Generally, when people think crystal, they think of wine glasses, decanters and cut crystal bowls from such well known names as Waterford Crystal etc.
However at Mullingar Crystal there is not a wine glass or decanter in sight.
Mullingar Crystal use a crystal called Optical Crystal.
Optical/Optic Crystal is 100% Lead Free and extremely hard. It is this hardness that provides the basis for the brilliant cuts and bevels, as well as the ultra high polished surfaces. Each piece of Optic Crystal is hand polished and beveled. Optical /Optic Crystal, as its name suggests is used in binoculars and camera lenses as it is pure, totally clear and represents the ultimate expression of excellence. Optical Crystal is manufactured in large sheets up to 3" thick, and while still molten, is subjected to tremendous pressure to ensure no bubbles, flow lines or other distortions.
Optic Crystal is seen as being the “king” of Crystal in that it can have no imperfections.
Mullingar Crystal also uses black optical crystal for many of the bases of the awards. Black crystal is produced with special additives (Fe2O3, CuO, MnO2, CO2O3) that change the color to black. Black crystal posses almost the same physical qualities as lead free clear optical crystal. However it does not allow light transmission. Black crystal is by far superior in quality to black color glass, it has no bubbles or swirl marks and its surface are perfectly smooth and flawless.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Ryanair Syndrome
The Ryanair factor, that's what we are calling it.
On our website, http://www.mullingarcrystal.com/ we have beside each item, our price.
The price is clear, not in small text or in a different window.
The following is a list of the top 6 of queries we receive :
1. Does the price include engraving.
2. Are there set-up charges.
3. Is vat/taxes included.
4. How much extra is CrystalPrint.
5. How much extra is a presentation box.
6. If only want one piece, how much of a surcharge.
We have clearly stated on our website that the price shown is inclusive of all of the above.
Having asked many people what is unclear, the answer we get is that it looks too good, almost like the "free" flight that turns into an expensive flight with taxes and charges.
This therefore is the Ryanair Factor.
Mullingar Crystal, the opposite of Ryanair where prices are "crystal clear".
On our website, http://www.mullingarcrystal.com/ we have beside each item, our price.
The price is clear, not in small text or in a different window.
The following is a list of the top 6 of queries we receive :
1. Does the price include engraving.
2. Are there set-up charges.
3. Is vat/taxes included.
4. How much extra is CrystalPrint.
5. How much extra is a presentation box.
6. If only want one piece, how much of a surcharge.
We have clearly stated on our website that the price shown is inclusive of all of the above.
Having asked many people what is unclear, the answer we get is that it looks too good, almost like the "free" flight that turns into an expensive flight with taxes and charges.
This therefore is the Ryanair Factor.
Mullingar Crystal, the opposite of Ryanair where prices are "crystal clear".
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Credit Crunch- Good for Business.
The Credit Crunch has been good for Mullingar Crystal. Companies and Clubs have become more price conscious and are thus shopping around. One example is of a very large well known company. Last year we quoted two middlemen or Corporate Gift Companies, to give them their correct title, for awards for this well known company. This year the well known company came to us directly, got their quote, ordered their awards and saved themselves a packet.
We are also getting this same result with golf clubs this year. In previous years, golf clubs have been using sourcing companies. These sourcing companies have then put a high margin, sometimes in excess of 100% and have thus cost their clients a lot more for their prizes.
The only negative part is that when the clubs get the price direct on their prizes, they can't believe it and assume that their is some mistake or that they are somehow getting inferior goods.
In these "tighter times", it makes good sense to shop around. The Internet is a valuable tool. Make it work for you.
We are also getting this same result with golf clubs this year. In previous years, golf clubs have been using sourcing companies. These sourcing companies have then put a high margin, sometimes in excess of 100% and have thus cost their clients a lot more for their prizes.
The only negative part is that when the clubs get the price direct on their prizes, they can't believe it and assume that their is some mistake or that they are somehow getting inferior goods.
In these "tighter times", it makes good sense to shop around. The Internet is a valuable tool. Make it work for you.
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