MAGIC SHOP - Daytona Magic, Inc.

A brand new effect... WOW!!!

I haven’t written an article in quite a while. Not because I don’t like to write anymore, but because I just do not have the time anymore. It seems since I retired 5 years ago (I only go into the shop six days a week 9-3) that I can’t catch up. Today we got an ad from one of our suppliers for a new effect called, “Linking Wooden Rods.” You might think from the name that you have two or more wooden rods that actually link. Sounds great... then I read the description of the item and couldn’t believe what I was reading. I have to write and review this item. I owe it to my customers.

Here is the copy from the add:

Perform all of the old favorite cigarette sleights with these wooden rods! Just because cigarettes are not politically correct doesn't mean you can't astound viewers with your manipulative skills.

• Same size as a cigarette
• Sharp edge aids sleights
• Stiffer than a cigarette improves handling
• Light-weight makes sleights easier to perform
• Lightly Stained - Hand Burnished
• Hand Crafted

You Get:

• 2 Wooden Rods
• Carrying bag
• No instructions

Now the effect sells for $15.00 retail price. My price is $9.00 plus freight. Am I missing something or are we talking about two pieces of dowel stick the size of a cigarette??? Excuse me and a pull string bag (no instructions). I manufacture over 600 items. I hire carpenters and machinists. I have a master seamstress on staff. I write instructions for every item. AGAIN I ASK, AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

RECOMMENDATIONS TO MY CUSTOMERS...

1. Don’t buy this item... You might feel like you have been Ripped Off.
2. Go to Michael’s Arts and Craft store or Ace Hardware and buy a dowel stick the diameter of a cigarette.
3. Cut the dowel stick up into lengths the size of a cigarette. You will make quite a few of these tricks.
4. Don’t bother staining it – it will work just as well unstained.
5. You could cut down a round pencil and do the same sleights and moves.
6. You could use cigarettes and give an anti smoking talk while you do the sleights and moves.
7. You could forget about what is politically correct and just do a cigarette act.
8. MOST IMPORTANT... If you make the item, drop me a note and I will send you a free Carrying Bag. Just send me a half a buck to cover the postage.
The biggest joke about this item is that the manufacturer and distributor will not allow any magic shop to discount this item or they won’t sell it to you.
Are you sure I am not missing something?