StevenB Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 We've done watch batteries for years & years, but never got into straps. Now there is an opening for us to do so, but I'd like your advice as to what to go for. Ideally, I want to keep it as simple as possible - to be able to buy something like this would be ideal: Colledges have this for £580 + VAT, in the info it says it has a capacity of 248 straps, I assume this means it comes with 248 straps, but is this a good deal, or can I get something similar elsewhere?Ideally I just want to be able to buy a package that will cover 80%+ of the most popular items & add to it as we see how demand develops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Muppet Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 I think our average cost price is around £2 and we sell most at £14.95. Easy add on when they are in for a battery. Get them in now because January is normally quite busy on them. I guess it's because some people were hoping for new watches for xmas but didn't get them so have to fix what they have. Mike at Vauxhall 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 Condor are a great. 020 8370 4300. Get them to send you one of their comprehensive catalogues and price list. I don't think you need to spend £600 to get a real great range of core line watch straps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 LBS have one on their site like that which holds 222 straps, it costs £937.72, for that you get all the straps and they give you the display for free. Our strap sales have dipped, but it's mainly because we had to increase the prices and we have 8 other shops near us selling straps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 Condor are a great. 020 8370 4300. Get them to send you one of their comprehensive catalogues and price list. I don't think you need to spend £600 to get a real great range of core line watch straps. Condor for me as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Friend Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 Ahhhh Condor - that bring back memories completelocks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 if your getting this make sure you get the customary free batteries with it go straight to condor or lbs dont use 3rd party carry on! StevenB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 can't beat Donald Clarke for price and service imo Mike at Vauxhall and da miller 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted November 29, 2016 Report Share Posted November 29, 2016 can't beat Donald Clarke for price and service imo They seem worth a follow up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobblers.keys Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I have used condor for years. The straps are quality and the girls on the phone are very helpful. Even if you only need to order one strap for a customer from the catalogue they only charge £1 p+p Mike at Vauxhall 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted December 1, 2016 Report Share Posted December 1, 2016 I would have thought that if you're thinking about an LBS cabinet then getting it direct from LBS would be the obvious way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted December 1, 2016 Report Share Posted December 1, 2016 Condor will supply stands as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted December 2, 2016 Report Share Posted December 2, 2016 Just received a delivery from Donald Clarke. Nice core range. Good price. Next day delivery, something Condor doesn't seem capable of anymore, ( big deliveries, one or two straps still arrive next day.) Condor has the wider range and you can't beat there basic leather (123, 177 etc) but I'll definitely reorder from Donald Clarke, especially the higher end. derek 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just received my third delivery from Donald Clarke. Thanks for the heads up Derek. Very good core range and cost price. I find them more complementary than a replacement to my other strap suppliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrkeys Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 I've been used LBS and Cousins which ive found cheap and ok but must admit the cheaper straps they do dont last long Should I be looking at Condor and Donald Price? Are these companies cheaper? more expensive ? is the quality much better? I know Hirsch are brilliant but that comes with a price and the customers I get are not in that price bracket Any and all advice welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Always been a condor man. Also stock a few lines of hisch, but they are so pricey.hirsch do a budget range called "marcco". condor prices have been creeping up over the past two years. Never had any luck with lbs stock, but been very pleased with Donald Clarke.I think condor have the best range, Donald Clarke best for price. Some of the Clarke straps seem identical to the cousins straps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 We've had LBS straps for years, and apart from the odd quality control issue, they're fine. But then the majority of our customers don't want to spend a lot on a strap. Having said that, we actually had a visit from a Condor rep the other day, the first one ever, and we will definitely be ordering some straps etc. from their lower price range just to add a bit of contrast. It'll be interesting to see which straps sell best. I particularly like Condor's large range of bracelets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Wow, I haven't seen "my" rep in over 10 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG AL PRICE Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 I just went onto the Birch site & the economy leather straps have gone from £1 each to £1-25 each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Even our most tight fisted customers turned their noses up at the economy straps. They really are naff. Fast Fix Elgin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Wow, I haven't seen "my" rep in over 10 years. We get a Condor rep every 2 months and have done for years. Don't sell many straps but we sell a very large quantity of batteries especially 3volt. Mike at Vauxhall 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 I don't get any reps now apart from Meltonian Mike as I like to call him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 all the birch economy ones i got had faulty buckles lbs are ok , but once youve bought something they never leave you alone ( used to think the girl just loved my accent) but unfortunatly not i use condor they are ok but i realy miss craig from apollo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 It's so true, lbs never stop calling you. They are like the Mormons of watch straps. Sometimes the watch straps holes aren't even big enough for a standard 1.5mm watch pin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted January 21, 2017 Report Share Posted January 21, 2017 What range of straps do you all stock? We just do leather, but I have been wondering whether it would be worth getting other materials in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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