Fencing Vendors

[Fencergrl]

I have found in almost every site, sizing information is incomplete at best. This makes it difficult for making the best decision not only for me, but for my fencers. I'm not the only one judging by the number of threads here on people wanting to know what is the best ________ for their size.

I have a suggestion, I think would be really useful for your website. As suppliers you know that different manufacturers or type of materials fit differently, who uses European or US sizing etc... What about having a small program to help fencers select jackets, knickers etc... on your website?

Here's how I see it:

Step 1: A set of instructions telling how and where to measure the fencer.

Step 2: A place to input the measurements. If they're right or left handed, gender etc... Allow a spot to put in the name of the fencer for families, clubs, coaches, who may have a number of fencers they want this information linked to their account. Naturally, you can edit this information should sizing change.

Step 3a: A button called "Make a Suggestion" based on the measurements.

Step 3b: If you know what you want.... then as part of the ordering page for clothing, there will be a drop-down table where you select the fencer's name. The sizes are linked to the name and the order automatically makes suggestions or puts in the size needed on the order form.


The advantage to the vendor is there would not only be less returns, but happier customers and you can make changes to your sizing info easily. For instance, if "brand x" is getting a lot of returns you might adjust your on-line program so the right size gets suggested.

The beauty of this program is that it would allow people of various size and shapes to get directed toward products that are likely to fit them. For example, Leon Paul came up with a "tall size" in one of their lines. They're longer in the sleeves. So people with long arms would have this jacket suggested and what size would fit them. Perhaps there's a line/brand out there that is more suitable for short folks, or round folks, or one that has a good cut for busty women etc... this would match up an appropriate product with the appropriate body type.

You can even allow a place for feedback on the fit afterwards. To encourage people to do this, perhaps offer a monthly draw for a discount coupon.

[kuroutesshin]

Nice concept! Maybe it will lead to more standardization in sizes, though I wouldn't mind seeing tailoring return...

[Empty Wallet]

I had been thinking of a lower tech approach to this, but would probably be the back end of FG's type of program.

Something along the lines of a spreadsheet or database that would have all those variables, and then each manufacturers sizing.

So we couldlook up the measurements: male 6ft 6in, 145lbs, lh. This could give allstar 50, lp 98, fwf 48, uhlmann 60.

This way the buyer would have their idea of manufacturers, what is easily available for them, and work on costs and affordablity.

EW

[Purple Fencer]

I'll work on it.....thanks!

[Empty Wallet]

One reason I suggest a spreadheet model/low tech approach is so it is not tied to specific vendors (Sorry vendors).

As I live in Oompaloompaland, the cost of shipping is often a determining factor in the affordability of the equipment as there are no stores to visit and not vendors at events.

So, for me it is not overly helpful if Fagin Fencing offers the Artful Dodger 21 series for $300, when the shipping adds $400 (yes, it happens).

That is why I am Empty Wallet

[Pescados666]

If only I took the time to learn PHP or Ruby on Rails... The perfect online solution for this. I might be able to whip something up, but it'd take me a while since I currently have a few other projects going on myself.

[Fencergrl]

Or at the very least a listing of measurements for each size for each style. For example Brand X, model 2007 in size 38 mens has a chest measurement of ___ inches, is ____ inches in length and a sleeve length of ___inches.

At least that way, a purchaser stands half a chance in ordering the right size. Returning wrong sizes can get very expensive. Due to our locations or situation (such as buying for others) some of us don't have the opportunity to try on different jackets to figure this out other than ordering and crossing our fingers.

The funny thing is I suspect manufacturers probably have this data, as a lot of manufacturing is computer assisted or outsourced somewhere, so specifications need to be provided. So it begs the question... why is finding the right size such a pain in the butt?

If for instance, "Brand X" made it really easy to order their product because of the sizing information they provide and "Brand Y" was similar quality and pricing, who do you think would sell more product? Even if the prices were different, the frustration factor and the cost of shipping would make it worthwhile.

[Fencergrl]

Vendors who use my idea are welcome to give me a small discount.

[Purple Fencer]

Vendors who use my idea are welcome to give me a small discount.

Don't I give you one already?

[Fencergrl]

Vendors who use my idea are welcome to give me an additional discount.

There I fixed it.

[Purple Fencer]

There I fixed it.

Give me a nice order then!!

(jus' funnin' wit'ya.....)

[Alex_Paul]

Most or maybe all vendors use an off the shelf e commerce package these are designed to cater for a majority of on line retailers needs.

You can mess with the software to get it to do other things it wasn't designed for but it tends to be expensive if you aren't capable of doing it yourself. To write something like you are suggesting could cost anything from $5,000 to $20,000.

Sizing information is a tricky thing, it is a ballance between giving too much info and trying to keep it simple so as not to put people off. A system that worked it out as you suggest would be great but the problems start when fencer X likes his/her breeches loose and fencer Y likes to show off his/her butt and likes them tight.

[Empty Wallet]

I think we could move between FG's selection program and some other spreadsheet/databse lookup system.

It would certainly be possible to have some type of comment column to deal with the Ned Flanders butt display versus something less body hugging, or type versus baggy in the belly, or tall and skinny versus whatever. These are the various types of questions which keep flying around the forum, and the Leon Paul UK forum, and lots of other places.

Again, I come from this as one who does not have ready access to vendors who stock samples to try on.

As much accurate information on sizing and then comments on type of fit become very important in balancing with shipping and return/replacement costs. And, of course, the time that all this involves.

EW

[fencerbill]

Then you could have an option for the women who ask for extra busty to post their pictures.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Then you could have an option for the women who ask for extra busty to post their pictures.

Excellent idea!
This should also be enforced for males who order cups.

[Fencergrl]

Most or maybe all vendors use an off the shelf e commerce package these are designed to cater for a majority of on line retailers needs.

You can mess with the software to get it to do other things it wasn't designed for but it tends to be expensive if you aren't capable of doing it yourself. To write something like you are suggesting could cost anything from $5,000 to $20,000.

I understand where you're coming from. I've customized software in the companies I've worked for, and it's tough to get things to work correctly or at all for what you want to do. Plus it takes an enormous amount of time.

I also understand that once you have the data inputted it is just a matter of finding a program/ customizing a program to match up the person with the product. Sometimes everything comes together, other times it doesn't.

However, if you look at the essence of what I'm asking for (and a few others) is adequate information so a purchaser could make an informed decision. As opposed to the current method of "order-return, repeat as necessary". Most vendors (f-net included) don't have adequate information for all the lines they carry. Some have no information at all on them! I can only assume that most manufacturers are not providing them.

So the low-tech version would be much, much better than the status quo.

Sizing information is a tricky thing, it is a ballance between giving too much info and trying to keep it simple so as not to put people off. A system that worked it out as you suggest would be great but the problems start when fencer X likes his/her breeches loose and fencer Y likes to show off his/her butt and likes them tight.

Agreed... with the dimensions of the garments, at least you can make these adjustments yourself. However, with little or no information this is impossible.

Alex, I had a good look at Leon Paul's sizing information. I also had a look at your prices. You're not as pricey as I assumed you would be for the beginner range, but the difference is enough to give me a moment to pause.

I'm going to do a little more research on this, but I am considering buying only Leon Paul clothing, for my students for this reason alone. I am really tired of all the guesswork I have to go through in order to get the right size for my students.

[HDG]

What about a plain ol' phone call or email?

Customer: "These are my measurements; can you tell me what size to order?"

Vendor: "Do you want that on the snug side or the loose side?"

etc.

[Fencergrl]

Been there done that. I am rather surprised that doesn't always work, I still have returns.

[HDG]

Been there done that. I am rather surprised that doesn't always work, I still have returns.

Gotcha

[Fencergrl]

I have also had issues with getting bloody answers from suppliers.

Honestly... fencing vendors seem to be an odd breed. I doubt any other clothing supplier would attempt to sell their product not only without standardized sizing but often with very little sizing information at all.