Lee Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 I have been asked to publish this by David Eyre. J R SHOE REPAIR COMPETITION. Why you should enter We are once again in a position to enter a nationally recognised shoe repair competition for our industry. This is a golden opportunity to gain national recognition of what you do for a living, day in and day out. Not only that, but receive a cash prize, a trophy, and a wonderful fully paid up trip to a unique tannery, all to be had if you wish to enter the competition. The winners will have the opportunity to enhance their reputation and gain wonderful publicity for their business. The opportunity is there just waiting for you to demonstrate your skills. Remember also, every one starts with a “level playing field†because you receive the same materials (free of charge) as everyone else entering the same competition. The rest is up to you. I can say from wide experience over many years, there has never been a better chance to enter this competition, where everyone will be using identical materials and will give you the chance to win . You will have no cause to say anyone or any company has the advantage over you as an individual craftsman. The security measures put into place for the judging are strictly observed with only the organizer in possession of the data sheets which identify the entrant. So finally the opportunity awaits you, make no excuses just set your mind to have a go. Remember nothing ventured, nothing gained. So swell the numbers entering this competition. It is a land mark of opportunity for our industry, and that in itself deserves your support. Full details are available from David Eyre at:- Babington Sales Ltd Tel 01332 515 320 Fax 01332 748 780 e-mail jrcomp@babingtonsales.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 So come on guys, who's entered? Lets see if we can increase the entries compared to last year =D> =D> =D> This is too good an opportunity to miss \:D/ Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted July 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 My Entries already been sent. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Well thats one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny King Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Too busy running my business to have time to enter I also think it is unfair that timpo can enter as they have alot more time to practice in there shops than us busy independants \:D/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Tut, tut Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny King Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x minit uk Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 I will be entering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Klazykobbler Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 been reading the rules and what they are looking for today. I might have a go aswell . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ARGH Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Too busy running my business to have time to enter I also think it is unfair that timpo can enter as they have alot more time to practice in there shops than us busy independants \:D/ Sorry fella but thats totally untrue,everyone has the same 24 hours in the day,its a complete falsehood that Timpson staff get 'time out' to enter the competition,Im sorry if this rocks the boat,but its utter utter rubbish...We are all trying to serve,repair,cut,engrave,fix,glue,mend,do the figures,clean,restock,regardless of where we operate,and whom for.....be it ourselves or a nationwide firm. Its the only thing that rials me up about our business is the pettiness over this Competition,I dont enter because I dont think I am of a good enough standard,simple reason because Ive seen the guys that have won this over the past few years and the quality of work they put out is consistantly stunning,and believe me,they do not work upon the shoes in shop time,its a labour at home as much as at work,you just cant turn out winning standard shoes in one sitting,its just not possible...Im a fair and capable repair man,but these guys are leagues above me.and the work I see is something I aspire too..I wish I had the concentration,patience,and the microlevel of detail that these lads put in..and that accounts to ALL of the finalists..One day,I will throw my hat in,but not this time. Im still learning,I joined this forum,because I want to learn more,and I value the advice on here thats available. --------------- In the few few years Ive been in this business (less than 10 years) when this bloody comp turns up I hear and then sadly read in cutting edge the same cries... If Timpson staff win,its "Fix"...If an independent wins its "Ha ha Timpson".... Cant we just applaud and examine,and then aim to aspire/better or at the very least give some level of respect,when the winner is announced? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobblers Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 I'm afraid I won't be entering. Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 I dont want to put a downer on this, and having spent more than a few years in the shoe repair trade and being more than capable I do see Danny's point. I also agree to some of ARGH's points. The guy's that win these comps are very good but is it a shoe repair or is it art. Ok here is the senario, you spend endless hours on preparing your shoes for the comp. Suprise! you win and you proudly display your winning shoes in the window of your shop. If you are an independant can you honestly say you can turn every pair of shoes out to the same standard and make money, because your customer will expect their shoes to look like the winning ones. If you are up for it give it a go if you win be prepared to put the extra hours in. I'm sure i'll get some flack for this but hey ho! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 Too busy running my business to have time to enter I also think it is unfair that timpo can enter as they have alot more time to practice in there shops than us busy independants \:D/ Sorry fella but thats totally untrue,everyone has the same 24 hours in the day,its a complete falsehood that Timpson staff get 'time out' to enter the competition,Im sorry if this rocks the boat,but its utter utter rubbish...We are all trying to serve,repair,cut,engrave,fix,glue,mend,do the figures,clean,restock,regardless of where we operate,and whom for.....be it ourselves or a nationwide firm. Its the only thing that rials me up about our business is the pettiness over this Competition,I dont enter because I dont think I am of a good enough standard,simple reason because Ive seen the guys that have won this over the past few years and the quality of work they put out is consistantly stunning,and believe me,they do not work upon the shoes in shop time,its a labour at home as much as at work,you just cant turn out winning standard shoes in one sitting,its just not possible...Im a fair and capable repair man,but these guys are leagues above me.and the work I see is something I aspire too..I wish I had the concentration,patience,and the microlevel of detail that these lads put in..and that accounts to ALL of the finalists..One day,I will throw my hat in,but not this time. Im still learning,I joined this forum,because I want to learn more,and I value the advice on here thats available. --------------- In the few few years Ive been in this business (less than 10 years) when this bloody comp turns up I hear and then sadly read in cutting edge the same cries... If Timpson staff win,its "Fix"...If an independent wins its "Ha ha Timpson".... Cant we just applaud and examine,and then aim to aspire/better or at the very least give some level of respect,when the winner is announced? Well said that man =D> =D> =D> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 Lets be honest chaps, Timpsons put themselves up there to be shot down. They take advantage of the fact that they can have multiple entries and probably have some of the best shoe repairers in the Country. All too often I hear repairers say 'I'm better than any one of Timpsons managers' or, 'they can't repair shoes to the same standard as us independants' Now those statements might be true in some areas, but by backing away from Competitions like this, you do nothing to dispel the myth. Whether you think you're good enough or not, please enter, it says you care about what you do, that you take your skills seriously and that you are trying to better yourself. I would rather say to a customer that I came 6th in the National Shoe Repairer Competition than not mention it at all. I would think that there are at least 2000 repairers in the UK, only 40 or so will enter, so you are bound to be in the top 50 anyway! Just think of the PR you could gain locally by letting your customers know that you were top 50 out of 2000 nationally? So come lads, give it a go, one and all Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x minit uk Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 I think Dannys comments were tongue in cheek, and some people were just hanging around hoping someone would say something negative about Timpsons. Lets be honest chaps, he only pointed out he is busier than a Timpson shop and therefore does not get time to enter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 People say negative things about Timpsons all the time on here, it usually gets ignored. Why on earth would anyone be 'hanging around' waiting for it It's obvious that Danny was partly tongue in cheek, but he put his case. Others have chosen to put a different slant on it, thats whats great about the Forum, free speech and discussion, nothing more, nothing less Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobblers Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 Post for post I don't agree that people say negative things all the time about TImpson on here On occasion maybe. Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ARGH Posted July 4, 2009 Report Share Posted July 4, 2009 I think Dannys comments were tongue in cheek, and some people were just hanging around hoping someone would say something negative about Timpsons. Lets be honest chaps, he only pointed out he is busier than a Timpson shop and therefore does not get time to enter. You can take that one of several ways.......an insulting one would be to say Danny has bad time management,the other is the Timpson/Shoecare/Other repairer are bad one,and deservedly the public are voting with their feet (so to speak) and wallets. I reckon,if your shops busy,and you are making wedge,theres little to complain about The last few Timpo lads that have done really well,are in busy shops,it would be madness to have them,with all the skills and ability,to be in a dead shop...it wouldnt make financial sense would it. (the lad from Sarsden being the exception,as I dont think he's worked in a shop..not too sure..just what I figure).They are good..very very good....IF you dont enter the comp,dont bitch over the results,IF you think you are better ..prove it..I think Q.E.D might be a good thing here. -------- The Timpsons vs Independents As I see it,we only ever get to see each others work and 'capability',apart from this comp,from when a customer bringing botched work to/from each other,hense it colours our judgments...and there are bad eggs in BOTH baskets,I off the top of my head can say there are a number of persons as managers that shouldnt be in the positions they are in,due to a standard of output and knowledge,one good SOS and Heel repair in a level doth not the repairman make...its the consistant standard of the product being turned out that matters,the reverse being I can think of an equal amount of independent shops that consistantly put out bad work....be it keys,shoes,watches..whatever.....no-one is perfect,we are all at different levels with our own preconceptions and prejudices of each other and of ourselves. I understand the Arrogance of the 'We are best' attitude that grinds people about Timpsons workforce,I personally think though its great to beat the drum of self confidence,it can often be falsely based....new starters...Drones...see it from the other side...it can irritate managers as much as anyone. I personally think a lot of the better guys did the 3 year apprenticeships type stuff,and really know how to do the jobs,but those days are gone,and progress and all that jazz.... --------- Prices......(was reading a cutting edge bit today) It comes down to standards of outputted product..the arguments over prices are a dead end,if you are good people will flock to you...end of,its the way..if you are shite,then they run..and word spreads..Ive seen a LOT of shops killed off by a bad attitude and BAD work,if you can make a living selling stiletto tips at £3 and another guys flogging them at £6.95...so what,I fail to see the point of contention,some people will always go on cost alone,some wont,its just they way you are and to them,the finished article....A really nice man sent me a PM on here and the crux of it was this,if you want to be independent and make it,you have to be BETTER in appearance and service and quality than the best in town...Whos the best in town..You,me..Timpsons..Shoecare...the geezer in the market that has a fag outside every hour or 2??.its everything that matters day to day..the only thing Ive learnt is that a good vacuum round and dust can work wonders on a shops look and a warm smile and greeting are half a battle won in getting a sale and the extra sold. Money matters,coz without it,we are all stuffed! Thing is.... If Timpsons stopped tomorrow,like Minit,everyone would start having a pop at Shoecare..or whoever was the next in line....I welcome a new nationwide rival,it helps keep all of us on our heels (and toes....soles..oh y'know). Sorry for going off topic,I just felt I had to say it,things bug me once in a while. Goodluck to anyone that enters,I hope you do well! \:D/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh-Candoit (ENG) Posted July 4, 2009 Report Share Posted July 4, 2009 Put your work up to be Judged, if you win or get placed then you have call to complain. Of all the years that these competitions have been going (I've been entering for 40 years or more)there have always been hints that the winners did not win fairly, or had better materials, or had more time. how refreshing to read the post byARGH who can see that the winning job is better than he can produce at this moment in time. Having collected so much Sour Grapes over the years I'm now going to turn them into "Cobblers Sour Grape Wine". Those that have the knowledge and ability will win, those that haven't wont win, simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted July 4, 2009 Report Share Posted July 4, 2009 I wonder how many greengocers, butchers, fishmongers, clothes shops, small independant petrol stations etc etc welcomed new nationwide rivals before Asda Tesco and all the other big money no object supermarkets and filling stations came along. Not many I reckon and not many of them left. I don't think it's sour grapes more sheer bloody frustration. Small independants can not afford all the prime spots, small independants can not afford to kit out their shops with all the latest decor.Small independants can not afford to stock their shops with everything. My work is as good as anybodys I keep my shop clean and tidy but it is not in a shopping mall with a constant through flow of people. And there is my point, location,location,location. And pots of money. Thats me done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ARGH Posted July 4, 2009 Report Share Posted July 4, 2009 I wonder how many greengocers, butchers, fishmongers, clothes shops, small independant petrol stations etc etc welcomed new nationwide rivals before Asda Tesco and all the other big money no object supermarkets and filling stations came along. Not many I reckon and not many of them left. I don't think it's sour grapes more sheer bloody frustration. Small independants can not afford all the prime spots, small independants can not afford to kit out their shops with all the latest decor.Small independants can not afford to stock their shops with everything. My work is as good as anybodys I keep my shop clean and tidy but it is not in a shopping mall with a constant through flow of people. And there is my point, location,location,location. And pots of money.Thats me done! I think you missed my point a bit.... Its about what you churn out,if its good,and Im pretty bloody sure it is,the public will always come,a good shop is that ....a good shop,if its run well by the right person it will succeed,Ive seen branches,great money takers ......utterly destroyed by crap staff and bullshitters,regardless of what machines were inside,and ive seen the tiniest booth barely big enough to swing a cat in,with no stitchers,engraver or whatever..basically a full service compliment and still take cash,if you are the best in town,and you are polite,honest,and hardworking as Im sure you are then customers will come to you,bad service brings nothing....some talk it,others walk it,figures speak,and the tills the judge at the weeks end. And I know the big thing is (this is really what the point is) that Timpsons staff can stick whatever into a box/Jiffy..whatever and send it to someplace where its done,and thats NOT fair when an independent cant do that (well you can,the 'excellence' services are available I believe,but Ive no idea of the deal or cost..so..sorry ) But the point Im trying to make is that the good guys and girls,can do this and dont need to DHL any stuff off site,and its those persons that are placing highly in the competition...not the newbies or the fly by nights,plebs like me or the ones that talk as if they've been repairing for aeons,and the moment something turns up they cant do ....its sheer panic because the customers coming back at 3:30pm and its 3 o'clock NOW!!!! JT does not spend on advertising,its an equal playing field in that respect,yes location is prime,but then that surely means higher overheads,so who is actually taking home more? It might take 3 times what you have in footfall and takings but after costs I reckon its give and take. Ive learnt one thing in my short time as well..The 'best'...never shout about it..EVER,the company might raise all flags,but the actual winners,just smile,go back to the job and keep going. I worked with one bloke for about 5 days before I even knew he'd even won,there was no attitude,it was just a job and it was by chance I found his winning shoes and cuttings,I learnt how useful a screwdriver was that day. He showed me all the little things at make the 'look' of a winning shoe,and of course time and attention to detail.It was staggering. I would love to spend a day looking over Elfmans shoulder,wander into Lee's shop because it looks awesome (youtube be praised),because I know I would learn something be it a different way of welting,a way of presentation,or even a verbal line in selling....I would gain something...I like watching how others do it,and Ive seen bad ones too,education works both ways. And one day I will go it alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobblers Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 Excellent posts ARGH Elfman is one of the most accommodating people i've ever met in this industry =D> Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 well thats a relief! just had a call from David Eyre asking if I would be at the show as I've won "An award" which means I haven't disgraced myself as I am at least in the top 6! so come and see me at least get my Certificate at the presentation. I didn't manage to squeeze out of David where exactly I had come, but I'm smiling anyway! Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Well done Lee carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 hope you get 1st prize! brilliant! i dont know where you get the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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