[AlpacaTalk] Marketing seminar
I would like to share some observations from a marketing seminar I
attended yesterday. Both presenters were from AOBA (board
members). Tom Costner has been in sales many years and gave very
useful information. One item of personal interest was the FACT that
many of us, myself included, need to raise the price of our animals
and products. It is the perceived value on the buyers side that
helps make the sale. Looking at my current listing for some of our
boys, I had figured that well, sure they are blacks with great
genetics, the best handle I have ever seen on a black, some of the
finest fiber I have seen on a black, but.... not as dense as I would
like, etc, etc. I have them listed as fiber or pet quality--well, I
do not have the budget to show them and to send out all kinds of
advertising-
this issue. Until then, they are still listed at below what their
value truly is.
The second presenter was Kimberly Devos, she (IN MY OPINION ONLY),
wasted over an hour telling of the history of fiber, she promoted
enthusiasm rather than presenting tools. One item that really
really bothered me was that she talked about completing the circle
for alpacas. She was on the AOBA Fiber Task Force in 2002, In 2001
she began serving on the AOBA Marketing Committee--she initiated
this "Complete the Circle" campaign----
completing the alpaca circle with alpaca products (FOREIGN MADE
PRODUCTS-preferrabl
AOBA promote-and she is getting away with it. When asked directly
at the seminar about AOBA backing (or spending any or the money we
give them) on our fiber production, she basically said NO, and gave
the excuse that it is cost-prohibitive. It seems odd that our AOBA
money and the direction of our fiber is directed by someone that
ONLY purchases from South America ---Her company is Inca Fashions-
which she repeatedly stated only purchases from South America.
Now, I also promote and provide (for less than them), products from
South America. However, I believe that the demand for alpaca goods
needs to be developed and that the future of our alpaca here in the
USA in large part is dependent on what we do with our fiber. Sure,
currently we need SOME products from elsewhaer to develop the
market. But, I do NOT go along with some BS self-serving comments
that this is the end and the only way to complete this "circle".
Others and I are working hard on developing and promoting uses for
not just the prime fiber, but our seconds and thirds. You have
probably seen a few posts from me in the past, if not, please
contact me and I would be more than happy to chat about the
development of uses for our fiber-not that we will currently get any
help from AOBA.
Sorry for the long post, but it pains me that our money going to
AOBA appears to be in the hands of someone with a definite conflict
of interest when it comes to promoting OUR fiber.
Peter Lundberg
Elderberry Creek Alpacas
10868 Siegmund Rd SE
Stayton, OR 97383
503-769-9466
ElderberryCreekAlpa
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posted by Chaddo at 6:40 AM
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