185 replies to this topic

[David]

Just as a matter of interest Floydman, how long have you been retailing fireworks?

I think the more germane question is: How long has he been buying them?

If he has been happily buying and using fireworks for years, then it's significant that he (and presumably others too) noticed a difference in 1.4G.

[Spyrotechnics]

but the thread has meandered to wether the general public will/have noticed the difference to a degree where they would stop buying, as such an experienced retailer who deals with enthusiasts and once a year purchasers will have a wider and more accurate view of buying patterns and feedback

[David]

an experienced retailer who deals with enthusiasts and once a year purchasers will have a wider and more accurate view of buying patterns and feedback

That is true- and, indeed, most retailers this year have taken what I'd say was a good approach to marketing their fireworks- accurate descriptions etc.

Edited by David, 11 September 2009 - 09:54 AM.

[chimp]

I think the more germane question is: How long has he been buying them?

If he has been happily buying and using fireworks for years, then it's significant that he (and presumably others too) noticed a difference in 1.4G.

Exactly David, you're actually supporting my own logic! Yes, of course enthusiasts will notice the difference, Yes they will probably not be happy with 1.4 - but it is too hastey to assume that all other customers will share the same knowledge, experience and expectations....

Without doubt, if you fired two similar products side by side (one at 1.4 and one at 1.3) then in the vast majority of cases the customer may prefer the 1.3 version if they're looking for 'punch' - nobody is arguing against this point. But that is not going to happen as a matter of the norm, as most customers do not have that degree of experience when it comes to fireworks. As Stu has correctly said, selection boxes are a huge chunk of firework sales, but how many 'enthusiasts' buy them?.......the general public quite happily buy shed loads!

An enthusiast of fireworks should not make the naive mistake of trying to speak for non-enthusiasts - ie the general public. Second guessing should be left to those in the industry with the experience of having done some retailing.

[David]

Exactly David, you're actually supporting my own logic! Yes, of course enthusiasts will notice the difference, Yes they will probably not be happy with 1.4 - but it is too hastey to assume that all other customers will share the same knowledge, experience and expectations....

If you read Floydman's original post (on this board), he makes no mention of being an enthusiast- he wasn't active on these boards until AFTER he had his bad experience.

I'd say he is a good example of a member of the public who has been happily buying fireworks for years, but wasn't happy with last years lot.

For sure, his experience may not be typical- it may even be exceptional.

Edited by David, 11 September 2009 - 01:02 PM.

[David]

As Stu has correctly said, selection boxes are a huge chunk of firework sales, but how many 'enthusiasts' buy them?.......the general public quite happily buy shed loads!

Yes, that is true- £100 selection boxes, which are typically shockingly poor value for money seem to remain popular.

[chimp]

I think anyone who has bought fireworks for years, is active on a fireworks forum, spends enough cash to go to 'year rounders', advocates petitions concerning fireworks, refers to himself as a pyro fan, and wishes to preach the flash doctrine is what I would consider an enthusiast ........or am I missing something

David, these are all Floydmans own statements. There's not an issue with this - why be so pedantic?

You say his opinion may not be typical, it may even be 'exceptional'. Once again, you're supporting my own comments!

(I'm not sure where you're coming from on the £100 selection boxes mind you? I think you may have lost the plot there.......)

[David]

You say his opinion may not be typical, it may even be 'exceptional'. Once again, you're supporting my own comments!

What I'm saying is that his comments may be exceptional, untypical etc. It is also possible that they may represent a wider growing dissatifaction with new spec fireworks.

Personnally, I do think that the performance and price of new spec will put some people off, including non-enthusiasts.

Some retailers may agree, some may not.

Edited by David, 11 September 2009 - 06:03 PM.

[David]

I think anyone who has bought fireworks for years, is active on a fireworks forum, spends enough cash to go to 'year rounders', advocates petitions concerning fireworks, refers to himself as a pyro fan, and wishes to preach the flash doctrine is what I would consider an enthusiast

Sorry, might be crossed wires here -I thought you mean enthusiast as in Pyro Society enthusiast- manufacture etc.

(I'm honestly not being argumentative etc.)

[webbo]

I have been having fireworks in my garden and friends for over 25 years, there has been a steady
watering down with flash content, new regs etc, this has in my option been very marked, i have had old
and new regs THB, cyborgs and laser Bombard etc and the 1.4g are well how can i put it crap
thats the word. All the new Brothers 1.4G seems very pricey compared to they old reg pieces
If it comes to the point joe public cannot buy 1.3G thats me done for garden displays,
i won,t be wasting my money on 1.4G i dont want pop and glitter that to me is not what this great British
traditions about i personally what a nice big flash burst.

Only my view folks.
Regards Benard.

[Grand Pyro Master]

I have been having fireworks in my garden and friends for over 25 years, there has been a steady
watering down with flash content, new regs etc, this has in my option been very marked, i have had old
and new regs THB, cyborgs and laser Bombard etc and the 1.4g are well how can i put it crap
thats the word. All the new Brothers 1.4G seems very pricey compared to they old reg pieces
If it comes to the point joe public cannot buy 1.3G thats me done for garden displays,
i won,t be wasting my money on 1.4G i dont want pop and glitter that to me is not what this great British
traditions about i personally what a nice big flash burst.

Only my view folks.
Regards Benard.

we love our fireworks and decided to go down the 1.3g road. please don't worry, we will be supplying 1.3g consumer fireworks for many many many years to come.
if a day comes that consumer 1.3g fireworks cannot be sold to joe public - we will exit the fireworks industry - thats how much we care about the products we sell.

[Spyrotechnics]

if a day comes that consumer 1.3g fireworks cannot be sold to joe public - we will exit the fireworks industry

bold statement

[Grand Pyro Master]

bold statement

yep. and you have it in writing

[Spyrotechnics]

ha ha ha well I am sure it wont come to that...

[Grand Pyro Master]

ha ha ha well I am sure it wont come to that...

stu, you are a top man, and you love your fireworks just like we do.
but we don't want to sell fireworks that are crap. this new reg 1.4g fireworks is a real shame - and very difficult to swallow.
if a day comes that 1.3g consumer fireworks can not be sold to the joe public - we will walk. simple.