Field Leathers

[Marc mndt]

The collar should spread out a bit and have a gracious curve to it as well.

True, but this was the best I could do with my MS paint skills. This is what I had in mind :

This was my design for the tobacco badalassi project, which sadly went south

 

[diabel]

I asked him about his ideas for the website. Military styles aren't introduced any time soon. He wants to present his jackets differently, with more closeup photos, maybe even video's, in order to show all those beautiful details. Which would be a great move if you'd ask me because FL is all about perfection imo and his current website doesn't highlight that at all.
I forgot to ask him why he's dropping the Michigan.

I see. From my perspective videos would be good. Himel is using them effectively. Updating the website in an age of social media wouldn’t be my first priority though.

 

[Marc mndt]

Updating the website in an age of social media wouldn’t be my first priority though.

That's exactly what I said. Most of the prospects reach out to him via Instagram anyway. But I think Greg is a perfectionist and he wants his website to be perfect.

 

[handymike]

This is a losing battle, and his time is better spent on what he’s doing on IG IMO. Follow @Brianthenootmaker’s (Role Club) example.
All the website needs is happy customer photos and a very clear way to measure yourself (like @navetsea posted) and easy ordering. Since supplies / hides are changing constantly, the social methods are easier to keep current.

 

[Marc mndt]

This is a losing battle, and his time is better spent on what he’s doing on IG IMO. Follow @Brianthenootmaker’s (Role Club) example.
All the website needs is happy customer photos and a very clear way to measure yourself (like @navetsea posted) and easy ordering. Since supplies / hides are changing constantly, the social methods are easier to keep current.

Having a fancy website might make sense if he wants his jackets to appeal to a wider audience, not just enthousiasts.

 

[Pandemic]

My guess that his customer base are closer to my age that the millennial generation.

Social media is nice for updates and teasers, but a website format allows the buyer to see the full spectrum of options in each category. It also adds a degree of legitimacy.

The Indonesian boot makers are showing some fabulous work online, but I haven’t ordered from someone on the other side of the world with an Insta account WhatsApp.

What would be really cool would be to make the website interactive - like Wesco’s build a boot page. Build your dream jacket and then see a visual representation.

 

[Marc mndt]

Social media is nice for updates and teasers, but a website format allows the buyer to see the full spectrum of options in each category.

Thedi leathers stopped updating their blog (can't really call it a website) a couple a years ago. They only presents their newest models on Facebook / Instagram.

It also adds a degree of legitimacy.

Not necessarily true hehe: http://lostworldsinc.com

 

[El Marro]

Having a fancy website might make sense if he wants his jackets to appeal to a wider audience, not just enthousiasts.

Also to unsophisticated enthusiasts like me. I do not use Instagram nor do I want to. Obviously a state of the art website isn’t necessary to get my business, I own two Lost Worlds after all, but I think it would help people like me when I am deciding where to order my next jacket.

 

[El Marro]

Thedi leathers stopped updating their blog (can't really call it a website) a couple a years ago. They only presents their newest models on Facebook / Instagram.

If Thedi leathers had a real website I would own at least three or four of their jackets by now.

 

[Carlos840]

Thedi leathers stopped updating their blog (can't really call it a website) a couple a years ago. They only presents their newest models on Facebook / Instagram.


Not necessarily true hehe: http://lostworldsinc.com

I don't know what you imply, i have ordered 5 jackets from LW, i would trust that website more than i would trust someone on Instagram... (i have never had an IG account)

 

[dannyk]

I don't know what you imply, i have ordered 5 jackets from LW, i would trust that website more than i would trust someone on Instagram... (i have never had an IG account)

Same. I don’t have IG and don’t know half the new crop of boot/jacket makers because of it. If they don’t have a website I’m less likely to trust them and I’m not going to create an IG account just for them.
Edit for typo

 

[Marc mndt]

I don't know what you imply, i have ordered 5 jackets from LW, i would trust that website more than i would trust someone on Instagram... (i have never had an IG account)

What I meant to say is that you apparently don't need a fancy website in order to sell high end jackets. I used Thedi's and LW's website to substantiate my observation.

 

[dannyk]

What I meant to say is that you apparently don't need a fancy website in order to sell high end jackets. I used Thedi's and LW's website to substantiate my observation.

You’re right and plenty are proving it. But I don’t think it’s a waste of time because what’s also apparent is there are plenty of users who don’t buy on social media or at the very least prefer a clearly laid out website. So you’re not wrong or anyone else with the same thought. Not at all. But on the other hand it’s not a waste or say there’s better places to put his efforts; cause it’s looking like its just as good a place as any other to put his effort right now.

 

[Marc mndt]

If Thedi leathers had a real website I would own at least three or four of their jackets by now.

I totally get that. It stopped me from buying a Thedi at first. I've been searching for a 'buy' button all over his website hehe.

I think the difference with Thedi is that he mostly sells to stockists or via his agents (eg Thurston)

 

[red devil]

Am I the only one so old fashioned as to like to call the maker directly? lol

 

[nick123]

Am I the only one so old fashioned as to like to call the maker directly? lol

Perhaps why your jackets turn out so good.

 

[red devil]

Perhaps why your jackets turn out so good.

It is a lot of fun to discuss directly ideas and specs with the makers, and even more so face to face!

 

[handymike]

I had this experience with John, and my GW is my favorite.

 

[diabel]

Am I the only one so old fashioned as to like to call the maker directly? lol

When it is a video call during a fitting when the canvass jacket is adjusted and all the details are discussed then you will more likely get what you wanted.

 

[red devil]

When it is a video call during a fitting when the canvass jacket is adjusted and all the details are discussed then you will more likely get what you wanted.

You did this with a maker?