January 5, 09' The Dr Grabow Website Goes Live!

Sir Duke · January 5, 09' The Dr Grabow Website Goes Live!

Or does it?

I have a pouch of Sir Walter Raligh that says no way.

Shall we somehow start a pool?

Laughing

For what its worth, I hope I'm wrong and obviously wish them success on it but I wonder.... Aren't we missing the Holiday mark by a week? I guess "a day late and a dollar short" is better than nothing at all. But I learned in fencing: its better to make the wrong move at the right timne than the right move at the wrong time. I'm sure this doesnt apply to business.

So, How can we get a pool started? I'll leave it to the higher minds.

drbridges

I have unflappable confidence in Rick Wooten's word. If he says, a hen can tote cotton, you can hitch her up and go.

I'll put a unopened pouch of Edgeworth Ready Rubbed in this wager.

The DG website will be up before the end of January 2009. Or 2012.

ozark southpaw

I'm inclined to think that it will be up and running. If not,I think maybe Ted is going to go over there and kick ass and take names!!

ted

I'm betting on Rick. Maybe not "to the day", but within the week......ted

Sir Duke

1/5 is the deadline or else! Just kidding. I see we're are taking the 1/5 deadline to be by the end of Jan. I can live with that.

And as an aside... I didn't mean to impugne anyone's integrity.. Rick or otherwise.

TheDuke

This site better be spectacular considering how long it seem's to have taken! Rolling Eyes

My Bro-n-law could have done it in a few week's! And he own's a Vinyl Sign company and only designed car club sites on the side a few year's back for fun. I think if I was I charge and it took over at least 6mths for the Web designer to produce-someone would have been fired long ago! Twisted Evil

TheDuke

If it launches on the 5th-It will be a Birthday miracle for me!(6th) Wink

drbridges

LokoMac8

ted

Alright Guys......Want it up?......1-336-372-5521.....I know Patsy's extension is 250.....She is the wife of my best golfing buddy, and she can get your call anywhere.......including Rick Wooten........Be certain you ask Rick to include pipes for purchase on the SITE........ted

ted

THE TIME IS DRAWING "NIGH".........ted

ozark southpaw

But it ain't "nigh" today!! One more day right??

drbridges

I'm bringing pork sausages and Bock beer for the kick-off party. Can anyone make potato salad?

ozark southpaw

Sure!! German or what?

ozark southpaw · 12:24 PM time central, 01-05-09 STILL NOT UP!!!

12:24 PM time central, 01-05-09 STILL NOT UP!!!

drbridges

Rick Wooten should be operating on eastern daylight time.

I expect he is frantically making final preparations on the virtual 360 degree DG factory tour and employee photo album.

I also expect an 1-click purchase option through PayPal or approved credit card which will allow customers to choose their DG line and shape of choice. Also customizing such at non-filter push tenon VPS and engraving.

ted

TheDuke

6:15 pm in the Pacific Northwest and I still get to se that d%$# OWL! WTH!
Evil or Very Mad

Definatly know how to keep the customer's happy! I may have to stick to the estate pipe's-Proven Quality! Very Happy

Which is not what I've heard about the new stuff.......sigh.... Crying or Very sad

drbridges

TheDuke · That sound's great! Are we talking 1-5-10? (9:05PM pct.)

ozark southpaw · 10:04 1-6-09 DAMN!!

10:04 1-6-09 DAMN!!

AmericanHussar

Where the heck is the link for the website?

ted

OK, So I got "GRUMPY" again, and called the factory. Rick said "Their biggest customer wasn't happy about the web-site" and so it would be delayed for a few (?) days. Since I worked there, I understand,. Don't quite agree, but understand.

Rick said the URL would probably be different than what is posted. Makes looking harder............ted

steverino

Wonder who their biggest customer might be? Offhand, I'd guess Walmart, but all our local Walmarts got rid of the pipes.

drbridges

TheDuke

Our 'Supercenter' has No pipes and the pretty much hide the limited pipe baccy! Mad

I's Sooooooooo excited for the new site! I cant wait!.................guess the cow's are'nt coming home tonight!9:38pm PCT-no site..... Rolling Eyes

steverino

Yeah, all the Walmarts around us are now supercenters and the pipes are all gone, darn it. I bought about 30 boxes of pipe cleaners when they were liquidating the stuff. Missed the pipe sale, though. DARN IT.

EAM

None of the walmarts here in Oklahoma carry pipes. The two super centers here in town don't even have pipe tobacco.

CVS/Walgreens have a couple Grand Dukes or Savoys. When my wife bought my Grand Duke she said the lady behind the counter said in her two years working there that was the first time someone bought a pipe on her shift or at all that she was aware of. I doubt they restock when I buy that last Duke that's on the shelf.

Anyways, I was looking forward to the website being up. I'm not gonna hold my breath for it though. Seems to have been delayed many times.

drbridges

Times must be tough for the tobacco industry. Regulations and legislations come out everyday limiting our access to tobacco/smoking.

DG has to open sales for more direct marketing. The old retailers and big box franchises aren't "cutting it."

Re Rick's statement the website is delayed due to a big customer's concerns: some manufacturers get around that by charging the full MSRP to direct customers. The established retailers are free to discount and undercut the MSRP. So customers will buy from the retailers when they can, but will also buy direct from the manufacturer when they can't find what they want at the retail outlets.

Traditionally, DG has conducted their direct customer sales at reduced prices, and I can understand how that practice would concern their retail customers.

ted

Thanks Dr.B...You hit it. Wish I could say a bit more, and will, but I'll give the powers at be a bit longer. Thanks again.....ted

drbridges

The special offer IP&A ran until September for instance, sold DG pipes at substantially lower than retail prices. That was great for those of us who got in on the special offer, but it isn't a practice that will endear DG to their retailers.

ted, you are an oak. I know there are things you could say, and might be dying to say, but won't because of other obligations. We respect you for that. And we will wait patiently to see what develops.

drbridges

I just checked, and the DG web site is coming soon.

EAM · 1-16-09 Don't worry guys. The site is "Coming Soon"

1-16-09 Don't worry guys. The site is "Coming Soon"

drbridges

I've read that somewhere. Bet it's gonna be great too!

TheDuke

1/24/08 2:04pm PCT>Just wanted everyone to know-It's coming soon! I'm beginning to see Owl's in my sleep! Confused

ted

I'll call Rick again,,,,,,,and again,,,,,,on Monday. I'll be "gone" from Wednsday till Tuesday (next). Playig golf at Myrtle Beach on Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun., and Mon....

I guess it's GO CARDS......My "fluid" level will be somewhat high, so WHO CARES.....ted

LokoMac8

drbridges

LokoMac8

ted

TheDuke

Ted, enjoy the golf in Myrtle Beach!(I'm very jealous!)And I say 'Go Card's' also.Kinda crazy their even there! Wink

ted

OK, Called Rick again. I don't believe there is a Grabow website in the near future. PLEASE DON'T CRUSIFY THE MESSINGER. Rick said that Walgreen's and CVS are the roadblocks to a web-site. WG, and CVS feel that a Grabow website will directly reduce their sales.

I told Rick that there is a WG, and a CVS within 1/2 mile of my house, and that WG has 2 Grand Dukes (a #50 and #49) on the "peg", and that CVS has 3 pipes....one is a pear.....He reminded me that between the 2 chains they have about 9000 stores, and that 3 pipes per store 'aint bad. Today, I agree. 20 years ago I certainly wouldn't have.

Here's a REAL solution....Call 336-372-5521 and ask for Debbie Osborne, or leave her a message,. She will see that you get the current IP&A offers and shape charts.
Rick said these offers are for things in "limited" quantity, and will be replaced as things are sold out. Lets try it.

Rick also said they were doing a promotion in CVS which will offer 2 packs of Dill's cleaners free, with purchase, if you write in. Your name will also go on a mailing list for future offers. That makes little sense to me....Why allow this promotion and not want to allow a website....Guess CVS doesn't sell Dill's. Anyway, he said there was a "thank you " card visible in the acetate box. Somebody finds one, let me know.

I'm dis-heartened. I do believe Rick is trying, but his hands are tied. (Test my age) Mortimer Snerd could run this place better than it's current owner.

After the book, let's all buy this SOB.......ted

By the way Duke, I'll be so drunk I can't feel my hands, and still average 76 for 5 days, and win money. Explain to me why I leave 80 degrees in Florida to play golf at 55 degrees in Myrtle Beach. Speaking of SOB'S, I'm one DUMB one.....ted

drbridges

I can understand DG's reluctance to offend their largest retailers. However, I believe there are compromises. But we all know that. CVS & WG carry only 2 lines of DG pipes according to my DG source - Grand Duke and something else. For CVS the something else is Savoy. It might be something else for WG.

So who buys the Royaltons, the Omegas, and the Golden Dukes?

I plan to call Debbie tomorrow. If DG keeps a customer list, it sure is difficult to get on it. I've telephoned Max, Jim, and Rick for information. I wrote a letter to Jim. I placed an order in the 2008 IP&A Special Offer. To date, I have never been contacted by them for additional orders.

ted

Dr.B....I asked the question . Didn't really get an answer other than Debbie Osborne's name.......ted

drbridges

Okay, I've called and left a voice mail for Debbie since she was at lunch. We will see what happens.

steverino

Just a FWIW, the CVS we use in Lexington has no pipes at all. I'll check some others out as I travel around.

ted

Steve, Thanks.
I convert it this way. CVS has about 6000 stores. A refill order of a dozen pipes from each store would equal 500 gross. IP&A is producing about 20 gross a week. That converts to 1/2 years production..... If JUST they said, "no website", even I would have to listen.

But, sitting on your Butt, waiting on the order is where I've got a problem. Get a salesman into some stores, inventory them, and tell the CVS BUYER what's out (or the lack of what's out) there, and GET THE ORDER......Oh Well.....ted

ted

How about this......The website shows ALL the lines, but for Grand Duke, Savoy, -----, and ------.."These are only available at CVS and Walgreens". The collector/consumer could buy what they want at 2 or 3 places.

Maybe their(CVS and WG)'s reasoning is that "a pipe sale is a pipe sale" regardless of what it is .

Anyway, off to golf. Pipes will be here when I get back.......my best to all of you......ted

drbridges · IP&A Responds

I received a letter from IP&A in today's mail. Thank you, Debbie!

Here is an interesting statement:

drbridges

Oh, the other Bad News re the IP&A offer: There is no #81 shape available.

Perhaps we should tell them how badly we want the #81 and #84 to be available. Some of you may want other shapes, but the #81, #83, and #84 always seem to draw higher bidding action when they appear on eBay.

ted

Thanks, Dr.B.
I think your idea is sound. Tell em' what shapes WE want, and see if they will (or can) make them.

I feel certain that we have Rick's ear, and his willingness. Just don't know about Mr. Burns.....for what it's worth.....ted

steverino

DRB, I think you're right about the shapes, I know I've been looking particularly at Canadians (84) of all brands on ebay, and the prices quite often get pretty stiff. I'd say that's one of the most popular shapes nowadays.

ozark southpaw · Available shapes

Think they will have any of these?

TheDuke

^^^I'd buy one!^^^ Wink

ted

Sorry guys.....I had to ask Dr.B what that was. In my 25 years at Grabow, I never saw one of these.
Tom Martin has made one that is very similar. Tom's is a dublin with the same "look".....ted

drbridges

When HLT acquired DGPC in 1953 they discontinued the original Linkman's DG shapes and introduced their own pipe shapes.

I don't know why they did this. ted says the Sparta plant could make any pipe shape anyone else could make. And HLT acquired the tools DGPC had been using in Chicago.

My suspicion is that HLT wanted to use their own Ajustomatic stem joint system and some of the original DG shapes wouldn't support it. Perhaps HLT also wanted to use tampon paper filters in some DG pipes and the original shapes wouldn't support that either. And perhaps HLT thought the original DG shapes were old-fashioned looking and they wanted to modernize the entire line.

Regardless the DG pipes look different after 1953.

ted

Dr.B.....Yes, Adjustomatic and filter pipes, and filters seemed to be the most important of anything Grabow was making in 66' and prior.

I only remember the shapes after 66'. There is a 12 or 13 year span that I know nothing about......1953...1966............ted

drbridges

I checked out a library book, "Barbarians At The Gate," the fall of RJR Nabisco, hoping it included some information about DG. Sadly, nothing.

ted

Dr.B...Nope, Read that. I knew a few "personalities" in the book, but nothing about pipes.....ted

drbridges

"Barbarians At The Gate" does reveal the close association between RJR and Wachovia, and the close-knit community that existed in Winston-Salem.

I haven't yet found the connection to Greenwich, Conn. which was the address of so many of the Sparta Industries board members between 1991-1995. People like:

These name are not included in the book's index. And I don't find a RJR connection to Greenwich.

ted

David....There wasn't a connection between RJR and Greenwich.

UST owned Grabow after 1969 (I believe) and UST's headquarters were in Greenwich CT. The names are officers at UST who were appointed to the Grabow board of directors......ted

drbridges

Brain was out of gear, and I forgot to set the parking brake.

ted you are so right. US Tobacco. Not RJ Reynolds.

I'm going to force myself to reread my DG notes 100X. Smile

ted · Re: Available shapes

drbridges

Yeah, and if I were to win it, I would send it to Oz for Magic Restoration, and he would likely keep it anyway and swear his one-eyed dog ate it.

ted

Saw it "pop-up" somewhere else on the Forum. Oh Well, I suspect we can't be everywhere..........ted

ozark southpaw

ozark southpaw · Re: Available shapes

ted

OS....I'm no marketing wizard, but a pipe eating dog, with a glass eye, and a snarl, isn't exactly the best commercial for your cleaning busines........

Just a suggestion, show the dog's other end. If it snarles....you're outta' business
......ted

TheDuke

Hope you won that one OZ. I really like the look of it from Dr.B's avatar. I put the first bid on it about 30min after it was listed and was gonna snipe it in the last second's....then I saw your dog and was Scared! Shocked

Figured I'd end up paying more than I could afford anyway's. I'll just have to take solace in the Linkman#9733 which should be showing up anyday! Wink

ozark southpaw · My pipe eatin' dog

Ted,actually had to do something about her "other" end!! Shocked

Didn't know the little bitch wasn't fixed!! She just showed up here one day and refused to leave!! She's snarling at my meat headed son-in-law,I snarl at him too!!

ozark southpaw

TheDuke

I was gonna go that high also! Laughing

Your dog look's much nicer in that pic. If I can ever get my 4 to sit still, I'll snap a pic.

ozark southpaw

4? One keeps me hoppin'!! She is VERY active and thinks I am a big chew toy!!

LokoMac8

January 5, 09' The Dr Grabow Website Goes Live!

IP&A Responds

Available shapes

Re: Available shapes

Re: Available shapes

My pipe eatin' dog