Thinking about a name change for our Branding? Is it wise?

Yeah - I have to be honest, the association I’ve made (I realize it’s not fair) with “this mic is the bees knees!” has influenced my perception over the years. I think the idea of changing the badge to the letters is a good one.

100%

And you could even work on your messaging and how you frame the product to encourage people to use the product name first. So an engineer says "let's try a Tribute on this vocal etc etc."

If you really wanted to experiment you could go with wording like "Tribute by BeesNeez" in your marketing materials. Don't laugh! I know it sounds cheesy but that's a tried and true technique to add gravitas to a brand. It's a cliche for a reason!

Tribute 49 by BeesNeez

Now I want to buy one, I'm selling myself!

To be honest, I've never liked your company name. Not entirely sure why; maybe because it's a pun on your name, or it's not serious, and it makes me think that the company behind it isn't turning out serious mics. I know that last part is not true; I've read too many positives from peers I know and respect. But, if I didn't know anything about your company or reputation, it's really hard to take that name seriously.

The logo is truly off-putting at best. In a way, I think the garishness of the logo almost underscores the (perceived) lack of seriousness in the company name. On top of that, it's huge. So for me, it's not only garish and emphasizes a questionable company name, it does so on a grand in-your-face scale. I've looked at purchasing your mics in the recent past, and I had thought more than once "I wonder if I could remove the logo" when I was thinking of buying your mics.

And again: this is just one person's opinion. I really do wish you and the company nothing but crazy good success, and if I didn't, I wouldn't take the time to post this; I hope it is received in the helpful spirit in which it's shared.

All the best to you and the company, Ben.
-09

I agree with what a few folks here have already said - keep the name. I think you have a great rep and it would hurt you to lose that. Badge, I personally don't care about, but I can see how some folks would take issue with it. Maybe just try a new badge?

Before I bought my first Beesneez mic, my (first) BU67, I had always thought of the company being rather high end - in my more broke past, out of my price range (granted, the exchange rate at the time may have had some impact on that). Wishing I had taken the plunge on some of your less expensive mics long ago! I doubt I would have been disappointed.

Maybe look at the logo as a tweak and not a whole big lot of change.
Place the Framework in your mind as you are just making a refinement to the logo.
Secondly get a quality logo replacement.
What would be worse then changing the logo is getting a whole new logo that sucks.
Dont do it yourself. Dont give it to a fiver company to make.
Be clear on what elements you want your new logo to have and to represent..
then when people complain or offer suggestions about your new logo you can have the confidence to say i did this because this represents this in the logo and that represents that in the logo, which is what my business is about.
Having that confidence to tell people the why about the new logo design and the refined company direction,  then enlightens people too come over to your way of thinking and the they will explain it to others in conversations they have about your products.
also, this could be a great time to really look at what products work for you and which prodcts dont. Dump the products that dont work. Dont let FOMO cntrol your business decisions. Cncentrate what works and what you actually want.
you have been in this business long enough to know what you want and what you are not going to settle for.
its a great opportunity to take the time to refne. 
If you need to talk more about it, let me know.

Johnkenn,

Actually, I think realgearonline is a fine name. 

-09

Maybe update the logo: www.clipartbest.com/clipart-nTBRXBeGc

j/k
:-)

BPA is a very poor name to consider. It's terrible actually
Too many others already use similar or identical acronym.

I like that too. 

Or even just a "B". The simpler the badge the better.

Hi Ben - this is a fun thread, and I'm wishing you 1000% success in taking your company image/name and badge / branding to the next level.

In my experience, overall branding is more important than almost anything in this market. Almost equal to the sonics of the gear / mic itself. In your case, and IMO, it goes far beyond the mic badge, and even the company name.

IMO, both BPA and BeN would both be unfortunate side moves at best - possibly/probably worse IMO. A smaller badge of identical shape with a different color would be your SIMPLIST and most cost effective move, but honestly, again IMO, it should be redesigned.

A decisive plan to hang on to your legacy while bringing to light your absolute stunning mic line, portraying a more professional company image, overall branding, badge, and web / social media presence will overall net you the bump you are looking for, and will be worth 10X whatever effort you put in.

You've already made the first and hardest step!!!

I've always had interest in your line, but the only current product of yours that I currently own is a capsule.  Why have I not bought more?  It's not that I couldn't afford it, that they were too expensive for what I got or that I don't need more mics *I don't* :lol:  I've bought many dozens of mics since being aware of your company.  Although it would not have precluded me from buying one or more of your line, I must admit the badge gave me pause for thought. LOL.  No offense meant, but it's gaudy, and sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb.

Singers are hyper acutely aware of what you stick in front of their face. As great a mic as it is, the Gefell UM70 is a tough sell for singers, even though it has a vintage nickel finish. The shape and vibe is just not conducive to getting them excited. Conversely, put up a vintage M49 or U87 or U47, (even if it's blown out) and you can see their stature and demeanor just flat out change, and their performance (which is A#1 most important) improve.

We're all rooting for you. If there's any way I can help, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I honestly think incorporating the capsule aesthetic itself is a worthy exploration.
Logos are so so so important, everything Dr Bill said so well I 1000% agree with.
Getting a logo wrong or under estimating it's importance can be a catastrophic oversight.
Going to have to be prepared to fail prolifically in finally arriving at a design that sums everything up concisely efficiently and effectively without over doing it.
There also has to be a degree of familiarity to whatever design is honed in on.
I'm so picky about what I will put in front of a singer because it also reflects on me.
I don't want to have to qualify a mic choice because something about the aesthetic has the singer asking questions I don't want to be answering