Karas pens are developing a strong following and deservedly so. I know several people who have been so pleased with the feel and overall quality that they've returned to using a fountain pen after decades away from them.
Machined in the USA these pens are finding a great niche of their own in an already exclusive market.
For the record, I think Massdrop is batting well over .500 in terms of offering widely available niche products at a solid discount or offering hard to find stuff at all (usually without a discount).
For writers, the most recent Lamy 2000 drop and the current Bung Box drops are great examples of each, respectively.
On this drop, I think Massdrop missed the mark. Judging by the sluggish participation, it seems others agree.
The price savings isn't really there for this one. Sure, you might save $7.25 or so for the all copper version, but if you're willing to buy a $150+ pen online, less than $10 savings isn't a strong incentive. If Massdrop is working directly with the manufacturer on this, the discount needs to be at least $10 bucks deeper than can be found readily (with discount codes, etc) to make folks buy through here.
Also, in the interest of "Truth in Advertising," the version photographed as the "lead in" to this drop is not $85. As presented, that particular pen (copper body and copper section/grip) is the most expensive. Taking into account the offered options, it's $85 + $80 +$20 + $2.75 = $185.75 at the lowest drop price.
In spite of the lackluster member response to this particular drop, I hope it's offered again with a drop price that makes it worthwhile for folks to buy through Massdrop.
Alternatively, perhaps this drop could be extended by a couple days and a lower drop price offered?
I try to call 'em as I see 'em. I'm curious what the future holds.
As usual, I hope this helps anyone considering this drop (and those from Massdrop watching this discussion).
Cheers.
Fine Print: Periodically edited; affiliations, if any, are clearly indicated; opinions are mine.
GonzoTGreatConsidering the Karas coupon discount and free shipping above a price point, the Massdrop is disappointing. And I agree about the product placement shots vis a vis the price. after you add up the price bumps for copper, it is more than twice the base price. I love the idea of this pen and the thought of supporting American Made... But you get very little incentive here. And if you are in the US, you can get the ALL COPPER all the time at Goulet Pen Co for $175 plus shipping - with no coupons or incentives..
Machined in the USA these pens are finding a great niche of their own in an already exclusive market.
For the record, I think Massdrop is batting well over .500 in terms of offering widely available niche products at a solid discount or offering hard to find stuff at all (usually without a discount).
For writers, the most recent Lamy 2000 drop and the current Bung Box drops are great examples of each, respectively.
On this drop, I think Massdrop missed the mark. Judging by the sluggish participation, it seems others agree.
The price savings isn't really there for this one. Sure, you might save $7.25 or so for the all copper version, but if you're willing to buy a $150+ pen online, less than $10 savings isn't a strong incentive. If Massdrop is working directly with the manufacturer on this, the discount needs to be at least $10 bucks deeper than can be found readily (with discount codes, etc) to make folks buy through here.
Also, in the interest of "Truth in Advertising," the version photographed as the "lead in" to this drop is not $85. As presented, that particular pen (copper body and copper section/grip) is the most expensive. Taking into account the offered options, it's $85 + $80 +$20 + $2.75 = $185.75 at the lowest drop price.
In spite of the lackluster member response to this particular drop, I hope it's offered again with a drop price that makes it worthwhile for folks to buy through Massdrop.
Alternatively, perhaps this drop could be extended by a couple days and a lower drop price offered?
I try to call 'em as I see 'em. I'm curious what the future holds.
As usual, I hope this helps anyone considering this drop (and those from Massdrop watching this discussion).
Cheers.
Fine Print: Periodically edited; affiliations, if any, are clearly indicated; opinions are mine.