Big Changes
I have some very big changes to announce which are designed to provide a better experience for all. I’ll outline what these changes are as well as my viewpoint on my current successes and shortcomings. Thanks to the overwhelming majority of followers of The Varlet who have been patient and understanding despite the very frustrating experience in getting a hold of a brush up to now.
Shipping Estimates/Speed
Notoriously unreliable with regards to shipping estimates as well as shipping speed, I am committed to making drastic improvements in this very crucial part of the customer service experience. My approach thus far has been to spend as much time at the lathe and at the knot bench, perfecting as much as possible the quality, fit and finish, and design execution of every brush. Communication and shipping speed suffered. I now realize after some feedback from patrons that this is no longer going to be the best way forward, and has been a shortcoming on my part. Although I will still place a priority on build quality and execution of the tiniest details, the changes I’m putting in place will also allow me to better communicate with those who purchase a brush as well as give a less stressful shipping and delivery process.
Custom Pieces
While this isn’t something I originally envisioned back in 2013/2014, I’ve taken a lot of things into consideration and with a lot of careful planning I have decided to offer The Varlet’s brushes on a custom and made-to-order basis. Working on a custom basis fixes many issues, it makes the ordering process much less stressful, it gives everyone a chance to get exactly what they want, it gives me the freedom and time to do everything I should do, which is not only to make brushes but also give great customer service. In addition, it will give everyone a chance to see some really creatively designed brushes, done not by me, but by you guys.
I have spent the better part of this week putting in place a custom ordering process. I hope I did a good enough job and it will be self explanatory, so I’ll just give a brief outline here.
Details regarding custom orders can be viewed under the new pages, Brush Models, Options, Gallery, and Order Request. Please take the time to look at each page for details with regards to what is available. I have tried to include as many options as possible with many combinations available, which should result in some interesting and unique pieces being made and enjoyed.
Pricing
I have priced every brush option to accurately reflect the time I will spend creating these custom pieces. This also includes vastly better communication with potential customers, order requests, and customers with active orders. Granted, the more time I spent writing emails and giving shipping updates, the less time I can spend at the lathe. This is OK. This is something which I have not embraced before, but realize now that it is crucial.
Given that my time will still be limited no matter the changes, I will prioritize my response to emails as follows:
Top Priority: Existing Paid Orders
Second Priority: Current Order Requests (pending approval)
Third Priority: General Inquiries
Also reflected in the price are the efforts that I have made to elevate my knowledge this craft and the many, many hours spent making improvements to techniques, designs, knot construction and hair selection, as well as the reputation that I have worked hard to earn by delivering unmatched quality and originality in the work that I do.
If you consider the time it takes to hone one’s craft in other fields, whether it be engineering, medicine, construction, truck driving, or just about any other craft that makes our world turn, what you ultimately pay for when seeking a product or service from your fellow citizens is their time and their ability to provide for themselves. All I ask is to view me in that same light, and if there are any grievances with the changes to voice them with respect.
Brushes will start at $465 with many options available, some at additional cost.
Time Frame
At this point, I can’t give any time frames on these brushes as of the writing of this post, since I have not opened the Order Form page and thus have no way of knowing my workload at this time. However, by perhaps next week I’ll be able to tell what kind of time frame I am working with and so will respond to inquiries as my ability to do so improves.
Thanks to all!
-Aldo
