Why aren't the SBG Forum Member Designed Swords Selling?

Well, I think there's been a lot of good points already raised in this thread, but I'd like to echo a few since they really hit home with me.

I don't think short swords sell as well as larger ones, like others have mentioned; especially so for basic choppers without scabbards.  There IS a market for those swords (like someone mentioned, preppers and the like), but these are overpriced for them.

I understand the logistical reason why y'all went with basic-styled short swords that are just variations on already produced models, but without the fantasy world behind them, practically speaking they're not worth it.  I'm not trying to be harsh, but when I'm looking at a sword and I have a limited budget, if I'm not emotionally-invested in the fantasy world, the 'standard' model wins every time.

On the exact opposite side of the argument, the Odin's Oar was well targeted and priced, even if that is a small market.  It's WAY outside my sword budget, but it hit a good spot for design and name-brand quality (i.e. resale value, if needed).  When someone spends that much on a work of art, it's an investment.  Bringing in licensed versions of other high-dollar swords would appeal to that same market, but again...it's limited in size so I wouldn't expect many sales.

The general market for swords, like a lot of discretionary spending 'hobby' items, is still slow right now because even though the economy is improving, most folks still don't have the cash to spare.  I think the "Walking Dead"/"Game of Thrones" bump given to the sword economy has stalled and isn't providing the new buyers like it used to. 

Ironically, that's where I had thought this fantasy world + sword idea would have done well.  I remember when it first started, there was a good bit of interest here on the board, with a lot of wild brainstorming and engagement.  But, as time went on, I got the impression that Paul had already decided the majority of fantasy world's details and just added a few contest winners ideas on stories after the fact.  It became less interactive than I had imagined, so I stepped aside, waiting to see what others would do.  I heard so little about it since then, I had forgotten about it until recently.  I'm a little shocked that swords are being offered without the establishment of the fantasy world...that's putting the cart before the horse, in my mind.

I'm glad Sev posted some other work in progress pictures, like I told him originally, that Castir is my favorite and I still want to buy one; the only problem is seeing how these first few short swords are priced, I'll likely be unable to afford one. 

Going forward, my suggestions would be to 1) get some more real-life reviews with detailed stats out there, 2) get the fantasy world out there more to generate interest in the swords, 3) consider a lower priced non-runic version of the goblin king sword and the other two Scorpion-produced designs marketed towards the prepper community directly though their forums, 4) keep in mind current market when setting prices...while I like the Castir a LOT, if it's $500-600+ without a scabbard and without an established fantasy world, the Ronin Alexandria will be getting my money instead.

maybe send one of the scorpion swords to skallagrim or something or someone to do a review on it with some hard abusive testing, im just thinking skallagrim because he has the largest audience. I vote the Orc King Cleaver, but if serious tho just send all 3, i think this would be a good investment for a ton of exposure

I think any press would be good press tbh, as long as skall is partial about it, i think it would be good, he does not like katanas but when he reviews one generally its positive 

even that 1 time he did the dsa feanor it started out positive, tho it went downhill real fast from there lol 

I thought the same thing as Blade Runner when I saw the finished Vorpal Sword. It's a nice sword, but isn't wide enough at the base to match the original illustration, and (he hit the nail on the head) the Alexandria.

The blue and gold isn't bad, but he's right on the colors too. Black or brown will likely sell best, followed by oxblood/red.

I like the finished design, but for some reason whenever I look at it I can't help but think of the old Windlass Castillon.

Not entirely sure if you know, but Admin/Paul never really opens his PM box anymore. Try emailing him instead.

Hi Paul.  I saw your thread within minutes of you posting it over the weekend.  I was almost the first response, but it was late, and I had an early morning.  I also didn't want to be a Negative Nancy.  

So, to answer your question about why the lack of interest, I'll just make it as simple as possible and say that fantasy swords are not my thing.  Tolkien's books are my absolute favorites, but I loathe almost every other fantasy work out there.  So, getting me to read or like any of the fantasy backstory involving these new SBG fantasy weapons would be nigh impossible.  

I also dislike the look of almost all fantasy weapons (I blame Kit Rae for flooding the market with such garish, ugly products).  Even Peter Jackson's versions of LOTR and The Hobbit had poor designs (imo) throughout.  For me, half the designs in PJ's LOTR were good or great (more were good than great), and half were average to terrible.  It got worse in The Hobbit movies.  If some designs were good, I credit John Howe's work with the design team.  So, even with a long established fantasy world like Tolkien's, one that is beloved by me, I'm very picky about how things should look.  If its fantastical, I probably won't like it.  If its more on the historical side, I might like it.  

So, yeah, fantasy designs just don't do it for me.  None of the designs in this thread or the brainstorming thread from late last year were to my liking.  Just not my cup of tea.  

Which is not to say that the designs are poorly done, thought out, or anything negative like that.  I really recommend and applaud the people who got creative with this, and had fun doing so.  I also applaud the manufacturing companies and people who are working on the prototypes and finished products now.  I really wish them well, and hope this is a success for SBG.  Its just not for me.  
 

 

Storm - Yes 100%.  Marketing and more marketing....and the shorties need longer blades and all need less funky colors. Even a fantasy sword has got to look "believable".

Admin. said in part, in the opening post,

"....despite offering a limited pre-launch of the these three swords and promoting it via the Sword Buyers Digest to 15,000 subscribers and 6,000 members of the store newsletter, we have sold just one of each design.."

Don't know how many overlap, but we can say at least 15,000 sword people were exposed with no sales.  Not good. Especially  since Admin. is aware of their sales of other swords via Digest/news letter.  To me, that indicates more than just a marketing issue, especially at tax refund season.

Yes.  The unique designs need some fine tuning and mega exposure at least.

Also, from my own experience in business, I know this, at least part of the core problem(s) can be found drilling down in SBG annual sales data for as many years as possible.

Guys, forget the ugly scabbards they're an option they don't come with the sword. That's the way all Scorpion swords are. All my swords are on display in my house and most of the scabbards are sitting in my closet never to see the light of day again. Unless you're planning to wear the sword who needs the scabbard. I would complain about the scabbards if I was forced to buy them. Getting some of these swords in testers hands would probably help but even a great review won't help sales if the sword just doesn't float your boat. I still kind of like the Orc King in spite of that 5 minute video I had to endure thinking I was going to see some kind of review. But I still think they need to tweak the price down a little because keep in mind the shipping in not included.