A week ago, Ask.com sent me schwag, part of that was a Timbuk2 Commute bag, branded for Ask.com. It is an awesome laptop bag, really is. So much so, I am strongly considering getting about fifty of them branded for RustyBrick.
Timbuk2 has a Corporate Sales Program, so I contacted them. It will basically cost $70 per bag, if I order 50. plus $7.50 per piece for the embroider cost and a one time $150 set up fee.
50 bags
$70/bag
$7.50/bag
$150 one time fee
---------------
$4,025.00
This does not include shipping and tax.
Some of the other powers at the company are not too into the idea. If I can convince them that I can sell the bags to RustyBrick fans, if there are any, for $100 a piece, then maybe they will go for it. If I sell 10 bags, then its $1,000. The rest go to employees, and preferred clients. Oh and maybe a few contests for lucky blog readers.
What are your thoughts? I posted an image of the Mocha/Light Brown/Mocha Wool version, not that I would get it in wool, but the colors go best, I think. I then pasted the RustyBrick logo on the bag, yea, I did my best.
Update 3:30PM (EST):
It looks like I won't be able to get the above Commute in that color above. Custom colors like that are only available for the Messenger Bags, which I really do not want. The closest colors would be the brown/burnt orange/brown combination. I am now thinking of going with a combo of Commute bags and Blogger bags. I am guessing, they will look something like this:
Commute on left & Blogger on right.
Updated thoughts?
Update 3: I am told they cannot guarantee the commute will come in that color. They can guarantee it in black, but not the brown/burnt orange/brown combination. I can always order a custom messenger bag. Errr.
Comments
Hey Barry,
I say do it....and make sure to send us two, please!
Thanks!
Judah
Posted by: Judah | September 28, 2006 11:34 AM
whose do you think is gonna pay $100 for this?
maybe use this as your holiday gift.
Posted by: siborg | September 28, 2006 11:54 AM
Will do...
siborg - fine, you won't get one. ;-)
Posted by: Barry Schwartz | September 28, 2006 12:12 PM
Barry,
Can I also have Siborg's?? ;)
Seriously, though, if you think about it, it really makes sen$e.
G-d knows how many people we see walking around N.Y.C. every day with a backpack like this one, promoting Earnst & Yound, PWC, Reuters, etc.
We never give it a second chance since it's so common.
However, if someone sitting next to me on the train saw a "RustyBrick" backpack, I'm sure they'd be motivated to go home and Google RustyBrick for more info.
Percentage wise, if you even have 1% of people who bother to do the extra homework on RustyBrick result in a customer, you've made back your money and then some.
I'd do it myself in my own industry...except that I don't think it would mesh well with what I am selling....much less whether my customers would actually wear the backpack..so as to get some publicity for my company.
Just my biased two cents...since I am eagerly awaiting my two backpacks...;););)
Judah
Posted by: Judah | September 28, 2006 12:53 PM
Sweet bags, for sure!
Unfortunately, a little rich for my blood to purchase one straight out. But, if one of these was a prize for a contest, I would be your 'subservient chicken' to get it...
Posted by: Caydel | September 28, 2006 1:14 PM
Just waiting on some more feedback and an email back from Timbuk2 with some more details...
Judah, you'll get two, if we get them. Love your points.
Posted by: Barry Schwartz | September 28, 2006 1:18 PM
I'll take one, instead of sushi, for attending the next RB Board meeting. BTW, when is the next Board mtg?...
Posted by: Leon Schwartz | September 28, 2006 1:58 PM
i didnt say i wouldnt take one, i said i wouldnt PAY for one. but only in burnt orange, im very particular.
Posted by: siborg | September 28, 2006 3:52 PM