Hi Kickstarters,
Well done for reading the full update! We have so much news for you. This week we took delivery of some aluminium and have produced the first production parts. They look really AMAZING! See below for some photos.
Well done for reading the full update! We have so much news for you. This week we took delivery of some aluminium and have produced the first production parts. They look really AMAZING! See below for some photos.
New! Introducing the Showcase-Plus Reward:
We have received a lot of great feedback from you, our visionary backers. The three pieces of feedback that stood out were:
1. We want somewhere to store the pull handle.
2. We want a "Made in London" mark on it.
3. We want to customise the colour of the stand and pull handle.
So...we listened and designed it! We are now proud to introduce the "Super-Stand". It includes a precision machined slot to hold the pull handle and has "Precision made in London" laser engraved on the base. We are also offering the Super-Stand and Pull Handle in all 6 colours to match the gyroscope. Have a look at the photos. We love it!
Current backers of the Showcase reward (which included the regular stand) are able to stick with the regular stand or switch to the Super-Stand for $10 extra by following these steps:
1. Click this link [Manage my Pledge]
2. Select the "Manuka Showcase-Plus" reward!
3. Adjust your pledge amount accordingly (don't forget shipping).
4. Check-out with Amazon.
NOTE! If you change or upgrade rewards you won't lose your place in the queue. Your backer number remains the same and this number determines when you get the reward.
REMEMBER! When the campaign ends, we will send you a survey which allows you to specify colour choices. You don't need to decide on that bit yet.
Manuka Gift (X-Mass delivery) and collector pledges: If you want to upgrade to the Super-Stand that is no problem. Just add $10 to your current pledge but don't change rewards. We are including the Super-Stand for free for all collectors unless you tell us you want the regular stand. Now isn't that super!
We have received a lot of great feedback from you, our visionary backers. The three pieces of feedback that stood out were:
1. We want somewhere to store the pull handle.
2. We want a "Made in London" mark on it.
3. We want to customise the colour of the stand and pull handle.
So...we listened and designed it! We are now proud to introduce the "Super-Stand". It includes a precision machined slot to hold the pull handle and has "Precision made in London" laser engraved on the base. We are also offering the Super-Stand and Pull Handle in all 6 colours to match the gyroscope. Have a look at the photos. We love it!
Current backers of the Showcase reward (which included the regular stand) are able to stick with the regular stand or switch to the Super-Stand for $10 extra by following these steps:
1. Click this link [Manage my Pledge]
2. Select the "Manuka Showcase-Plus" reward!
3. Adjust your pledge amount accordingly (don't forget shipping).
4. Check-out with Amazon.
NOTE! If you change or upgrade rewards you won't lose your place in the queue. Your backer number remains the same and this number determines when you get the reward.
REMEMBER! When the campaign ends, we will send you a survey which allows you to specify colour choices. You don't need to decide on that bit yet.
Manuka Gift (X-Mass delivery) and collector pledges: If you want to upgrade to the Super-Stand that is no problem. Just add $10 to your current pledge but don't change rewards. We are including the Super-Stand for free for all collectors unless you tell us you want the regular stand. Now isn't that super!
New Pull Handle:
We weren't 100% happy with the first pull handle so we improved it, making it more ergonomic and comfortable to use. We also made a slot which allows you to wind and stow the string neatly. We will also now be including a spare string. All current backers will automatically receive the improved pull handle and spare string for free. Also, the new pull handle neatly fits into the base of the Super-Stand. Let us know what you think.
Production time-frames:
We are currently producing parts for about 20 gyroscopes per day. It's a slow process to get a really high quality product. If you do the math, 4000 gyroscopes takes us up up to August next year! However, we have now confirmed we are taking on an extra staff member - you have created an extra job! Well done! In addition we are also discussing night shifts with our team which would speed things up immensely. Below is our current "best-guess" for delivery timeframes without having a night shift - i.e. things should hopefully improve. What we do know is that we will be keeping you updated regularly!
Batch#1: 500 units for Christmas delivery. We have already started slowly and carefully producing this batch and estimate they will be ready within 8 weeks ready for shipment in late November. As soon as the first complete gyro comes off the line we will post a photo.
Batch#2: 1000 units for dispatch in late February: This is when production ramps up. We will be using more staff and dedicating more machines to the job. Production on this batch will start as soon as the factory resumes work in the new year and should take 8-10 weeks of full time work. We estimate that the gyroscopes will dispatch in mid to late February.
Batch #3: 1500 units for dispatch in late April: Backers who's backer number is less than 2500 should expect to have their gyro by late April.
Batch #4: 1500 units for dispatch in late June: Backers who's backer number is less than 4000 should expect to have their gyro by late June.
Remember...this might seem like a long time but there really are no shortcuts to getting a super high quality product to you. It takes time and a lot of love. We hope you can understand.
What's my backer number?
Kickstarter don't publish your backer number but we know who pledged and when. Our FAQ section has a guide to your backer number an approximate dispatch date.
A note about stretch-goals:
We have thought long and hard about how to meet requests for stretch goals and the Super-Stand. Our first priority when assessing stretch goals was to make sure we did not impact on quality or delivery time-frames for existing backers. The new additions with the Super-Stand and Pull Handle add extra work and machining time but do not affect our [critical path] so will not cause knock-on delays.
Some photos of the frame, production jigs and clamps!
We have thought long and hard about how to meet requests for stretch goals and the Super-Stand. Our first priority when assessing stretch goals was to make sure we did not impact on quality or delivery time-frames for existing backers. The new additions with the Super-Stand and Pull Handle add extra work and machining time but do not affect our [critical path] so will not cause knock-on delays.
Some photos of the frame, production jigs and clamps!
Sorry for the poor quality... these videos and photos are taken on our phones while we are making the stuff!
Operation 1 of 6 for the gyroscope frame
Operation 2 of 6 for the gyroscope frame
You've reached the end of the update! Congratulation. That was a lot of news!
Remember, if you like our project please please recommend us to your friends on Facebook. Maybe someone else shares your passion for gyroscopes!
Remember, if you like our project please please recommend us to your friends on Facebook. Maybe someone else shares your passion for gyroscopes!