Help Me Finish the Johnnyphi Project with a Bang!

[johnnyphi]

Howdy Loungers!

It's your long-lost pal... Johnnyphi. My apologies for the lack of involvement in this great community. Starting a family (Yep, I’m a proud papa!) and moving home to Texas has kept me busy, but that doesn't mean I forgot about the good old Fedora Lounge.

After FIVE YEARs of experimentation, it’s time to wrap up this amazing project. However, I can’t just walk away from 100+ remaining hats.

That’s where you come in… I need your help deciding how to liquidate the remaining inventory. I’m open to any ideas, with a few caveats…

1. We need to find a good home for as many hats as possible.
2. Solution needs to be cost neutral. (I don’t want to spend more money on the project.)
3. I’m open to donating some/all of the remaining hats to charity, as long as it is legit. (Children’s theaters, museums, etc.)

I’m also willing to negotiate bulk purchases for any Fedora Lounge member who wants to take this project and run with it…

Sooo… What do you think?

Give it some thought, and let me know how you think this amazing adventure should end…

Regards,
Johnnyphi

Background for Newbies:

For those of you who aren't familiar with me (or the "Johnnyphi Project"), here’s the story.

In 2007, I was a “newby” who stumbled upon a treasure trove of "deadstock" fedoras and vintage clothes. (Here's the original thread: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?24881-Newbie-Lucky-or-Sucker-you-decide...&highlight=)

We loaded everything into an 18 foot box truck, and headed to the warehouse at JK Moving and Storage in Sterling, VA. From there, my fiancé, brother, future sister-in-law and other friends sorted through dozens of boxes of vintage goodies from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Thanks to support from Fedora Lounge founder MK, as well as outstanding moderators like Scotrace, Nathan, Art Fawcet and many others, we were able to work out a great system to sell the 150 best hats directly to Fedora Lounge members. (Here's a link explaining the auctions: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?29450-NOS-Hat-Auctions-THE-RULES-of-ENGAGEMENT)

After the auctions ended, I still had a sizeable inventory of hats... A few were larger sizes in Fair to Good condition... Others were in rough shape... And, the majority were smaller sized hats in Good to Mint. I donated several dozen of the small hats to a children’s theater in Bethesday,but we still needed a quick and easy way to sell the remaining hats, so I called on my good friend Todd Hewell to develop JOHNNYPHI.COM.

We launched JOHNNYPHI.COM in July 2009, and we’ve sold dozens more hats to customers from all over the world. (We’ve always given a significant discount to members of the Lounge.)

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Johnny every time this thread comes up I say boy I wish I was here at the time. What a great find I am sure others will make great suggestions. Thank you for taking on such a big project. Hope to buy a johnnyPhi hat in my size from a lounger some day.

 

[mayserwegener]

Johnny, Good to hear from you!

 

[hatophile]

Johnny,

I know Art does Hats for Vets at Christmas time, don't know if he could use some for that project.
I have at least half a dozen from you and have enjoyed them immensely.

Perry

 

[johnnyphi]

Thanks, gents! The hats for vets idea is solid, except for we still have the size problem. This will probably involve kiddos... Either getting the hats directly to kids of fedora loungers, or finding a local children's theatre or school drama department. Feel free to send me a PM if you have any thoughts.

 

[zetwal]

How about contacting one of the national youth theater organizations? For example,

http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/contact.html

http://www.childrenstheatrefoundation.org/contact.html

 

[Mystic]

Johnny,

I know Art does Hats for Vets at Christmas time, don't know if he could use some for that project.
I have at least half a dozen from you and have enjoyed them immensely.

Perry

How was the fit of these hats? Several months ago I checked out his site for a couple of hats.

My concern was that the hats may have shrunk. I have lost a bit of weight recently and am now in between hat sizes. I have had to go a size smaller than I was buying.

With the size differential of hats from different hat makers and the possibility of hats that may have shrunk while sitting packed away I didn't buy any of his hats. I also didn't know about the Lounge discount.

I am not comfortable enough with hats to attempt stretching a hat.

What was your experience with the sizing of the hats you bought from Johnnyphi's site?

 

[johnnyphi]

Hat Sizing

Howdy, Mystic. As far as I know, the hat sizes have been accurate for the vast majority of the hats I've sold. Of course, I'd always like to hear sizing feedback from members who purchased any of my hats.

How was the fit of these hats? Several months ago I checked out his site for a couple of hats.

My concern was that the hats may have shrunk. I have lost a bit of weight recently and am now in between hat sizes. I have had to go a size smaller than I was buying.

With the size differential of hats from different hat makers and the possibility of hats that may have shrunk while sitting packed away I didn't buy any of his hats. I also didn't know about the Lounge discount.

I am not comfortable enough with hats to attempt stretching a hat.

What was your experience with the sizing of the hats you bought from Johnnyphi's site?

 

[johnnyphi]

Awesome links! Thank you! I'll follow this trail to see if they might have some leads.

How about contacting one of the national youth theater organizations? For example,

http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/contact.html

http://www.childrenstheatrefoundation.org/contact.html

 

[Mystic]

Howdy, Mystic. As far as I know, the hat sizes have been accurate for the vast majority of the hats I've sold. Of course, I'd always like to hear sizing feedback from members who purchased any of my hats.

I sent you a PM.

 

[Mystic]

I recently purchased 2 hats from John at johnnyphi's Vintage hats and was so pleased with the deal, the hats and the helpful and very patient service I wanted to give him the credit I think he deserves for a job well done.

All my questions and concerns were promptly answered.....when I decided on a couple of hats...John made me a terrific deal on them and set it up with his webmaster for me.
A personal situation delayed me placing the order for a couple of days. When I did place the order Todd was great in helping me do the order correctly.

Hats were shipped out the following day for quick delivery. The hats are in great condition, just as described and fit well. Just needed a little brushing off.

I highly recommend Johnnyphi. It can be well worth your time to check out his site to see what he has in your size.

A very pleasing buying experience :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[DeaconKC]

Welcome back Johnny! Congrats on the family and move, may your sale go well! [whimpers about no hats in size for my fat noggin]