What's in a name

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Texatdurango

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I have a website called Georges Penworks where I have pens listed for sale and I have a "Georges Penworks" banner for my craft table. I even had some business cards made up for "Georges Penworks" and all is well, as one can come to a craft show and say "Hey, there's ole George with his pens, let's go have a look".

Lately I have been experimenting with some new pen designs and hopefully will be successful in creating some nice pens from more expensive materials including hand crafted silver bands, clips, and solid gold nibs.

The market for these nicer pens will not be at the local craft shows and I'm thinking of renaming my "company" to more reflect the direction I am taking with the nicer customized <s>pens</s> writing instruments. :)

So, do I try to market a nice $200+ fountain pen under "Georges Penworks" or should I think up a more suitable name for my pens?

I'm interested in hearing some thoughts.
 
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Branding one trade name is difficult enough. I would incorporate everything under one umbrella name. Perhaps you could have "George's Penworks" for your modestly priced pen line and "George's Custom Writing Instruments" for the higher end.
 
Lou nailed it. "BRANDING" is the keyword.

You want to create another "unrelated" name only IF the old one is "tainted" but if it is well established, you should never give it up or change it.

JMHO
 
Hi George..
I ran into similar problem with my original "company" name.. Out of Houston and the area I operated as "Keepsakesinwood".. but I actually turned as much plastic, acrylics and antler as I did wood... plus I've expanded into other products besides pens.. after I moved to Tennessee I wanted something more comprehensive in the name, so I have re-named my website and "company" (I use that term loosely) to be called "Tellico Turnings". I have a banner on order for my booth with this name.

I agree with Lou.. it's best to keep everything under one name.. you want as many people as possible to associate "George" with your pens, modest or high end.
 
I second (or third) how important your branding is. Maybe come up with a slick logo, but don't change the name completely as that is how you are known.
 
Taking Lou's suggestion a step further, you might want to think in terms of segmenting your products into "lines" or "collections" to make it easy for the buyer to focus on the specific category that is suitable to him or her. For instance, maybe your top shelf wares are called the "You've Arrived Collection."

When somebody shells out $200.00 for a pen, he or she is buying more than just a writing instrument and frequently the buyer's (and/or the pen recipient's) ego will be involved to some degree. The collection's name should speak to the purchaser's buying influences.
 
After nearly 14 years as "Wood you Like", I don't think more than 20 people could tell you my "company" name. They know Ed (sometimes) and, more often, "the pen guy" from xyzCraft show.

So, I am "rebranding" to A.R.T. (Advanced Resin Techniques) Creations. Having established that I am accomplished in turning resins, I believe this will, more correctly, identify my company.

I thoroughly expect people at craft shows will now look for "The pen guy ---ART something"

IF you are on the internet, they MAY remember more correctly, since they have to FIND you. But, at a craft show, I'm pretty much the only JET lathe in a booth:D:D:D:D
 
Actually, Lou, the name I use most often is (get ready):

"Wood You Like" division of the sprawling Glass Lass Empire, Dawn Kizer, empress!

I have MY business (Pro-Copy), Crafts are for Dawn. And thank-you for noticing SHE is an EXTREMELY talented "artist".


I am a craftsman - make things cylindrical, pretty well.
 
Originally posted by ed4copies

So, I am "rebranding" to A.R.T. (Advanced Resin Techniques) Creations. Having established that I am accomplished in turning resins, I believe this will, more correctly, identify my company.
Click to expand...

You should consider calling yourself Fantastic Advanced Resin Techniques.

or

Outstanding Literary Devices & Fantastic Advanced Resin Techniques.



Of course we'll need Cav to check the grammar but I think it will suffice.
;)
 
Peter, I am not YET UNDER that round mound (but will be, soon enough)

Scott,
I don't need to ADVERTISE "old fart", my customers CAN see!!!!
 
Originally posted by ed4copies

Scott,
I don't need to ADVERTISE "old fart", my customers CAN see!!!!
Click to expand...

Ever heard of putting a name with the face? This would be it! :D
 
George,I decided about a year ago to switch from Pens by Roy to Bellissimo Pens. The reason behid the switch was as Lou said "Branding" I didn't want to be lumped with other crafters ie: Dolls by Mary,Cookies by Alice,Pens by ???? I wanted a more artsy fartsy name I carried it a step father in that all my pens are in different collections named after Itialian cities or regions, I don't sell a Jr.Statesmen I sell a Palermo etc. It works for me, I even changed my web-site to reflect this Its still www.pensbyroy.com but when you get to it is now Welcome to Bellissimo Pens by Roy. BTW I like "Georgio's Fine writing Instruments". FWIW that's my 2 pennies worth.
 
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