Originally Posted by
sheffieldlover
Well, I just bought a light box so hopefully some better pictures would help my cause. I have a good camera, but sometimes that just doesn't cut it...
I do see many more people attempting their own restorations, and posting them on this site. Some are fairly well done, and some look like a middle school wood shop project. If people are happy with that, I applaud their efforts, and encourage it. However, there are many people who understand that to do a professional looking job, there is an art to it, and in addition, you need tools - belt sander, table saw, drill, buffer, buffing wheels, greaseless compound, hones, ball peen hammer, pins, washers, wood/bone/horn/etc., finish, sandpaper, and a whole lot of manual dexterity, craftsmanship, and experience - not to mention time.
For instance, I can youtube how to repaint my mercedes roadster, but I'd much rather have a professional do it :)
I am thinking that the high rollers ARE the ones doing their own restorations, and so my high-end razors may be less sought after because there are many (like USMCChaps) who opt out of the pricey razors - like he says, why pay more than $70 bucks for a used razor when you can get a new dovo for $150?
I think, though, there are many that would take a like-new, restored, 7/8 or 8/8 Mappin, Savage, George Brittain, Thomas Turner, JR, etc. etc. over a new Dovo, any day of the week :)
I'm going to try a new strategy, and put my copywriting skills to work -
1. Better pictures
2. Emphasize a return policy
3. Emphasize the significance of the materials used and the historical quality of the blade (too many newbies who don't read, and you get a huge Wade and Butcher market, and a crappy most everything else market)
4. Emphasize my rep as a razor restorer (I think my ebay account has over 120 happy customers by now)
Oh, one more thing - I ALWAYS sell my razors as BUY IT NOW, and never leave it to auction. This my hinder speedy sales, but at least I won't get burnt if the right buyers aren't online at the moment...