For many years, especially in South Africa, tie manufacturers were not common but there were quite a number of them around. This would have been from the late 60’s through to the mid 90’s.

By now many of the tie manufacturers who do make custom ties have disappeared off the face of the earth or simply moved on to the next world.

It was common for tie manufacturers back in the day and I think very much around the world to remain in the tie business for ever and often take over family businesses or other tie manufacturers making custom ties.

I am not sure of the reason for this- maybe it was so pleasant to be in the industry and so lucrative that it made no sense to sell up or move on, so they stayed and stayed… and to a degree still are staying.

This is not a bad thing because the challenge is that once these older people in the industry do move on, it is unlikely that new operators will enter the market, its just not big enough these days no matter what some people may think to enter with such a huge cash injection needed to set up a proper factory.

Granted, if one includes the fashion side aswell as corporate and schools into the equation then most certainly, tie manufacturers can make enough money to make it all worthwhile.

Tie manufacturers are not one a penny any more as you may have guessed and those that are left take what they can get when they can get it which I guess is what competition is all about.

Now don’t get me wrong- I am not painting a picture of doom and gloom here, but rather explaining the reality of the situation in South Africa when it comes to tie manufacturers making custom ties.

I would say that the national output of ties, especially from a corporate and uniform perspective has reduced significantly over the past 30 years, to a fraction of what it was some 30 to 40 years ago.

However, school ties which also happen to be custom ties are still on the go and still needed by many schools both private and government based.

For anyone who thinks that the school ties market should be easy, think again- there is a lot of work to be done by any tie manufacturer in order to gain ground in the school ties market, it is I should say more than competitive.

Fashion ties have also seen a decline in sales over past years which is understandable given that most industries dress down these days and not up.

So although the market is smaller than it was, its certainly still has some good volumes in it which are worthwhile chasing.

I often wonder about the future of custom ties, not only in SA but around the world aswell but then I think to myself “How is it possible for sutom ties to go away, they have been with us for too long”!!