Apologies for folks on the East Coast as this update is a little late in the day, being almost 9PM over there as I write. I had planned to do this much earlier. Unfortunately, this morning I was made aware that there were many empty shelves in some stores in my area. I have not been too alarmed at the current Covid-19 situation, but given that I was running low on some essential food items I decided it was best to brave the crowds and make some purchases while supplies were still available.
After a very long morning and some work on handles today I want to give an update on production. First, though, I’d like to remind you guys to please read the “Shipping” policies as well as the notes that I include on the “Order Request” page. Most notably, what I’d like to emphasize is the time estimates, and that they are only estimates in the very sense of the term. These notices have been there since January 30 as they are currently worded.
The reason I outline this is because the brushes have to be done a certain way and I don’t like to rush them. I could choose to hammer out brushes on a strict production schedule, but I have chosen not to. I’m not inherently opposed to offering a brush that can be made in exactly X amount of days, and ships exactly on the date that I estimate. Not in the least. I’m just not willing to do that with The Varlet, especially at the price point that they are at now.
Which leads me to something else that I want to mention. With the first run of brushes at just about 99% completion, that question of whether the brushes are priced correctly is entirely without doubt in my mind. What I mean by that is not that everyone out there needs to pay in excess of $400 for a shaving brush, but that the time I am spending on each brush warrants that price from a production standpoint. It’s what I need to ask for the time I’m spending and the results that are achieved. Ultimately the decision of whether to pay the asking price is up to the patron, but I have to charge what I charge, and the rest is up to each individual. However, getting back to my point, the brushes that will be shipping soon are even a notch above what I’ve shipped up to now, even if that notch is very tiny. It may be very marginal, but the fit and finish is just a little better and I am feeling very good about how these things are looking. I have never promised perfection, and never will, but I think this set of brushes have set the standard for what I can do.
Details on Status
First Run - 99% complete. Will ship Monday or Tuesday. That means they will hit the post office Monday or Tuesday, not just that tracking info will be available. I have listened to feedback and going forward, tracking info notices and post office acceptance will happen on the same day.
I will have photos of some of the brushes featured on Instagram and will update the “Gallery” page as soon as I can get some nice shots.
** Note: The First Run is about 2 weeks behind schedule, but I have been in contact with patrons and have kept them informed of progress throughout, with photos.
Second Run - ~65% complete. I am estimating shipping at the end of next week, perhaps the following Mon or Tue. This will be about 1 week behind schedule. I will contact those on the Second Run in the next couple of days with photos of their brushes at their stage of completion.
Third Run - Beginning production this week with handle material cast and hair beginning to be sorted and weighed. I have given estimates for completion at 3 weeks from now, and will continue my updates with those who purchase as production gets underway.
Estimates for Remaining Requests
At this time, about 2/3 of my current list has been contacted in one form or another. I will try to give estimates for those remaining who have not heard from me as soon as I can. If you have not heard from me regarding your brush we are looking at 5-6 weeks estimated time of completion, but some on the list might have a longer estimated time frame.
I know there is a lot of interest out there for some content and I will try to get some photos posted in the next few days. I have not answered emails from Friday morning until now, but replies will go out by Monday or Tuesday as well to those who sent messages.
Thanks so much everyone,
-Aldo
