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john.webb
422
Drop Studio
Oct 30, 2018
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Hey Paul - what do you consider reasonably priced? What is your go-to jean currently?
Oct 30, 2018
Lipton101
16
Oct 30, 2018
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john.webbGreat question and thanks for the reply, John. Banana Republic is my current go-to for jeans. Price-wise, I see $50 to $60 as "reasonably priced" (HD6XX vs HD650 price difference is a great metaphor) but I may pay up to $80 or $90 for jeans I love that physically fit well. For the Naked and Famous Ichiban Selvage Denim, trust me, I WANT to buy them. The model is about the same height as I (6'2") and the jeans look fantastic. But $100 is pretty steep, in my opinion, for jeans (especially on Massdrop where I expect a lower price in exchange for the immediate gratification convenience that I may find on Amazon), add to that the gamble of an expensive mis-fit (I could be either 36 or 38, depending on brand) and a stringent return policy and we've quickly marched into my "deal-breaker" zone.
Oct 30, 2018
john.webb
422
Drop Studio
Oct 30, 2018
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Lipton101Many a great Jean / Pant Maker passes through Old Navy / Gap / Banana Republic. You are doing better than most. You also are comparing a $200 / $300 "reasonably priced' headphone to a $50 /$60 dollar jean. There could be some personal taste and prioritizing in that equation. I would ask you to consider the crazy economies of scale that Banana Republic has producing their jeans, the majority of which are made in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Mens Style collab makers are on a much more boutique / artisanal level. Just to get into a factory that BR uses we'd have to make 10-20 the amount we are producing now. Also, our raw materials are top shelf and they cost roughly 10 times what big boxes are paying - this is due to mostly quality - not quantity. Most of our makers handcraft all steps of production - to give you an idea - laying fabric, drawing pattern marker, cutting, pressing and hand sewing back pockets takes around 15 minutes a pair where in a large factory they use a automated pocket placer that takes 11 seconds. Entire jeans take about 15 minutes in a big box factory - around 2 hours and change in a boutique workshop. And shucks, then there is the question of a living wage where the jeans are made. Most of the time - you do get what you pay for - & sometimes - you do get more when you pay more. We do our best at Massdrop to get our community members the absolute best value possible. In most instances - Massdrop collabs are priced steeply below respective inline products offered by our brand partners. As far as Fit - get out the measuring tape and compare your BR jeans to the Measurement Chart on the N&F Ichibans. Very happy to help you more on that. When we have more of a Mens Style foundation - it would be amazing to make a "break the market" $50 jean. I'd like to sell you two!
Oct 30, 2018
Lipton101
16
Oct 30, 2018
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john.webbThere's definitely personal taste and prioritization there, but I only made the comparison in a metaphorical sense, ($200 vs $319 for the same product). And on top of that, a $200 headphone is also a business expense for me as I mix and master the audio drama I produce, so in terms of priorities, it's really apples and oranges comparing headphones to jeans. And I understand the difference in quality. It's certainly implied by the price-point. But honestly dude, I just feel like the entire Men's Apparel section is out of step with the groove of the site. I spend my money on nice things, yes, but with most goods on the site, what you see is what you get. Headphones are headphones. A TV is a TV. A watch fits a wrist, is adjustable and you should have the knowledge of the movement you're seeking before the purchase. You can buy those things sight-unseen, at a high price (relative to personal standards, of course) with a confidence that is just not present when it comes to clothing. To be honest, I'm going to have a hard time spending $1XX or $2XX on a single piece of clothing or footwear (respectively) without first trying it on. That feeling is compounded given Massdrop's extremely stringent return policy. There's two ways around that. 1. Lower priced articles of clothing would make such a leap much easier to take and/or 2. A more forgiving return policy, specifically on clothing, that allows for an exchange in the event of a difference in fit. Trust me, I know these are both borderline unrealistic due to current partners and the high potential for return policy abuse, but if I'm paying premium prices, I want the luxury of a fair return policy in the event that they don't fit. And if you did make a quality jean at $50. I'd absolutely buy two! TBH... I'm probably going to also buy the pair of jeans I have my eye on... $100 is expensive but the measurements are pretty spot on for me and I have the cash so I'll give it a spin solely because you took the time to write out a thoughtful response. Thank you for that.
Oct 30, 2018
john.webb
422
Drop Studio
Oct 30, 2018
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Lipton101All well taken (especially the 'dude' - it hits me right in the feels) & completely understood. It is a challenge for everyone - we are going to be coming out with some incredible hand-feel products and nothing would sell them better than getting em on body. I greatly appreciate the leap of faith. Please let me know how it goes. Here to help!
Oct 30, 2018
Lipton101
16
Oct 30, 2018
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john.webbDefinitely will and looking forward to the new offerings! Thanks again fof for your thoughtful response(s), John.
Oct 30, 2018
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