Geri's letter is what prompted me to reply. It was one of the first times anyone posted from a business standpoint. I applaud that, but that does not diminish the "passion" that usually is found in posts. Although I am truly passionate about bicycles, and have spent the last 30 years of my life pursuing a craft that I really enjoy, I must also look at the "business end".
I am cross posting because I feel it may be of interest to people on the Touring, and BOB lists, as well as the Frame and CR lists. I apologize if that is poor etiquette, but I feel it is pertinent to people on all the groups that may or may not subscribe to the Frame or CR lists.
To be in the frame business one must love bikes, but also be a business person. At this point of my life, I wish I had been more business minded.
Almost every week I hear from someone who expresses the desire to become a framebuilder. My advice has been the same for quite a while, which some take as rude. For years I have said - Making frames is the easy part - selling them is hard!
I followed the build up to the NAHBS Show on these groups. I was shocked when Brian Baylis (truly one of the most talented people in framebuilding) was saying he was unable to come up with the $500 needed to attend the Show.
The thought that someone of his stature was unable to come up with $500 (a relatively small business expense) to attend a show that was obviously quite important to him seemed odd. Thank goodness for his Patron Saint who covered his expenses. I wish we still lived in the Renaissance so we all could have Patrons such as the Medici's who would allow us framebuilders to pursue our "Passions".
Unfortunately "Patrons" are few and far between, so we have to rely on customers to cover our expenses.
Over the past couple of years I have spoken to many framebuilders who are considered "Legends" or "Keepers of the Flame". One thing that I heard from all of them (don't worry - I won't name names, unless they want to be named) is that they struggle to make a living. Many have had to take on other jobs to make ends meet. I read the reverence that customers have towards these builders, many are almost considered "divine". Perhaps we builders are all destined to live like Van Gough, but it seems like we should reap some of the rewards of our skills while we are alive.
My annual trip to my tax accountant is part of what prompted me to write this. My sales have taken quite a hit in the past 3 years. I think this is due to some of the more visible marketers of foreign made bikes. Companies that make nothing but words, and market their products made overseas, be it Japan, Taiwan or China. I wish I could afford someone friendly to talk on the phone and do sophisticated literature. However, since I only made about $6.00 per hour last year, an employee is out of the question.
Much of the literature speaks of the "passion for cycling and frames". I don't doubt that these people who write this have that "passion", but I doubt that the average employee of a factory in Taiwan shares that "passion". The factory workers I saw when in Taiwan could just as well be making garden furniture. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying they don't make quality products. The difference is the "Passion".
I'm sorry for using the word "passion" so much, but it is the best word I can think of.
That is the difference between a one man shop and an overseas supplier.
I welcome responses from customers, possible customers, and builders. I would really like to hear from builders who are making a reasonable living simply by building frames, maybe I could learn something from them before it is too late.
To the consumers buying frames, etc. - I encourage you to become a Patron, rather than buying solely based on price.
Regards
Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon Cycles