An Idea

[TimTheZaj]

I was just wondering if it would be possible to make a custom chinese pen for fpn like WUS has done in the chinese and russian forums? I think it would be fun.

[Algester]

I dunno the logistics would probably be a nightmare plus... would they even afford to get a decent QC in the international standards that would rival say MB (maybe?)... :X and perhaps say go on all out with the design because you know chinese pens... yeah... unless they can actually afford on an "original" design

[richardandtracy]

I suspect that if FPN were to approach a manufacturer it would be discovered that the minimum order would be an eye watering quantity.

 

I did a bit of research into Huashilai a couple of years ago when trying to find the background of the company I was buying 3 pens from. Huashilai did, at the time and I've not checked recently, offer to make customised colours and runs. For a colour variant of an existing pen, they seemed to want a minimum order of 5000 pens, or 30 minutes production. For a new pen design they seemed open to the idea, but stipulated a minimum run of 150,000 pens. Or about 1 week's production. These numbers are breath taking.

Frankly I would want NOTHING whatsoever to do with a custom run from Huashilai given the quality of the pens received, but it is likely to be indicative of the quantities of pens involved from a Chinese manufacturer. As I understand it, the Jinhao X450 (or was it the X750?) Shimmering Sands finish was a 'limited' custom run. And there are a lot of them around.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[Moshe ben David]

I don't know about pens, but there are Chinese manufacturers who will do custom small run orders of various and sundry things -- at least such is claimed in magazines like "Inc" and "Entrepreneur" etc. Seriously, there are places over there that will take designs sent electronically, etc. How to find a good one (quality, reputable, won't churn out millions of a le, etc)? No idea. This would take research; probably also linking with a broker who acts as middle man to manufacturers.

 

It can be done. I know also of a synagogue group that runs an annual mail order gift shop for certain holidays; each year some new design; fabrication is out of China and we are NOT talking super high volume. But no pens, sorry.

[Yehuwdiy]

When you speak to manufacturers most small run customization falls into the 'price point' discussion. For example, you could approach a broker and have x-number of 750s made with plain nibs and no 'gold' plating to lower the overall cost of the pen. As with the shimmering sands example, cosmetic changes.

[hbdk]

It would be a great idea, and I think it should be possible. AFAIK most parts of the Italix pens are produced in China/Far East - can't really imagine Mr. Ford selling 100.000s of pens?

[holgalee]

I think some of the more reputable Indian pen manufacturers may be able to take up the challenge, and produce good stuff with proper guidance. Perhaps Hari or Mesu will want to look into this?

 

Who is WUS, by the way?

[TimTheZaj]

Watch you seek the watch forum, who has in their Chinese and Russian au forums made custom watches, the Chinese ones since 2011 I think and the Russian one starting last year