Selling flies

[Joe Hard 0]

I was stopped by a fellow today on my home from the river. I thought we were going to get into it. I was walking down the road and a guy pulled over right quick, whom I did not recognize. Turns out I met him in another town at a pub/ale house microbrewery. He makes their beer. Naturally I would talk to this guy there. He wanted some flies, told me what ever I think is best and gave me his number and $20.00 for some streamers. I should of just took some out of my box and gave him a handful.

 

What I am thinking is $2.00 a fly. 5 pattens 2 of each, . All big size 2 streamers that I fish with. We talked in the pub before and I am sure that is what he wants.

 

What I am thinking is this guy works in a pub, and like I met him, he meets all kinds of people. Great word of mouth advertising. Do you think I should give him some extras as a hope for a repeated or other customers. Maybe a batch of beer from the microbrewery. Times are pretty tough right now, and $20.00 extra dollars in my hand was like a blessing. Just wondering what what everyone thinks is fair, or if any advise about selling flies like what happened to me today. I mean I have sold flies before but, now there is really no where to get them around here. Unless you find someone that ties. I just see an opportunity for potential so any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks

[letumgo 0]

Your flies are awesome, dude. :headbang: I think he would be very lucky to get ten of your finely tyed flies for 20 dollars. I am sure he will agree when he sees the quality of your work.

[JSzymczyk 0]

Do It! Let him know that because you "know" him the $2 per fly is a killer deal and your normal price is significantly higher but still a great value. Don't be arrogant, but try to get the point across that these are custom tied with the highest possible materials and craftsmanship. Like you said, word-of-mouth advertising can be limitless. Instill an aura of exclusivity about your flies, tied especially for local waters, all that kind of stuff. You might find yourself with more than $20 in your pocket and tired eyes. good luck, and go for it!

 

 

[flygirl 0]

I think for big streamers $2.00/fly is fair.....$1.25 for smaller flys....after all, the cost of materials & your time adds up. I would just keep it simple with a few patterns that wouldn't require alot of costly materials and ones you can tie up quickly . I'd also stick with the cash...everybody likes money..but nobody likes a hang over. Good luck !

[JSzymczyk 0]

joe, I just glanced at your website- you should be getting way more than $2 per fly. That's $2 in Canuck money too, I don't know the exchange rate, but it's a hell of a bargain for the beer guy.

[Graham 0]

Hey Daryn, I'm sure he'll be thrilled with whatever you tye for him, your flies rock. I seem to remember you tyed for a loaf of bologna a couple years ago, this guy can supply barrels of beer!!!

 

cheers,

Graham

[Zarabanda Fly 0]

Joe, stick to the cash and stick it to the IRS :devil: (or equivalent in Canada).

[Ron Eagle Elk 0]

I just looked at your website too. If your fishing flies look anything like your flies on your site, he got one heck of a good deal.

[Bugsy 0]

I agree with the previous replies. You're offering him a good deal...possibly too good of a deal.

 

Tell him he caught you in a generous mood.

[Joe Hard 0]

Thanks guys, you are all to kind!! What I am really trying to do is open a fly shop out of my home. I do have one now but dont really care if I sell flies or not. As I have a commercial fishing licence and make a decent living. Last year I took it easy and spent more time looking around and playing with my camera. So money is tight right now. Its my own fault, and the thing of it is, I know I cant do what I do forever.

 

There is nowhere to buy flies locally other than Walmart. I like to tie, and I also like to see people I do sell flies to happy. I have been working with a couple government business counselors to see what or if any funding is available for me. There are too many things I am thinking about and really didn't explain everything properly in my first post.

 

Just the way everything happened today, and the way things have been going. It was like the clouds opened up and a little bit of sun shined on me. You guys made it brighter.

[Soft-hackle 0]

Hi,

Well, as someone that has been fly tying for 44 years I might have some things to add. Your flies are exceptional, and finding someone that ties flies as you do is worth a lot to any non-tying fly angler. Your streamers are worth MORE than $2, but you've got to be reasonable.

 

I would suggest tying up some "sets" of your choice and perhaps purchase some plastic boxes to put them in and sell them as sets. This way, you tie flies that YOU want to tie. At $2/fly plus the cost of the box, this should work well.

 

When tying for the market, "to order" you must be prepared to be able to tie anything anyone wants. That includes all types and kinds of flies, which may require you having on hand many materials which you, yourself, do not personally use. You must have a good customer base to stock such a supply. You never know what your customer is going to ask you to tie. It could be anything from a soft-hackle to one of your beautiful streamers, or perhaps, something really odd-ball or unconventional for your area.

 

I'm not saying you should or should not do this, what I am saying is that you need to be prepared. If you sell your flies "Tied to order" I think $2 for your streamers and salmon flies is pretty low. I might be tempted to "kick them up a notch" as Emeril would say. You have to find a good price that customers are willing to pay, but that you feel is worth your time, materials and talent.

 

In addition, remember, when selling flies to order, many tiers sell them at slightly reduced prices at the dozen and half dozen mark. This also means a bit less for your pocketbook. Also it can become a bit tedious tying twelve of the same fly.

 

Please keep us posted on your progress. I truly hope this is a successful venture for you.

 

Mark

 

 

[Gregg A 0]

Daryn, you have a talent Buddy. I bet you can make some money off of it. Run with it and see where it goes. I bet you would be suprised.

[Steeldrifter 0]

For streamers I think $2 a fly is a very fair price Daryn. And I agree with Soft-Hackle, is you start doing streamers that are tied to specs for guys maybe up it to $2.50-$2.75 per fly. If your area is void of tyers then you may just have the oppritunity to get a nice little business going. Put some time&effort into it and word of mouth spreads fast, you may just find yourself packed with orders. If theres any fishing shops in the area that dont carry flies you might want to go in and talk with them as well about carrying your flies. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this may just be a way for you to put some extra cash in your pocket doing something you enjoy.

 

Steve

[Inconnu 0]

I had a look at your streamers and have to agree he is getting a heck of a deal. I'm not sure what you guys pay on that coast but here the average trout fly runs $1.95, fancier streamers go up as high as $4.95. I'm not saying that is what you should charge, but perhaps have two price ranges for streamers, the more complicated patterns would be a little higher.

I hope this works well for you and speaking from some experience, you will either love tying for $$$ or hate it. I know I did it for two years and then couldn't stand the sight of my vise for two years afterwards. A friend of mine though, did it for many years and really enjoyed it. Don't want to discourage you, just hope you find yourself enjoying the business.

[flytyingscotsman 0]

 

$2 per streamer, especially this nice is a good deal.

 

Going forward, in my opinion the trick is differentiating your flies from the

sub-par stuff coming in from Africa, China or wherever else.

 

What I mean by this is, while the folks on this forum can see the quality of your

flies, you may have to put yourself out there to explain to any potential

customers why your product is better than something which may cost half

the price.

 

Good luck with the venture !