What it Takes to Sell Tack

Wow! What a journey 2021 was for A-List Tack!

We shipped worldwide, expanded our client base, and sold more than ever before.

Simply stated: 2021 was a success.

But it didn't come easily.

Early on, I lost my childhood horse.

I struggled creating boundaries with clients.

I worked on balancing my life as a middle school teacher, rookie NRCHA competitor, a wife, and business owner.

Simply stated....2021 was draining!

I took almost the entire month of December off to recharge and energize the business with new ideas, sponsorships, and vision. That was potentially one of the best business ideas I've had to date because I am entering 2022 with a "possibilitarian" (thanks Sandy Collier!) point of view.

Something for Everyone

When I started A-List Tack in early 2019, I really did not know what to expect. It grew so quickly that I never had time to refine what I imagined it to be.

Quite frankly, looking back at some of my photographs and choices is a little embarrassing...but you know, growing pains - right?

Now, it couldn't be clearer.

A-List Tack is a premier consignment store focused on quality saddles, tack, and clothing. I pride my business in having tack that serves horsemen and women of all budgets.

Do me a favor. Think back to your first saddle. Is it one you would be proud of? My hope is that whether you come to me for your first saddle or your thirtieth saddle...you get to ride in something that works for you and you can be proud of.

A young Katie and her horse Zipper...in a very dated outfit!

Just for a second....picture your very first showmanship outfit. If it's as dated as mine was...then you may never want it to see the light of day ever again. But it's my goal to help every competitor find something that not only sparkles under the arena lights, but makes their eyes light up under their hat, too.

One more time...have you ever been too late on a good deal? I'm trying my hardest to make sure I consistently have gently used, quality items that are priced fairly so you can get the deal you've been waiting for.

Upgraded Vision

New Year...New A-List Tack.

Well, in some ways!

Our Facebook page received a face lift with a new profile image and cover banner.

The horse-show clothing closet is now limited to only certain items and brands to maintain our vision for offering quality clothing for sale.

One of our banners you can see at the OQHA shows

We are now a part of more sponsorship opportunities than ever before!

And my husband and I are constructing a new barn and arena that will feature a highly secured and photogenic showroom for local buyers to sit in saddles and local consigners to drop their saddles off. We are really looking forward to bringing this part of our new construction to life!

So what's stayed the same?

My knowledge. Well...technically, it's always growing. I pride myself on having an extremely diverse and deep knowledge about our western industry brands and I do this by continuing relationships with makers you already know and trust, like: Bobs Custom Saddles, Martin Saddlery, The Saddle House (if I don't have it, he will!), and Jim Edwards.

My honesty. If I can't sell it, I'll tell you. If it won't work for you, I'll tell you. If this is a steal of a deal, I'll tell you. A-List would be nothing without honesty.

My standards. It's true, I don't take everything in on consignment. That's because it's important to me to stand behind what I sell. Not only do I have a duty to my consignment clients to be the best, but I also commit myself to those I sell to. While I specialize in high-end cowhorse, cutting, and reining saddles - that doesn't mean everything has to be a custom build for me to sell it. But it does need to be of good quality that I know will serve those who purchase it.

Let's Sell

I am truly looking forward what has already started to be another record-breaking year selling for and to you.

Interested in consigning? Here's my shameless pitch to you (y'all ask these questions anyways!):

My consignment rates are low, and not because I'm not worth it. It's because as a competitor who has in the past sold my own tack to pay for me going down the road, I know what we do isn't cheap. Many of you ask me to sell for you so you have those entry fees covered, that dream saddle you've been waiting to buy, or for a down payment on that horse trailer. I get it. I make consigning affordable.

I have a flexible schedule that allows me to work with you to pick up items or meet you. Many clients meet me at horse shows and we load up that 12ft shortwall with tack! Being a teacher has it's perks...one word: summer. During the peak of saddle selling season, I can devote literally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to earning you money. What other tack store can say that?

I'm on the road with equine professionals every month! Not only do I get to share the showpen with some of the most incredible Northwest Professional Trainers, but I have a great working relationship with many of them. This means your tack gets more natural promotion than sitting in a store.

I'm young and tech-savvy. I literally took college courses on social media platforms for my master's degree completion. How many tack store owners can say that? This qualification gives you an edge up on sales because I know when, where, and how to post in order to generate the most traffic and sales. I never stop learning about the latest social media trends and marketing strategies which keeps your tack on top.

I love horses, too. Maybe the most important thing about me is that I know what it's like to love a horse. You and I already have that in common. I know how hard it is to clean out your barn after your sweet, sweet horse has passed. I'm here for you. I know what it's like to want the best for your horse. I know that competitive drive that keeps you out late at the barn. I know that sacrifice of a clean house and dinner on the table so you can make sure your horses are fed and watered first. I know about vet bills...trust me, do I know about vet bills. I'm in the trenches of horse ownership with you. So, let's sell together.

To consign, fill out this form to get started: https://forms.gle/K85z1JRmcPcBV1TJ7

Visit our Facebook page at: facebook.com/alisttack

Follow on Instagram @alisttack

Email: alisttack@gmail.com

Happy Trails,

Katie

Zipper, Rico, and Nimble