Veblen goods

Just wanted to say hello to DFS and I hope it's ok for me to post a reply. I thought it best to post here to reach out directly to the shaving community instead of posting on my blog.

First of all, I would like to say that any discussion and opinion about my business is ok with me so far, the discussion has been pretty civil and I'm really glad to see that. With that said, I'd like to dispel the myth that I'm sitting in my office with mahogany paneled walls, smoking a cigar, and trying to figure out how to get everyone's money. I mean that in jest and lightheartedly. I am loving that this thread has turned into an economic discussion, as that is what I studied in college. So in the spirit of perfect information, maybe a word from the supplier of the goods in question would help!


I'd like to chime in about the big changes I just made. As I mentioned in my blog, my main concern was the time that it takes me to make one brush. Also, my customer service has not been that great and it's something I would like to improve.

Let me take it back to 2014. I had no clue what I was getting into in terms of production. Let's take the Beehive for example. My goal was just to make the most intricate and unique version of a Beehive, without taking into account the cost to make something like that. I figured, with time, my skills will improve and I will be able to make them much faster. Well, one of those things happened, but the other didn't. The Beehive now is so much cleaner and well crafted than the first ones back in 2015, but I'm still spending the same amount of time on it. Also, being bent over the lathe carefully sanding each bead is literally back-breaking. I can't do it all day long, though I LOVE working on brushes and would do it for 12 hours if my body allowed me.

Now... 5 years later I have to re-evaluate the Beehive. I don't mean to boast, but I really don't think my skills on the lathe or tying knots can improve. Where I'm at right now in terms of production time is what I have to work with. I now know that variable which I didn't know in 2014, TIME. I have to charge more for the Beehive (and all brushes) because I have to face reality. I will say that no other brush in the line-up takes as much time as my Beehive but they are all in the same ballpark.

That is just one example. I could talk about the Alumilite which you can literally whack with a hammer without it cracking, the engraving (which is timely also because every handle is slightly different, not CNC'd, meaning the engraver needs different settings for EACH HANDLE), or I can talk about my in-house hair sorting which is why the knots are so beloved. I never have promised perfection and never will, but I do promise an excellent product.

Now, maybe I overshot it a bit on the price, but I honestly don't think I am that far off the mark. I am willing to consider that it was a slight overstep, of course I am not that arrogant, but considering I'm giving folks the chance to order what they want, instead of chasing my drops for perhaps a brush they weren't even looking for and then miss out, I feel good about where I'm at. So, doing it this way I am being respectful of YOUR time. How much is that worth to you?

I don't want to compare my brushes to other brushes, or even razors, but it does beg the question, if there are vintage English brushes out there still being lathered, why question the longevity of badger brushes? I've been told by many customers that my brushes will be handed down to their sons when the time comes, and that is just the greatest thing to know. It's why I build them like I do, with the materials that I do. It's why I engrave them too. But, just a word, care for your brushes! They really need proper care.

I've got a few brushes that are paid for already and have been communicating with every buyer, production is going smooth so far, and I'm not feeling stressed, nor are the folks that have paid for their brushes. They know they're getting one of the best brushes out there and it's being made with care by one guy in his small shop. They're getting the exact color they want, in the exact brush size, the exact handle, everything they want they're getting. They know I'm working on them diligently and will deliver them when they are the absolute best they can be. For me, it feels GREAT to know that.

I've been as honest as possible since 2015, have never taken advantage of the demand in my brushes, and am not doing so now. I do virtually no marketing. I don't even post on Instagram, anyone who looks at that would ask if I'm even trying to sell brushes. If any of you guys were around for my first ever release, you know I have been dealing with 30 second drops far too long. Now in 2020, I'm just facing reality, and setting something up which can last and provide real value to those who purchase. I assure you guys this isn't a $200 plain white t-shirt!

Lastly, I just want to say that even though I'm 5 years in, this is just the first step. It's not like I could've just called the brush-makers over in Europe and ask them how to make a shaving brush. I had to learn it on my own! With the all of the knowledge I've gained there are more possibilities, more ideas than can be realized. But... no promises. Take care everyone and enjoy the weekend!


-Aldo

I'm surprised at the negative pricing comments in this thread. Couldn't these comments have been sent to Varlet via PM so as to leave his free market commerce uninterrupted?

Gee, I wonder if this comment is supposed to be a knock against the Wolfman thread....

I'm surprised at the negative pricing comments in this thread. Couldn't these comments have been sent to Varlet via PM so as to leave his free market commerce uninterrupted?

don't troll.

Varlet is not on this forum, to the best of my knowledge..

that aside, we almost never stop people from discussing pricing outside of the bst forum sections.

I don't intend to troll. That is a comment on hypocrisy, but in an (objectively) humourous way. The attempted humour doesn't negate the valid, though possibly contrarian, comment.

Your comment is the very definition of "trolling".

feel free to start your own forum if you don't like our incredibly minimalist rules.

One cannot (re)examine the rules of the forum?

private property is the key to a functioning free market

This truism is no more insightful than, e.g., the solecisms in your—borrowed, granted—Latin.

Excuse me, but someone who just joined yesterday; hasn't established him-(her)-self with this community, now wants to re-examine the rules of this forum? Gimme a break. Another troll post.

Just wanted to say hello to DFS and I hope it's ok for me to post a reply. I thought it best to post here to reach out directly to the shaving community instead of posting on my blog.

First of all, I would like to say that any discussion and opinion about my business is ok with me so far, the discussion has been pretty civil and I'm really glad to see that. With that said, I'd like to dispel the myth that I'm sitting in my office with mahogany paneled walls, smoking a cigar, and trying to figure out how to get everyone's money. I mean that in jest and lightheartedly. I am loving that this thread has turned into an economic discussion, as that is what I studied in college. So in the spirit of perfect information, maybe a word from the supplier of the goods in question would help!


I'd like to chime in about the big changes I just made. As I mentioned in my blog, my main concern was the time that it takes me to make one brush. Also, my customer service has not been that great and it's something I would like to improve.

Let me take it back to 2014. I had no clue what I was getting into in terms of production. Let's take the Beehive for example. My goal was just to make the most intricate and unique version of a Beehive, without taking into account the cost to make something like that. I figured, with time, my skills will improve and I will be able to make them much faster. Well, one of those things happened, but the other didn't. The Beehive now is so much cleaner and well crafted than the first ones back in 2015, but I'm still spending the same amount of time on it. Also, being bent over the lathe carefully sanding each bead is literally back-breaking. I can't do it all day long, though I LOVE working on brushes and would do it for 12 hours if my body allowed me.

Now... 5 years later I have to re-evaluate the Beehive. I don't mean to boast, but I really don't think my skills on the lathe or tying knots can improve. Where I'm at right now in terms of production time is what I have to work with. I now know that variable which I didn't know in 2014, TIME. I have to charge more for the Beehive (and all brushes) because I have to face reality. I will say that no other brush in the line-up takes as much time as my Beehive but they are all in the same ballpark.

That is just one example. I could talk about the Alumilite which you can literally whack with a hammer without it cracking, the engraving (which is timely also because every handle is slightly different, not CNC'd, meaning the engraver needs different settings for EACH HANDLE), or I can talk about my in-house hair sorting which is why the knots are so beloved. I never have promised perfection and never will, but I do promise an excellent product.

Now, maybe I overshot it a bit on the price, but I honestly don't think I am that far off the mark. I am willing to consider that it was a slight overstep, of course I am not that arrogant, but considering I'm giving folks the chance to order what they want, instead of chasing my drops for perhaps a brush they weren't even looking for and then miss out, I feel good about where I'm at. So, doing it this way I am being respectful of YOUR time. How much is that worth to you?

I don't want to compare my brushes to other brushes, or even razors, but it does beg the question, if there are vintage English brushes out there still being lathered, why question the longevity of badger brushes? I've been told by many customers that my brushes will be handed down to their sons when the time comes, and that is just the greatest thing to know. It's why I build them like I do, with the materials that I do. It's why I engrave them too. But, just a word, care for your brushes! They really need proper care.

I've got a few brushes that are paid for already and have been communicating with every buyer, production is going smooth so far, and I'm not feeling stressed, nor are the folks that have paid for their brushes. They know they're getting one of the best brushes out there and it's being made with care by one guy in his small shop. They're getting the exact color they want, in the exact brush size, the exact handle, everything they want they're getting. They know I'm working on them diligently and will deliver them when they are the absolute best they can be. For me, it feels GREAT to know that.

I've been as honest as possible since 2015, have never taken advantage of the demand in my brushes, and am not doing so now. I do virtually no marketing. I don't even post on Instagram, anyone who looks at that would ask if I'm even trying to sell brushes. If any of you guys were around for my first ever release, you know I have been dealing with 30 second drops far too long. Now in 2020, I'm just facing reality, and setting something up which can last and provide real value to those who purchase. I assure you guys this isn't a $200 plain white t-shirt!

Lastly, I just want to say that even though I'm 5 years in, this is just the first step. It's not like I could've just called the brush-makers over in Europe and ask them how to make a shaving brush. I had to learn it on my own! With the all of the knowledge I've gained there are more possibilities, more ideas than can be realized. But... no promises. Take care everyone and enjoy the weekend!


-Aldo

Welcome Aldo and thank you for posting. In the past, I was discouraged that communication with you was nil. I have never been a fan of the "drop" method, so, I am sorry to say, that, too, made me look elsewhere for my brushes. Do I think you have overshot your price point? For me, most definitely, but only time will tell with the rest of your clientele. I wish you success in your business and lament the fact that I will never have one of your brushes.

I wish you all the best Aldo, and I won’t say never to having any more of your brushes. I might not be as ready to buy new, but I’ve become quite attached to the used brush market as it is. I’ll keep an eye out for that specific brush I want and see what the used market does. On the price front you are still considerably behind Plisson, and I haven’t heard good reports of their 2-band Badger for the few reports I’ve seen. Last I heard they don’t even do 2-band any longer. I wouldn’t know as they won’t see a purchase from me at their normal prices.

I actually agree with you on the longevity point of brushes. Our fathers and grandfathers treated brushes like rubbish to be frank looking at many older brushes for sale. Brushes collectors kept and NOS are remarkable. I had a 1928 Kent I think it was that had beautiful silvertip Badger hair I’ve seen in a brush that old. I would have used it if it was more my size, but ultimately sold it. Never regretted buying that brush though. Just to see it and know how old it was and in how good of shape it was considering the age was a treat. I’ve seen some that were used too that were in good condition, but I feel with the advent of the internet to facilitate hobbies wetshaving will see many wonderful brushes that have been well kept and passed down easily to a first generation, and I would venture second as well.

Your handles are the most unique overall with the most originality I’ve seen for the total number of more unique designs I’ve seen. I admit I don’t keep up heavily with all the custom makers as I typically prefer a standard line up to choose from. Not enough artistic skill to come up with something new or enough communication skills to verbalize what I’m looking for. Most designs I see are just rehashes of old models, and perhaps it is possible to see some style influences for some of your models, the Beehive the most obvious one, and the Everest brushes too, but I have doubts. Rehashes aren’t bad either as many makers have shown great variations that have become staples. I’m glad you already have some orders, and again wish you all the best and will continue to use and enjoy my Varlets and will recommend them if I feel that’s just what the individual is looking for. Your products are quality and a joy to use.

Edit: Forgot to add I’ve actually been around since the beginning. Got one of your first Mega’s, and then the Mega revision a short time after you announced it.

Just wanted to say hello to DFS and I hope it's ok for me to post a reply. I thought it best to post here to reach out directly to the shaving community instead of posting on my blog.

First of all, I would like to say that any discussion and opinion about my business is ok with me so far, the discussion has been pretty civil and I'm really glad to see that. With that said, I'd like to dispel the myth that I'm sitting in my office with mahogany paneled walls, smoking a cigar, and trying to figure out how to get everyone's money. I mean that in jest and lightheartedly. I am loving that this thread has turned into an economic discussion, as that is what I studied in college. So in the spirit of perfect information, maybe a word from the supplier of the goods in question would help!


I'd like to chime in about the big changes I just made. As I mentioned in my blog, my main concern was the time that it takes me to make one brush. Also, my customer service has not been that great and it's something I would like to improve.

Let me take it back to 2014. I had no clue what I was getting into in terms of production. Let's take the Beehive for example. My goal was just to make the most intricate and unique version of a Beehive, without taking into account the cost to make something like that. I figured, with time, my skills will improve and I will be able to make them much faster. Well, one of those things happened, but the other didn't. The Beehive now is so much cleaner and well crafted than the first ones back in 2015, but I'm still spending the same amount of time on it. Also, being bent over the lathe carefully sanding each bead is literally back-breaking. I can't do it all day long, though I LOVE working on brushes and would do it for 12 hours if my body allowed me.

Now... 5 years later I have to re-evaluate the Beehive. I don't mean to boast, but I really don't think my skills on the lathe or tying knots can improve. Where I'm at right now in terms of production time is what I have to work with. I now know that variable which I didn't know in 2014, TIME. I have to charge more for the Beehive (and all brushes) because I have to face reality. I will say that no other brush in the line-up takes as much time as my Beehive but they are all in the same ballpark.

That is just one example. I could talk about the Alumilite which you can literally whack with a hammer without it cracking, the engraving (which is timely also because every handle is slightly different, not CNC'd, meaning the engraver needs different settings for EACH HANDLE), or I can talk about my in-house hair sorting which is why the knots are so beloved. I never have promised perfection and never will, but I do promise an excellent product.

Now, maybe I overshot it a bit on the price, but I honestly don't think I am that far off the mark. I am willing to consider that it was a slight overstep, of course I am not that arrogant, but considering I'm giving folks the chance to order what they want, instead of chasing my drops for perhaps a brush they weren't even looking for and then miss out, I feel good about where I'm at. So, doing it this way I am being respectful of YOUR time. How much is that worth to you?

I don't want to compare my brushes to other brushes, or even razors, but it does beg the question, if there are vintage English brushes out there still being lathered, why question the longevity of badger brushes? I've been told by many customers that my brushes will be handed down to their sons when the time comes, and that is just the greatest thing to know. It's why I build them like I do, with the materials that I do. It's why I engrave them too. But, just a word, care for your brushes! They really need proper care.

I've got a few brushes that are paid for already and have been communicating with every buyer, production is going smooth so far, and I'm not feeling stressed, nor are the folks that have paid for their brushes. They know they're getting one of the best brushes out there and it's being made with care by one guy in his small shop. They're getting the exact color they want, in the exact brush size, the exact handle, everything they want they're getting. They know I'm working on them diligently and will deliver them when they are the absolute best they can be. For me, it feels GREAT to know that.

I've been as honest as possible since 2015, have never taken advantage of the demand in my brushes, and am not doing so now. I do virtually no marketing. I don't even post on Instagram, anyone who looks at that would ask if I'm even trying to sell brushes. If any of you guys were around for my first ever release, you know I have been dealing with 30 second drops far too long. Now in 2020, I'm just facing reality, and setting something up which can last and provide real value to those who purchase. I assure you guys this isn't a $200 plain white t-shirt!

Lastly, I just want to say that even though I'm 5 years in, this is just the first step. It's not like I could've just called the brush-makers over in Europe and ask them how to make a shaving brush. I had to learn it on my own! With the all of the knowledge I've gained there are more possibilities, more ideas than can be realized. But... no promises. Take care everyone and enjoy the weekend!


-Aldo

Appreciate the time taken to respond, and the art of the humble brag...I don't think anybody needed reminding about the quality
of the brush, how painstakingly it's made etc etc. The only reason people purchase this brush is for the quality of the product,
not the customer service, as I understand it.

Amusing, also, is how you refer to the the price increase as 'overshot by a bit' and a 'slight overstep'.
This is of course a matter of opinion and you will, in time, come to know how the public at large sees it.

Still, who would dare quibble with Karl Fabergé about the price of eggs? What an artisan charges is their business.....
you're free to propose, customers are free to embrace or ridicule.