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Thread: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

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    Default Update: 032820, Pen vendors temporarily shutting down - Vendors still open

    UPDATE: March 21, 2020- - Some vendors have stopped operations but are still taking orders. Here's a word of warning.

    I would be careful about making any orders from anywhere that takes your money now but are unable to quickly deliver the product. It doesn't matter what company it is. A pen that retails for $100.00 today will be lucky to bring $50.00 in a few weeks/months. Maybe even less as there won't be money available for pens. Retailers of mass market non-essentials will drop prices just to have cash flow with hopes to survive. Many retail vendors will not survive, will go bankrupt, and your money is gone.

    I don't care what the company's good name is or what high moral standards they claim as these are not normal times and past performace isn't a good indicator of what can occur in the future.

    Should you place an order not knowing if or when your order might appear, make sure it's money you can afford to lose.

    Economics will tell you that certain product prices, referred to as non-essentials, will collapse in the long term. I see no reason this will not happen to the pen market. That Pelikan, bought last year for $800.00 retail, will sell new next year for perhaps $4-500 (or less). That used Pelikan bought for $800 will be lucky to bring $200.00 and that's optimistic. Pens are not investments 99% of the time. No one needs a pen to survive.

    Buy only what you are assured to get. You'll need cash for the future.

    Learn what essentials are and act accordingly.

    It will suprise people to find that they lack many essentials but they swim in their over-abundance of Beanie Babies and the latest fads. If you've never learned to live below your means, you'll now pay the price.

    In my case, I had several items listed on Craiglist and other such sites. Here's why three weeks ago I removed those listings.

    1. I didn't want to have contact with people. I had learned enough about the virus to stop all unnecessary contact.

    2. The items I had listed would be considered 'essentials' and highly desirable during rough economic times. As I didn't need the money, I knew they would go up in value tremendously and I could always sell or barter them into the foreseeable future for much more than I could get now.

    If you have something non-essential you want to sell, do it now as the price will go down. Consider taking a loss today as you'll take a bigger loss next month.

    If it's something you want to buy and it's non-essential, wait.

    This isn't a matter of supporting small businesses and making a statement of your belief in a company, this is your economic well-being. Act wisely.

    __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____

    Fountain Pen Hospital has stopped business. No shipping. Still taking orders.

    Peyton Street Pens -shipping one day a week for now.

    Goulet Pens - no shipping, no restocking. Still taking orders.

    Galen Leather - no shipping.

    Other retailers are only taking customers who call ahead as the doors are otherwise locked.



    Amazon may be your best bet for certain items.

    Update: Saturday March 28, 2020

    I'm also listing those vendors still open for business - taking orders and shipping. Let me know if there are others.

    Pendemonium - Sam and Frank are still going strong with a 25% discount on everything and free shipping over $25. I've been doing business with them for 16 years and they're good people. Good time to order Da Book - 'Fountain Pens, Complete Guide to Repair and Restoration' at a 25% discount. It's an excellent reference book and will often help you diagnose pen problems.

    Federalist Pens
    Vanness Pens
    Pen Chalet open and shipping
    Edison
    Fountain Pen Revolution
    Main Street Pens - Ron Zorn advised 03/19/20 he's still reparing pens and shipping.

    Overseas

    Mr. Pen in England, open and shipping
    Ranga Pens in India. I heard from Mr. Kandan this morning, 3/28/20, and they're open, making pens, but not shipping until the 3-week lockdown is lifted.
    ASA pens in India. open and shipping.

    In the UK I understand Cultpens, Purepens and Thewritingdesk are all still taking and dispatching website orders
    Last edited by sgphoto; March 28th, 2020 at 06:17 AM.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Time to relax and enjoy the pens we do have. Speaking personally, I have a few vintage pens to repair, and plenty of pens that I already own to use for their actual purpose: writing. Time to spend more time writing.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Yeah, I'm good to explore all that I have. I figure the delivery systems and bigger places need their resources for more important things. The only exceptions I'd make would be to throw support to smaller, independent vendors.

    Such as Vanness Pen Co., which is open and currently doing their annual "Mike's Birthday" think with 10% off inks through 11PM tomorrow (11/19). Good people worth supporting (family business).
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    It's interesting that here in Blightly the small sellers are making a point of saying they're open for business. One woodworking hand tool specialist has gone so far as to email to explain the set up for receiving goods to their warehouse right through to the delivery process to customers, which I thought wasn't a bad idea for putting minds at ease.

    Must admit I'm torn; on the one hand I don't want to see folks go bust from lack of orders, but on the other, like Jon, I feel there are more important things that need to be sent from A to B and delivery drivers are under enough pressure already. Should probably be buying fish instead anyway - British fishermen are suffering a double whammy of no exports to the Continent and no orders from UK restaurants.
    In the words of Paul Simon, you can call me Al.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    We are still working, and though most things are repair related, will be shipping as frequently as possible. We don't have an open shop, so exposure to the public is limited.
    Last edited by Ron Z; March 19th, 2020 at 07:23 AM.

    Visit Main Street Pens
    A full service pen shop providing professional, thoughtful pen repair....
    Please contact us by email, and not PM for repair inquiries.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    I've managed to repair another 20 pens under lockdown and some of them are looking rather lovely. And though some are just second/third tier pens found in the wild, I've found one really gorgeous flexy nib on a little snakeskin Stylochap that is definitely a keeper.

    I *might* hit a problem with not having enough sacs. But let's cross that bridge when we get to it...

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    An interesting side effect certainly. With enough paper for years, probably enough ink for life, and a huge number of fountain pens, I haven't bought any fountain pen stuff in I don't know how long. I'm also very well stocked on drawing pencils, charcoal, drawing paper, and miscellaneous things of that sort.

    But there's a difference between not buying things because you have enough and don't want any more, and not buying things because you can't. Stay well everybody.
    "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."
    G.K. Chesterton

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    I'm still dealing with orders as they come in but I will only be posting once a week.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    I'm still dealing with orders as they come in but I will only be posting once a week.
    Posting as it mailing, right? You aren't going to stop "posting" here!?!
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    I must be going blind.... I can't find the 25% discount at Pendemonium.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    I must be going blind.... I can't find the 25% discount at Pendemonium.
    They mentioned it in their weekly email blast today, that's the only indication I can see:

    " Take 25% Off anything on our website PLUS Free Shipping for all orders over $25 after the discount thru March 20, 2020."
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    I'm still dealing with orders as they come in but I will only be posting once a week.
    Posting as it mailing, right? You aren't going to stop "posting" here!?!
    Seems I've gone native. Yes, mailing.
    Regards,
    Deb
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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    I must be going blind.... I can't find the 25% discount at Pendemonium.
    As Jon pointed out, it came in their newsletter email. Sign up and you'll probably get the discount though it's probably across the board for all.
    I heard from Sam @ Pendemonium and she says the while the retail shop inside Time Was Antiques at 427 E. Beale St, Kingman, Arizona is closed, the mail order shop is open for business. This is where I have bought one of my favorite Noodler inks, Legal Lapis, for at least 15 years. It remains one of my favorite inks and is exclusive to Pendemonium.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by amk View Post
    I've managed to repair another 20 pens under lockdown and some of them are looking rather lovely. And though some are just second/third tier pens found in the wild, I've found one really gorgeous flexy nib on a little snakeskin Stylochap that is definitely a keeper.

    I *might* hit a problem with not having enough sacs. But let's cross that bridge when we get to it...
    I ran into exactly this problem today. I have enough sacs...just not at the right size. Apparently I'm down to only my obscure sizes!

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by Waski_the_Squirrel View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by amk View Post
    I've managed to repair another 20 pens under lockdown and some of them are looking rather lovely. And though some are just second/third tier pens found in the wild, I've found one really gorgeous flexy nib on a little snakeskin Stylochap that is definitely a keeper.

    I *might* hit a problem with not having enough sacs. But let's cross that bridge when we get to it...
    I ran into exactly this problem today. I have enough sacs...just not at the right size. Apparently I'm down to only my obscure sizes!
    just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your pen reviews. You're informative, entertaining, and don't take yourself so seriously.

    I appreciate you reviewing off-the-wall and unusual pens too. Not enough of that on Youtube. Keep up the good work.

    Cheers,

    Sg

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Yeah, I'm good to explore all that I have. I figure the delivery systems and bigger places need their resources for more important things. The only exceptions I'd make would be to throw support to smaller, independent vendors.

    Such as Vanness Pen Co., which is open and currently doing their annual "Mike's Birthday" think with 10% off inks through 11PM tomorrow (11/19). Good people worth supporting (family business).
    Yep, always go to Vanness when I can. They have the best ink inventory around. That, and I've got a world-class crush on Lisa -- she is SO cute!!!

    Also, Jet Pens seems to be continuing to operate fully.

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by Brilliant Bill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Yeah, I'm good to explore all that I have. I figure the delivery systems and bigger places need their resources for more important things. The only exceptions I'd make would be to throw support to smaller, independent vendors.

    Such as Vanness Pen Co., which is open and currently doing their annual "Mike's Birthday" think with 10% off inks through 11PM tomorrow (11/19). Good people worth supporting (family business).
    Yep, always go to Vanness when I can. They have the best ink inventory around. That, and I've got a world-class crush on Lisa -- she is SO cute!!!

    Also, Jet Pens seems to be continuing to operate fully.
    Interesting. I thought San Jose was under "shut down non-essential businrsses" orders.
    wasting time on tapatalk

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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by LeFreak View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Brilliant Bill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Yeah, I'm good to explore all that I have. I figure the delivery systems and bigger places need their resources for more important things. The only exceptions I'd make would be to throw support to smaller, independent vendors.

    Such as Vanness Pen Co., which is open and currently doing their annual "Mike's Birthday" think with 10% off inks through 11PM tomorrow (11/19). Good people worth supporting (family business).
    Yep, always go to Vanness when I can. They have the best ink inventory around. That, and I've got a world-class crush on Lisa -- she is SO cute!!!

    Also, Jet Pens seems to be continuing to operate fully.
    Interesting. I thought San Jose was under "shut down non-essential businrsses" orders.
    I just placed an order. They had a caution on checkout that it might be delayed; otherwise, biz as usual.

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen and related vendors temporarily shutting down for Convid 19

    Quote Originally Posted by Brilliant Bill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by LeFreak View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Brilliant Bill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Yeah, I'm good to explore all that I have. I figure the delivery systems and bigger places need their resources for more important things. The only exceptions I'd make would be to throw support to smaller, independent vendors.

    Such as Vanness Pen Co., which is open and currently doing their annual "Mike's Birthday" think with 10% off inks through 11PM tomorrow (11/19). Good people worth supporting (family business).
    Yep, always go to Vanness when I can. They have the best ink inventory around. That, and I've got a world-class crush on Lisa -- she is SO cute!!!

    Also, Jet Pens seems to be continuing to operate fully.
    Interesting. I thought San Jose was under "shut down non-essential businrsses" orders.
    I just placed an order. They had a caution on checkout that it might be delayed; otherwise, biz as usual.
    Because I love infinitely-nested comments, I'll add this: as of about a half an hour ago, the entire state is on "stay-at-home" guidelines. My guess is they will stop any more orders at this point.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Pen vendors temporarily shutting down - Vendors still open

    I just ordered some notebooks and samples from Anderson Pens a few days ago.

    But yeah, I'm guessing many of us have enough ink and paper and pens to last for years.

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