Trying to protect a specific piece of pie in any market is a road to oblivion. Others will peck away at that share until there is nothing left.

A better strategy is to grow the pie. Framebuilders should try to act together to some extent to do that. And I don't think the single person shop is at all irrelevant. Rather the contrary.


Toward branding - I personally consider a framebuilders participation in the community when prying open my wallet. It isn't the deal maker persee, but if I know the builder is giving back, helping the craft, maybe providing good advice to a few up and comers, I see that as favorable toward their brand. It makes me happier about my purchase. The frame is the key, but feeling good about the purchase is a nice bonus and the little bits add up.

Mark