Jump to content

Twsbi Diamond 530 With Gold Nib


speedy

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 135
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • speedy

    16

  • millerb7

    8

  • davidw

    5

  • Hellmark

    5

At $40 for a 530, a really nice demonstrator is great value.

 

But at $280, there is no way I would buy one.

 

For that much I can buy a Pilot VP AND a Pelikan M2XX from Binder with change.

 

Once you go over $120 you're really playing in a totally different market. For 280 bucks I'd be expecting something exceptional and I'm not you can provide just yet.

The above is MY opinion. Would you expect it to be from someone else?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

speedy:

 

I use to work in manufacturing and now in a reseller channel.

 

Yes,.. I can understand from ur view point. I think its very similar to old VW beetle.

Its the peoples car and it was budget and cheap.

 

To further reduce the distribution cost and with internet, there is no reason why people

cannot buy direct from you.

 

If you want to keep the distribution channel. Then keep some model through them and

keep some model direct purchase from you( to reduce the end user cost).

As in the gold nib that you mention.

 

So people can still have the " people's fountain pen"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Speedy

How about gold nib for $70 but you can only buy direct from TWSBI, not even on line. If yes, still I need to collect enough pre-order to do so.

(write me email for this, thanks)

 

I would go for the gold nib at $70 as long as I can have a B or even better a stub.

Edited by Malcy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like the idea of having options, the same as with Pelikan (most of their pens) or Parker (Duofold and Sonnet), one can get user replaceable nibs to them in a variety of styles. The idea is more appealing then splurging a boatload more money for complete pens when the case might be that I just need the occasional variety in nib sizes and styles to suit my whims.

 

User serviceability and options. :thumbup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

...

 

Ok, no $280 Twsbi Diamond, no gold nib in complete pen, no everyday TWSBI pen over $100 at the moment

 

How about gold nib for $70 but you can only buy direct from TWSBI, not even on line. If yes, still I need to collect enough pre-order to do so.

(write me email for this, thanks)

 

I guess Ti nib will cost you about $45 (only the nib), I don't think this is a good option, itn't it?

 

So, let't get other colors done first; it will be soon, after I confirm perfecting one of the manufacturing process.

 

 

a gold nib for USD 70.- directly from TWSBI is a great idea in my personal opinion and perception, jumping over the channel and build options exploiting the Net uniqueness is the right thing to do (it's no surprise competitors in serious FP business are so few, expensive, long-established brands). I'd buy one such nib without doubt -ready to shell out the money well in advance just to keep the project running. But the real problems are nib CHOICES: only M and S , or only M ( :crybaby: ) or B :thumbup: and stub are viable options ? 300 pcs is a small quantity for the nib supplier (expecially if engraved ) and I fear nib options will stay ... low.

I'd say an heresy: keep engraving at a minimum to reduce costs. Avoid dual-tone (nice but not really a necessity, some prefer solid yellow anyway) to save money, and make the nib flexy. We already have available perfectly working steel nibs, what we lack now is a flexible nib option (expecially a nice variety of flexy nibs: F, M, B..). 14K is preferred to 18K to reduce costs and create some profit and it's a common choice for good no-frills gold nibs.

Ti nibs are nice but some manifacturers faced serious problems with Ti nibs AFAIK. Better to concentrate on readily available gold for the times being.

Expressed opinions are personal. YMMV ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Speedy

How about gold nib for $70 but you can only buy direct from TWSBI, not even on line. If yes, still I need to collect enough pre-order to do so.

(write me email for this, thanks)

 

I would go for the gold nib at $70 as long as I can have a B or even better a stub.

 

 

+1. Please, B or BB, Italic or Stub!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

- I would like to see italic nibs and/or stubs offered first. Stainless steel is ok, and keeps the price down. Also looking forward to the vacuum :)

 

If you offered italic nibs I would buy one (or more) today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think maybe people need to consider this again.

 

We're talking a pen in the class of the Pelikan M1000 for $280. That seems like a pretty darned good deal to me. The M1000 is a $400 pen, right? Sure, the nib would probably be 14k instead of whatever the M1000 nib is (18k? 21k?). The upgrade to trim would make up for that IMHO. Of course, it might be for the best to wait for the black version of the TWSBI with ink window to be perfected. I do think people tend to prefer more conservative options for more expensive pens.

 

As to the $110 pen with monotone gold nib, I understand why that isn't a big inspiration. I think selling the nib separately would definitely be preferable. My guess is that if 350 need to be ordered, it would be easy enough to set up a website to take pre-orders and order them if/when there is sufficient interest. That brings us to the need for a solid English language TWSBI website, which I hope will become a priority. Honestly, a web presence could probably separate the company from eBay, which would probably drive distribution costs down.

 

Speedy, I understand why you love FPN and feedback, but I'd suggest not putting too much stock into a few hours and carefully considering how you put questions. I think probably this idea would have gone better if you had inquired about a new product called perhaps the TWSBI Diamond 730 with the attributes you described in the $280 pen.

Edited by Jimmy James

<a href="Http://inkynibbles.com">Inky NIBbles, the ravings of a pen and ink addict.</a>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

speedy:

 

I use to work in manufacturing and now in a reseller channel.

 

Yes,.. I can understand from ur view point. I think its very similar to old VW beetle.

Its the peoples car and it was budget and cheap.

 

To further reduce the distribution cost and with internet, there is no reason why people

cannot buy direct from you.

 

If you want to keep the distribution channel. Then keep some model through them and

keep some model direct purchase from you( to reduce the end user cost).

As in the gold nib that you mention.

 

So people can still have the " people's fountain pen"

I think your suggestion is very good

some model through distribution channel, some model can only through our direct sell.

But then the distribution may complain, I believe

headche!:bonk:

For latest update pls join our facebook <img src="https://img.skitch.com/20110916-nw8undh6ac3kh6q1ta7n62ii75.preview.png" alt="facebook badge" />

 

If any product related issue, pls send email to twsbiinc@gmail.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think maybe people need to consider this again.

 

We're talking a pen in the class of the Pelikan M1000 for $280. That seems like a pretty darned good deal to me. The M1000 is a $400 pen, right? Sure, the nib would probably be 14k instead of whatever the M1000 nib is (18k? 21k?). The upgrade to trim would make up for that IMHO. Of course, it might be for the best to wait for the black version of the TWSBI with ink window to be perfected. I do think people tend to prefer more conservative options for more expensive pens.

 

As to the $110 pen with monotone gold nib, I understand why that isn't a big inspiration. I think selling the nib separately would definitely be preferable. My guess is that if 350 need to be ordered, it would be easy enough to set up a website to take pre-orders and order them if/when there is sufficient interest. That brings us to the need for a solid English language TWSBI website, which I hope will become a priority. Honestly, a web presence could probably separate the company from eBay, which would probably drive distribution costs down.

 

Speedy, I understand why you love FPN and feedback, but I'd suggest not putting too much stock into a few hours and carefully considering how you put questions. I think probably this idea would have gone better if you had inquired about a new product called perhaps the TWSBI Diamond 730 with the attributes you described in the $280 pen.

 

Thanks for the comment,

actually high price or luxury good is not TWSBI preference. Yes, once in a while maybe you can create something that shows human's creactivity and craftmanship, vulume is limited, cost is high so price is high, I think this is fine. But to manipulate the image of social status without real value is not what I believed, that't why TWSBI start and emphasis the "Ture Value"

 

We manufacturers has a saying now. Only the low price is the King, if you have low price plus quality, you are the King of the King.

 

In fountain pen, nib become very expensive amount total cost of a pen, expecially the the gold, ti, or flex... and now there is only limited suppliers of the nib. I think this is the sad story of the fountain pen today.

 

Recently I did have the though to set up a pure English website that contain forum for discussion and web store, but not sure which existing platform is good for this purpose. It need to be easy for me to maintain, I don't want to go to custom made at this early stage. Anyone can give me good recommendation?

upateing one message to several places is really a heavy work for me, that's why my updating is slowing down.

For latest update pls join our facebook <img src="https://img.skitch.com/20110916-nw8undh6ac3kh6q1ta7n62ii75.preview.png" alt="facebook badge" />

 

If any product related issue, pls send email to twsbiinc@gmail.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd suggest talking with Brian Goulet or perhaps some other merchants about your web presence, particularly if you want to move away from eBay for your distribution point. I have found Brian to be exceptionally helpful, willing to talk business, and knowledgeable. He also seems to have some curiosity about your product, so he might appreciate talking with you. I think it's pretty clear Brian is using a few different off-shelf solutions for his store and his blog, but they are very well done.

<a href="Http://inkynibbles.com">Inky NIBbles, the ravings of a pen and ink addict.</a>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At those prices I wouldn't buy another, and we've bought 2 so far, plus another for a gift. Lovely pens as they are - think VW Beetle or Jeep before they climbed to $30-40'000

"how do I know what I think until I write it down?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At those prices I wouldn't buy another, and we've bought 2 so far, plus another for a gift. Lovely pens as they are - think VW Beetle or Jeep before they climbed to $30-40'000

 

your message is very clear, so the Diamond 530 will remain to be an old time Beetle and Jeep :roflmho:

For latest update pls join our facebook <img src="https://img.skitch.com/20110916-nw8undh6ac3kh6q1ta7n62ii75.preview.png" alt="facebook badge" />

 

If any product related issue, pls send email to twsbiinc@gmail.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

speedy:

 

I use to work in manufacturing and now in a reseller channel.

 

Yes,.. I can understand from ur view point. I think its very similar to old VW beetle.

Its the peoples car and it was budget and cheap.

 

To further reduce the distribution cost and with internet, there is no reason why people

cannot buy direct from you.

 

If you want to keep the distribution channel. Then keep some model through them and

keep some model direct purchase from you( to reduce the end user cost).

As in the gold nib that you mention.

 

So people can still have the " people's fountain pen"

 

There's a lot to this. At the NYC pen show, it became clear that distributors and pen dealers don't want to touch the pen unless the price they can sell it at is double the wholesale cost. I haven't talked with Speedy, but I assume this is the reason for the $280 cost, instead of something like $120-150ish.

 

 

This is why I am a big fan of self-distribution until such time Twsbi gets enough traction to change the business model of resellers, instead of Twsbi's price points rising to placate distributors.

Follow TWSBI and the Diamond Project on Twitter!

 

Currently inked pens:

Pilot M90 F- Iroshizuku Tsuyu-Kusa

Sailor 1911 EF - MB Blue

Twsbi Diamond 530 F-Noodler's "Taiwan Eternally Free" Black Strait

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that a dedicated web presence and sales through the web site would seem the best way forward. The example of Christopher Ward watches seems to me to be relevant. They started selling what were essentially English assembled Swiss watches at a low price and have expanded and are slowly moving further upmarket. Production appears to have moved to Switzerland and the movements used have become more sophisticated. All direct sales so no middle man.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think maybe people need to consider this again.

 

We're talking a pen in the class of the Pelikan M1000 for $280. That seems like a pretty darned good deal to me.

 

That's fine if you want to dedicate $280 of your money to buying a fountain pen (and many do). However the majority just don't have budgets that stretch that far, especially in these difficult financial times. This is why the Diamond 530 is priced at a low price point, so it is accessible to as many FP enthusiasts as possible. If Speedy can sell enough of the $280 pen then great, there have always been higher priced pens and buyers and no-one will deny you the right or enjoyment of buying one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think maybe people need to consider this again.

 

We're talking a pen in the class of the Pelikan M1000 for $280. That seems like a pretty darned good deal to me.

 

That's fine if you want to dedicate $280 of your money to buying a fountain pen (and many do). However the majority just don't have budgets that stretch that far, especially in these difficult financial times. This is why the Diamond 530 is priced at a low price point, so it is accessible to as many FP enthusiasts as possible. If Speedy can sell enough of the $280 pen then great, there have always been higher priced pens and buyers and no-one will deny you the right or enjoyment of buying one.

 

+1 Kind of sums it up for me too....

 

Like others have said I would consider another nib...similar to the Schmidt (no complaints about my Med nib) if one was available in italic or Stub etc if it was at a 'sensible' price.

 

As a PS.....didn't mind 'being part of an experiment' at $40 .........TWSBI looked a real good deal at not much more than a Lamy Safari....

Get to around $80 - $100.......and the decision seems at lot less clear.....to me anyway :hmm1:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my opinion, yes, I would buy one of your "luxury pens" but not in demonstrator, only in a solid color with a ink-view thingummy, or even better, if you could make a marbled barrel, it would be delicious. I would prefer a better quality piston, more ink capacity, and I just love two-tone nibs, etcetera, but right now, I am not sure that you have the ability to make that in the same ability as the less expensive pens. Perhaps work your way up to that same ability, and then I will be glad to buy one of them. Work on your stub nibs and you solid colors and your ink-view thingummies first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33494
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26624
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files

×
×
  • Create New...