Great info for the newbie and good reminders and tips for those who have been at it a while as well. Thanks and excellent work guys!

No problem Brian. It’s a real basic primer for those just starting out. Our goal was to spare someone a little pain when it comes time to find their label printer. If anyone has any questions please feel free to give me a call (262-877-2158). I will not try to push labels on you. Being the Sponsor of the Scovie Awards we put an obligation on ourselves to help people in the industry even if we don’t print your labels. Think of BLP Labels as a label consultant if that is what you need.

Yeah, thanx Dan. I’ll be contacting (bothering) you. Need some ideas\info on how to start designing\printing labels.

huvason on 4/20/2006 at 9:18 am said:

Yeah, thanx Dan. I’ll be contacting (bothering) you. Need some ideas\info on how to start designing\printing labels.

That’s what we’re here for…. and please wash the Defcon off your fingers before diaing the phone!

Dan@ BLP Labels on 4/20/2006 at 9:31 am said:

That’s what we’re here for…. and please wash the Defcon off your fingers before diaing the phone!

Awww c’mon, The Huvason is used to the corneal scarring by now.

Huv maybe used to the scarring, but what of his wife? Does she deserve to feel the wrath of Defcon through association only? This is, assuming, the assimilation is not complete with her as of yet…

Great reading there Dan. I use to do offset printing back in the late 90’s and had a lot of fun with that. Just starting to do some freelance design work on the side. Its cool to hear someone talk about the other aspects of selling a sauce…eye appeal.

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:04 am said:

Great reading there Dan. I use to do offset printing back in the late 90’s and had a lot of fun with that. Just starting to do some freelance design work on the side. Its cool to hear someone talk about the other aspects of selling a sauce…eye appeal.

Thanks Ryan! We try to inform people that as humans we buy visually if we are not able to taste the product. The second and third purchases are on taste. Too many times we see people put so much love, time and money into what goes inside the bottle and then short change their sales with an inferior label. Some people don’t want to spend the money on design as it can get quite costly at times. I have told some customers that if they don’t want to invest a ton of money into label design, go to your local Tech School and talk to some instructors in the design classes and see if his/her students can do your label design as a project. This gives the students some real worl experience in design and it might cost you a couple of 2 liters of soada and a couple pizzas.

Dan@ BLP Labels on 4/20/2006 at 11:02 am said:

Huv maybe used to the scarring, but what of his wife? Does she deserve to feel the wrath of Defcon through association only? This is, assuming, the assimilation is not complete with her as of yet…

Who do you think caused all the original scarring?

Mike told me this morning that we “possibly” might get something in the mail that would promote some scarring to us? Make sure you tell Mike that I want to be scarred also… He’s talking about taking it all home!

now this is something I can really stay on topic about, I do most of the grocery shopping in our house, I have to be honest I have bought a few things because the label looked better. as for the label on hot sauce, some of the ones we have, are not very appealing eye wise (in my opinion) because they are so busy you have to really look at everything separately and then take it in as a whole.

on another note, the last part of this informative essay talks about the consumer deciding whether or not the product is truly hot or not, remember the batteries that had the tester strip on them? it’s to bad one can’t be made or hasn’t been made for hot sauce, however trying to get a reading through a glass bottle would be difficult.

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:04 am said:

Great reading there Dan. I use to do offset printing back in the late 90’s and had a lot of fun with that. Just starting to do some freelance design work on the side. Its cool to hear someone talk about the other aspects of selling a sauce…eye appeal.

“Labels can bring your marketing message to life”

Hey ryan, this stands out to me. sounds like a label needs to “pop”

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:32 am said:

now this is something I can really stay on topic about, I do most of the grocery shopping in our house, I have to be honest I have bought a few things because the label looked better. as for the label on hot sauce, some of the ones we have, are not very appealing eye wise (in my opinion) because they are so busy you have to really look at everything separately and then take it in as a whole.

on another note, the last part of this informative essay talks about the consumer deciding whether or not the product is truly hot or not, remember the batteries that had the tester strip on them? it’s to bad one can’t be made or hasn’t been made for hot sauce, however trying to get a reading through a glass bottle would be difficult.

I agree with you mrs ryan about choosing a product over another because of its “look”. I think everyone does that. But, its not always 100% true in the case of a sauce collector. See some of “us” buy sauce for our ever-growing collections and that includes even less appealing labels. They may not be “our” favorites but we still buy them. Dont get me wrong, there are many bottles I would never own just because the labels are in (my opinion) bad taste. But as was mentioned above, for the general public (not collector’s) the label does pretty much make it or break in as far as sales go.

Dan@ BLP Labels on 4/20/2006 at 11:29 am said:

Mike told me this morning that we “possibly” might get something in the mail that would promote some scarring to us? Make sure you tell Mike that I want to be scarred also… He’s talking about taking it all home!

He never got back to me, I wasn’t sure if he wanted the bottles full or not.

HAH Send me the full ones and send him some empty ones. That would really chap his arse!! LOL

chris k on 4/20/2006 at 11:42 am said:

I agree with you mrs ryan about choosing a product over another because of its “look”. I think everyone does that. But, its not always 100% true in the case of a sauce collector. See some of “us” buy sauce for our ever-growing collections and that includes even less appealing labels. They may not be “our” favorites but we still buy them. Dont get me wrong, there are many bottles I would never own just because the labels are in (my opinion) bad taste. But as was mentioned above, for the general public (not collector’s) the label does pretty much make it or break in as far as sales go.

some of the labels in our collection, are older so they not as sophisticated as what is coming out now, and I understand that most people will collect certain bottles because CaJohn, brian, or blair made them not because they stood out on a shelf. Not that these 3 have bad labels, I am just using them as an example. as far as new collectors that are just breaking into this, sometimes a label will define who they start to collect, or what they start to collect….(speaking from my experience there)

Ya’ll have very good points. My collection consists of sauces that either look cool to me, or I find humorous. I like to think that I have an eye for detail and an appreciation for the work involved in designing a label. Though I’m not in marketing (yet), I do have a pretty good sense of what sells, and what doesn’t. You have to remember that there are different people out there, and demographics do play a large part in a marketing strategy. The fact of the matter is, that while there are still people out there that appreciate the older, classic designs, the mainstream is people in their late 20’s to early 40’s. Finding the proper balance between class and “hey! look at me!” is how I go about my designs in an attempt to appeal to the broadest spectrum possible. I still like the old designs, but I love the new stuff coming out…that’s my 2 cents…don’t spend it all in one place unless its on me

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 12:31 pm said:

Ya’ll have very good points. My collection consists of sauces that either look cool to me, or I find humorous. I like to think that I have an eye for detail and an appreciation for the work involved in designing a label. Though I’m not in marketing (yet), I do have a pretty good sense of what sells, and what doesn’t. You have to remember that there are different people out there, and demographics do play a large part in a marketing strategy. The fact of the matter is, that while there are still people out there that appreciate the older, classic designs, the mainstream is people in their late 20’s to early 40’s. Finding the proper balance between class and “hey! look at me!” is how I go about my designs in an attempt to appeal to the broadest spectrum possible. I still like the old designs, but I love the new stuff coming out…that’s my 2 cents…don’t spend it all in one place unless its on me

You are absolutely right about market segmentation. Many forms/styles of labels have a place in the market, but may require differing distribution methods or placement. The widest distribution I would think is to get into a variety of large grocery chains/big box shops. They aren’t likely to stock labels featuring anything too far off color. This approach works just fine in a specialty shop, however.

As with any consumer product, you have to think about the target customer when designing your hot sauce label. Many types are valid, but they will impact who you sell to and where you sell your product.

You are both correct about the targeted market segment. The nice thing about a label is that it doesn’t change the product inside. You can target as many different markets as you want by simply using a different label for the different markets. Basically using the “Private Label” system for yourself.

Just an update, Tracy C, MSK and CaJohn are all still OK, we are just limited by the dial-up speed here in th Great Smoky Mountains!!! We will be on tonight…

CaJohn on 4/20/2006 at 1:00 pm said:

Just an update, Tracy C, MSK and CaJohn are all still OK, we are just limited by the dial-up speed here in th Great Smoky Mountains!!! We will be on tonight…

Glad to hear you guys are still kickin’. You guys must be having a blast!

Dan@ BLP Labels on 4/20/2006 at 1:02 pm said:

Glad to hear you guys are still kickin’. You guys must be having a blast!

Oh believe me, they are. Tracy last night was feeling super-human and from what I got out of it, wanted to take on a bear! If that’s not a sign of having a good time, I don’t know what is

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 1:15 pm said:

Oh believe me, they are. Tracy last night was feeling super-human and from what I got out of it, wanted to take on a bear! If that’s not a sign of having a good time, I don’t know what is

“wanted to take on a bear”?

I need to here more about this

We’re doin’ great, however, MSK is trolling for bears!!!

CaJohn on 4/20/2006 at 1:27 pm said:

We’re doin’ great, however, MSK is trolling for bears!!!

CaJohn, tell MSK I got what he sent me, tell him thanks.

hey cajohn are you hiring for the season yet i needs me some work gov’t cut me off

All I can say is that Cajohn must have some great employees if he’s able to go on vacation for week.

ChileChef on 4/20/2006 at 2:03 pm said:

All I can say is that Cajohn must have some great employees if he’s able to go on vacation for week.

yeah but I bet he keeps getting calls for stupid reasons

Trolling for Bears… this is going to be great story!!

ChileChef on 4/20/2006 at 2:03 pm said:

All I can say is that Cajohn must have some great employees if he’s able to go on vacation for week.

Is that a roundabout way of saying “i need a raise”?

LOL Yeah, I’m saving up for a new Kershaw

ChileChef on 4/20/2006 at 2:13 pm said:

LOL Yeah, I’m saving up for a new Kershaw

Have CaJohn give you my e-mail addy and send me an e-mail.

We’ll do

Looks like Chilechef might be thinking about selling out his services while Cajohn is gone

ChileChef on 4/20/2006 at 2:13 pm said:

LOL Yeah, I’m saving up for a new Kershaw

when you email Ryan will you let him know I need some steak knives pretty please and thanks

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 3:38 pm said:

when you email Ryan will you let him know I need some steak knives pretty please and thanks

Have you any idea how much a set of the steak knives cost, even with my discount?

Lets put it this way…Its either the steak knives, or TX.

Dan@ BLP Labels on 4/20/2006 at 12:56 pm said:

You are both correct about the targeted market segment. The nice thing about a label is that it doesn’t change the product inside. You can target as many different markets as you want by simply using a different label for the different markets. Basically using the “Private Label” system for yourself.

While I understand this (and do a tiny bit of it also), I *really* have a problem with it sometimes. My mantra, and one CaJohn already believed also, is “it’s not what’s on it, it’s what’s IN it”. One manufacturer has over 80 different labels for the same cheap cayenne sauce. While that might be okay for a few collectors, I feel that is a rip-off of the general consumer. A different label is naturally thought to be a different product. It ought to be clearly disclosed that it’s the same.

I’d rather have a sophisticated sauce, rather than a sophisticated label- I only plan on eating the sauce

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 3:38 pm said:

when you email Ryan will you let him know I need some steak knives pretty please and thanks

Steak knives huh? Yeah, my wife is tired of using butter knives too. I’ve actually gone to just chewing on steaks

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 3:53 pm said:

Lets put it this way…Its either the steak knives, or TX.

fine so be it, but when we get back from TX it’s a whole new ball game

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 3:54 pm said:

While I understand this (and do a tiny bit of it also), I *really* have a problem with it sometimes. My mantra, and one CaJohn already believed also, is “it’s not what’s on it, it’s what’s IN it”. One manufacturer has over 80 different labels for the same cheap cayenne sauce. While that might be okay for a few collectors, I feel that is a rip-off of the general consumer. A different label is naturally thought to be a different product. It ought to be clearly disclosed that it’s the same.

I’d rather have a sophisticated sauce, rather than a sophisticated label- I only plan on eating the sauce

I agree that it should be disclosed that the only difference is the label Jim, but if I am going to collect them I want the label to be unique..if it’s a common bottle, or I want the bottle to be unique, something has to set it apart, at least for me, I know not everyone shares my opinion, and I respect that.

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 3:38 pm said:

when you email Ryan will you let him know I need some steak knives pretty please and thanks

Chilewilly on 4/20/2006 at 3:56 pm said:

Steak knives huh? Yeah, my wife is tired of using butter knives too. I’ve actually gone to just chewing on steaks

We’ll do. Mine too

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 3:54 pm said:

While I understand this (and do a tiny bit of it also), I *really* have a problem with it sometimes. My mantra, and one CaJohn already believed also, is “it’s not what’s on it, it’s what’s IN it”. One manufacturer has over 80 different labels for the same cheap cayenne sauce. While that might be okay for a few collectors, I feel that is a rip-off of the general consumer. A different label is naturally thought to be a different product. It ought to be clearly disclosed that it’s the same.

I’d rather have a sophisticated sauce, rather than a sophisticated label- I only plan on eating the sauce

I, and I’m sure others as well, agree with you there. What’s in the bottle is most important of all. I guess the basic topic here is getting people to buy something they’ve never tasted. Collector or not, people are automatically drawn to eye catching things. If someone has not heard anything about a sauce, let alone tasted it, its gotta be appealing to the eye. Not saying that is the most important thing, but it certainly helps, especially since the majority of people out there are not collectors.

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 3:58 pm said:

I agree that it should be disclosed that the only difference is the label Jim, but if I am going to collect them I want the label to be unique..if it’s a common bottle, or I want the bottle to be unique, something has to set it apart, at least for me, I know not everyone shares my opinion, and I respect that.

I’m still trying to get it into my head that people *collect* hot sauces My prejudice has been from the mindset that sauces are to be consumed. You all are teaching me though

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:02 pm said:

I’m still trying to get it into my head that people *collect* hot sauces My prejudice has been from the mindset that sauces are to be consumed. You all are teaching me though

you will learn fast grasshoppa, as I did

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 3:53 pm said:

Lets put it this way…Its either the steak knives, or TX.

Sorry Mrs.Ryan TX does sound pretty good! Maybe we can get you a set of “Ronco” steak knives

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:02 pm said:

I’m still trying to get it into my head that people *collect* hot sauces My prejudice has been from the mindset that sauces are to be consumed. You all are teaching me though

I can atest to that. Maybe I should start to open them.
If I consumed a bottle a day I wouldnt be finished until the end of 2007

Chile that is blasphemous I’ll just wait til after TX than we’ll see about those steak knives

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 4:01 pm said:

I, and I’m sure others as well, agree with you there. What’s in the bottle is most important of all. I guess the basic topic here is getting people to buy something they’ve never tasted. Collector or not, people are automatically drawn to eye catching things. If someone has not heard anything about a sauce, let alone tasted it, its gotta be appealing to the eye. Not saying that is the most important thing, but it certainly helps, especially since the majority of people out there are not collectors.

True enough Ryan! I guess then it boils down to trying to figure out what the most people will find appealing. Flaming butts, obscenities, and the latest ‘fad of the month’ (Runaway bride, Cheney, etc) were never my thing. Sigh… why I’m destined for obscurity I guess

ROFL, omg Jim you have me cracking up….obscurity rrriiiigghht I don’t think that will ever happen

chris k on 4/20/2006 at 4:09 pm said:

I can atest to that. Maybe I should start to open them.
If I consumed a bottle a day I wouldnt be finished until the end of 2007

ROFL YOU’D BE A FLAMING BOOGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 4:09 pm said:

Chile that is blasphemous I’ll just wait til after TX than we’ll see about those steak knives

LOL!! Yeah, I guess ol Ronnie has enough money by now.

Chilechef on 4/20/2006 at 4:16 pm said:

LOL!! Yeah, I guess ol Ronnie has enough money by now.

not to mention my darling sweet tempered hubby would have a heart attack when he saw them in our kitchen

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 4:15 pm said:

ROFL YOU’D BE A FLAMING BOOGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hope I didnt just end up with another name?

when I stop laughing over it, I’ll let ya know if it stuck……LMAO booger stuck OMG I am backing away from the blog now, this is hurting me

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:13 pm said:

True enough Ryan! I guess then it boils down to trying to figure out what the most people will find appealing. Flaming butts, obscenities, and the latest ‘fad of the month’ (Runaway bride, Cheney, etc) were never my thing. Sigh… why I’m destined for obscurity I guess

Your right Jim, for a “new” sauce to come out it’s “label’s” got to have that certain appeal. Those “joke-type” sauces dont have that.

I can picture it in my mind, but I haven’t seen it yet?
you know what I mean mrs ryan

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 4:24 pm said:

when I stop laughing over it, I’ll let ya know if it stuck……LMAO booger stuck OMG I am backing away from the blog now, this is hurting me

ryan, please remove the power cord from mrs ryan’s computer for awhile

remove the power cord? that wouldn’t make a difference, I am still laughing over the stuck flaming booger, I am however going to walk the dog, your safe for a little while

Holy Crap!!! $371.80 for 4 steak knives? Texas indeed!

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 4:17 pm said:

not to mention my darling sweet tempered hubby would have a heart attack when he saw them in our kitchen

Depending on the life insurance, could be a way to increase the collection

Chilechef on 4/20/2006 at 4:35 pm said:

Holy Crap!!! $371.80 for 4 steak knives? Texas indeed!

now you know why he gave me a choice

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:37 pm said:

Depending on the life insurance, could be a way to increase the collection

the thought has crossed my mind but only for a second, I might miss him a little

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:13 pm said:

True enough Ryan! I guess then it boils down to trying to figure out what the most people will find appealing. Flaming butts, obscenities, and the latest ‘fad of the month’ (Runaway bride, Cheney, etc) were never my thing. Sigh… why I’m destined for obscurity I guess

Again, I agree with what you’re saying. Though I find them a bit humorous and have purchased things like that, I don’t design things like that. I’m pretty particular myself, espicially since I can’t afford to be any other way. I get a chuckle out of the “cheney sauce” and the sort, but I haven’t bought any. Closest things I have to that is CaJohn’s Queen of Farts and Sir Fartalot.

Jim it doesn’t have to be a funny label are even a “fad” label it just has to be eye catching all you have to do is get people to stop and look at the bottle once it’s in their hands then your ingredients can speak for themselves

Closest things I have to that is CaJohn’s Queen of Farts and Sir Fartalot.

I wonder sometimes if it hadn’t been that those were named already when he picked up that line (Suncoast Peppers) if he’d of done that. I kinda doubt it.

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 4:41 pm said:

Again, I agree with what you’re saying. Though I find them a bit humorous and have purchased things like that, I don’t design things like that. I’m pretty particular myself, espicially since I can’t afford to be any other way. I get a chuckle out of the “cheney sauce” and the sort, but I haven’t bought any. Closest things I have to that is CaJohn’s Queen of Farts and Sir Fartalot.

I agree Ryan while the names don’t make much sense a few of them are good for a laugh now and then

Re: Again, I agree with what you’re saying.

What- that I’m headed for obscurity?

but I also know that Cajohns does offer every comedy label sauce with a more wholesome non-comedy label

Chilewilly on 4/20/2006 at 4:44 pm said:

Jim it doesn’t have to be a funny label are even a “fad” label it just has to be eye catching all you have to do is get people to stop and look at the bottle once it’s in their hands then your ingredients can speak for themselves

Absolutely true! It’s just trying to figure out what’s ‘eye catching’ since so many different things appeal to so many different people.

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:49 pm said:

Absolutely true! It’s just trying to figure out what’s ‘eye catching’ since so many different things appeal to so many different people.

yeah, I agree 100% with that.

Chilewilly on 4/20/2006 at 4:47 pm said:

but I also know that Cajohns does offer every comedy label sauce with a more wholesome non-comedy label

It’s interesting to note, and true most industry wide, that his comedy labels outsell the wholesome ones at least 10 to 1. It would seem that we’re a coarse bunch, we chile heads

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:53 pm said:

It’s interesting to note, and true most industry wide, that his comedy labels outsell the wholesome ones at least 10 to 1. It would seem that we’re a coarse bunch, we chile heads

I think it’s the initial shock of OMG does that really say that?

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:53 pm said:

It’s interesting to note, and true most industry wide, that his comedy labels outsell the wholesome ones at least 10 to 1. It would seem that we’re a coarse bunch, we chile heads

sad but true

All of you hit the nail on the head about what I was saying about a label. You must get them to buy before they try in most instances. The label is “generally” what gets this done although word of mouth is good but you have a more limited target group.

In regards to the “private label” comment I made, I absolutely understand that it should be disclosed. I was more or less using it as an example of being able to target different market segments. With that being said, I would love to see some numbers from a Private Labeler that bottles the same sauce for different clients. One crappy label and one professional eye appealing label. Put them on the shelf next to each other and see which one sells better.

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:53 pm said:

It’s interesting to note, and true most industry wide, that his comedy labels outsell the wholesome ones at least 10 to 1. It would seem that we’re a coarse bunch, we chile heads

Hey Jim I might not no about labels makeing. But I could give some great input. We track are sales at the store. Last week 1357 bottles went out our door about half were fun labels. The rest were the stuff inside. Bret

CaJohn on 4/20/2006 at 1:00 pm said:

Just an update, Tracy C, MSK and CaJohn are all still OK, we are just limited by the dial-up speed here in th Great Smoky Mountains!!! We will be on tonight…

It sounds like another Mid-Wales to me. I had that problem last week

CaJohn on 4/20/2006 at 1:00 pm said:

Just an update, Tracy C, MSK and CaJohn are all still OK, we are just limited by the dial-up speed here in th Great Smoky Mountains!!! We will be on tonight…

lookin forward to hearin from you guys, MSK, I am not sure if I should wish you luck on your trollin or not, you guys must be gettin alot of Fresh air

Chilechef on 4/20/2006 at 4:35 pm said:

Holy Crap!!! $371.80 for 4 steak knives? Texas indeed!

damn, what are they made of ?!?

japanese steel I believe, they freakin rawk….well worth the money

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 5:50 pm said:

japanese steel I believe, they freakin rawk….well worth the money

Is that the sales pitch= “They Freakin Rawk!” Talk about eye catching

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 5:50 pm said:

japanese steel I believe, they freakin rawk….well worth the money

Yeah japanese steel is v.good. I heard quite a lot about that sort of stuff from a wood turning supplier that I use

LMAO, I don’t believe that is what Kershaw uses, BUT, they could possibly up their sales if they use it

MattUK on 4/20/2006 at 5:53 pm said:

Yeah japanese steel is v.good. I heard quite a lot about that sort of stuff from a wood turning supplier that I use

I have scissors made of japanese steel, I don’t have to sharpen them for months I love the way it keeps an edge much better than other steel

Nice write up Dan. Very informative.

Mr. & Mrs. R, Thanks for the e-mail. We are very appreciative, I told my honey about it when she called and ruined my day!!! She’s coming home a day early from her training class!!??!! Man she ruins everything, and she said she was tired and hungry could I cook dinner? Of course I can if I have to, so I’m going to make a “phone call to Papa Joe’s Pizza” for pizza and wings- such I’m such the romantic maybe I’ll throw in some candle light…….What a guy

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 5:54 pm said:

LMAO, I don’t believe that is what Kershaw uses, BUT, they could possibly up their sales if they use it

Its KAI honey, Kershaw is just the sporting knives division. The steel is VG-10 with a rockwell hardness of 61. The majority of the “Shun” knives have a damascus steel look to it, but you can get them without that, but those lines cost a bit more. This not a sales pitch by any means, but they are the best knives I have ever used.

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 6:01 pm said:

Mr. & Mrs. R, Thanks for the e-mail. We are very appreciative, I told my honey about it when she called and ruined my day!!! She’s coming home a day early from her training class!!??!! Man she ruins everything, and she said she was tired and hungry could I cook dinner? Of course I can if I have to, so I’m going to make a “phone call to Papa Joe’s Pizza” for pizza and wings- such I’m such the romantic maybe I’ll throw in some candle light…….What a guy

That would do it for me Vic, so whataya say? wanna take me out?

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 6:11 pm said:

Its KAI honey, Kershaw is just the sporting knives division. The steel is VG-10 with a rockwell hardness of 61. The majority of the “Shun” knives have a damascus steel look to it, but you can get them without that, but those lines cost a bit more. This not a sales pitch by any means, but they are the best knives I have ever used.

yeah see “THEY FREAKIN RAWK” :d

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 6:01 pm said:

Mr. & Mrs. R, Thanks for the e-mail. We are very appreciative, I told my honey about it when she called and ruined my day!!! She’s coming home a day early from her training class!!??!! Man she ruins everything, and she said she was tired and hungry could I cook dinner? Of course I can if I have to, so I’m going to make a “phone call to Papa Joe’s Pizza” for pizza and wings- such I’m such the romantic maybe I’ll throw in some candle light…….What a guy

ROFL, poor Vic. women can be such a downer

Labels are more then half of my sales. We track are sales last week 1342 bottles went out the door more then half were the labels the rest were brands and what in the bottles. When I go to shows to buy 1st label 2nd product 3rd brand name. Cajohns, Blairs ,Daves etc etc etc. When do are weekend tasting it’s all about the sauce. So all I can say is keep the labels, the sauce and bottles don’t forget the bottles shape and size. comeing. PEACE BRET

ryan on 4/20/2006 at 6:14 pm said:

That would do it for me Vic, so whataya say? wanna take me out?

Hey Ryan, it’s on! I do have to admit I’m a cheap date- but I do not put out on the first date either- A guy has to retain his virtue…….

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 6:25 pm said:

ROFL, poor Vic. women can be such a downer

I know your right………But she brought me presents!!!! 9 more sauces, 10 actually but I had one of them already- and like I said I am a cheap date so I guess it all washes out.

you are quite spoiled Vic

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 8:28 pm said:

you are quite spoiled Vic

“I told you”- She says that all the time

LMAO, she must know what she is talking about then

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 8:37 pm said:

LMAO, she must know what she is talking about then

Hey Hey- NO GANGING UP!! I am innocent of this outrageous allegation I tell ya. SHE bought them…It wasn’t my idea, I was quick to accept and will NOT be taking them back.

LMAO!!!! it’s like christmas for you, presents abounding

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 8:44 pm said:

Hey Hey- NO GANGING UP!! I am innocent of this outrageous allegation I tell ya. SHE bought them…It wasn’t my idea, I was quick to accept and will NOT be taking them back.

hmmm I am not sure, but, I think Wendy will agree, you are very guilty of the charges

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 8:57 pm said:

LMAO!!!! it’s like christmas for you, presents abounding

Yup! It’s good to be me……..Actually it will work in your favor also, can you e-mail us your addy- got a little somethin somethin for you all.

I totally agree, I keep trying to convince him of how spoiled he is….. hummm perfume thrown my way would be nice!………….Wendy

yeah you have to reply to the email with yours we have a little somethin special for you too

Jim Campbell (Mild to Wild®) on 4/20/2006 at 4:02 pm said:

I’m still trying to get it into my head that people *collect* hot sauces My prejudice has been from the mindset that sauces are to be consumed. You all are teaching me though

Jim I’m with you. Never in my life had I heard of people collecting hot sauce. I was a little confused at our first show in New Mexico when people wanted us to sign bottles for their collections. Since reading the blog though and talking to so many of you I’ve learned many things and I think one of the more important things is, I have ALOT to learn! I love the passion these collectors have though.

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:05 pm said:

I totally agree, I keep trying to convince him of how spoiled he is….. hummm perfume thrown my way would be nice!………….Wendy

She’s always trying to balance out bottle for bottle- I am winning right now, but she is going to smell good for all her efforts and I get to dust bottles of hot sauce for mine!!!!

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 9:06 pm said:

Jim I’m with you. Never in my life had I heard of people collecting hot sauce. I was a little confused at our first show in New Mexico when people wanted us to sign bottles for their collections. Since reading the blog though and talking to so many of you I’ve learned many things and I think one of the more important things is, I have ALOT to learn! I love the passion these collectors have though.

The passion is addicting, and contagious…. not to mention that so many people on the blog are willing and able to help out collectors and manufacturers, etc. It’s like a huge Family, that actually gets along for the most part, it’s not really a competition so much as everyone helping everyone else get ahead it’s great!!

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 9:06 pm said:

Jim I’m with you. Never in my life had I heard of people collecting hot sauce. I was a little confused at our first show in New Mexico when people wanted us to sign bottles for their collections. Since reading the blog though and talking to so many of you I’ve learned many things and I think one of the more important things is, I have ALOT to learn! I love the passion these collectors have though.

I think “passion” is an understatement…….It is “ALL-CONSUMING” to some of us. I literally eat, sleep, dream, and hunt hot sauce practically every single day and I have found that Wendy is just as into it as I am.

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:09 pm said:

She’s always trying to balance out bottle for bottle- I am winning right now, but she is going to smell good for all her efforts and I get to dust bottles of hot sauce for mine!!!!

ROFL, well where do you put the perfume bottles? do you guys have room?

I use the perfume and throw them away or Vic has started to ” pimp his sauce ” with a couple.I actually collect fairies. They are in my kitchen and above the fire place on the mantel.

fairies and hot sauce, now that is an interesting combo, I collect vintage metal purses, and I am in the process of acquiring my first hot sauce

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:15 pm said:

I use the perfume and throw them away or Vic has started to ” pimp his sauce ” with a couple.I actually collect fairies. They are in my kitchen and above the fire place on the mantel.

Wendy, ya gotta start blogging under your own name. Got a little confused there and thought I figured out why Vic wants a pink helmet

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 9:20 pm said:

Wendy, ya gotta start blogging under your own name. Got a little confused there and thought I figured out why Vic wants a pink helmet

Hey we are a team- and I don’t need a reason to wear a PINK helmet, hell I used to drive Wendy’s hot Pink truck, it takes a real man to drive a pink truck in the deep south!!!!!!!!!

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:26 pm said:

Hey we are a team- and I don’t need a reason to wear a PINK helmet, hell I used to drive Wendy’s hot Pink truck, it takes a real man to drive a pink truck in the deep south!!!!!!!!!

You’re a braver man than I

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:26 pm said:

Hey we are a team- and I don’t need a reason to wear a PINK helmet, hell I used to drive Wendy’s hot Pink truck, it takes a real man to drive a pink truck in the deep south!!!!!!!!!

LMFAO. I bet you got some funny looks for that

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:12 pm said:

I think “passion” is an understatement…….It is “ALL-CONSUMING” to some of us. I literally eat, sleep, dream, and hunt hot sauce practically every single day and I have found that Wendy is just as into it as I am.

I could only imagine how “consuming” it could be. Please look what happened to Mad. lol

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 9:09 pm said:

The passion is addicting, and contagious…. not to mention that so many people on the blog are willing and able to help out collectors and manufacturers, etc. It’s like a huge Family, that actually gets along for the most part, it’s not really a competition so much as everyone helping everyone else get ahead it’s great!!

It takes all kinds! A family? Yes one of the most functional, dysfunctional, adventurous, dedicated, obsessed and loving family I’ve come across in awhile. I say all those things in a good way.

“Think of BLP Labels as a label consultant if that is what you need”

that’s exactly what I am talking about, Dan,That is a very cool thing for you to do, This was an excellent article I am glad it was brought to our attention.

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 9:27 pm said:

You’re a braver man than I

So your saying we shouldn’t drive it when you and I go out?

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 9:28 pm said:

LMFAO. I bet you got some funny looks for that

Oh yeah- to top it off she had a painted license plate in the back window that said “RASPBERRY DELIGHT”, I couldn’t go that far- had to draw the line somewhere.

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:34 pm said:

So your saying we shouldn’t drive it when you and I go out?

Oh yeah- to top it off she had a painted license plate in the back window that said “RASPBERRY DELIGHT”, I couldn’t go that far- had to draw the line somewhere.

Only if you’re drving

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 9:30 pm said:

I could only imagine how “consuming” it could be. Please look what happened to Mad. lol

It takes all kinds! A family? Yes one of the most functional, dysfunctional, adventurous, dedicated, obsessed and loving family I’ve come across in awhile. I say all those things in a good way.

poor mad

I agree with you on all points of the “family” it’s been a real treat so far

Ok all….Good Night
From the both of us……………………….Vic & Wendy

g’night Vic and Wendy

Vic on 4/20/2006 at 9:37 pm said:

Ok all….Good Night
From the both of us……………………….Vic & Wendy

Goodnight Vic and Wendy

see!!!!!! everytime i start posting, everyone leaves!!!!!

eman on 4/20/2006 at 9:40 pm said:

see!!!!!! everytime i start posting, everyone leaves!!!!!

I’m still here man!

eman on 4/20/2006 at 9:40 pm said:

see!!!!!! everytime i start posting, everyone leaves!!!!!

Maybe it’s you eman!!!!

I just went to get a cup of coffee…

eman on 4/20/2006 at 9:40 pm said:

see!!!!!! everytime i start posting, everyone leaves!!!!!

Ok you finally caught on eman,

every time you post an automated email is sent to the rest of us that says:

“eman’s back, everyone off HSB, dont post until it’s clear”

Yeah, who ditched who here?

chris k on 4/20/2006 at 9:51 pm said:

Ok you finally caught on eman,

every time you post an automated email is sent to the rest of us that says:

“eman’s back, everyone off HSB, dont post until it’s clear”

Yeah I get that all the time So far I think it is working

chris k on 4/20/2006 at 9:51 pm said:

Ok you finally caught on eman,

every time you post an automated email is sent to the rest of us that says:

“eman’s back, everyone off HSB, dont post until it’s clear”

Maybe MAD never got the all clear He could be sitting in front of his computer right now - waiting since DEFCON day!

huvason on 4/20/2006 at 9:58 pm said:

Maybe MAD never got the all clear He could be sitting in front of his computer right now - waiting since DEFCON day!

Hey mad you there? You can come out now. The coast is clear I think!

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 9:59 pm said:

Hey mad you there? You can come out now. The coast is clear I think!

Maybe he took my idea and put on a pink helmet and walked outside…

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 9:59 pm said:

Hey mad you there? You can come out now. The coast is clear I think!

His email must be down Chris - send it again

Ah the pink helmet! That must be it

huvason on 4/20/2006 at 9:58 pm said:

Maybe MAD never got the all clear He could be sitting in front of his computer right now - waiting since DEFCON day!

Thats friggen great, funny stuff.

you know guys and gals, i am actualy getting worried about Mad. I know we are all joking about it but no one has heard from him.

eman on 4/20/2006 at 10:17 pm said:

you know guys and gals, i am actualy getting worried about Mad. I know we are all joking about it but no one has heard from him.

Yeah I am thinking someone had to cut back or else…

eman on 4/20/2006 at 10:17 pm said:

you know guys and gals, i am actualy getting worried about Mad. I know we are all joking about it but no one has heard from him.

I was actually talking about that with the girls and Mad lives about 10 minutes from us, I think we’re going to take a ride over.

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:19 pm said:

I was actually talking about that with the girls and Mad lives about 10 minutes from us, I think we’re going to take a ride over.

I would appreciate that. I had his phone numbers but they got missplaced. All i have is his address.

eman on 4/20/2006 at 10:17 pm said:

you know guys and gals, i am actualy getting worried about Mad. I know we are all joking about it but no one has heard from him.

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:19 pm said:

I was actually talking about that with the girls and Mad lives about 10 minutes from us, I think we’re going to take a ride over.

That would be great Kristi. Hopefully all is OK and the Mrs just cut him off from the blog.

I’ll give you guys the update once I know anything.

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:23 pm said:

I’ll give you guys the update once I know anything.

awesome!!!!

How is the business going?

I am with you Eman he has been away for to long, something has to be wrong, hopefully Kristi will know something soon and we can breathe a sigh of relief

Business is going well, picking up every day. We’re getting alot of orders from gourmet shops in NYC and alot of interest in the mid-west. We’re really looking forward to Zest Fest, one for the business and two so we can finally meet some fellow bloggers. Will you be there

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:32 pm said:

Business is going well, picking up every day. We’re getting alot of orders from gourmet shops in NYC and alot of interest in the mid-west. We’re really looking forward to Zest Fest, one for the business and two so we can finally meet some fellow bloggers. Will you be there

It shall be a kicking show no doubt! It will be nice to meet the blog world of the HSB

Aaron, do you live in Texas? Have you been to Zest Fest before?

eman on 4/20/2006 at 10:17 pm said:

you know guys and gals, i am actualy getting worried about Mad. I know we are all joking about it but no one has heard from him.

I’ve been worried about him as well, but there’s nothing I can do short of calling the police. I may make light of the situation from time to time, but I don’t know any more than you guys do so I joke about it just to kind of make it not so bad I guess. I’ve been worred since his 3rd day of not hearing from him.

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:41 pm said:

Aaron, do you live in Texas? Have you been to Zest Fest before?

No and no ha! First time for me to make it to ZestFest! But I do get to go as an employee of Jim of Mild to Wild. I figured he might want some help so I offered. Now I have been to the DFW area several times

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 10:41 pm said:

I’ve been worried about him as well, but there’s nothing I can do short of calling the police. I may make light of the situation from time to time, but I don’t know any more than you guys do so I joke about it just to kind of make it not so bad I guess. I’ve been worred since his 3rd day of not hearing from him.

I hope we all get a kick out of this when he comes back to life!

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:32 pm said:

Business is going well, picking up every day. We’re getting alot of orders from gourmet shops in NYC and alot of interest in the mid-west. We’re really looking forward to Zest Fest, one for the business and two so we can finally meet some fellow bloggers. Will you be there

yep, already got the plane tickets and all reservations. We will even have the new baby.

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 10:46 pm said:

I hope we all get a kick out of this when he comes back to life!

me too, lets just hope all is well!!!

Well I look forward to meeting you, make sure to stop by our booth. I’ve also been to the DFW area and I have to say I was never really in a rush to go back. They do have an awesome water aprk there from what I remember. Need to escape that Texas heat!

We look forward to meeting you all also!

eman on 4/20/2006 at 10:47 pm said:

yep, already got the plane tickets and all reservations. We will even have the new baby.

Wow, that is so great. I’m real happy for the two of you. I have a seven year old boy and it is truely the best! If I wasn’t going to be working all day I would bring him but it’s just too much. I look forward to meeting the whole family. Start ‘em out young!

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:50 pm said:

Well I look forward to meeting you, make sure to stop by our booth. I’ve also been to the DFW area and I have to say I was never really in a rush to go back. They do have an awesome water aprk there from what I remember. Need to escape that Texas heat!

Yeah every time I have been to Texas it has been scorching! I look forward to meeting you guys as well. I can see it now. The HSB gang taking over Zest Fest one booth at a time. We might even stand out

I know of some surprises that will be at Zest Fest!

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 10:55 pm said:

I know of some surprises that will be at Zest Fest!

I would say do tell but then it wouldnt be a surprise! I shall await

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 10:55 pm said:

Yeah every time I have been to Texas it has been scorching! I look forward to meeting you guys as well. I can see it now. The HSB gang taking over Zest Fest one booth at a time. We might even stand out

Yeah the last time I was there it was 108 degrees, killer heat. Make sure to get a hotel with a pool! If New Mexico was any indication, the HSB’ers will DEFINITELY stand out!

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 10:57 pm said:

I would say do tell but then it wouldnt be a surprise! I shall await

Mwahahahahaha

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:58 pm said:

Yeah the last time I was there it was 108 degrees, killer heat. Make sure to get a hotel with a pool! If New Mexico was any indication, the HSB’ers will DEFINITELY stand out!

If the pink helmet and Captain Capsicum show up there will be no doubt!
You still working on shirts eman?

kristi on 4/20/2006 at 10:58 pm said:

Yeah the last time I was there it was 108 degrees, killer heat. Make sure to get a hotel with a pool! If New Mexico was any indication, the HSB’ers will DEFINITELY stand out!

Everyone will be saying “Look at the pasty pale people that spend all their free time on the computer and are now getting sunburned while in the shade”

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 11:01 pm said:

If the pink helmet and Captain Capsicum show up there will be no doubt!
You still working on shirts eman?

The helmets will be there, and he is meeting with the shirt people tomorrow I believe. Don’t mean to speak for Eman,but he seems to have signed off for the night.

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:04 pm said:

The helmets will be there, and he is meeting with the shirt people tomorrow I believe. Don’t mean to speak for Eman,but he seems to have signed off for the night.

Thats cool Shirts should make it a little more interesting there!

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 11:01 pm said:

If the pink helmet and Captain Capsicum show up there will be no doubt!
You still working on shirts eman?

yep, meeting with the shirt people tomorrow and working on designs as we speak

nope, still here, working on ebay and the shirts

Aaron on 4/20/2006 at 11:07 pm said:

Thats cool Shirts should make it a little more interesting there!

I can tell you this much. I talked to some of the guys that will be there on the phone last night. If the conversation was any indication of what Zest Fest will be like, its gonna just ROCK!

eman on 4/20/2006 at 11:09 pm said:

nope, still here, working on ebay and the shirts

Oh good, I figured you had ditched me for once Whatcha doin on ebay if I may be so bold?

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:11 pm said:

Oh good, I figured you had ditched me for once Whatcha doin on ebay if I may be so bold?

GOT THE PRE-PRODUCTION QUESO AND MEDIUM SALSA UP FOR BID

sorry about the caps…don’t feeling like re-typing

eman on 4/20/2006 at 11:18 pm said:

GOT THE PRE-PRODUCTION QUESO AND MEDIUM SALSA UP FOR BID

sorry about the caps…don’t feeling like re-typing

So two people backed out on the deal?

yep, no biggy though, both had good reasons.

eman on 4/20/2006 at 11:25 pm said:

yep, no biggy though, both had good reasons.

That’s cool. Good luck on the auctions

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:10 pm said:

I can tell you this much. I talked to some of the guys that will be there on the phone last night. If the conversation was any indication of what Zest Fest will be like, its gonna just ROCK!

I AM SO EXCITED I CAN BARELY STAND IT, AND TIME IS STANDING STILL……………… i just have that feeling zestfest is gonna be totally unforgettable!!

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:30 pm said:

That’s cool. Good luck on the auctions

thanks bro….looks like the mrs is excited

I am, I love Texas

“THE STARS AND STRIPED ARE BIG AND BRIGHT….”

ok…done singing…..off to bed…nite all

Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:02 pm said:

Everyone will be saying “Look at the pasty pale people that spend all their free time on the computer and are now getting sunburned while in the shade”

speak for yourself there ryan, “pasty pale people” ???

you have to get out in the sun every now and then.
besides, you know tracy’s had a Tan for 6 weeks already and Im not that far behind either

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 11:31 pm said:

I AM SO EXCITED I CAN BARELY STAND IT, AND TIME IS STANDING STILL……………… i just have that feeling zestfest is gonna be totally unforgettable!!

Me too. It shall be a great event for the ages

Jodie on 4/20/2006 at 5:57 pm said:

Nice write up Dan. Very informative.

Thanks Jodie!!

Mrs.Ryan on 4/20/2006 at 9:31 pm said:

“Think of BLP Labels as a label consultant if that is what you need”

that’s exactly what I am talking about, Dan,That is a very cool thing for you to do, This was an excellent article I am glad it was brought to our attention.

Thank you very much Mrs. Ryan… If there is anything we can help with just drop me line

DEFCON Creator on 4/20/2006 at 11:49 am said:

He never got back to me, I wasn’t sure if he wanted the bottles full or not.

Check your email. Dan will get his also