“For me, if I can purchase a product that in 50 years time my grandson will use on the way to his Grammy performance, $825 becomes a modest sum.”

For many musicians, their instrument is part of their character. Ryan Barr, creator of Whippingpost.com, understands this. He also understands the importance of preserving that character. He does so through providing rugged, well crafted accessories for guitar players. On his website Ryan states “I always wanted to create a bag for my guitar that matched its character. Something that could age with time and maintain its classic appeal like any well made instrument.

The more it got used and abused the better it became. Kind of like my guitar.” He has absolutely succeeded. Whippingpost.com sells gorgeous guitar bags and wallets (with a pocket for your pick) that come with a lifetime warranty. Each item featured on his website is extremely wellcrafted and made from toughest, most expensive full grain leather you can find.

MO:
The cases on your site are beautiful. I loved reading about your motivation for creating such exquisite products. Could you delve a little deeper into you background with music and how you have transferred into the business world?

Ryan:
I played in bands and the bar scene through college. I also lived a bit of a bohemian existence traveling in Europe, Asia, and Australia for a while. Always with a guitar in tow. As you can imagine, that particular guitar accumulated quite a bit of character over time and became the inspiration for my first bag.

MO:
Your guitar cases sell for $825. This may be more than some people spend on their actual guitar. Can you tell us who your target market is for this high-quality guitar accessories?

Ryan:
I guess you could say it’s the person who understands the amortization process on quality goods over time. For some, spending $400 every 18 months on the latest smart phone makes sense. For me, if I can purchase a product that in 50 years time my grandson will use on the way to his Grammy performance, $825 becomes a modest sum.

MO:
It is always difficult to gain traction when beginning to sell a product online. Can you talk about a few of the techniques you have used to get the word out, and what has been most successful for you?

Ryan:
Simple product release emails to men’s gear blogs and design blogs have been great. That sets the ball in motion. Taking care of customers after the sale also plays a big part. You can’t underestimate the impact of a single voice online.

MO:
Right now you are selling guitar cases and wallets with guitar pics. Are you planning on branching out to more guitar accessories, or accessories for other instruments?

Ryan:
Absolutely. As well as gear for the non musician. Perhaps a messenger bag, belt, etc.

MO:
I really enjoyed reading your blog posts, especially the one about the guy buying a wallet for his friend who wanted a note included. Can you share that story with our readers and talk about why you chose to include that in your blog?

Ryan:
I thought it was a very touching gesture that deserved to be shared. Also this brand is very personal and I like giving the customers some insight into what makes me tick. I think this type of sharing over time paints a picture of what your business stands for better than any generic mission statement ever could.

MO:
I also saw on your website that you are now selling your guitar cases in some retail stores, but mentioned that you are not looking to break into WalMart. Can you speak to what your vetting process would be like for a store that wanted to carry your guitar cases?

Ryan:
Well, first off it has to be a customer centered organization. After that I look at the aesthetic and people involved in the company. I’m the sole owner and financed the operation in cash which is extremely liberating. I don’t have to answer to anyone or hit any predetermined revenue targets. This allows me to be picky and work only with those who I like.