Brooklynite Almighty

[mack 44]

lol crucifiction

[DarkStar50 679]

As the hockey equipment buyer in a skating facility that is truly international with our customers, I would be very hesitant to buy a product with that branding for fear of offending any of my customers. I know one segment of my customer base that would never purchase a OPS named the Almighty, no matter the quality or especially the price.

[Jarick 5]

I'm hoping I can add a bit different take on it. Constructive criticism.

Seems to me that the kids want flashy sticks, but their parents control the pocketbook. I'm not sure if you're making junior sticks or not, but if so, the price needs to be reasonable, and if not, the graphics could be toned down. If you see the trend in current sticks, they are getting more and more subtle, using the "negative space" of the black carbon a lot more. I think that's a good look personally.

In marketing, there are two ways to compete in a crowded marketplace: lowest price or product differentiation. You could say composite sticks are an oligarchy in that there are a few major players, but I'd say it's closer to imperfect competition in that the startup costs are relatively low (compared to building automobiles for instance). So you could compete on both.

You'll notice that each major company has their "gimmick" stick, and for the most part those gimmicks don't seem well received beyond the initial roll-out (9k holes, S17 oval, Kronik spyne, etc.). If you're just making a quality composite stick (I'm not saying it is or isn't as I haven't used it), I'd focus on cost leadership. I thought I read you were shooting for $149.99 or so, which would be a great price for something on the level of the Synergy Elite, Dolomite, Vapor XXXX, etc. But as everyone has said, you need to be somewhat established to do so, especially on the internet, because we can find slightly used sticks or pro-stock returns or closeouts for that money.

You're on the right track in my opinion with getting some stick testers. If that goes well, I'd say the next step would be an early adopter introductory price of say, $129.99 or $119.99. I've seen that work for software companies. Don't oversell yourself, but as said before, you have to get the product out there before you can charge full price, and this allows you to temporarily lower the price.

With regards to the advertising, I certainly won't buy a product because a model is holding it, but honestly the best thing I've seen of your stick so far is the close-up of the name with the 12k weave exposed. It looks like a quality product, like something I would try if the price is right. Kids will buy things that are flashy and/or their favorite players use; adults will want something that's got a balance of performance, durability, and price. I don't know about teens, maybe they like the models, but I think they're probably more likely to use a brand stick than a newcomer.

Finally, I don't know how pervasive a Christian hockey culture is. I know in the custom drum set business, Truth Drums is very popular among Christian bands and drummers, but I don't know if that exists in hockey. I think some Christians would get turned off by trying to capitalize on that; others would prefer your product as they like to support Christian businesses. My gut feeling would be to get away from that a bit from the business side, but I know there's a personal component as well. Just saying.

[adam14 182]

I couldnt agree more with Jarick, and to give a teens perspective, as hard as it is, teens that play junior like myself, want a stick that is durable and light weight, but at the same time does not cost a fortune because for me for instance, my parents arent huge on dropping big bucks for sticks, so any stick over a certain price range, I have to pay 75% of it and they will pay the difference. If it is a good performing stick, and well balanced and the graphics are not over the top, you could have a market for teens. just my two cents.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Unfortunately you guys are comparing him to established manufacturers who are producing tons more sticks when it comes to cost. At the prices that you guys are suggesting, he won't succeed at.

[eric42434224 1]

True. Most start-ups put together by individuals are in smaller markets with niche product or service. For instance, a friend of mine does graphic art work from home, dealing with small business needs, or individuals. I feel, unfortunately, that this is just too much for an individual to try and take on the big boys. Not to say that start-ups havent taken on big boys, like Jet Blue for instance, but they went in full steam, with HUGE investors, and had a product that differentiated them from the major carriers...ie, discount airline. With Brooklynite, I see an individual with not enough capital, not enough economy of scale, and a product that can, at best, be on par with the majors (read - no niche or differentiation). I do not see this ending well....and it has nothing at all to do with passion or hard work...both of which are in abundance here with him.

[Jarick 5]

I hear you, but to be fair, we don't know how much capital he has. My dad's company regularly has product runs built in China, and it doesn't take a fortune to get something made. Although I'd stay away if I have something I want to keep exclusive, because they had problems with their engineers reverse-engineering patented designs.

But if you stick to producing a couple things, run a cheap grassroots marketing campaign, keep employment to a minimum, and have enough cushion to absorb the startup costs, go for it. As I said before, I'd try one out if the price were right, but there's no 75 flex.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

I hear you, but to be fair, we don't know how much capital he has. My dad's company regularly has product runs built in China, and it doesn't take a fortune to get something made. Although I'd stay away if I have something I want to keep exclusive, because they had problems with their engineers reverse-engineering patented designs.

Very good points, on both sentences.

[TBLfan 25]

Kor, Compro, Harrow, Busch, Trilage, etc...

You know how your mom always said that you were special? Everyone's mom told them that.

Sometimes you have to realize when you're in over your head, no matter how excited you are... you aren't going to split the atom when you can don't understand the difference between "your" and "you're." I know, I know, dropped out of college... Whatever college that was that covers 5th grade english.

No Joe, I'm not saying you're(see what I did there?) stupid. I'm saying that you're in over your head and you need more help that the advice you can get from MSH... but we already covered that. Many have failed, many are struggling... you're looking to win the lottery here, good luck.

[stick9 903]

I am here. I see their has been quite a bit of talk here. One post I want to comment on. I could never sell my Almighty at 79.00 it cost allot more then that to make. It is quality.

Here is the glove situation. I made Silver and Brass knuckles, the factory made big mistakes. I went out and found a factory that produces for the big boys and can get me the product quickly.

The glove is a traditional 4 roll I can name ten companies that have the same model. Its a 4 roll...

"The Exodus" this is non traditional, look at the design on the Almighty stick the glove has the same design as the stick. It matches perfect. If your saying my gloves are like fury's I take this as a compliment, maybe the price will be right.

A few quick comments here. I'm not in the hockey biz. I'm just a regular guy who enjoys playing. I don't mind spending good money on a quality product, but deals do catch my eye.

First about the gloves. One looks like an Eagle X-series, the other a Fury. While each mfg makes a similar type of product (ie a four roll) they usually put their own twist on it. That may be visible like a different cuff or segmented fingers, or not like dry fit or anti bio linings.

Now the twigs. The graphics are nice. In fact they are nice enough to get me to check one out. However, being new company I couldn't see myself buying one if it were priced with the big names. Show me that stick in the 119.99 range....now you have my attention. In other words, sac some of your profit margin on your top end model as a way to lure me away from the big boys.

I've found most people who skate at a noncompetitive level aren't good enough to feel the difference between a top end stick and a middle of the line stick. They want sticks that can take a beating and come at a reasonable price. The 179.99 price range for those people isn't even option no matter how good it is.

There is nothing wrong with naming a product The Almighty. The problem comes in when you link the name to a certain religion.

Best of luck with the new products.

[adam14 182]

Kor, Compro, Harrow, Busch, Trilage, etc...

You know how your mom always said that you were special? Everyone's mom told them that.

Sometimes you have to realize when you're in over your head, no matter how excited you are... you aren't going to split the atom when you can don't understand the difference between "your" and "you're." I know, I know, dropped out of college... Whatever college that was that covers 5th grade english.

No Joe, I'm not saying you're(see what I did there?) stupid. I'm saying that you're in over your head and you need more help that the advice you can get from MSH... but we already covered that. Many have failed, many are struggling... you're looking to win the lottery here, good luck.

haha cant hate on Busch, they were the first, technically they are special. but i agree with what many of you said, looks arent a big factor, but i dont think this stick would get a second glance from me in a shop, unless it had a decent price tag on it, and decent would be rite around the $100.00 mark. gloves.. pff why bother? establish yourself as a company before you invest in every aspect of hockey...

[BrooklyniteAlmighty 0]

Lets get the Almighty review done. 129.00 is too cheap for the Almighty. You will see when you use it. Look if you won't buy the stick for 179.00 it does not mean someone else wont. Rustpot was correct when saying if you sell a stick for $80.00 people automatically think its crap.

You cant sell a Quality 425g 100% Carbon Composite stick for 80.00 your losing money on it.

Examples from factorys.....

I had this one factory make me a 100 percent composite 425g for cheap. Just standard shape to see the quality. 2 larger companies not huge buy from this factory and use their blades and their standard design. My tester broke the stick in 1 day just taking slapshots. Some of you buy this product for over 179.00 now, and the people in Canada pay more for this product. I am interested to see the review on this product on this site, their may be one. One stick company uses this exact stick and I know the model. This factory wants my business and keeps sending me sticks. I will never buy from this factory until I see a serious blade, I mean horrible blade quality....

I had another factories stick break the first day in a Junior practice about 9 months ago. The tester for this stick plays Cortland college D3 and came down because he has a rip of a shot. I loved the stick this factory made, the whole rink loved it at the time, I thought it was the best stick made. I used it and it never broke. Then it hit the ice with a real player. Broke in the first practice....... I did not use this factory. I also researched, why it broke. The company uses a cheaper material, still a 100 percent carbon (sort of what Spreedizzal was saying yesterday). He used their cheaper model 50% carbon and it didnt break, still using it. This factory could not make a 100 percent Carbon that was quality.

If its ok with JR I can show you the pictures of the sticks I tested. If you guys are interested let me know.

Then we used the factory which makes the Almighty and it was durable and strong, the materials were exactly what the factory said. The stick was exactly what I wanted and my tester fell in love with it. My out look is having a factory I can trust and will not put different materials in my product to rip me off.

Thats how we came up with the name "Almighty model".

Thats me. I would not sell you crap for 80 dollars....and say my product kicks ass! If it cost more money, made from Brooklynite there is a reason and thats why you respect the big companies. Now my product needs to earn your respect. My personality you may not like.

The Almighty or the Redeemer I believe you will.

[stick9 903]

What good is a superior product if no one buys em?

Tell me why I should choose a Brooklynite over brands widely used by NHL players. If the money is the same I'm going with brand that been around the block and battle tested.

Point is, you have to get the stick in people hands. You aren't selling a product with some sort of new high tech feature. Your marketing angle has to be same quality and performance, at a fraction of the cost.

Build the brand up and in five years you can charge anything you want.

[BrooklyniteAlmighty 0]

The sticks in the Almightys class retail at 200 to 229.00

I will get an NHL player. Give me time. I will get a very good one also. I was just on the phone with a guy who played in the Stanley Cup a while back. It takes time to build relationships.

"Who gives a crap if he works hard? I could bust my ass to design a building but it'd still look like crap." - mack

You see this comment on your signature. This is having no confidence in yourself. I could design a great building if I worked hard and took the time to learn....I think anything is possible if you work hard and have it in you.

Here is something I believe. You all think I am crazy right? I am crazy I agree. You have to be crazy to believe you can build a 200 million dollar company from scratch. A sane person believes its not possible for them selves to do it. So in my eyes you have to be crazy to accomplish this goal. Your not going to do it, if you have the outlook that you cant.

I want to be considered insane....and if anyone wants to get aboard and put on a Brooklynite Straight Jacket, I welcome you. I will accept anyone who is willing to help and get aboard this train. I tell GXC and my partners all the time. We need everyone and will accept everyone to try to accomplish this. Get on board the crazy train.

Toot Toot next stop Canada...lol

[Fredrik 0]

Toot Toot next stop Canada...lol

Have you forgot to take your pills today?

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Joe - what happened to "All I am going to do is talk about the product?"

This thread is ending in the same way the last one did, hype for you and headaches for us.

[BrooklyniteAlmighty 0]

Not looking to aggrivate anyone. Seriously delete it.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

We agreed that you would talk about the product and would ignore any potshots that anyone threw your way. Yet you're quoting comments in your signature, and you've gone past the product and are talking about your company's vision. This is exactly what I was dreading.

[boganz45 0]

Best of luck with the business, Joe. Sincerely. But my question is, why would someone pay $180 for the Almighty when another main brand, identical stick could be had for at or around that price, or when someone could pay $120 or a clearance One90 brand new or a clearance $85 7K brand new? No need to respond, just throwing that out there, from a consumer's perspective, especially from one who buys top of the line gear unnecessarily, but is always also looking for a good deal. Again, best of luck,

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Boganz - the reason why those sticks are on clearance is the problem with the industry.

[whizbang 0]

does msh get a specialty stick in the future? can we help design the graphics?

[chippa13 1844]

I think only 1 of the last 8 sticks I've acquired in the last 2 1/2 years has been at regular retail cost and not a clearance or pro stock bargain.

[boganz45 0]

Boganz - the reason why those sticks are on clearance is the problem with the industry.

Because they keep putting out a new stick every 0.5-1 year unnecessarily (I do not really know much about the sell side / industry side here, only what I like to purchase and what I think are quality products that suit my needs)?

[stick9 903]

I think only 1 of the last 8 sticks I've acquired in the last 2 1/2 years has been at regular retail cost and not a clearance or pro stock bargain.

Same here. Last stick I paid retail for was Warrior's first run of Starskies. Even then, it was a touch cheaper then everything else.

If I were going to pay full retail I'd probably go with a Mission Ti Pro. They have a pattern I like and come with a 60 day warranty.

[boganz45 0]

Man if I was going full retail I'd get Sherwood RM19 one pieces with Crosby curves for $150 out the door all day long - talk about a stick - but luckily my favorite sticks are only $30-$35 one piecers at retail... :-)