Monday, May 4, 2015

What's in a name?

Thinking about changing from "Hope & Grace Pens" to "Hope & Grace Gifts."

What do you think?

When I started this little fiasco a few years ago, everyone told me, "Don't put 'pens' in the name. Keep it open in case you get tired of making pens."

Well, at least that hasn't happened. I'm still as passionate about fine writing instruments as ever. But anyone who's browsed my stores knows there are a lot more than pens there. If it's useful and beautiful, I'll try my hand at it.

But what's really driven this consideration is the survey so many of you were kind enough to fill out. The majority of you -- 66.6% as of now -- order my work as gifts for loved ones, friends and acquaintances. Hope and Grace (the real Hope and Grace) both agree that my work is more likely something you'd order as a gift than as a treat for yourself.

It's not an easy decision. I've invested a lot of time, effort and a little money into building a brand. That's not the kind of thing you abandon on a whim. Then again, it's only one word and at the tail end of the name at that. I wonder if I'd "lose" anybody who came back looking HGP and finding only HGG?

So, I'm soliciting feedback. Let me know! Should I make the leap?

3 comments:

  1. I vote to take the leap! I think it's such a slight change, that customers wouldn't be too bothered with the difference, especially since it's so close to the original name. You could even consider Hope & Grace Pens & Gifts, if your main focus is still pens...however that might be too many "&"s ...

    Plus, changing/updating your name gives you a great opportunity to reintroduce you shop to past, present, and future customers with a relaunch of the new name.

    Whatever you decide GOOD LUCK!

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  2. I like Hope & Grace Pens & Artisan Gifts.
    Or just keep it Hope & Grace Pens. It's a brand more than a description if what you do.
    I wouldn't take 'pens' out of the name. I think just adding gifts kind of cheapens it.

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  3. Great points, ladies. Together you've hit the nail on the head of my dilema. Not rushing into anything, though. Going to think this through.

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