RANCOURT & Co. Shoes - Made in Maine

[DG123]

I don't make shoes, but I imagine the patterns need to adjusted when the width changes.

Yes, the proper way to produce width sizing is by using separate Lasts as well as separate cutting dies. But the new models Rancourt introduces seem to be only a materials or color change rather than new shapes (Lasts) or patterns (cutting dies).

 

[ajd578]

Yes, the proper way to produce width sizing is by using separate Lasts as well as separate cutting dies. But the new models Rancourt introduces seem to be only a materials or color change rather than new shapes (Lasts) or patterns (cutting dies).

In that case, I would just reach out if you’re interested in a width. Maybe they’ll charge an MTO fee, but I would be surprised. Or have you already done that ?

 

[DG123]

In that case, I would just reach out if you’re interested in a width. Maybe they’ll charge an MTO fee, but I would be surprised. Or have you already done that ?

I have plenty of Rancourt shoes and am not shopping for any new pairs.
My commentary is offered to contribute my thoughts about Rancourt's business position and strategy. I like Made in USA footwear production so I follow what's happening with the few remaining companies-brands that do it, and Rancourt is one of them.

 

[ajd578]

I have plenty of Rancourt shoes and am not shopping for any new pairs.
My commentary is offered to contribute my thoughts about Rancourt's business position and strategy. I like Made in USA footwear production so I follow what's happening with the few remaining companies-brands that do it, and Rancourt is one of them.

Seems premature to talk business strategy until someone talks to Rancourt. Could be a website goof.

 

[Aenonymous]

Yes, and the new models introduced during the past several months are built on the same Lasts as Rancourt has used for decades.
If Rancourt was in the business of owning and storing finished inventory, offering only medium widths would be somewhat understandable. Or if these new models required new Lasts for which it would be an additional expense to produce narrow and wide width Lasts that too would make it somewhat understandable. But neither is the case as the new models are built on previously used Lasts which Rancourt already owns in narrow, medium and wide widths.
So, it is perplexing why Rancourt chooses to offer new models-colors etc... in only medium width.

From a historical perspective I don't think you can say Rancourt is de-prioritizing fit because of width offerings. You may be forgetting they launched the brand a little over a decade ago with the popular 800 last camp mocs and ranger mocs in D & E widths only. They've since expanded to B & EE to service the extended width customer. Same thing applies to their 2592 last.

I would imagine it's possible they've found a comfortable middle ground at this point, but don't forget it's not just lasts and dies to consider. Even if they already own the equipment which could in theory be used on a new style offering, someone still needs to do the time consuming legwork of setting up a Bill of Materials (which is effectively the guide sheet for workers to follow to make the shoe properly) for every B & EE size/width combo, which is not a light task. It's not a Herculean task, but it's another job that someone would have to complete, and given that many shoemakers resources are stretched thin these days it's possible they'd like to see if "the new style" gets a good response in D width before committing to the extra work required to get the slower selling widths set up.

That doesn't explain however why they wouldn't make the B width available for the Brown Beefroll pre-sale at wholesale prices currently happening. That seems short sighted, and is perhaps an oversight. It's certainly a missed opportunity as no extra leg work is involved at all.

 

[Radboots]

Seems premature to talk business strategy until someone talks to Rancourt. Could be a website goof.

I don't think it is premature at all. It is well documented in this thread some of the issues people have been having with Rancourt - never keeping anything in stock, ghosting people on returns, extreme delays and now pulling back a ton on availability of widths - something is clearly going on with them and many of us are unhappy where the business practices are going.

 

[DG123]

I don't think it is premature at all. It is well documented in this thread some of the issues people have been having with Rancourt - never keeping anything in stock, ghosting people on returns, extreme delays and now pulling back a ton on availability of widths - something is clearly going on with them and many of us are unhappy where the business practices are going.

For the long term viability of the company I consider Rancourt's pre-sale strategy to be a mistake.
For example, training customers to pay 30% off sets a dangerous precedent. Specifically, once customers become accustomed to paying the discounted price they are reluctant to ever pay full price.

 

[Garrister]

For the long term viability of the company I consider Rancourt's pre-sale strategy to be a mistake.
For example, training customers to pay 30% off sets a dangerous precedent. Specifically, once customers become accustomed to paying the discounted price they are reluctant to ever pay full price.

I tend to agree but you would have to tell that to Messrs. Allen, Edmonds, Johnson and Murphy too. Seems like Rancourt's wholesale business is not what it once was and it is trying to be a retailer -- which is HARD. Manufacturers use distributors and retailers for a very good reason.

 

[DG123]

Manufacturers use distributors and retailers for a very good reason.

30 years ago, yes, but obviously the internet has changed retailing. Now brands can and do easily ship directly to consumers, so the need for a third party retailer is becoming extinct.
This direct-to-consumer business model is an excellent fit for a small volume Made-in-USA producer such as Rancourt. The company benefits from already owning Lasts, cutting dies, and the services of skilled , experienced handsewn production factory workers.
So, to be successful what the company is needs is effective internet marketing to create brand awareness for the Rancourt name. In recent years this is done by establishing and maintaining a presence on various social media websites and discussion forums such as this one. The company owner could display some pride for the company by releasing some videos of content about the product and, or Rancourt factory. Also, I think it's been more than 5-years since anyone has answered the telephone when a customer or potential customer uses the Rancourt 800#.
Rancourt is not a start-up with little production experience or resources. It's a well established handsewn footwear producer with several competitive advantages, and I believe with a bit of good sense effort the company's sales and profits could become excellent.

 

[DG123]

I tend to agree but you would have to tell that to Messrs. Allen, Edmonds, Johnson and Murphy too.

Well known brand names such as Florsheim, Sperry, Johnston and Murphy etc... import their production so they suffer from ordering large volumes of finished inventory and warehousing same.
If the the model (s) don't sell well it must be cleared out at discounted prices , which tarnishes the image of the brand name. Allen Edmonds production is a mix of USA and imported, but their production volume is large so they too suffer from having to discount prices to move inventory.
Rancourt is set up to make small production runs in Maine, USA so they do not suffer the inventory problems of the large volume imported brands. This is a significant advantage for Rancourt.

 

[SpallaPerfetta]

Eggplant CXL Beefroll Loafers

 

[Aenonymous]

Well known brand names such as Florsheim, Sperry, Johnston and Murphy etc... import their production so they suffer from ordering large volumes of finished inventory and warehousing same.
If the the model (s) don't sell well it must be cleared out at discounted prices , which tarnishes the image of the brand name. Allen Edmonds production is a mix of USA and imported, but their production volume is large so they too suffer from having to discount prices to move inventory.
Rancourt is set up to make small production runs in Maine, USA so they do not suffer the inventory problems of the large volume imported brands. This is a significant advantage for Rancourt.

They can handle small production runs but that doesn't necessarily pay their bills. Their pre-sale strategy is providing larger volume manufacturing which helps with efficiencies, and perhaps more importantly for a smaller maker, cash flow. It would appear to be better for them than the old full-price business, which allowed them better margin, but if that full margin biz is inconsistent and not of enough volume then it's not helping keep their employees paid and the business afloat.

But I agree with you, that regular discounting of the product sets a dangerous precedent. It may seem great initially because it offers higher volume for the factory but if it trains customers to only shop during sale periods then you're back to the inconsistent cash flow problem. Which perhaps is evidenced by their current pre-sale which ends today. There's only a couple models which have a chance of meeting the minimums sales they've set to produce them. The majority of models don't even come close. Does anyone know if they put these into production if they don't meet their minimums?

The other danger is once a manufacturer settles into what has become the lower everyday price for their product, you wonder if they feel the same pressure to deliver at the same quality level they did when they were delivering full price product.

 

[coolarrow]

Espresso shell pennys in the car:

 

[tuna roll]

what to do when your laces are too long? maybe a newbie question but please bear with me lol

I recently got a pair of Ranger Mocs. I tie them the “regular way”, like any shoes or trainers. The leather laces are an inch or so too long and they touch the floor when I walk.

Should I just cut them? Half an inch on each end should do the trick. Any finishing necessary after?

Or is there a specific way to tie leather laces so they end up shorter?

Thanks!

 

[DG123]

what to do when your laces are too long? maybe a newbie question but bear with me

I recently got a pair of Ranger Mocs. I tie them the “regular way”, like any shoes or trainers. The leather laces are an inch or so too big and they touch the floor when I walk.

Should I just cut them? Half an inch on each end should do the trick. Any finishing necessary after?

Or is there a specific way to tie leather laces so they aren’t too long?

Thanks!

Yes, for leather laces cutting to proper length is common. Cut a bit at a time until the length is correct.