Tawapa won't sell to SteelNavel.com. Help us change their mind!

[steelnavel]

UPDATE AS OF 7/25/2008: Steel Navel is now an authorized distributor of Tawapa products!

We would love to sell Tawapa organic products at SteelNavel.com.

Unfortunately, Tawapa just told us they are not accepting new Internet retailers at this time. They told us we're at the top of the list if another site stops selling their products. That may not happen for a long time because as far as we can tell, there is only one online retailer other than tawapa.com.

Tawapa encourages their customers to purchase directly from piercing studios. This is a great idea but I know many of you don't have a piercer close by or if you do, they may not sell Tawapa.

If you're interested in buying Tawapa products from SteelNavel.com now or in the future, please email Tawapa at info@tawapa.com or call (415) 595-4988 and politely tell them you would like to buy Tawapa products from SteelNavel.com.

Thanks for your help! And I'm sorry we won't be able to help you acquire this awesome jewelry for the time being. But who knows, if enough of you contact them, they may relent!

[Ookami]

For crying out loud - they should be happy to have the business! Plus, getting one's name out there is the only way people will become interested and you will make a profit!!! *Runs to Tawapa's website to contact them*

[steelnavel]

Thanks for your support! I see where they're coming from. They want to support the piercing studios that helped them create their business in the first place. What I don't agree with is the idea that all Internet sales take away from brick and mortar stores. Like I said above, some people aren't going to buy their stuff if they have to drive (read costs lots of gas money) to a store instead of just buying it off the net. And I know other unnamed Internet sites that sell Tawapa are very nice; however, we have many customers who prefer our way of doing business and would rather shop with us.

[Ookami]

"To Whom It May Concern,

I'm not sure exactly why you will not allow Steel Navel to distribute your products at this time, but I must tell you that I personally vouch for Steel Navel. Steel Navel has always gone above and beyond to serve my friends and I. I purchase from Steel Navel knowing I am buying high quality items from companies I know and love. I would really like to order your products through Steel Navel, especially since Mr. Coffman is willing to special order things for me (from you) that are only listed in the Tawapa Catalog [and not on your website]. I hope you seriously consider using this excellent site to aid in marketing your beautiful products to the multitude of Body Modification enthusiasts who use Steel Navel as their online retailer for great companies that don't have products/stores/outlets locally. Please consider Steel Navel above other retailers to sell your fine wares, if not due of their outstanding service, and site quality, but to directly compete with other Organic jewelry companies Steel Navel carries, and to better service your collectors & customers (as well as making many new ones). Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Laura Walker"

That's what I sent to them (minus the quotes). I hope they will allow you to sell their products soon!!!

[mbifnet]

My local piercing places only sell Anatometal jewelry and they grossly overprice it (they wanted $90 for a dermal anchor!) My husband works during normal business hours so making it to jewelry stores is usually out of the question. When I'm not buying off the internet, I'm just plain not buying -- I'm not resorting to local shops. Their logic is FLAWED and I will tell them so. XD

[steelnavel]

Ookami and mbifnet,

Thank you so much for your support! It means a lot to have such dedicated customers!

[nba1341]

stores are more expensive


online all the way

[steelnavel]

Originally Posted by nba1341

stores are more expensive


online all the way

That's exactly why Tawapa doesn't want to expand its Internet distribution. They don't want their vast network of piercing studio retailers, which Tawapa relies on for much of their revenue, to be economically hurt.

But my argument for Tawapa to sell to SteelNavel.com is that we have a world-wide customer base of customers and many of our customers can't shop at piercing studios because it's not convenient. For example, we have customers on every navy aircraft carrier and most military bases world wide. These customers just can't get to a piercing studio to buy Tawapa products. While aircraft carriers have Internet connectivity and barbers, they will never have piercing studios.

On the other hand, there are many organic body jewelry companies who are delighted to sell to us and we will be adding their products at a rapid pace.

[gwgs]

I don't know of any piercing studios/shops in Australia who sell Tawapa

I'll be emailing them soon to give em my 2 bobs worth

In the mean time, how about adding Glass Wear Studios?

[steelnavel]

Originally Posted by gwgs

I don't know of any piercing studios/shops in Australia who sell Tawapa

My point exactly!

Originally Posted by gwgs

I'll be emailing them soon to give em my 2 bobs worth

Thanks! And please let them know that you want their products, can't buy them locally, and would prefer to buy them from us.

Originally Posted by gwgs

In the mean time, how about adding Glass Wear Studios?

I have two Glasswear Studios products that I'm currently working on adding:

• Pebble Plugs
• Planet Plugs

I would love to know which of their products you're most interested in.