Frustration +PLUS+

[gcfennell]

Hey guys and gals;

Many of you know me or at least know who I am. For those who may not, I am the "Weapon Shield" guy as well as the guy who invented and developed FP-10.

This last year has been a huge headache for so many of us, in our economy, politics, and personal lives. We have come to struggle on almost ever level of making it (that being the American dream) and fighting against the "fundamental transformation of America". The last thing we expect, is a "boot on our throat, holding us down" from our own industry and those that make the decisions on "who will supply the demand and who will not".

Sound confusing? Well, it can be and at the same time, it can be totally frustrating. And what would it be that I am eluding to? Simply put...getting YOU the people who are demaning it, "Weapon Shield" and "Weapon Shield Grease".

People call and email me everyday asking why Brownells, Sportsman's Guide, Cabellas, Gander Mountain, etc., don't have Weapon Shield or Weapon Shield Grease. People tell me they are told by some that they just flat out have too many other products of that nature and refuse to stock anymore (which is essentially true in at least one case that I know of). Others tell me they get blown off and are told that they never heard of it (while in every case here I have mentioned, they not only have heard of it, they have been in contact with us inquiring to supply it).

I won't say which did what at this time, but I will tell you that one company had us send them retail examples of every size product (at no charge) along with pricing, TWICE in the last year, only to have it all sent back to us BOTH times with a letter thanking us for our "interest in them" but saying that they had too many products of a similar nature already. (????) Go figure! They called us (twice).
Another company asked us to develop a retail "kit" that would sell for under $30. We did. It contains a syringe of grease, a needle oiler of WS, and a 4 ounce bottle of WS all in a really cool package with nice graphics. One year later we're still waiting on their order.

I could go on, but I'll leave those two as primary examples.

We also took on one of the primier sporting goods reps of the nation, who used to be the number one sales force of BF-CLP. After 6 months, not a single sale. It seems their sales reps were only focusing on "high profit items" like GUNS and AMMO. Taking the time to introduce or stock a new product? Perish the thought.

Just saying....we haven't forgot about you guys. Not a day goes by that we aren't trying to get it to you via venues other than just us. We at SST, Inc. are manufacturers, and THAT is what we want to do. Because of public demand we HAD to put up a commerce website in order to get it to folks who wanted it. Our goal someday whould be to take it down, due to the fact that all the dealers across America would be stocking Weapon Shield. At that point the problem would be solved.

What to do? Just keep on doing what you've been doing...ask them for it by name. Demand that they carry Weapon Shield. It is unbelievably frustrating, having the most demanded product for firearms care and maintenance, and not be able to have the top venues of sales for such products carrying it. Hang in, we'll get it to you.

Best regards,
George

[QUADZILLA]

I appreciate your dedication to your product and share your frustration as well!

I've NEVER used a product that compares to WS. Up until now, FP-10 was my favorite.......

How about putting forth effort into getting smaller gun shops in the region to carry your product line? I can tell you from a consumer point of view, that it would get me into those smaller shops to purchase it....and most likely buy other items in the store at the same time.

Best of luck to you.....I will continue to support you & your product, even if it means I have to drive an hour to get it at the nearsest shop!

[gcfennell]

Thanks Quad.

We have been doing that as well. It's amazing, but even some of the local shops who carry it will run out of it and NOT call us so we can get them restocked. It's you guys who will call us and let us know that they are out. We're a small company with very linited capabilities at this time, and it's a real chore to do it all. That's why we've tried in the past to enlist the aid of reps in order to use them to stock the dealers which is considered proper protocol. But DAMN the torpedoes...protocol just may be flushed down the tubes. I'm seriously thinking about a dealer direct program such as the likes of what Kimber and many others have turned to. It's alot of work setting up and getting it going, but it saves you guys money by cutting out the middle man.

However, the shipping then becomes the economic bug-a-boo. I can't tell you how many pissed off people call and email me saying that our shipping rates are preposterous. Now, I don't want to sound like the current administration and blame others or point fingers, but in reality, we DON'T have anything to do with the shipping and DO NOT charge a thing for handling. If the rate you get for shipping an $8 bottle of WS is $7.99, (which I agree, is atrocious) it is the direct calculation and charge by UPS/FEDX et all. The main thing I tell folks is to call us on the toll free number and order it direct. If you don't care about the tracking and such, then the US Postal system is the way to go. It's a fraction of what the parcel carriers charge when you order from the website.

At any rate, I urge you and everyone to ask their local gun shops to call us and stock it directly. We are more than happy to oblige.

Thanks again Quad and best regards,
George

[normanvin]

Do you have some info available that I could drop off at my local shop? If enough guys do that something may develop.

[gcfennell]

Hey Norm,

Is this what you mean?

http://www.steelshieldtech.com/prods...aponShield.pdf

That's pretty much it, aside from the other info at www.weaponshield.com.

Best,
George

[normanvin]

Yeah something like that. I will pass it on to my gun shop.

[Philbert]

I get mine from Midway USA.

[gcfennell]

Hey Phil,

Yes, Midway USA is one of the "few" who carry it along with egunz and OA2.org.

We JUST recieved word that the M4carbine.net is going to pick it up and carry it as well.

The main objective is to get distribution everywhere, or at least as much as possible that makes it convienient for you guys, either to drive there locally and pick it up or order it nearby, so that the shipping costs aren't killing everyone when they have to ship it across the region or country.

Best,
George

[Azzy]

One thought, being a local guy...

Some Walmart stores will carry products made by local people / small companies. Ive seen quite a few things in the West Mifflin Walmart. Perhaps you might want to try and get an in over at the Bethel Park store? Its a small thing, but I'll make sure to ask them to stock it.

Those kits... can we get them online?

[gcfennell]

Hey Azzy,

We've been dickering with Walmart for 2 years now. I'm familiar with the local scenario you mention, but you still have to go through corporate in Arkansas. They then give you 1000 stores to test market it in, if you get the blessing of approval.

As for the kits...I don't see why not. Call Gary at our toll free and ask him for the 3 pack kit of WS and WSG for $29.95. I don't think I would put them on the website just yet, as the original deal with them MAY still materialize. But if it doesn't soon, we just may.

Thanks Azzy and best regards,
George