Wired

Stopped by a local bookshop last week, looking for the latest copy of Scoot magazine.  I sent some products to them for potential review, and thought I should have their magazine on hand- I really enjoy their blend of products, lifestyle and scooter culture- it's not something I'm immersed in, but they appear to be having fun.  No luck on the current issue, though, but as I was browsing I happened upon the latest Wired magazine.  Usually I enjoy this, but don't really connect- too techy, too trendy, again not my life.  This issue, though, featured an article on business startups- "a garage and a great idea".  It discusses the intersection of internet connectivity, small manufacturing tools available to the little guy, and the availability and willingness of chinese factories to produce small production runs-  This is really hitting home!  The business examples were substantially larger and more established than mine, but it documented the feeling I've had since starting this-  I wasn't sure if it was just my point in space right now allowing the doors to open, maybe I was just able to place myself near those doors as the opportunities presented themselves.  Anyway, I liked the article- check it out.
Been busy lately with a few product issues- more breakage in shipping than I expected- I guess I need to increase shipping cost to accommodate more rugged packaging-  I've tried to keep shipping low, but maybe I'm below the sustainable threshold, if I'm replacing products out of my pocket.  Not much damage, but enough to notice.  File under growing pains.

Missteps

It appeared things were going too well.  I posted a group email last week to my list of past customers, I figured if anyone was interested it would be the people who had purchased from me.  I got a response from a friend of a customer, said he was interested in the tubes, his buddy forwarded my latest message with catalog and website links.  His message was somewhat cryptic, asking, boy oh boy, do you have a lot of people on your list?  Huh? The next AM I reread his note, scrolled down to a copy of my message, saw a highlighted hyperlink that I didn't put or intend to be there, a certain combination of my website name- a quick look verified a whole different marketing demographic!  Fantastic, I just spammed my customers w/ porn! Another great marketing technique!  A quick apology was sent, and asked if anyone would like to be removed from future mailings, tell me-  A few did fairly quickly, a few said no problem- seems to have leveled off now.  Amazing how many ways there are to screw up!
Sales slow but happening, not bad for stormy January weather here.  Tool Rolls not catching fire yet, it's hard to show how good they are if you can't handle them- absolutely bombproof high quality-  I having good luck w/ local sales, a friend has picked up a few for 10 essentials pack for him and his climbing buddies.  Having been in situations recently where they came up short on basic survival goods, he was happy to consolidate the items and keep them on hand.  Good marketing niche.  Another friend who is a local climbing ranger is exploring the viability of these tubes as a "pack it out" vessel for busy alpine routes.  Budget cuts have eliminated NPS & NFS from provided high alpine toilets- now you get a "wag bag"- the ultimate pack it in, pack it out-  how about a sturdy container Outside of your pack? 

New items

Finally, back in stock with the Mega Tube.  I purchased a few cases in October as a trial, and quickly sold out.  There are about 27 Vstroms tooling around Greece with these, and a few in Canada, one in Sicily.  Kinda fun for a product that has up until now had NO retail distribution!

Also, introducing this week new Dual Sport Tool Rolls.  Highest quality, professionally sewn packcloth, designed for years and years of rugged service.  Likely a limited edition, restocking requires a new production run, cost is increasing, may be too much to move 100 of them.

banner day for an overgrown hobby

Whew- I'm beat.  Got word this AM the long awaited shipment of Mega tubes had arrived at the warehouse in Seattle- hooked up the utility trailer, and hit the road.  20 good size cartons, a quick game of Tetris Utility Trailer, and I was homeward bound.  A short stop at Seattle Fabrics helped prime the creative juices whilst bleeding off any excess cash.  Enroute to UPS to ship off a portion of my newly acquired load, I stop at my favored nylon gear supplier, and laid in a supply of Dual Sport tool rolls.  The store front is now stocked! Bring on the orders!

This project culminates about 2 months of scheming how to get a good supply of Megas here- required a special production run, a goodly bit of capital upfront, and some heaping portions of patience.  Now to post some samples to various magazine writers for their hands on reviews... The days are just packed!

Great Day

Mega tubes enroute to Seattle, finally- caught up in HS inspections, 3 weeks overdue.  Met up w/ nylon goods supplier today, fortuitous meeting- the tool rolls I am seeking are excess baggage for him- cool.  Pricing TBD, will be listed soon, both ebay and t3 sites.  GFC seems to be turning a corner- civil discourse, actually appear to be doing the right thing- time will tell. that ol' karma thing again.