Uncomfortable's Advice from /r/ArtFundamentals

After being out of stock for almost a month, we're back with more Drawabox Pens!

https://drawabox.com/shop/pens?reddit

2019-11-22 19:25

Uncomfortable

Uncomfortable

2019-11-22 19:33

We ended up getting dinged extra by the changes in US import taxes, but no matter - we're still selling them in packs of 10 for $16.50, with free shipping in the continental United States.

The pens themselves perform well (we've had a single pen last through all of lesson 1 with no sign of slowing down). They're not perfect - the writing on the outer shell can rub off with intense use - but they're up there with Staedtler Pigment liners, Faber Castell PITT Artist Pens and Copic Multiliners in terms of their results. The main difference is that we're focusing on keeping them accessible, so we're selling them for a fraction of the price of the others (at least in the US - some countries get better prices so definitely shop around and compare). In addition, all the pens in the packs are of the same size (0.5mm), so no more buying a pack only to toss all but one in a drawer. We also hand-test them for nib damage and cracks from the factory before sending them out.

As we continue selling these, we're working towards having our own Drawabox branded pens fabricated - custom designed from the ground up. We're only finally in a position to start looking into how to go about it, so it'll be a while, but we're looking forward to being able to pull that off.

dillpiccolol

2019-11-22 21:06

Thank you man, just found out it's shipping to me today. :)

Uncomfortable

2019-11-22 21:09

Hahaha, /u/svendogee (the one who handles all the sourcing, testing and distribution) is very prompt!

daisybelle36

2019-11-26 10:56

Hey, thanks for your really quick reply, I did some research and may have found these pens, for about $1.50 AUD, free shipping to Australia and all! So I'll see how they go!

The-Good-Morty

2019-11-22 20:40

I purchased a pack of these last month, and they are hands down the best fineliners Ive used. Cant recommend them enough, thank you so much for making these available!!!

Uncomfortable

2019-11-22 20:57

I'm glad to hear it! It's always great to hear feedback from past customers - especially when it's a glowing review :P

smartywebs

2019-11-22 21:05

Ordered yesterday and got tracking today!

Uncomfortable

2019-11-22 21:10

Awesome! I hope you like e'm when you get e'm!

ameliagarbo

2019-11-22 21:49

Just ordered my first pack. Long-time lurker. ;)

Uncomfortable

2019-11-22 22:08

Thanks! We'll get them out to you as soon as we can!

[deleted]

2019-11-23 01:56

Sell them on Amazon

Uncomfortable

2019-11-23 03:16

For the time being that's not really something we're looking to do. We might think about it once we've actually been able to move from reselling to producing our own.

beastlion

2019-11-23 08:33

you have a big enough customer base built off of your own branding, Amazon's machine probably doesnt offer enough extra volume In sales that would constitute them worthy a cut of every order from customers you've engaged with outside their platform.

Uncomfortable

2019-11-23 08:36

That's more or less been our thinking on the matter. At least with what we're doing now, it's largely meant to improve students' access to good quality pens, and to allow us to move towards developing our own in the future. Selling them on Amazon would probably just suck up stock intended for Drawabox students anyway.

beastlion

2019-11-23 08:37

Yeah that's another thing, cannibalization

beastlion

2019-11-23 08:38

Amazon's known for implementing rules that basically use up suppliers until they aren't needed then become extinguished.

daisybelle36

2019-11-23 09:11

Waah, that comes out to nearly $50 Australian once shipping is included and the whole thing converted to AUD!! Damn, I knew it was too good to be true :( What brand are they, maybe they can be bought more cheaply locally?

Uncomfortable

2019-11-23 09:16

Sorry to hear that! It's definitely true that they're not ideal for long distance shipping (although I think people in Europe are still tempted if they're buying two packs at once).

They're called 'Superior', it's a pretty generic brand intended for wholesale export and there's an option to do custom branding on them with higher order quantities so they may be sold under other names as well.

daisybelle36

2019-11-26 11:01

Oops, I replied to the wrong post. Thanks for the quick reply, I think I found them and I've ordered "a few" :D

Uncomfortable

2019-11-26 14:52

Glad to hear it!

ElectricSquiggaloo

2019-11-23 11:46

I believe the per-unit pricing on the pack of 20 comes out reasonably well for us but there are heaps of fineliner options in Australia. Personally, I use the Copic Multiliners which are about $5 each at Officeworks. You can also buy the refillable multiliners (SP) for an initial $15-20 then the nibs and cartridges are about $3 each.

These guys also have some fantastic options, including being one of the cheapest places to buy the Multiliner SP and their customer service is second to none. I've had them call me to make sure it's okay to split my order up because some of my stuff would be delayed by a day or two and once they sent me the wrong ink cartridge and just sent a new one free of charge.

Eggplanthero

2019-11-23 14:48

If there's a handful of Australians with this problem, consider running a group buy ! Would cut shipping costs pretty significantly

MasterZii

2019-11-23 21:45

I swear by these pens. Have had very good luck with my set. Shipping should be free to Australia.

daisybelle36

2019-11-26 10:59

The shipping isn't free, but it's as good as. Thanks for this link, this might be my next purchase... I think I can probably even convince Santa to get me some black and some coloured! :D