Thread: What do people use for pen cases?

I use the velvet sleeves and give one away with any pen that I sell. I only use cases for higher quality pens if required and factor them into the price of the pen. Most people don't even expect a velvet sleeve though so are happy with them when they get them. I don't do cases as I would like to think the pens are used and not put on display/hidden in a drawer.

Corbs

Originally Posted by BoomerangInfo

Hey All,

Having sold my first pen, at short notice, I realize I need a decent stock of cases on hand. I got 10 of the cheap velvet sleeves when I got my starter kit, but they have rather rough edges when separated, which doesn't look that professional.

I also purchased two of the Addictive plastic see-through cases, one square end, and one round, but I'm a bit worried about those plastic clips inside, which seem like they might scratch the pen finish.

I've also used one of those large black & red velvet cases for a Sedona, which seems nice, but it at the expensive end in the available case range from what I can see. I have tried the maple/rosewood wooden cases that are available yet, or any of the "bag" type ones.

What would people recommend customers like, and which ones should I steer clear of?

Thanks. Russell.

Personally I don't like the maple/rosewood wooden cases. The large black & red velvet one, for what your paying is really good value.

I have found that the galleries prefer the black & red velvet cases or any other color, even black. I got a comment once that the maple/rosewood one make that whole thing look mass produced and imported, that was the turning point for me and haven't bought one since.

The gallery said to me that because you want to emphasis to the buyer that the pen is Australian made and is special because....... (special timber, hand made etc), If you sold it in one of those wooden cases (which is now available main stream, newsagents even stock them now), it creates a doubt in the buyers mind that the box is imported, what about the pen? is the pen imported too?

my 2 cents worth.

Also I make my own boxes and that really sets my pen apart from everything else in the gallery.

Timberbits.

Originally Posted by timberbits

Personally I don't like the maple/rosewood wooden cases. The large black & red velvet one, for what your paying is really good value.

I have found that the galleries prefer the black & red velvet cases or any other color, even black. I got a comment once that the maple/rosewood one make that whole thing look mass produced and imported, that was the turning point for me and haven't bought one since.

The gallery said to me that because you want to emphasis to the buyer that the pen is Australian made and is special because....... (special timber, hand made etc), If you sold it in one of those wooden cases (which is now available main stream, newsagents even stock them now), it creates a doubt in the buyers mind that the box is imported, what about the pen? is the pen imported too?

my 2 cents worth.

Also I make my own boxes and that really sets my pen apart from everything else in the gallery.

Timberbits.

It's unkind to tease us about making your own boxes, then not post a picture.

Alan

Originally Posted by Alan Scrivner

It's unkind to tease us about making your own boxes, then not post a picture.

Alan

Alan

You can have a look at the boxes I make in the following link.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=81897

Hope it helps.

Timberbits.

So we go from teasing to Jealousy! Amos

Originally Posted by Woodenink

So we go from teasing to Jealousy! Amos

Amos, if you can make pens like you do, a box will be no problem.

If I could get a chance to sit down and nut out the designs I've got swinning around in my head, I'd be able to offer some handmade leather pen cases.

cheers
Wendy

I'm hopeful of getting SWMBO to make some for me, she's damn good on the sewing machine
So far I'm having no luck

So I'm using the velvet sleeves - people are happy with something that gives a little protection
congrats on you first sale - may there be many more

One of the problems will almot all of the stock cases is that they don't accomodate the larger pens or pens made on "mainpulated pen kits" where longer tubes have been used.

If you are turning prety standard pen1s most are fine but as soon as you get a bit creative with size & shape you start having real problems with cases.

cheers

yep get away from standard and you need to make your own sometimes,I use the square tubes either 5/8 or 3/4 fits most anything ,and as its mainly for protection takes up a lot less space when transporting ,and when displayed you can see all the pen without having to touch them hehe! cheers

Ahh! John! wait until I get to make that first box!!! You will freak out Amos

Amos

Do you know how great your boxes will be with the aid of a laser engraver!

I wished I had a laser engraver. If I had one, I would probably give up pen making and focus on box making. I am thinking about buying a laser engraver but can't justify the price. Maybe in a few years time.

Your skills as a pen maker would easily transfer to box making. Box making is so much simpler than pen making.

David

One of the nicest pen boxes I have ever seen is this one from CSUSA.

In the last pen swap my partner, dalecamino from the US, sent his pen to me in one of these in Bubinga with my name engraved on the lid. A very impressive presentation indeed.

I am amazed that these boxes can be sold for so little money in the US.

One of my box making books has the full instructions on how to make these and one day I will have a go at making them in Oz hardwoods. That way I have a story to sell not only about the pen but also about the box.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

One of the nicest pen boxes I have ever seen is this one from CSUSA.

In the last pen swap my partner, dalecamino from the US, sent his pen to me in one of these in Bubinga with my name engraved on the lid. A very impressive presentation indeed.

I am amazed that these boxes can be sold for so little money in the US.

One of my box making books has the full instructions on how to make these and one day I will have a go at making them in Oz hardwoods. That way I have a story to sell not only about the pen but also about the box.

I am still overwhelmed about how cheap things can be made in China.

A box like that would take me at least 3 hours to make because of the hinge. That is in a batch of about 20. 3 hours x $30/hour = $90. That doesn't even include the price for materials and profit.

Timberbits.