Crazy idea - Want a completely custom Tashtego roll?
over 7 years ago
– Wed, Jan 18, 2017 at 12:07:55 AM
Hey Tashtego folks,
What would you think about a roll in which you could customize the color, size, pocket layout, labels for each pocket, and leather monogram?
Since shipping the last reward, I’ve been thinking about many of the comments (pockets don’t fit what I want, too short, belt doesn't work) and how to balance the challenges of a manufacturing business (cost of inventory and large manufacturing runs). It’s hard to figure out how to scale, especially as a small cash-and distribution-challenged company.
But I think I might have found a solution to the inventory challenge. I’ve been experimenting with laser cutting fabric and found that both cutting and etching canvas works really well. Since a laser cutter uses a digital pattern, every product can be customized. Even more cool - there is no reason to limit it to rolls if we figure out a design interface. Here’s what the etching looks like:
I’m wondering if we should test this idea using Kickstarters 100 Rewards in January program - so I thought I would ask. How many of you would buy a $99 fully customized roll? You could pick the colors, pick one of three different sizes, design the pocket layouts and labels to be etched into the fabric and create a leather monogram. 100 rewards would give our little team a way to figure out the workflow/costs - and create a cool, unique product for you.
Would you take a minute and answer YAY or NAY right here?
Let’s roll!
Parker
You got the Tashtego Travel Kit, right?
over 7 years ago
– Fri, Jan 06, 2017 at 01:12:00 PM
Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope that, by now, all of you have received your Tashtego Travel Kits and happily used them traveling over the holidays.
Many of you left feedback in the comments - thank you. ALL feedback (positive and negative) is incredibly helpful. Please share any pics of your Travel Kit in action on Instagram with #TashtegoKits!
Since you’ve all now experienced the Travel Kits, could you take a minute to answer three questions?
- How could we improve the product?
- What other similar products would you buy?
- Finally, as we transition from a campaign to a company, how could Tashtego make the world a better place? There are lots of Tom’s Shoes models (buy one/give one), and others like United by Blue (every sale = 1 pound of trash cleaned up) and so forth. What could we do that would make you feel good about doing business with Tashtego?
If it’s easier for you, you can use this form here:
Tashtego Feedback
However, if an email is easier, feel free to get in touch at [email protected].
Let’s Roll!
Parker
PS - first art-related usage I've seen:
Shipping Update #3 - DONE
over 7 years ago
– Mon, Dec 05, 2016 at 10:31:05 PM
WHEW!! We are done. As of this morning, rewards have been shipped to all 1158 backers around the world.
It was seriously fun to hear all the countries and states as my packers (mostly ages 8 and 10) gave each other geography quizes. That said, if any of you ever run a Kickstarter and decide to fulfill it yourself, call me and I’ll talk you out of it. ;)
A few things:
The USPS scanning sucks. About 40% of our domestic packages and 80% of international packages never show as scanned after the USPS receives them. I’ve gotten multiple reports of packages arriving even though the only scan event was purchasing the label. Rest assured that your reward is on the way.
Three have been returned so far and I’ll be in touch shortly on those. If you got the wrong color or have any other problems, please email me at [email protected] and we will find a solution.
As of this afternoon, our store at www.tashtego.co is live! If you like what you ordered and want more as gifts, use the code “Kickstarter” at checkout to get the same $35 price from the campaign. Note the Instagram feed at the bottom - share your pictures!
As a note, all orders from the website made before the 18th will ship before Christmas. After that date, they will ship January 2 (still a small operation here).
I’ll follow up in a couple of days with a longer thank you note and some lessons learned. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the Tashtego Travel Kits. Thank you again for backing my campaign and making all of this possible.
Let’s Roll,
Parker
Shipping Update #2
over 7 years ago
– Tue, Nov 29, 2016 at 11:30:39 PM
Hello Backers!
As of today, all domestic and international Navy, Black and Charcoal single units have been shipped. Emails with tracking numbers for all these shipments went out today (in many cases after delivery - oops). All other colors and combinations will ship by Friday!
If you like it, please share some pics on Instagram with #TashtegoKits. We will be using the Instagram feed on the store (who knows, you might become famous!).
Depending on the destination, about half of the international shipments are currently not being scanned by the USPS. We are visiting the post office on Wednesday to get to the bottom of this. Rest assured that your reward was shipped the day the label was created - it is on the way no matter what the tracking information says. In the meantime, if you could email me at [email protected] when you receive yours it would help me figure this out.
Thank you to Charlotte and Kai (just two of many) for the positive feedback - that makes this whole journey worth it.
Let’s roll!
Parker
Shipping Update #1
over 7 years ago
– Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 11:03:33 PM
WOOHOO!! We will receive the first batch of Tashtego Travel Kits on Tuesday (tomorrow) and begin shipping. They will continue to go out over the next two weeks -- which means you should have your rolls this month!
We will lock down addresses on Tuesday (November 15) which means no changes can be made after that date. If you have moved in the last several months, please go to the link below to change the address.
https://tashtego-the-roll-up-travel-kit-to-tame-your-toile.backerkit.com/
For the 15 backers (you know who you are) who have resisted all of my entreaties to finish your survey and enter your address, now is the time. I can’t ship your reward without your address. Click the same link above.
I'm excited to see what you guys think.
Let’s Roll.
Parker
