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HoofPrints Newsletter
May 19, 2015
FREE SAMPLES FOR FARRIERS! 
Try HoofPrints best-selling, most useful Farrier Business helpers for FREE


OK kids, last time I tried this it was a disaster - people who didn't even like horses were grabbing stuff up like hoarders. Let's see if it goes better this time on the new website. I've created a page of 8 FREE sample products for farriers.
Place an order for samples to try (shipping is FREE on samples) or add some to your regular order of other items.
There is a limit of one each of the FREE items. (Yes, you can trick the website into letting you order more, but I will only send one of each.) This is a limited time, experimental offer. It's intended to offer folks a no-cost opportunity to try out our products. It may be discontinued at any time, so act now!
See all the freebies here

NEW LOWER PRICE! 
Farrier DoorHanger Envelopes 
This is the best revision ever on an old favorite - more compact, same good quality, but LOWER PRICE! If the price on these ($35/100) was a deterrent before, be sure to give them a second look now, as I've found a new supplier with a slightly different style for these handy envelopes. They are now UNDER $20 for a package of 100! The hanger portion on these is shorter, more compact AND double thickness, so less likely to tear. The envelope portion is exactly the same size as our previous doorhanger, so our standard farrier invoices fit neatly inside. Another improvement is the opening flap is on the long side, so it's much easier to insert the contents and seal.

This was an idea I had years ago when we were visiting a friend in Long Island, NY. We were touring one of the exclusive boarding stables near her home, and the farrier had been there earlier that day. The shoeing bills were tacked to all of the stall doors. Of course, we HAD to snoop and see what the prices were for shoeing and trimming on Long Island. It just doesn't seem like a good idea to leave the bills where they could be read by everyone, or be torn off and lost. Leave your bills or notes in confidentiality with this special hanger that doubles as a return envelope. The reverse side has a place for your address and stamp. The hanger portion is perforated to detach easily before mailing. To order doorhanger envelopes click here.

Ever have those clients who say they would have sent payment - but they didn't have your address? (yeah, right...) You can be sure that they DO have your address - by stamping it on each of the envelopes you leave behind! CUSTOM RUBBER STAMPS are available here. These are self-inking - and good for many, many impressions before they need refilling.

You can also use this opportunity to also include a NEXT APPOINTMENT STICKER to remind clients when you're coming back. These are brightly colored and specially printed with farrier artwork - will stand out on the calendar and help cut down on forgotten or missed appointments. Time after time we have had frantic farriers call - because they've run out of stickers and their clients are clamoring for them. To order stickers click here  
PRINTED IN USA: FARRIER INVOICE PADS
Invoices together
HoofPrints uses a local printer for our 2-part carbonless farrier invoice pads and he'd absorbed the increase in paper costs for a lot longer than he should have. He warned me that there was going to have to be an adjustment... you know - like having to pass on the increased price of shoes, nails, and shipping - after you finally sit down and realize how much more they are costing you vs how much the customer is paying for shoeing;you've given yourself a PAY CUT by not raising prices as materials increase? Anyway, that's what happened here, too. 

The official increase took effect with the last catalog. However, I've held the old price ($9.00 per pad) on invoice pad ASSORTMENTS. With the assortment option, you get to choose the "A" or "B" body style, but I pick the logos that you get. If it's important that your invoices match your business cards , then this might not be for you. But if you're wanting to save money, then here's a way to do it. The price is $40. for 5 pads - which is a savings of $1.00 per pad! To order, click here 
Sometimes cheaper IS better:
I always felt a little guilty that the Farriers Traveling Desk I was selling cost almost $50.
The manufacturer changed the design recently and I didn't like it at all. Which turned out to be a good thing as I found a nice replacement that's HALF the money.
FARRIERS: 
this one's for YOU...
Do you have papers blowing all around the cab of your truck? Do you use the hood or tailgate as a desk when writing out invoices? Do you go digging through the glove box looking for a pen? Can't find a business card to write the next appointment on? This solves it ALL! 

This slim profile storage clipboard doubles as a desk on the road! It holds a substantial stack of 8.5" x 11" paper and room to spare!) Outside, the high-tension rubberized clip keeps a grip on your current paperwork, inside, a velcro document belt secures the whole stack.

Left hand inside is outfitted with mesh pockets to corral small items like business cards, pens, checkbook, etc.

It's constructed of sturdy fiberboard that's covered with black water-resistant vinyl and reinforced with metal on corners and edges for durability. There's a keyhole slot on the back to hang it up if you're so inclined AND the latch mechanism includes a key lock for security. Outside dimensions are 12.5" tall x 9.75" wide x 2.25" thick. Example products pictured are NOT included.  To order click here 
Below are a few phrases that farriers may be hearing in 2015. We've assembled these & more on a collection of hilarious t-shirts. 
Things Not to Say to a Hot, Tired Farrier T-SHIRTS - $19.95 here 

The MUG (makes a great gift!) is only $12.95 here 

All it takes to be a farrier is a strong back and a weak mind!
He won't stand for me either, but your ad said you were a professional Can you come back? We are home now. Let me get my twitch before we get started. Sooo, when you're finished, do I have to wait an hour before I can ride him/her? My horse hates men. Yep, I put that stuff on their feet right before you got here. Every time we turn him out he throws a shoe. That don't look that hard! Isn't it great to be outside all day? Let me call my neighbors and their 5 kids. They have never seen a horse shod before. It sure is HOT! I used to shoe, and I can tell right away if you're doing a good job. Do those nails hurt him? He's normally gentle as a kitten, but it is the first time I have had a halter on him. Honestly, I DO clean his feet I haven't ever picked up his feet, but he seems real gentle. Can you put these shoes on good and tight so that they won't come off? My vet said for you to call him and he will tell you how to shoe my horse. He kicked the last farrier just like he kicked you. He's never been that bad!! What did you do? The last guy I had won't come any more. Can you come today? I left them out in the field because it was such a nice day. So, how much does your chiropracter run you a month? Sorry - that's my cell phone. I won't let it ring under this colt's nose again. He never does that for me. My horse doesn't kick. ...well he has never kicked before. Are you busy TODAY? Can you make his foot smaller? This is the first time he has EVER lost a shoe. Since he's a colt, will you charge me half price? I used to shoe my own horses, but I could never get the angles right. Do you think you could take a little more off that back foot? My horse is lame. You must have cut him too short. Let me help you clear out a place to work, I've been meaning to get out here and straighten up this old barn... That's not the way the farrier did it back where I come from. Can you save all the hoof trimmings for my dog? Boy, you must have a strong back to bend over all day like that. He's just trying to swat the flies off you. These shoes have been on for only 12 weeks, and they are getting loose.


WARNING - Copyrighted material! We don't mind if others enjoy our humorous quotes - but please include proper credit if you choose to pass this along... �Gina Keesling - www.farriersgreetingcards.com 
Why doesn't HoofPrints carry more USA made products? 
The fact is; this perceived lack is MY FAULT for failing to designate which items are, indeed, MADE IN USA. 
This latest project is my attempt to rectify that problem. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but when I set up the all-new website last summer, I was in the throes of overwhelm. It was hard enough to learn how to set up product listings using the new system. My aging brain just couldn't seem to retain all the multiple steps required to get each product and it's pictures onto the site. Getting up from my chair to check product packaging to validate country of origin would initiate a disaster of minor proportions - as I would TOTALLY FORGET what I was doing, and what the next step was. After several rounds of this frustration, I learned that my best course of action was to keep my butt parked in the chair - and to stay the course, working on one product, then the next, so as to repeat the steps sequentially without interruption. Otherwise I was NEVER going to get done.

Happily, the repetition of entering hundreds and hundreds of products finally did create some new neural pathways in my brain - and I can add/edit products successfully without taking all day (usually). So I've embarked on the arduous task of verifying the country of manufacture on ALL the HoofPrints products. The page that showcases them is here. I've gotten a good start, but what you see now is only a FRACTION of the American Made items. I will keep adding as time permits. You can still find them all in their respective categories, too, and each will have the MADE IN USA designator logo with it so you can see at a glance that your purchase is supporting domestic workers. 

EVEN MORE ITEMS ADDED to HALF PRICE SALE!
Clutter busting continues at HoofPrints

My efforts to clear the warehouse (and my house) of accumulated oddball products continues to gain momentum. I've written about it before. The point continues to be, sometimes the space becomes more valuable than the items that are occupying it. So this is where most places say... "our loss is your gain!" Well, check out this super-cheap stuff and BUY IT. And your gain will be my gain, too. Because I need that space on the shelf.

The Half Price Page is here - check this often as they're one-of-a-kind things that will sell quickly and be replaced with whatever else starts to get on my nerves. I am currently going through a large stash of samples* - so many wonderful things, it's hard to choose just a handful for the website/flyer. And the rest have got to go! Only one of each available so act fast if you see something you like. The image shown here is what was available at the time this newsletter was sent. All prices on this page are at least 50% off retail. The red SALE! tag doesn't show if a product has size or color options. Don't know why. Don't know how to fix it...

*A note about the samples - Someone made a comment on the HoofPrints Facebook page  that the samples are free to me and implied should thus be priced accordingly. Just to set the record straight - I pay for almost every sample I acquire. Occasionally an author or publisher will send me a book unsolicited, but I prefer to buy these anonymously so if I review and don't think it is a good fit for the product line, I don't feel guilty about not including it.

Half Price PRINTS are here - there are a lot of lovely prints languishing in drawers here that really should be hanging on folks' walls making them smile and beautifying their homes. Fall/winter is busy season here and I don't encourage print sales then - I don't have the extra time it takes to wrap these carefully for safe delivery. Now that Christmas is past, I've marked them way down now to sweeten the deal.

Copper HoofPrint Pony Bead Bracelets - colors Half Price JEWELRY is here 
The more I got to digging, the more I found. Jewelry doesn't take up much room - suffice to say there is a LOT of lovely stuff that needs to find a new home. Then there's that whole problem I have with the beads. It's getting worse. Stay tuned for details on that.

Half Price BOOKS & Magazine Back Issues here 
This represents a major turning point for HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling. This treasure trove of magazine back issues has been lovingly collected and hoarded for many, many years. It's getting to be a space problem, keeping them all stored AND due to the sheer volume of them, along with my busy schedule, they rarely get any attention. But even now, as I go through them to write sales descriptions, I am feeling sad at the prospect of letting go of this vast collection of pictures and articles about all the things I love - Horses, Dogs, Farriery and Blacksmithing, The West, Pretty Western Clothes and Jewelry, Awesome Country Homes, Recipes for Hearty Food, Healthy Living, Spirituality and more. I'll do my best to mention the content that stands out to me in the descriptions. Prices on these back issues reflect the fact that I am still very much in love with them, however they are at or below what the publishers are charging. The current sales list is small, but I'll be adding more as I am able; going through these is a slow process, as you can imagine, I get sidetracked frequently by all the fascinating content that lead me to hoard these in the first place. 

The Closeouts Page is here
It features overstocks, items that are being phased out - still lots of good deals to be had there, too
In This Issue
Here's what we talked about last time
What Did I Miss? graphic
Last newsletter is  here    
ALL newsletters are here
GINA'S BLOG
Fun on the Farm

read the latest happenings in the Keesling household, involving construction, destruction, remodeling adventures and general wreckage here
Look Professional
On The Job
Farrier Golf Shirt
Sturdy cotton golf shirts look and feel great! See our complete selection here
Embroidered Farrier Garments are most accurate and detailed available
horse legs embroidery
Read how and why here
DON'T do it yourself
FARRIER COASTERS

No farriers were harmed in the making of these coasters. To order click here
FARRIER TRAVEL MUG
Woodgrain Travel Mug
For those whose tool kit includes morning coffee, we have the perfect cup to take on the road. BIG 16 oz capacity, slim shape with no handle fits cup holders without problem. Rubber sealed lid - for leak free fit. Insulated and lined with stainless steel. Imprinted with our Tools of the Trade logo. Order here
WHAT'S HALF PRICE?
Farrier Air Fresheners!
Farrier car air fresheners
Farrier Air Fresheners include Money, Leather, and Sport Fresh here
MADE IN USA
Custom Business Cards for Equine Professionals
Business card examples feb 2012
Full color business cards professionally designed to your specifications - dozens of logos to choose from here
MADE IN USA
Blacksmith Shop Sign
Wood Blacksmith Shop Sign
See this and all our signs here
MADE IN USA:
A CRAPPY MUG!
Same Sh*t Mug
Same sh*t different day
mug here
MADE IN USA
Tooled Leather Bracelet

Features braided rawhide, engraved heart and fancy buckle. Only $19.95 here 
HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Barn Blade Pink Knife
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Order here
HALF PRICE AND PRINTED IN USA: "Pharaoh's Horses"
Pharaoh's Horses with type
20x26 Print with history and trivia article included is available here
PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You

Equine Sympathy Cards here
Message
Gina Keesling with Clydesdale
I love hearing from customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at [email protected]
 
Find us on facebook
facebook logo
Be sure to LIKE our facebook page - it's where we announce special sales, breaking news and everything else we find interesting. To see it go here
 
Rob shoeing Rocky
ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THIS NEWSLETTER
Farriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling in 1986 (in a very small way) to provide helpful promotional materials for farrier husband Rob. Along the way the company became HoofPrints.com, too, adding a selection of fun horse and dog products geared toward women of a certain age. This newsletter is emailed to subscribers a few times a month, depending on how often I have something to share. Watch for special sales, interesting stories, uplifting quotes and more.
Share our emails
Viral marketing... it sounds bad, doesn't it?
You can ask my husband - a frequent topic around here is that of forwarded emails - and the psychology behind them - just WHAT prompts people to decide; "I am going to send this to everyone I know!".


We receive a lot of them. Some are pretty good, and others are dumb. Dumb in a myriad of ways...  Alarmist email rumors that have been around forever - that folks keep sending "just in case it's true" Pictures of someone's butt (or worse) - don't even get me started about the firecracker butt - but at least that one was timely when it showed up around July 4. Christian messages that are uplifting - until you get to the end and you're threatened "if you're not ashamed that you love Jesus, forward this - if you are, then delete." Pictures of cute puppies and kittens (awww)

I enjoy writing these newsletters - and sharing all this stuff with you all. But the fact is, it's also a way to help us stay connected with customers and sell products during the time between catalog mailings (which is only once a year) So I really, really like it when someone new stumbles upon the newsletter and is excited to "discover" our company and the products we offer.

In all my efforts to make the newsletter interesting and forward-worthy - it never occurred to me to JUST ASK you all to send it! Duh. Sometimes the obvious is elusive, I guess. So here goes - my request to ask you to forward our email newsletter to your horsey friends.  All we ask is that you please be judicious and only send to folks who might be interested. Otherwise we are no better than the "firecracker butt". Click to get started. (please note - using this form does NOT subscribe anyone to our list - it is a one-time only forward)