@owlstalk Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Today Mr Chansiri explains in detail the situation with the kit ahead of the current campaign. Can the club explain the delay with the kit over the summer? During the 2016/17 season as we approached the final year of our contract with Sondico, we looked into all possibilities moving forward. Firstly we held discussions with Sondico about extending, but after considering the less favourable feedback from fans regarding this particular brand - and also the number of issues we had internally - we chose to open wider discussions. We met with several market leaders in the kit manufacturing industry and laid out our intentions whilst in the background, we studied the prospect of bringing the whole process in-house. The deals we were offered by the top brands did not meet our expectations, nor did they allow us control over designs. Recognised brands pay a fee upfront but can claim that cost back and more through high pricing - in some instances we were looking at a cost price four times higher than manufacturing ourselves. The only real benefit would be if they allowed us to sell through their respective distribution network, but this was declined, so there was no financial benefit to the club. It is worth noting as well that even with the bigger brands, they can still suffer from late deliveries and stocking issues. Also, when we discovered the kits would be made in the very same factories were we to commission them ourselves, the attraction of moving in-house became all the more compelling. Consistent concerns had previously been raised in Steering Group meetings on the quality of kit, so after ongoing discussion with members it was decided we should take on the project. We raised the point in meetings that it was likely we would have potential problems as it was our first experience of going in-house, but the consensus was still positive, so it was agreed that we would go down this route rather than follow the typical shirt deal. The reasons were mainly twofold. Firstly, given the EFL’s Profitability and Sustainability regulations, the need to drive revenue and ultimately profit has never been more acute. Secondly, we believed that the club could harness full quality and design control to ensure the best possible product for our supporters. This control also means we could be more effective with stocking and re-stocking as we would have the ability to re-order more quickly and be more flexible in exactly what we order. When tied to a mainstream deal, you order once, more than six months in advance, after which re-stocking is almost impossible. Whilst the opportunity to drive revenue was important, the flip side was that such a deal took us into unchartered territory, with a significant undertaking of additional resource required. That said, we were confident that with the right deal in place, this would be a major move forward for the club. We spent time negotiating a deal following an extensive period of research and consultation and reached agreement with a favoured supplier that offered the best production value, quality control and potential revenue. Further time was taken discussing the finer detail of design and manufacture before we were severely let down at the eleventh hour, when the supplier demanded double the fees already agreed. We then had a big decision to make – bow to these demands given the time factor rapidly against us and continue with the same supplier, or make a stand and go back to market to source a manufacturer that could help achieve our objectives. We decided on the second option and after further consultation - and time - agreed a deal and signed with a new supplier. Work was immediately underway but effectively, we had to start again, which once more ate into the timeframe. The process of producing kit is a lengthy one, right from the drawings and designs all the way through to manufacture and sale. Every single item is bespoke and procedures must be adhered to in terms of quality, lead time, all costs and delivery. With the start of the season fast approaching, the priority was ensuring that the first team squad was provided with sufficient home and away strips on time. This meant the retail side was compromised, despite every effort made to spread production to additional factories and speed up the process. All the above uncertainty made it difficult to communicate the situation with any confidence to our supporters - deadlines were missed and we were left in the position of having insufficient kit for retail sale until October. We issued a statement ahead of Owls in the Park before receiving limited shirt numbers in September but not enough to warrant a launch whereby all supporters would be satisfied. Finally, we were in a position to launch last month and I am pleased to say that sales were excellent. It is a shame if some fans choose not to buy a shirt because of the problems we experienced but I understand their frustrations and believe me they are shared by everyone at our club. Like everything, we do our best and all we can ask is for the best possible support. I can assure everyone that the process for next season’s kit has already begun and there will be no repeat of the events of this summer. This will result for sure in all sale dates being achieved in a timely and professional manner befitting of Sheffield Wednesday. Owlstalk Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspector Lestrade Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Fair comment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@owlstalk Posted November 10, 2017 Author Share Posted November 10, 2017 3 minutes ago, Watson said: Fair comment What about the away shirts and the third kit? Owlstalk Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspector Lestrade Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Just now, @owlstalk said: What about the away shirts and the third kit? Don't care mate, I can't get worked up about a bit of dyed cloth... But I'm very bothered when it comes to kicking a bag of wind about. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@owlstalk Posted November 10, 2017 Author Share Posted November 10, 2017 Just now, Watson said: Don't care mate, I can't get worked up about a bit of dyed cloth... But I'm very bothered when it comes to kicking a bag of wind about. Fair enough Owlstalk Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OxonOwl Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 9 minutes ago, @owlstalk said: Further time was taken discussing the finer detail of design and manufacture before we were severely let down at the eleventh hour, when the supplier demanded double the fees already agreed. The key question is, how was this allowed to happen? Where in business do suppliers get away with suddenly demanding double the cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Farrell Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 An incredibly long winded way of saying we fooked up. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspector Lestrade Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 4 minutes ago, OxonOwl said: The key question is, how was this allowed to happen? Where in business do suppliers get away with suddenly demanding double the cost? It wasn't allowed to happen hence the delay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asteener1867 Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 (edited) 8 minutes ago, OxonOwl said: The key question is, how was this allowed to happen? Where in business do suppliers get away with suddenly demanding double the cost? Thats the bit that baffles mate...You don't sign a contract?....You don't have anything in place at all to guarantee a price and a prompt delivery? Sounds shoddy...honest...not just slating for the sake of slating but its amateurish Edited November 10, 2017 by asteener1867 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asteener1867 Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 4 minutes ago, Watson said: It wasn't allowed to happen hence the delay. It HAPPENED...hence the delay...thats the point Watto 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarn owl Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 So we produced the kit ourselves because the costs are lower and we can re-order much more easy and control our stock. The kit is going to be £59 and we still don't have away kit on sale. Great job. I think there is a clear, clear reason no one else produces their own kit. If it was so much better to make it yourself wouldn't Man U or someone do it. That is a blow by blow account no doubt, but please get Puma back on board to make the kit. please! more hassle than it's worth to do it ourselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indoor Owl Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 12 minutes ago, OxonOwl said: The key question is, how was this allowed to happen? Where in business do suppliers get away with suddenly demanding double the cost? When they (in this case, mistakenly) think that they are holding all the cards because the club would have to have the kits ready for the start of the season or go without. DC called their bluff, and I think this is a fantastic move by the club. So what if the kits were late, no sense dealing with that type of hostage situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asteener1867 Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 1 minute ago, Indoor Owl said: When they (in this case, mistakenly) think that they are holding all the cards because the club would have to have the kits ready for the start of the season or go without. DC called their bluff, and I think this is a fantastic move by the club. So what if the kits were late, no sense dealing with that type of hostage situation. I would stand for that mate...I hope theres some f.oker stuck with thousands of shirts on their hands cos they tried to do us..but you have to question WHY we picked this company in the first place... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIPPS_S.W.F.C Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 What a loadb of tosh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthefish2002 Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Supplier doubling the price at the 11th hour doesn't ring true to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Ron's Sovereign Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 34 minutes ago, @owlstalk said: It is a shame if some fans choose not to buy a shirt because of the problems we experienced The lack of stripes is the biggest problem. Won’t be buying any home shirt until we have our proper stripes back 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@owlstalk Posted November 10, 2017 Author Share Posted November 10, 2017 Just gonna leave this here.... Owlstalk Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIPPS_S.W.F.C Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Just now, Big Ron's Sovereign said: The lack of stripes is the biggest problem. Won’t be buying any home shirt until we have our proper stripes back THIS... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonny Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 All sounds fair enough to me. Sh*t happens. Pleased we didn’t let the first lot roger us over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kelliesleftnut Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 10 minutes ago, Indoor Owl said: When they (in this case, mistakenly) think that they are holding all the cards because the club would have to have the kits ready for the start of the season or go without. DC called their bluff, and I think this is a fantastic move by the club. So what if the kits were late, no sense dealing with that type of hostage situation. Is this a fact or is it something you've just made up ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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