I have been asked by CHAIRS to look into new branded merchandise for MROA. I have composed a simple questionaire to try and find out a little more of what you lot might want.

Being a cheapskate, I have use some free software, but that means I can only ask 10 questions and get 100 responses. So its pretty succint. 

Whilst not wanting to waste many of the 100 free responses, I would like to hear from people who don't think they are at all interested in Merlin branded goods.

please click on the link below, it shouldn't take you long to complete

Alan

Basic tip, don't post on other threads immediately after doing the survey or I will be trying to guess who the sados on line are - Jon - Jeremey - free car stickers indeed, huh!

I think tee shirts for the champs would sell well. I know they do in other classes. Just saying this because I like the logo in the top left hand corner of this page http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/build_up/default.asp?majorevent=1

Not seen this one before, I like it, and sound a great to make a champs and or salcombe clothing.
One point might be to put no dates on them so there is no sell by date?

dated event itms in smaller runs?

Guy, appreciate the discussion on the forum, also if you haven't could you do the survey would be good.

Regarding dated event gear, do you think it would be O.K. if it was pre-order only via a web shop. 

What about dated event gear with your name, your boat name and number, pre-ordered through a web shop. If you like that please go to the survey and add it to a free text section (e.g. 'other'), as it helps me with the collection of ideas/data

29 survey responses to date, very useful reading, lots of support for baseball hats, and branded rash vests, bit split over the current logo verus a new one.

Please visit the survey

T-shirts will be provided for the Nationals at Pwllheli - see National Champs entry form.  Just make sure you get your entry in early enough as late entries will probably lose out!

And whilst you're looking at the Championship build-up pages, remember to add your boat and names to the "intending to go" list.

please take the survey - thanks

The big problem with buying through the web is sizing. I've been through this with club and other class kit. The best sales are at events where something can be tried for size and either supplied on the spot or ordered and sent later. Mail order assumes all ladies come in small sizes!! Also event sales attract those who hadn't thought of buying until they saw the merchandise.
There's lots of local small firms doing kit now at very reasonable prices - we had some lovely fleeces and polo shirts for the CVRDA at Clywedog last year from their local supplier. 

My favourite Merlin gear is Jonathan's T shirts - "There's more point to a Merlin"

Given the vertical stem, good job he didn't come up with 'There's no point to a Merlin!'

Any straglers, please take the survey.

Astounding support for web based shopping dispite Pat's clear and logical preference above.

Part of the attraction of web based shopping would be not having to order stock in anticipation of sales, thus moving teh business risk from the MROA to the producer. More questions com eto mind that I didn't put in the Survey e.g. do you think the MROA should be taking business risks and how much?

Any other comments please post them up here, all opinions are welcome.

Alex organised T-shirts for the circle line pub crawl via Matt Biggs which had the MR logo embroidered front right and then name (well, nickname or whatever Alex felt like putting on) on the back. They looked quite good and were cheap. but very pink...

On-demand print and despach via a website is the way to go...however, the point about guessing your size (raised by Pat 2121) is very valid.

I guess the MROA could order a handful of each size to be taken to events...but we wouldnt have to pay for 1000 up front like we have in the past. Best of both worlds?

As some of you may know, I am doing some background work on behalf of the MROA on the premise that on-demand web mechandising is 'the way to go'

In my initial investigations regarding on demand I have some open questions/concerns
1. quality
2. price (including postage)
3. lead time
4. range (e.g. more than just tee shirts and caps)
5. returns

Has any one had actual experience using web based on demand tee-shirt purchasing?
If so can you please e-mail me with the details, i.e. company, customer view on prices, customer view on quality, customer view on service.

try Rosie Nieper as an example of shirty type things. rosienieper.co.uk