How to price a Blackthorn Shillelagh Part 2 of 2

[@rocktramp]

im pleased to see that the ant stuck around for part two

[@ashleynaylor9531]

I have one of your blackthorn sticks which I use daily as a walking aid, I had to give another coat of black gloss but it's a nice thing and gets a lot of compliments.

[@benmiller6451]

Omg that's hilarious, the ant crawling on right side of his glasses 🤣🤣👍

[@CrazyDuck-z3w]

Are they all the same weight or are heavy ones more money or older ones more heavy how is the price affected either way or weight

[@markwinter1070]

Francis, Great post.and information- I look forward to visiting

[@mauricebean5239]

Hi Francis... I just found your channel and found your advice to be of great value. Sorry my friend, but I am one of your 'hobbyists' trying to find my way into the stick making industry. I have subscribed to your channel and really look forward to hearing and watching other topics you intend to cover. Please keep them coming.

[@christopherort2889]

Very cool video. I definitely prefer to deal with the craftsman. Then I know he, or she, is getting the money for their work and not someone else. Your work is beautiful and your prices are in line. So, I think it's a great value for the money.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Well said!

[@snakeman9902]

I'm ordering mine next week, I fully understand the business behind your sales. Its not a problem.. I want an authentic strong blackthorn, that will last a long time, so Im buying from you..

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thank you

[@KorvidRavenscraft]

Love your work. So thankful for your content as well

[@tonynapoli5549]

Now I’m getting a better picture Francis thanks for your honesty, I’m more convinced now. Thanks for sharing

[@johnmartlew5897]

How lucky am I. I’m currently in Mexico and visited a favourite leather shop one morning. There are interesting antique items as well. In a bin of wood walking sticks I picked out what I’m sure is an Irish blackthorn walking stick. Well worn smallish but comfortable hand grip of burly root wood with a nice angle from the straight black shaft of knobies. And only $700 pesos. That’s $50 CDN. The owner, nice chap, offer me $600 because I was his first customer of the day. I’ve searched the web and now I’m positive it is blackthorn.

[@sethrothompson]

Very nice work you do! I'm going to order a stick from you here shortly.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ultimaraza6251]

Great vids! Looking to get one of those sticks! My main question now is...What brand/model are those frames for your glasses???lol Serious question

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Quicksilver

[@Countrymouse123]

Just waiting on one of your sticks treated my self girl friend not talking to me 😂 as said I spent to much on a stick so it's peace all round it's like having a telly picture but no sound 🤣

[@jaxstephens1659]

Wonderful video love the canes, but Do you sell them and ship them?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Yes we do

[@Zulutime44]

For something that lasts a lifetime and is an essential tool for travel afoot off road, $180 for one of your sticks is not unreasonable, especially since they are individually selected by the buyers. Full transparency is valuable.

[@stevenkennedy4130]

I bought I Blackthorn walking stick from Atlanta Cutlery around 10 years ago. ($70.) Have you seen there sticks? And if so, what of their quality, in your opinion? I do plan on a purchase from you, in the not too distant time. Thanks for the share!!

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Never heard from them only support Irish sellers

[@joefazio4995]

Is there a source for raw blackthorn to send to the US? Barring that, what might you recommend as a comparable wood to blackthorn for us on the US West Coast? Love your videos!

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Nothing compares to Irish blackthorn what is why it’s is so sought after.

[@landramman]

I laughed at the blood tax. I am a leather craftsman and I definitely charge more if the piece has made me bleed. 😂

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Glad you understand it !

[@murraykriner9425]

It infuriates me that some smarmy yokels would even suggest you give a traditional item like yours to them for 20 to 30 Euros. The raw materials alone would total that, since a crafted item has to chosen then cut, and finally cured before you could even begin to fashion it. Thoroughly enjoyed your final talk about the penance exacted for the harm its caused you while making it, and how its more costly for the trouble its caused you to craft it. I have a better idea just what the going rate is now when buying the real thing when I finally invest in one someday. Really would enjoy seeing Ireland again, since my only time was spent in Shannon at the Airport, awaiting my flight to Sicily in the mid-90's. Enjoyed your cast and all the pointers on purchasing a righteous walking stick. Warmest regards.

[@stegmonjurvinweirdt1834]

Ok, so what does a phenomenal stick (your best one) look like & why?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@stegmonjurvinweirdt1834]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 True, so your pricing can have very few factors or many & a $20 stick could look about the same as a $100 stick without amature BS

[@sergeantjohn2814]

I’m in Northern Ireland I’ve always had a blackthorn with a smaller handle but I’m looking to get one from you like the one you’re holding ie a good medium sized handle/ball I’ll definitely be in touch. 👍🏻

[@merin1666]

Well done good Sir! As a fellow creative, it's a very hard thing to do "putting a value" on your work. And like your good self, most with a passion for they're craft and art...couldn't be more fair in their pricing and at times...under selling themselves 😅 There's alot going on behind the magic curtain that many don't realise. Fair play brother 😉

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thank you very much!

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

Hmmm Francis a quick search on e bay leads to lots of £30 sticks is there a way to positively identify Blackthorn?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Buying from registered business selling blackthorn like me is the safest way to ensure you are getting real blackthorn. Don’t be tempted by black market illegal sellers, luring you with ridiculously cheap prices!

[@nepalesejam7505]

Part 2 and the ant is still there. How did you not notice? :D Good info though

[@jaxstephens1659]

Do you sell to the USA

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Yes All the time link to my website is in the description- www.McCaffreyCrafts.com

[@blypanter]

Thanks for the info.

[@gautam9]

Nice sticks. What stick number is the one in your hand and the one on the wall?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

One in my hand is sold already one is wall is available. Send me pm on my website www.mccaffreycrafts.com

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

One on wall is 714 I think.

[@gautam9]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 had sent an email to you but haven't received a reply.

[@jimhill2087]

Ok, so is it better to purchase your sticks from your web page or Etsy, or does it matter?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Whichever is easier, I accept PayPal also if you want

[@jerryfloyd8899]

Can I git on ?

[@billybuckholson3578]

Francis? What’s the name of yer pet ant? The one who lives on yer glasses? What a lil’ cutie-patootie!

[@zerofox7322]

Blood tax,I like that one.

[@gregsmith284]

The under priced offers are something all crafters deal with. It’s sad and usually gets a chuckle out of me

[@gonzo38pp53]

We’re getting screwed! Here in the United States if we manufacture a product and sell it directly to the public there are no sales tax that I need to collect and being that we still deal in cash here in the United States for the time being anyway I’ll get to that in a moment most of us don’t claim it as income tax if you have a legitimate business and you’re dealing mostly cash well you get the drift. Here in United States right now we have a “ coin shortage“ that’s our governments way of saying that you will now use your ATM card or credit cards and we are converting over to a cashless system so that we can collect our taxes on every dime that is spent!

[@ronammologist16]

Humm, a bastard stick could be an intimidating thing in an old mans hands!

[@jamesbayles1551]

I love it…I would do the same to make the stick pay extra ..I would do the same l am saving to get one of your sticks and I would want one that you had to fight with..I think that is great..Jim

[@hanwellfoxfoxy5008]

Is it the stick getting the better of you, tripping you up or is it the poteen. What I hear is and I totally agree, buy from the maker for cash and fuck the VAT.

Might as well have done just the one video Francis, it would be good for your channel. The YT algorithm likes longer videos.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Still learning hope to get better in 2021 I’m a total amateur at KZbin

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 I hope you do, you should have way more subscribers. I think you should look into the 'stories and short videos' part of YT as well that would suit you

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

@ I have a notebook of all the suggestions from subscribers . I find some there is a big demand for the teaching videos or me out and about . Very busy With online orders now but over the Christmas I’ll make a proper plan for KZbin as I’m getting a lot of good feedback.

[@edwardanderson3759]

A bastard stick hahaha is that a particular genus

[@paulfogarty7724]

Hi Francis. I don't think I'd buy a blackthorn stick for a cheap price like €20 or even € 50. I'm like the guy on the Life of Brian who's given the gourd for free... he keeps asking .." what's wrong with it then ?..." I get suspicious if something that normally fetches a higher price is going for a low price.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Exactly

[@ellyndriscoll4627]

Estate sale. She said she was 80 and stick older than her. 5$ 😅🎉😂

[@PHATTSTER]

Ah....its ant and spec not ant and dec 😆

[@k9six185]

You guys are getting taxed to death…..but so are we here in the states but we don’t have a VAT tax….yet

[@jbmckean]

if you do this a s a full time job and you cant turn out a stick in 6 hours your in the wrong job matey.

[@davidgray5776]

You Talk to much.

[@russellogata2356]

how do i order a stick from you. I am in Hawaii. Facetime, Facebook messenger to look at the product and discuss.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

mccaffreycrafts.com