Cliff Lockpicks... again

[LocksmithArmy]

I am considering making Cliff Lockpicks again and was thinking of doing a kickstarter to get initial stock.
I took some cool pictures for the campaign and wanted to share them





just some artsy pics for the banner and stuff.

I'd like to hear what you all think of me starting up Cliff Lockpicks agian.
Would it be something you would support?
Is there room in the market for more picks?
If you purchased from the last run, how did they handle?
Did you break any?
Any other general suggestions?

[tpark]

It would be really cool to see artisan picks, but I don't know if you could bring stuff to market at the price point that would earn money for you. Other vendors have really pushed the price point down, and people looking for premium picks often buy Peterson. I bet a kickstarter would work though - even though I have many picks and make my own, I'd be interested in seeing what other people can do.

[LocksmithArmy]

As far as profitability, I have the metal sourced and cutter is local so shipping is minimal. My only fear is quantity. If enough don't sell it won't propigate more... a contract would be nice.

But I'm not quiting my day job either, so it's not a huge loss if it fails. My goal is to fufill all orders as long as I have fumds to do so. More orders = more funds = more picks for more orders

[gademsky]

Do you have a web site? Trouble now is the Asians are making stuff so cheap and with ePackey delivery, the US government is subsidizing delivery to USA. The quality of their products is mostly poor, but eventually they will catch on and increase quality. Then with robotics, 3d printing and automation, with in 10 years all the picks will be robotically finished to the highest standards. If we can get self driving cars, there has to be self making pick machines.
Not trying to be wise guy, just cynical and a little worried about future of artesian made products.

[LocksmithArmy]

the point of these picks is quality.

while the chinese companies can make picks cheaply, they don't use the same quality materials. I doubt they are really hurting companies like sparrows or peterson.
cheap, good, or fast... pick 2.

[O_OBruce]

After Schuyler Towne ran off with $80,000 worth of lockpicking Kickstarter money, I wonder if perhaps locksport enthusiasts might be a bit jaded about supporting yet another Kickstarter purporting to sell lockpicks.

[LocksmithArmy]

Im totally worried about that too.
I have made these picks before and fulfilled every order... maybe that will speak somewhat. Plus, las tnight I reread his entire campaign to note things not to do... clearly marked, possible stretch goals and openness about any delays are two big points... oh yeah and don't quit your day job for less than 2 years salary. Also note. Ive never been to any lock con and dont intend to use any kickstarter money to do so. (Although after allthe kickstarters are filled it is a possibility).
I dont need kickstarter money to pay my rent either, my regular job will cover that. I have no visions of grandure about this becoming a full time job. I have partners to help package and ship orders while I go to work... so shipments are not missed.

[OrMeanGene]

After Schuyler Towne ran off with $80,000 worth of lockpicking Kickstarter money, I wonder if perhaps locksport enthusiasts might be a bit jaded about supporting yet another Kickstarter purporting to sell lockpicks.

Wow i did not know that. I saw the kickstarter after it ended. Glad i missed out

[OrMeanGene]

Id love to get my hands on a standard hook to play around with.

[jeffmoss26]

I will certainly vouch for LSA and the Cliff lockpicks. I've had mine since they first came out, and they have held up quite well!

[GWiens2001]

I'll go in on it, too, if you do give it another shot. Not that I have a lack of picks. But looks like a good selection of different picks.

Gordon

[Silverado]

I am very wary when it comes to kickstarter. I've been ripped off more than enough and have vowed not to contribute any more of my money to it.

This actually seems legitimate though and I may reconsider my stance toward kickstarter if you were to start something up. They look like nice picks and I'd hope that you're being honest, being a member of the forum. Nothing personal, towards you...I've just been burned by kickstarter too many times to not apply my normal, cynical approach to any propositions of kickstarter.

[LocksmithArmy]

So far I've only been burned once on kickstarter. But there are some projects running a bit late. But communication is still good so I'm not too worried. It's like gambeling, never give more than you can afford to lose.

[GWiens2001]

Have had good luck with both times I went in on a Kickstarter project. Both times, the products arrived. Both times, there was a delay, but both times I was made aware of the delay. And it was not a serious delay.

Gordon

[LocksmithArmy]

Out of curiosity... i googled an independent review of kickstarter and found that only 9% of projects fail to provide adequate stuff for their backers... Ive backed 23 I think... and 1 is a lost cause and another 2 are late... about 5 delivered and the rest are still on time.