Stompboxes as a living

[javacody]

This has been talked about quite a bit, but I'm wondering if some of you guys who make stompboxes, etc. for sale could talk about some of the problems you've run into as far as things you've had to do to bullet proof your pedals, problems with distribution, dealing with customers, etc.

[kroushl]

The main trouble I have with the business is having people *say* they want a pedal, but aren't serious about it.  I've been able to pretty much weed those people out just by their attitudes, but it's still a pain.

The only problems that I've found are keeping all of the mechanical pieces in check.  I've had several pedals come back for jacks or switches messing up.  Usually the customer knows what sound he/she wants and I can pretty well tailor to their tastes, so the electronics side isn't much of an issue.

Also, in my experience, most people don't care much about the looks of the pedal.  The guys I deal with gig a *lot* and expect a little wear on their gear, so fancy graphics don't really matter to them.  They are more concerned with reliability and how it sounds.

This is just my experience/opinions.  I'm sure you'll have other people in here that will contradict what I say and we'll both still be right

In that case, just find exactly what the customer wants.

Later,
Brad