[TheForge] Brand Loyalty?

Wed Aug 23 13:26:31 EDT 2006

Below is an example of what I mean by blind loyalty to brands encouraging
manufacturers to misbehave. It is taken from the opening paragraphs of the
Torches & Their Accessories chapter of a book about diffusion joining I'm
working on at present. What is interesting about it is that the very first
torch listed is manufactured by a company famous for producing cigarette
lighters, rather than one on the mainline torch manufacturers. This example
wasn't originally intended to underline the point in the preceding paragraph
(in the book there are three intervening paragraphs on butane torches
between the illustration and the Tech Torch listing), but it does so nicely.
You see, in spite of their increasing importance to craft work, not one
mainstream torch company has anything to do with butane torches. Perhaps
they worry about such torches adversely effecting sales of their oxy-fuel
products, which is as absurd as comparing apples to oranges.

"It should also be noted that certain companies, who strive to maintain
their presence in the marketplace, are given a prominent place in this
chapter, while others whose names were famous in the past are hardly
mentioned. Many of the large torch manufacturers have all but abandoned
their original commitment these products, yet still charge in accordance
with their brand’s fame--rather than for the present quality of their
products and service.  Below is a list of heating tools suitable for
joining, which stand out because of value received and/or their performance.
Which tool serves best will depend on your needs and finances. Generally,
larger torches are used on larger pieces and smaller torches for fine work
(jewelry, etc.). Let’s start with the least powerful types and work our way
up."

**Place Ronson Tech Torch and LPT-200 Pro-Torch illustrations here**

"Ronson Tech Torch: Butane powered, 70° angle torch with about a 2"
adjustable maximum primary flame. It doesn't have piezo-electric ignition,
but does have a safety lock. It can sit on its base or be hung from its
hook. It is the most sturdily built of the butane craft torches, and has
cooling fins. Ronson sells it in kit form (# 82009) with fine point and
chisel point soldering tips, along with a hot air tip. The kit also includes
a butane refill and small butane lighter. This excellent torch is bargain
priced and a great performer, with a strong primary needle flame. It should
be noted that because electric ignition systems must be made child-proof
that their locking mechanisms tend to jam."  

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 9:32 AM
To: 'Sponsored by ABANA'
Subject: RE: [TheForge] Brand Loyalty?

Frosty,
Exactly; precisely; couldn't have said it better myself :-)))
Mikey

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jerry Frost
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 3:34 PM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Brand Loyalty?

One of the best examples of how product loyalty can be 
detrimental to the producer is the American auto 
industry.

For decades the American auto was the epitome of value 
for the money. There were better vehicles but not for 
what an average wage earner could afford. Immediately 
after WWII the industry decided bottom line was 
paramount and sat on everything but styling. Serious 
improvements were frowned on and competitors were 
bought out or squashed. Ever hear of Tucker? Remember 
how many years it took and finally federal regulations 
to get them to put seatbelts in vehicles? They fought 
anything that cut into the bottom line. Product loyalty 
not only allowed it but almost demanded it.

Remember the American car of the mid 70's-mid 80's? 
Crap milage, crap reliability, top speed under 80, 
short lived, unsafe in a collision and expensive? 
Remember them? Product loyalty let the auto industry 
produce crap products and people still bought them. 
Thank heaven the Japanese started kicking automotive 
butt or the big three would deservedly be a fading 
memory. They might not've completely disappeared by now 
but they wouldn't be much.

Product loyalty is essentially the same thing as 
tradition. It's the memory of what works and it is 
generally a good thing as long as people aren't afraid 
or too stubborn (Dad) to try new and possibly better 
things.

When product loyalty or tradition is taken to the point 
of supporting something that is no longer viable on 
it's own merits it becomes a detriment to not only the 
users but the manufacturers.

Frosty
-------------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.

http://www.artmetalradio.com/

From: "Ries Niemi" <rniemi at fidalgo.net>

> Elucidate, please.
>
> My experience has been that in industrial tools, 
> brand loyalty is still somewhat valuable.

>
> ries
> On Aug 22, 2006, at 11:37 AM, Michael wrote:
>

_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________

_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________