Hmm...$100 for a canvas carry bag? Does it come with a Louis Vuitton logo on it or something?
I'm really interested in your product and the bag looks well-made, but at $400 for the griddle, bag, shipping, and tax, I'm having a hard time justifying the expense.
I agree! Our products are a big investment! Believe me, I wish that I could sell our products for less. When I started Mojoe Outfitters, I made a commitment to sell only products that are made in America. I love my country and I want it to thrive! However, this is not a good business decision if I wanted to sell a million units, made in China, at half the price and at twice the profit. Many people have told me to get my products made in China, relax and count the money. I just can't do it with a clean conscience.
I personally know everyone that is involved in making our products. They are all "Salt of the Earth Americans" and I enjoy writing them checks when they make deliveries! I know, it's so 1970's when performance and loyalty meant everything in business relationships.
The bottom line is that the gross profit from the sale of our products is not nearly what it should be according to the MBA's and that's OK because I have a day job that pays the bills. I would be eviscerated if I went on "Shark Tank"! Every penny that comes from sales of our products stays in the business and goes to buying inventory, new product development and marketing. At some point, our sales volume will get to the point where the economies of scale will kick in and I will be able to reduce prices.
So no, you don't get a "Louis Vuitton" label on the Mojoe Sack. What you do get is an "Adventure Tool Company" logo and an American flag sewn into the seem (look closely at the photos). The Mojoe Sack is made in a small town in the Colorado Rockies called Nederland. It is cut and sewn by a man named Paul Carrill - he and his wife Amy own the company and they make a complete line of products for the overland community. I met Paul and Amy at the Overland Expo last year - Great people! I knew in short order that I wanted them to make the Mojoe Sack.
The man who makes the handles, legs and Strap-On Griddlip for the Mojoe is named Dennis Harfman. He is 72 years old and has been a machinist all his life. He has a shop out in the desert near Palmdale, CA stuffed with old-school machines. He is someone that I can call up with a new idea, tell him what it is and he will show up at my house in a few days with a perfect prototype. That is exactly how the Strap-On was born! Dennis is my friend. He is also an extremely accomplished horseman and packer. Here is a picture of Dennis:
From an investment standpoint, every one of the products that Mojoe Outfitters sells are built to last over many generations. You will be able to pass the Mojoe Griddle and Sack on to your kids and grandkids. Our products are the best you can buy, period. If you are into cooking for others either at camp or in your backyard, the Mojoe will bring you mountains of joy. You should see the emails I get from my customers!
There are a lot of folks that love the Mojoe but do not buy it because they know they can get a rectangular Chinese cast iron griddle for $34.95. So I don't get the sale. I'm fine with that! Just so you know, I have gone for years using a standard contractor's trash bag to store my Mojoe in! When it rips, I just get another one!
If you have been thinking about the Mojoe for a while, you should get one because that means you "Get It" and you will not be disappointed. The average person will never understand the Mojoe Griddle and that's OK too!
Cam