Markets, merch and money.

So recently, apart form a plethora of blogs, twitters and feed from riders and sponsors (which of course is a big boost for the scene having continuous and widespread coverage filling the nettwerwebs) I'm also seeing a lot of longboard shops/businesses starting up. Not big things; it's difficult to topple the Big manufacturers who spend tons of rider time and customer money on R&D, but stuff like clothing, good quality and novel pucks and similar other things. Recently shops have POURED gear into the scene (eg Octane , Shred , and even Mindless) and it's encouraging that they can, because it means it's worth it cos there's the market out there that will respond to the stimulus.

Previous attempt, redshift longboards

It's no real secret I've wanted to build my own boards (a couple of failed attempts at starting something) and run a working shop, either apparel or otherwise, and even with the blog (one of which I started last year but flopped due to my then shoddy time management) I've managed to miss the boat somewhat. At least the trend for content-production (physical or digital) shows how big everything's getting in the UK. Regardless of competition I am going to be pushing to get a brand off the ground hopefully before the end of the year, partly in conjunction with XSS, but mostly to provide funds to allow bigger events. Handling the money outside the club may make things somewhat difficult from time to time in terms of relevant group affiliation, but being able to go to the council with a mad plan and only having me discredited is better than the club losing face. Hence the minimal club involvement in the Outlaw up to the point at which it was over. Painful as It would have been, I'd have taken the flak for a failure/public liability case/major complaint, and although I may have been dismissed from club roles the club would scapegoat me to remain cushty with the Uni.

Enough rambling; back to the brand.

I still need branding though...

Plans are afoot for board production locally, but there's still a market for good solid longboard culture themed  apparel and goodies, and a market of skaters who are likely to pick up a t-shirt or hoody at a cheap enough price if it's going to represent the culture. As i'm still working full-time and the brand is a spare time thing (sunny skate days permitting) the margins are much smaller - Any profit is a bonus, and will end up offsetting events, and perhaps one day my attendance of them as well. £2 profit on a tee for a shop is difficult to maintain, but that's tons when you're overheads are nil and to match inflation on a batch of teeshirts is the only loss balancer versus having it in a 5% ISA. Having a safe supplier with a good rapport also makes getting club tees cheaper, although Reskue have done a pretty good job with our most recent set.

Another reason for me to start this is i'm bored of my current clothes and want custom new ones - If you ever end up buying a teeshirt off me, I'll probably wear that same design before you :)

BACK TO WORK!