You have to consider that to some brands (like Mont Blanc) part of the product experience is to only sell the pen through a store. It would in their eyes I'd imagine, devalue the experience of buying the pen through an online retailer. Part of a luxury brand experience is the perception of exclusivity.
Yeah, I suppose that could make sense for them. Other luxury brands seem to embrace the online retailer aspect though, so we're happy with that. - Colin
chris vighagen you can buy a MB online through their site. But having bought one at a boutique I agree there’s something to the upscale buying experience.
i jsut don't get it though, a sale is a sale is a sale. If Goulet buys up a bunch of stock and it doesn't sell then it's on Goulet, so either way MOntblanc is not losing out. Are there REALLY people out there who are gonna go "hmm you know, i WAS gonna buy that montblanc from that montblanc store near my house, but now that I see an online retailer carrying it, I'm never gonna buy Montblanc ever again, they've sold out!" is that what the fear is here really? That some people are SO snobbish that the mere IDEA that their brand is being sold somewhere else, to someone else by a non traditional method will prevent THEM from enjoying said brand?
@@TjPhysicist Exclusivity has no price tag apparently. Mont Blanc has a very different approach to branding. But, you have a good point. Getting an online retailer would interest someone in a Mont Blanc, obviously. However, the idea behind a Mont Blanc is status. So, they don't want someone going online and purchasing one. Although, strangely in India, Mont Blanc is available through an online retailer named William Penn. But, Goulet Pens is a big name in eCommerce for FPs and has no physical locations. Whereas, in India, the distributor is William Penn, and they are the only official supplier here. Plus, we have a number of Mont Blanc knock-offs on the market that threaten their name here. When Mont Blanc deals with Goulet Pens, they would have to accept an audience of primarily FP collectors and users. The culture behind Goulet Pens is different from Mont Blanc. A point that Brian makes rightly so, the two brands need to see eye-to-eye on brand philosophy. Mont Blanc wants high rollers to come to a shop, test drive the car and take the keys. Goulet pens wants to make fountain pens more accessible to everyone. Mont Blanc doesn't exactly want that, they work under presumption that if someone is buying a Mont Blanc, it isn't the first name they've heard of an FP. Plus, their pens are just too expensive for the present generation of FP enthusiasts. No one is wrong in this equation and online retailing is a good trade-off for exposure, honestly. But, Mont Blanc wants increased exclusivity and reputation rather than profit. Goulet pens would probably be better off with pens that sell, instead of gathering dust. Hope that solves your doubt, my friend.
For those; like me; who are new to fountain pens, it's great to have so many online stores to browse through. The videos are also extremely helpful. Anyone now, can get opinions on a pen brand, before making a purchase.
What baffles me is how can companies not want an online presence. FP's are a very small niche market and will get smaller without an influx of new users. There's a Mont Blanc store in the mall near me and it looks too upscale. Too intimidating in price and looks, so I never did more than glance. Someone brand new to FP's isn't going to drop $200+ on a their very first pen. Capture the low end market and you will more than likely capture a brand preference when they step into the upper markets.
Yeah, that's definitely the way I've look at it as well. Great point about entry level pens capturing brand preference. You can see that pretty clearly here at GPC as people gravitate towards the Metropolitan or the Safari... those same people tend to gravitate towards the Lamy 2000 or the Pilot VP. I graduated from the Metropolitan to the E95s, so I wish more companies would embrace the more affordable options. - Colin
Mont Blanc will always exist because they cater to the buyer with money or someone who wants to show it off...like me, LOL. Their stores are always in upscale malls. I live in California and if you Google their "boutiques," they're only in these high end malls. BTW, MB doesn't sell pens in stores--they sell "writing instruments" in boutiques. The associate (not a salesperson), corrected my brother when we were in one of their stores.
On the contrary. The Richemont Group who own Mont Blanc have experienced a year-on-year increase in sales over the past decade. So much so, that their sales from 2010 to 2022 have nearly quadrupled from 5.17 bn euros to 19.2 bn euros. So, despite your sentiments, it seems that their approach to business is working well.
I recently contacted about a problem with my Parker Fountain pen, but didn’t realize you don’t carry Parker. Not that I think you should, but curious as to why? Thanks for all you do, and all the education you have provided to me and the rest of the community.
Too bad. Mont Blanc and Sailor are really missing out. Mont Blanc's reputation could only grow being associated with you. A luxury, status item no doubt, but the pricing would be on par with everywhere else and they'd be introduced to the up and coming pen newbies who found fountain pens via your videos. They must not realize just how more visible you'd make them. As Visconti has profited so too, these two companies would. Business is business. I just don't see the downside, especially as brick and mortar stores (of all stripe) are becoming a thing of the past as online shopping eclipses the market. With the Goulet customer service what it is, it's nearly a B&M store anyway. Cheers to all there...
I agree. I would to purchase a Sailor or Pelikan pen for my next upgrade. But I've been burned by ebay and Anderson's. I really seem to only trust Goulet pens. There aren't any real quality 'walk-in' type fountain pen stores in the U.S. So...you guys are it. Keep trying for a contract with Sailor & Pelikan. :)
Sylvia: I've been thinking about buying a Montblanc pen from Anderson's but I think I'll hold off until Goulet carries them. What did Anderson's do to you?
Mont Blanc will alway exist in high end malls. BTW, you are here vieiwing a GPC video. So it tells me you don't buy BIC pens or $3 pilots at the stationery store (nor do I), LOL! So in some way we are also snobs.
Respect for the honest here. The Montblanc 149 is my favorite pen, basically retired all my others and nothing to do with status because no one sees me write for it, but even if you guys got Montblanc I don't think it would be a great seller for you. The inks would go like crazy, but the pens are priced so far beyond even what a lot of the Viscontis are, and too many of the younger fountain pen users think Montblanc pens are just show pieces and wouldn't even consider trying one for the half the price. Would love to see you guys carry them, but short of a 75% price reduction I'm just not sure it would matter much when it came to the pens and your customer base.
Yeah, a lot of the higher end pens are hit or miss. It's tough to project how they'll do, we've seen that with a few Visconti offerings. It's a great brand to carry because there is some demand, but you're right, a lot of our audience isn't necessarily looking at that price point. - Colin
We had a question about them in our recent Live Q&A (around 30 minute mark), so maybe we do need to have a more comprehensive video on them. Good feedback! - Colin
The reason I don't buy more from GPC is because they don't carry what I'm looking for, i.e, the Visconti Michaelangelo which I presume is not in production. I found the pen at a B&M store. But Goulet's customer service is OUTSTANDING. I definitely will buy from GPC for current products. There is a well known store in NYC where I bought a used FP. Gimme a break, they sent the item with newspaper for protection instead of bubble wrap. AND no lollipop!
Tactical fountain pen sounds like something Q would make for 007. Here in the future, your relationship with Sailor is good enough that you have an exclusive pen (currently sitting on my desk).
CEEGARS are a perfect example...YES, CIGARS. Example: Perdamo. A cigar store can not just call and order their top end cigars---even in bulk. They must get to know you first...Maybe send you a box here, there...as they get to know you...maybe 2...4 boxes...and so on, AS THEY GET TO KNOW YOU...HAVE A RELATIONSHIP. Well done, Goulet.
I was very disappointed to see that Schrade quit selling the fountain pen. I enjoyed it very much. I even dressed up as a zombie apocalypse survivor for a video review. At least I still get to enjoy the pen.
Yours was a hilarious, informative and enlightening video, WaskiSquirrel. Yes, your time machine did work. The election is over and the zombie apocalypse hasn’t (quite yet) begun, but the Schrade Tactical FP’s are already becoming scarce. Perhaps you’ve altered our future history? Hope my response finds you still alive and reasonably well somewhere, sometime in the future -- so THANKS! Baystate Blue Smurf Zombies indeed! ;-p I'm still laughing!!
Hello, I just bought my 3rd pen (a Lamy Pacific blue) from Goulet Pens. ** I have a viewer request for a future Q&A. The title could be: What are Rachel Goulets favorite pens. She seems to have a knack for color choices!
Thanks for the question Sylvia! I've added it to our Q&A spreadsheet so Brian can talk more in-depth on it, but I know that Rachel likes the TWSBI 580 and various Pelikan M200/400/600 pens. - Colin
I plan to get my third pen from goulet I just need to get the money together, first one I bought and second one was a gift from grandparent as they didn't use it (Parker), anyone got any suggestions for a third?
Do you suppose Karas Kustoms would pick up the "tactical pen" slack left behind by Schrade? Karas Kustoms' pens are incredibly well made and some of them are probably sturdy enough to be a tactical device / window breaker. Hopefully, it would only require a minor design tweak. Plus, they seem to be quite interested in supporting both the military and "the thin blue line." Seems like it would be a good fit. -- I might have to consider buying yet another pen that I don't really need --> there's a definite difference between wanting something and needing it! :D
Hey Brian, I'm in a bit of a pickle. The Pilot metropolitan that I got a few months ago (not from you guys) leaks like crazy, I mean i can leave it vertical in a pot or horizontal on my table, and will get a capful of ink when I open it if I don't use it for a few days. Don't even try travelling with it as it will empty the whole ink cartridge into my bag. It always leaks from the nib, have you ever encountered this? Is there anything I can do?
That's not something I've seen with the Metropolitan. It's possible the nib/feed were removed and not placed back correctly. Also, with both the cartridges and converters, you really have to apply pressure to get the friction fit sufficient. I had a few leaking issues with my E95s because of that. You could always try to reach out to Pilot directly for trouble-shooting. - Colin
Colin -- would this happen if the cartridge / converter was NOT installed firmly against the feed? That might allow air to "leak" into the converter which would, in turn, make it easier for the ink to leak out of it? You guys are the experts; I'm just guessing, but it seems logical AND it would be an easy fix.
Thanks for the info. I've tried pushing the cartridges in as far as I could, really put my weight into it, still the same problem. I've been using J Herbin in several colours, all of them leak. Maybe its the ink consistency that's off? I'll try with another brand ink sometime this week
You've been using J. Herbin cartridges? Thats probably the problem. The Metropolitan can only use proprietary Pilot cartridges. The fit with other ink brand wouldn't be great and could cause some heavy leakage. - Colin
Well that would certainly explain a lot. Odd though, as my friend who recommended the pen to me has been using them with little issue. I'll look into getting a converter then.
Hey I just recently bought a bunch of samples, but did not get any of the Robert Oster because there isn't much information on them in videos. Do you plan on making a video of some of the inks or as a whole?
It wasn't in the plans as of right now, but the demand is certainly there. Might be something we tackle going forward, or could be a good question for Q&A. We did have a brief introductory blog post on it (blog.gouletpens.com/2017/01/introducing-robert-oster-inks.html) and we'll be doing reviews of inks going forward (blog.gouletpens.com/2017/01/robert-oster-gold-antiqua-ink-review.html) with a Fire & Ice review going out later today. - Colin
do you have demand for Conid pens? I'd love to buy one and get the "slightly rediculous amount of care" in packaging and support that you're known for. I've had my eye on the squared bulk filler for months.
GoldenPhoenix I'm not sure Conid sells through a third party. I don't believe they're set up for it given they hand make their pens to order. I ordered one last summer and it took a month to the day for it to arrive. The shipping invoice with the tracking number had pictures of my actual pen attached! The fit, finish, and overall quality of my Streamline just blows me away. Sure it takes awhile, but they kept me informed as to when various steps were occurring without me having to ask and the crazy level of detail with the packing and shipping were definitely on par with Goulet's.
Gators Gonna Gate thanks for the info. I know for a fact it's still out of a broke college student's price range, so it's only wishful thinking, but I'll keep it in mind when I finally get around to it.
I think it's pretty in-line with most of the other big Japanese brands (Pilot, Platinum). Their gold nib options are in the $150-200 range. Comparable to a Pilot VP/Custom 74 or a Platinum 3776. - Colin
GPC was dropped by Sailor pretty suddenly. This blog goes into more detail: blog.gouletpens.com/2013/07/goulet-pens-being-dropped-by-sailor.html - Colin
It sounded for a moment like you said that you buy "way too many pens", but I must have misheard you. Clearly there is no such thing as too many pens. I'm up to about 600 in my stash now, and that is obviously not enough pens yet.
I’m so sad about sailor. There’s only a couple American retailers I know that sell it and it’s one of the few brands I really turn to other ways to buy. Typically I get used items through classified or auctions.
I thought you didn't like cross and Parker because they're old and don't do anything new but still charge a lot for their pens. Mont blanc also. I know this because those companies are huge here in India and when I commented on RUclips, someone From your company replied like this. So what gives? Like.... Asking really nicely I am okay💕💕😊
Never said I (our Goulet) didn't like those brands. Both Cross & Parker are solid companies, brands that we have carried in the past. That said, in my opinion, for the price, there are a lot better options available. - Colin
There's a couple different reasons why we don't sell them anymore, but overall the demand was not there. If those brands are what's easily available to you, they are decent options. - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company Yeah, those are the most popular high end ones here. Other ones are the camilin and hero pens from China. What about them, heard of em? The hero pens like the 616 Doctor look exactly like the Parker 51. Like exactly
Have not had an experience with either of those brands, but there's a couple good review threads on different models on the Fountain Pen Network (www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/ ) - Colin
I bought my son a pilot metropolitan which he loves! however being a teenage boy he already bent the nib. Is there a fountain pen that is reasonably priced with a more durable nib? My son has ADHD and using a fountain pen has been a huge help for him!
I think the context that Brian provides is important, but for some Brian can be a bit long-winded. Not for everyone! But a 10 minute slice is a bit easier to consume none the less than the 80 minute Q&A. - Colin
Maxim Mee i actually prefer the long winded casual approach. Cutting it would make it appear stiff and overly formal. This way I can just imagine sitting in a coffee shop with brian and just listen to him casually.
![YoungBoy Never Broke Again - Sneaking [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ILUps2zDFU/mqdefault.jpg)
And now Sailor has returned! Well done Goulet for getting it done before the virus shut everything down.
You have to consider that to some brands (like Mont Blanc) part of the product experience is to only sell the pen through a store. It would in their eyes I'd imagine, devalue the experience of buying the pen through an online retailer. Part of a luxury brand experience is the perception of exclusivity.
Yeah, I suppose that could make sense for them. Other luxury brands seem to embrace the online retailer aspect though, so we're happy with that. - Colin
chris vighagen you can buy a MB online through their site. But having bought one at a boutique I agree there’s something to the upscale buying experience.
@@Gouletpens y u dont sell montblanc products
i jsut don't get it though, a sale is a sale is a sale. If Goulet buys up a bunch of stock and it doesn't sell then it's on Goulet, so either way MOntblanc is not losing out. Are there REALLY people out there who are gonna go "hmm you know, i WAS gonna buy that montblanc from that montblanc store near my house, but now that I see an online retailer carrying it, I'm never gonna buy Montblanc ever again, they've sold out!" is that what the fear is here really? That some people are SO snobbish that the mere IDEA that their brand is being sold somewhere else, to someone else by a non traditional method will prevent THEM from enjoying said brand?
@@TjPhysicist Exclusivity has no price tag apparently. Mont Blanc has a very different approach to branding. But, you have a good point. Getting an online retailer would interest someone in a Mont Blanc, obviously. However, the idea behind a Mont Blanc is status. So, they don't want someone going online and purchasing one. Although, strangely in India, Mont Blanc is available through an online retailer named William Penn. But, Goulet Pens is a big name in eCommerce for FPs and has no physical locations. Whereas, in India, the distributor is William Penn, and they are the only official supplier here. Plus, we have a number of Mont Blanc knock-offs on the market that threaten their name here. When Mont Blanc deals with Goulet Pens, they would have to accept an audience of primarily FP collectors and users. The culture behind Goulet Pens is different from Mont Blanc. A point that Brian makes rightly so, the two brands need to see eye-to-eye on brand philosophy. Mont Blanc wants high rollers to come to a shop, test drive the car and take the keys. Goulet pens wants to make fountain pens more accessible to everyone. Mont Blanc doesn't exactly want that, they work under presumption that if someone is buying a Mont Blanc, it isn't the first name they've heard of an FP. Plus, their pens are just too expensive for the present generation of FP enthusiasts. No one is wrong in this equation and online retailing is a good trade-off for exposure, honestly. But, Mont Blanc wants increased exclusivity and reputation rather than profit. Goulet pens would probably be better off with pens that sell, instead of gathering dust.
Hope that solves your doubt, my friend.
For those; like me; who are new to fountain pens, it's great to have so many online stores to browse through. The videos are also extremely helpful. Anyone now, can get opinions on a pen brand, before making a purchase.
What baffles me is how can companies not want an online presence. FP's are a very small niche market and will get smaller without an influx of new users. There's a Mont Blanc store in the mall near me and it looks too upscale. Too intimidating in price and looks, so I never did more than glance. Someone brand new to FP's isn't going to drop $200+ on a their very first pen. Capture the low end market and you will more than likely capture a brand preference when they step into the upper markets.
Yeah, that's definitely the way I've look at it as well. Great point about entry level pens capturing brand preference. You can see that pretty clearly here at GPC as people gravitate towards the Metropolitan or the Safari... those same people tend to gravitate towards the Lamy 2000 or the Pilot VP. I graduated from the Metropolitan to the E95s, so I wish more companies would embrace the more affordable options. - Colin
Mont Blanc will always exist because they cater to the buyer with money or someone who wants to show it off...like me, LOL. Their stores are always in upscale malls. I live in California and if you Google their "boutiques," they're only in these high end malls. BTW, MB doesn't sell pens in stores--they sell "writing instruments" in boutiques. The associate (not a salesperson), corrected my brother when we were in one of their stores.
@@discworldmort Wait, do you have a link to that Reddit post? I wanna see it O_O
On the contrary. The Richemont Group who own Mont Blanc have experienced a year-on-year increase in sales over the past decade. So much so, that their sales from 2010 to 2022 have nearly quadrupled from 5.17 bn euros to 19.2 bn euros.
So, despite your sentiments, it seems that their approach to business is working well.
I recently contacted about a problem with my Parker Fountain pen, but didn’t realize you don’t carry Parker.
Not that I think you should, but curious as to why?
Thanks for all you do, and all the education you have provided to me and the rest of the community.
Too bad. Mont Blanc and Sailor are really missing out.
Mont Blanc's reputation could only grow being associated with you. A luxury, status item no doubt, but the pricing would be on par with everywhere else and they'd be introduced to the up and coming pen newbies who found fountain pens via your videos. They must not realize just how more visible you'd make them. As Visconti has profited so too, these two companies would. Business is business. I just don't see the downside, especially as brick and mortar stores (of all stripe) are becoming a thing of the past as online shopping eclipses the market. With the Goulet customer service what it is, it's nearly a B&M store anyway.
Cheers to all there...
Not only that, but Goulet's service is, in my experience, second to none. Having Goulet carry them would totally help them among pen people.
I agree. I would to purchase a Sailor or Pelikan pen for my next upgrade. But I've been burned by ebay and Anderson's. I really seem to only trust Goulet pens. There aren't any real quality 'walk-in' type fountain pen stores in the U.S. So...you guys are it. Keep trying for a contract with Sailor & Pelikan. :)
Sylvia: I've been thinking about buying a Montblanc pen from Anderson's but I think I'll hold off until Goulet carries them. What did Anderson's do to you?
Don't be scared off. I love Anderson Pens and have found them responsive whenever I've had an issue.
Mont Blanc will alway exist in high end malls. BTW, you are here vieiwing a GPC video. So it tells me you don't buy BIC pens or $3 pilots at the stationery store (nor do I), LOL! So in some way we are also snobs.
Respect for the honest here. The Montblanc 149 is my favorite pen, basically retired all my others and nothing to do with status because no one sees me write for it, but even if you guys got Montblanc I don't think it would be a great seller for you. The inks would go like crazy, but the pens are priced so far beyond even what a lot of the Viscontis are, and too many of the younger fountain pen users think Montblanc pens are just show pieces and wouldn't even consider trying one for the half the price. Would love to see you guys carry them, but short of a 75% price reduction I'm just not sure it would matter much when it came to the pens and your customer base.
Yeah, a lot of the higher end pens are hit or miss. It's tough to project how they'll do, we've seen that with a few Visconti offerings. It's a great brand to carry because there is some demand, but you're right, a lot of our audience isn't necessarily looking at that price point. - Colin
Just made my first goulet order! I decided on the TWSBI Eco.
Nice choice, great pen! - Colin
Hi Brian! Little off topic, would you be able to do a video on scented inks? I would love it. Thanks :)
We had a question about them in our recent Live Q&A (around 30 minute mark), so maybe we do need to have a more comprehensive video on them. Good feedback! - Colin
I'd be interested too!
The reason I don't buy more from GPC is because they don't carry what I'm looking for, i.e, the Visconti Michaelangelo which I presume is not in production. I found the pen at a B&M store. But Goulet's customer service is OUTSTANDING. I definitely will buy from GPC for current products.
There is a well known store in NYC where I bought a used FP. Gimme a break, they sent the item with newspaper for protection instead of bubble wrap. AND no lollipop!
CAN U PLEASE TRY TO SELL FPR, BLUEDEW AND THE GOOD BLUE, PENS?? THAT WOULD BE GREAT !
I'd love it if you guys carried Pelikan. They're so hard to find in Canada!
Tactical fountain pen sounds like something Q would make for 007.
Here in the future, your relationship with Sailor is good enough that you have an exclusive pen (currently sitting on my desk).
CEEGARS are a perfect example...YES, CIGARS. Example: Perdamo. A cigar store can not just call and order their top end cigars---even in bulk. They must get to know you first...Maybe send you a box here, there...as they get to know you...maybe 2...4 boxes...and so on, AS THEY GET TO KNOW YOU...HAVE A RELATIONSHIP. Well done, Goulet.
I love my Sailor 1911S (Fine) and wish GPC could carry the Sailor line. :(
I've had an older Schrade tactical pen for some time, and I swapped a Noodler's MF non-flex nib into it, and it works great.
I was very disappointed to see that Schrade quit selling the fountain pen. I enjoyed it very much. I even dressed up as a zombie apocalypse survivor for a video review. At least I still get to enjoy the pen.
Had to go back and watch that review, high production value right there! :) - Colin
Yours was a hilarious, informative and enlightening video, WaskiSquirrel. Yes, your time machine did work. The election is over and the zombie apocalypse hasn’t (quite yet) begun, but the Schrade Tactical FP’s are already becoming scarce. Perhaps you’ve altered our future history? Hope my response finds you still alive and reasonably well somewhere, sometime in the future -- so THANKS! Baystate Blue Smurf Zombies indeed! ;-p I'm still laughing!!
This is very useful because I am starting my own online store with inspiration from goulet thank you very much
Brian, make the Schrade under licence or even under license !! Great business opportunity ✍️
Hello, I just bought my 3rd pen (a Lamy Pacific blue) from Goulet Pens.
** I have a viewer request for a future Q&A. The title could be: What are Rachel Goulets favorite pens. She seems to have a knack for color choices!
Thanks for the question Sylvia! I've added it to our Q&A spreadsheet so Brian can talk more in-depth on it, but I know that Rachel likes the TWSBI 580 and various Pelikan M200/400/600 pens. - Colin
I plan to get my third pen from goulet I just need to get the money together, first one I bought and second one was a gift from grandparent as they didn't use it (Parker), anyone got any suggestions for a third?
Big bummer that Omas went under. That was the first brand I ever bought in person and is said to be one of the best ever.
What pen would you suggest that has good line verity at a good price?
The Noodler's Ahab (and other flex pens) are great options. For under $25, having a flex nib can really produce great line variation. - Colin
Do you suppose Karas Kustoms would pick up the "tactical pen" slack left behind by Schrade? Karas Kustoms' pens are incredibly well made and some of them are probably sturdy enough to be a tactical device / window breaker. Hopefully, it would only require a minor design tweak. Plus, they seem to be quite interested in supporting both the military and "the thin blue line." Seems like it would be a good fit. -- I might have to consider buying yet another pen that I don't really need --> there's a definite difference between wanting something and needing it! :D
Yeah, that seems like a natural fit for that. Haven't heard anything from them, but would love to see what they came up with! - Colin
Hey Brian, I'm in a bit of a pickle. The Pilot metropolitan that I got a few months ago (not from you guys) leaks like crazy, I mean i can leave it vertical in a pot or horizontal on my table, and will get a capful of ink when I open it if I don't use it for a few days. Don't even try travelling with it as it will empty the whole ink cartridge into my bag. It always leaks from the nib, have you ever encountered this? Is there anything I can do?
That's not something I've seen with the Metropolitan. It's possible the nib/feed were removed and not placed back correctly. Also, with both the cartridges and converters, you really have to apply pressure to get the friction fit sufficient. I had a few leaking issues with my E95s because of that. You could always try to reach out to Pilot directly for trouble-shooting. - Colin
Colin -- would this happen if the cartridge / converter was NOT installed firmly against the feed? That might allow air to "leak" into the converter which would, in turn, make it easier for the ink to leak out of it? You guys are the experts; I'm just guessing, but it seems logical AND it would be an easy fix.
Thanks for the info. I've tried pushing the cartridges in as far as I could, really put my weight into it, still the same problem. I've been using J Herbin in several colours, all of them leak. Maybe its the ink consistency that's off? I'll try with another brand ink sometime this week
You've been using J. Herbin cartridges? Thats probably the problem. The Metropolitan can only use proprietary Pilot cartridges. The fit with other ink brand wouldn't be great and could cause some heavy leakage. - Colin
Well that would certainly explain a lot. Odd though, as my friend who recommended the pen to me has been using them with little issue. I'll look into getting a converter then.
Hey I just recently bought a bunch of samples, but did not get any of the Robert Oster because there isn't much information on them in videos. Do you plan on making a video of some of the inks or as a whole?
It wasn't in the plans as of right now, but the demand is certainly there. Might be something we tackle going forward, or could be a good question for Q&A. We did have a brief introductory blog post on it (blog.gouletpens.com/2017/01/introducing-robert-oster-inks.html) and we'll be doing reviews of inks going forward (blog.gouletpens.com/2017/01/robert-oster-gold-antiqua-ink-review.html) with a Fire & Ice review going out later today. - Colin
do you have demand for Conid pens? I'd love to buy one and get the "slightly rediculous amount of care" in packaging and support that you're known for. I've had my eye on the squared bulk filler for months.
Haven't had too many requests for them. They do look like nice pens, so it could be something for the future. Good feedback! - Colin
GoldenPhoenix I'm not sure Conid sells through a third party. I don't believe they're set up for it given they hand make their pens to order.
I ordered one last summer and it took a month to the day for it to arrive. The shipping invoice with the tracking number had pictures of my actual pen attached! The fit, finish, and overall quality of my Streamline just blows me away. Sure it takes awhile, but they kept me informed as to when various steps were occurring without me having to ask and the crazy level of detail with the packing and shipping were definitely on par with Goulet's.
Gators Gonna Gate thanks for the info. I know for a fact it's still out of a broke college student's price range, so it's only wishful thinking, but I'll keep it in mind when I finally get around to it.
News: Goulet Pens sells Schrade hatchets and knives!
Did you change the name of the business then or did The Goulet PEN Company not sell PENS at first? Or am I missing something? ^_^
Well, technically we started out selling Brian's handmade pens so that's why we were the Goulet Pen Company then! - Colin
What about Waterman?
We used to carry the Hemisphere, but there was pretty low demand for it. - Colin
I'm curious, what makes Sailor so expensive? Compared to the other brands out there.
I think it's pretty in-line with most of the other big Japanese brands (Pilot, Platinum). Their gold nib options are in the $150-200 range. Comparable to a Pilot VP/Custom 74 or a Platinum 3776. - Colin
What is the story with Sailor?
GPC was dropped by Sailor pretty suddenly. This blog goes into more detail: blog.gouletpens.com/2013/07/goulet-pens-being-dropped-by-sailor.html - Colin
Deleted?
Sailor dropped GPC because GPC didn't want to carry the full Sailor line.
@@DD-d6d3 thanks
What about s.t DuPont?
Haven't had too much demand for them. But they do look like nice pens! - Colin
It sounded for a moment like you said that you buy "way too many pens", but I must have misheard you. Clearly there is no such thing as too many pens. I'm up to about 600 in my stash now, and that is obviously not enough pens yet.
The Sailor thing: sounds interesting.
I’m so sad about sailor. There’s only a couple American retailers I know that sell it and it’s one of the few brands I really turn to other ways to buy. Typically I get used items through classified or auctions.
What happened to Cross Pens?
There wasn't much interest when we did have a few models. Had to discontinue them due to poor sales. - Colin
I've seen those in a retail store but the tiny size of the cartridges was off putting even though the pens themselves were beautiful.
CARRY MOONMAN PENS!!!
Can u tell us what happened with sailor? Why did your relationship, and selling there products fall off?
Brian gives a bit more context in this slice: ruclips.net/video/eyq393sM9vY/видео.html - Colin
@@Gouletpens Video is private now
I want to see parkers on your website.
We used to carry Parker pens, but had to closeout the brand due to low sales. - Colin
I thought you didn't like cross and Parker because they're old and don't do anything new but still charge a lot for their pens. Mont blanc also. I know this because those companies are huge here in India and when I commented on RUclips, someone From your company replied like this. So what gives? Like.... Asking really nicely I am okay💕💕😊
Never said I (our Goulet) didn't like those brands. Both Cross & Parker are solid companies, brands that we have carried in the past. That said, in my opinion, for the price, there are a lot better options available. - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company Yeah, but like.... So you don't sell em anymore? And won't recommend em?
There's a couple different reasons why we don't sell them anymore, but overall the demand was not there. If those brands are what's easily available to you, they are decent options. - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company Yeah, those are the most popular high end ones here. Other ones are the camilin and hero pens from China. What about them, heard of em? The hero pens like the 616 Doctor look exactly like the Parker 51. Like exactly
Have not had an experience with either of those brands, but there's a couple good review threads on different models on the Fountain Pen Network (www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/ ) - Colin
I bought my son a pilot metropolitan which he loves! however being a teenage boy he already bent the nib. Is there a fountain pen that is reasonably priced with a more durable nib? My son has ADHD and using a fountain pen has been a huge help for him!
Thanks
please sell sailors....
That's definitely something we're interested in doing! - Colin
Well, Mont Blanc will lose... because they'll remain my dad's pen, but not mine. I'm more of a Montegrappa gal anyway.
Mont blanc is nothing else, but an overpriced pen. Most youngsters nowadays think that those who use that pen need a little attention.
Random Me half of the time I see anyone carrying Mont Blanc pen, I just assume it’s a fake.
a little too much meandering.
can edit to 5 mins easily
I think the context that Brian provides is important, but for some Brian can be a bit long-winded. Not for everyone! But a 10 minute slice is a bit easier to consume none the less than the 80 minute Q&A. - Colin
Maxim Mee i actually prefer the long winded casual approach. Cutting it would make it appear stiff and overly formal. This way I can just imagine sitting in a coffee shop with brian and just listen to him casually.
The video is OK but the distracting item was ice clinking in the water jug. But hey, it's Brian's video take it or leave it.
Get used to it.