sssoapshop.com

rawk UK dealer

There's also another one that Dave posted somewhere, I need to look it up.

Also, there's a pair of size 10 express on ebay, I recommend you buy them.


As for that site about the grooves, I'll try to contact them soon ok?

if you want their contact info, send me an email and I'll give it to you. They got mad when I posted it on the forum.

And yeah I think everyone bought everything when word got out that express were discontinued.

As for the site with the grooves, buy the flows from the other link instead.

YESSS!!! I won the Expresses off Ebay! Now I'll really be able to call myself a soaper!

Thanks for telling me about those pups, sylon! Is there any way I could repay you?

That one site is defunct, I'm afraid. I sent them an email and got back a rude little one liner saying that they were closed. So...yeah, best lead down the drain. These shoes are ridiculously hard to find in North America, and none of the UK sites do international shipping! It annoys me!

Still...I got lucky. :)

Amen, bruddah. But then we hit the age old question again: how to convince them?

Wanna leave this before I go to bed and forget it.

Here's an idea if the question/issue of money and/or marketing ever arises or something.. Have them make it for sizes 8 and up or something. Making size 3-7 seems kinda unnecessary because nobody is buying those, they only want the 8+. If they are to make the 3-7, then make those more limited stock, and make more of the 8+. Those are what really sell.

Somebody should really e-mail HSL and see what they have to say about it.I might get around to doing it eventually.

I'd do it

Probly wont work, but worth a shot nonetheless

I'm so down.

I'm in. I just need to figure out where this petition is at.. I said it as an idea, but never really knew there was one already. Haha. Someone direct me to it?

Anyway, I'll do the email thing. I have a bunch of friends who might enjoy this, and a couple of them love freerunning. So with that, we may get about 1/4 of the people needed.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Soapshoe/petition.html

and Ted I recommend you check out the videos thread, there are two videos with some of the best soaping you have ever seen uploaded. the videos are called oNe and tWo.

oNe and tWo ftw.

And, BTW, the set-time synchronized emailing was always my plan. Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough.

I'm down for making a movie, all I need is a cameraman and a camera that isn't a piece of shit. lmao

Ok...responses in order:
1) Emails: It does seem like two separate email times are in order for the US and Europe. I think the most important point here, though, is volume--just so long as large chunks hit HSL's inbox at the same time, the effect will be more impressive. Also, I think we ought to consider doing some research to find out the email of one of HSL's higher-ups, like the marketing director or some such dignitary. That way, we run less of a risk of being marked as spam and dismissed out of hand. I'll get to work on that if you think it's a good idea.

Second: the vids are a good idea...I'm just a little fuzzy on the format. Are we just gonna get up in front of a camera and ask HSL to start making SOAPs again, or if not that, then what?

Also, regarding the letters... I wouldn't mind sending them out if everyone mailed them to me. I'll give out my address later, when we're sure that we've got enough people.

Speaking of which...
How many confirmed people do we have so far? I know we've got me, Tedd, Brad, sylon...? but who else?

What model is your camera?

I don't even know what camera I have. Just some generic family digital camera, I'll check what it's called later. And Tedd, did you find you if that site actually had Broadsides?

Also, rawk is a bunch of total assholes. I was willing to spend over 400 dollars at their store, and when I finally got in contact with somebody on the phone (NOT easy) They were like "how many times do we need to tell people NO SHIPPING TO THE U.S." and hung up on me.

Revengasaur: I read your bump, and...I don't want to make any waves or imply anything by saying this, but...

If the last attempt was executed in the same pissed-off, "we came first" way as the petition...I'm not at all surprised. I've read most of the archived posts on the subject from way back in the forums and discussions...and I think a few tempers were running pretty hot. If I've read the situation right, Renny was and is a very aggressive SOAP promoter--a very good thing when it comes to swaying guys on the street, but perhaps a little too attached when dealing with impassive corporate suits. At this point in SOAP history, we can't assume that anyone is going to want to support us anymore...so this attempt is just going to be a reasonable, calm, collected communication done in as non-provocative and logical a way as possible. No more "SOAP's bttr thn u" stuff...we already know that to be true, but I'm almost certain that HSL doesn't think it owes us ANYthing. And realistically, it doesn't. They've been very successful with their Heelys, they've acquired the plates they always wanted, and they don't really need the SOAP brand for anything more. The best we can do is make a reasonable request, worded carefully, and supported by a solid customer base. I think that that's always been the purpose of this effort...correct me if I'm wrong, guys.

Oh, and now I'll never order from Rawk, even if I do find a UK contact.

Oh, oh, and I grinded..ground?...ok, soaped. I'll just say soaped. I soaped for the first time today! Scared the ever-loving shit out of me...I think I chose a really bad first rail (way the hell too steep, and I didn't have a spotter). But I made it down successfully one time, and it was awesome! I've just gotta find some lower ledges to practice balance on, now. Wish me luck!

Yeah, HSL has been stupid, they screwed themselves in the process as well.

Yeah, I wondered about that too. Still would be nice to get some new Soaps out there though.

They sure put up a good public front, though. Their website makes me sick...

Oh, and Revengasaur...don't worry. I didn't take offense. And I think you've got the economics right. Once the cost of entry is amortized, the shoes become pure profit. However, there's one thing to consider: HSL still probably has the moulds and equipment necessary to make the Expresses (at the very least), so it probably wouldn't cost all that much to do another production run. After all, the stuff was paid for and amortized a long time ago. The problem is, as ever, convincing them that it's worth their while...it really annoys me that their corporate higher-ups are so closed-minded in that regard.

On the upside...if you're willing to put up with the hole in your heel, HSL still makes the Pro's...which are the exactly the same as the Expresses with a bunch of Heelys logos slapped on them. It's a start.

I guess all we can do is hope....

bump

Bump

you know, maybe we should start yelling at HSL. We don't exactly have anything to lose haha

Well, I sent them an e-mail. I'll post the reply when I get it.

I hear that.

Sounds good to me...

And you'd think they'd at LEAST offer some sort of explanation to a potential customer rather than essentially giving us the middle finger. I'm pretty convinced HSL operates with a flawed business model.

Speaking of which, do you still have those size 12 Flows? if you could email me a a pic and a price that'd be rad.

BTW, Brad's efforts inspired me to write HSL a real persuasive essay. Here's what I said:

"Dear HSL,

Hey, this is Tim Taylor. I write to you as a great admirer of your product--I have owned four pairs of Heelys over the past five years or so, and I've always loved the stealthy and ingenious way that Heelys spice up the daily grind. However, to make a play on words, the entire reason for this email is quite literally because I haven't been able to get my daily grind often enough.

I notice, as I write this, that your header asks us "want to tell us how you landed a sick grind?" I find this slightly ironic, because the frank answer is, yes, I would love to tell you about ALL my sick grinds...if I could ever perform them. The fact is, grind shoes in general are extremely scarce these days--the Heelys Pro 9201 and 9202 models are only available in kids' sizes on a few select internet sites, and the Grind 'n Roll 7530's are even rarer. Furthermore, these shoes are quite noticeably focused on the skating aspect of their dual-functionality, rather than the grinding aspect (understandable, since HSL would obviously be more focused on the "Heeling" part of "Heeling Sports Limited," but irksome to those who really value a true, high-quality grind shoe).

The predecessor to Heelys grind-plate models was, as both HSL's corporate offices and I are undoubtedly aware, the SOAP shoe--considered by true enthusiasts to be THE definitive brand of grind shoe. While the brand was still owned by Chris Morris and Artemis Innovations, the Broadside and Scorcher models were considered the absolute last say in this special subset of extreme footwear. However, in the nearly 7 years since the last production run of SOAPs in 2003, SOAP shoes have become (without fear of exaggeration) some of the rarest items currently in existence--to find a pair of size 8+ SOAP shoes, for sale online, in decent condition, can be likened to winning the jackpot on a progressive slot machine in a Las Vegas casino.

The crux of the situation, however, is this: Heeling Sports Limited currently holds the premier brand name and all the assets of Artemis Innovations Inc.--that is to say, HSL owns SOAP shoes, and has since 2003. It follows logically, therefore, that, unless they have been destroyed or otherwise lost in the seven years since SOAP's purchase, HSL also still owns the original moulds and means of production for all past SOAP models, up to and including the original 1997 SOAP clean model, as well as the famous Broadsides and Scorchers. Furthermore, I personally know, as a fact, that a community of very dedicated grind-shoe enthusiasts still exists (I can produce evidence on demand of the fervor and dedication of the SOAP community), all of whom would be more than willing to not only buy several pairs of shoes, but who would unconditionally provide free promotion and advertising for HSL should a future production run ever be enacted (myself included).

Of course, far be it from me to advise a major corporation on business strategy. However, from my layman's perspective, the situation seems like a win/win for both parties--a new production run of SOAP shoes (in only size 8+, I might add. I know of nobody who would need anything smaller) would not only be inexpensive for HSL to effectuate, but it would provide extra revenue and appease a group of fellow extreme sportsmen, who, at heart, just want to be able to do their daily grind. And who knows? It could even kindle a small trend, in its own way.

Thanks for all your time and any consideration you might give to my humble suggestion. I would love a follow-up phone call, if it is within your corporate capacity to do so. My number is 419-410-3255, and I can be reached from 3-11pm EST most days.

Your devoted customer,
Timothy Taylor"

Let's see what they do with THAT!

Sorry, Brad...no upstaging meant. Think of it as a forceful follow-up ;) !

And yeah, this should be good. Plus, if they blow me off the first time, I'll send it as a snail mail. Also...I think I'm gonna look for their latest quarterly financial statement. All publicly traded corporations are required by US Law to provide a phone number, and usually the one they put on their report isn't the same one they put on the websites. That strategy has gotten me through to Apple's higher-ups a couple of times before, so it might-could work on HSL too!

Still, let's see what happens. I defy them to respond to that essay with a sardonic 1-liner! BTW, if this actually works, you guys will still send emails to HSL as evidence of our combined strength, right? Pretty please?

I think the letter is a brilliant idea, and,I can totally see the point of view behind it, lets hope it goes well.
X

If HSL reads this, I hope they can understand that the only reason we disparage them is because we really want SOAPs. HSL aren't the bad guys on their own, it's just their lack of use of the SOAP brand that is worrisome.

Still no response on the email...I'll post news the second it hits my inbox. Meanwhile, be on standby to email in case they actually want proof of our combined strength!

There is a distinct possibility...It ain't gonna end as simply as that, though.

Two days in, no progress. I think the phone call comes next.

If anyone is gonna call them *cough* has to be travis *cough* (sorry, hes the only one i trust doing so) find out if they'll start back up soaps again if a retailer is interested...my recent work has allowed me to work with many new people, and i think its worth a shot

Well, if Trav is gonna do it, I'll hold off. But I'm more than willing to jump in headfirst if anyone wants to appoint me spokesman--I've already got talking points prepared. I'm still gonna send that snail mail as soon as I get out from under school project hell (should be the next week or so), so keep me posted.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! Anyone impress their GF today by putting some SOAP in her life?

Has there been any progression in this? I would love to see these shoes comming back, and not just in the US and the UK, but all over the world!