Just my
but I think NV should have sent you a prototype, as well as a few other savvy SH/SiC fans, so growing pains could have been minimized or avoided altogether. The feedback would have been extremely valuable to NV... we're only talking letting a few out into the wild before retail sales. However since NV is so rad, it's quite possible that a revision will be discounted for previous Vrod customers.
DISCLAIMER: I appreciate NewVape and the Flowerpot Vaporizer, however, just providing my honest opinion. NV an innovative company and therefore have extreme pressures. I understand the design and development process associated with products, as I have a MBA and own a retail business.
This is my personal problem (which isn't a huge deal until you scale it up to more customers...):
1) First I contacted NV about SH stock replenishment. I received a reply they would soon restock. No mention of Vrod.
2) ordered SH kit
3) 3 days later Vrod releases. Ok pay $$$ with discount for new-new version which should be better
4) Vrod arrives. it sticks EVERY TIME to post and bowl. Design causes uneven vape. But i had to buy to get discount before it expires.
5) couple weeks from Vrod release and now new-new-new Version...must pay more $$$ w/ discount but this version should be better. Also, discount will expire
From reading 400 pages of forum, I've seen this play out over the years with the FP. All innovative products go through a creative evolution during early stages. The concern is that you never want to make a customer feel a negative emotion
I feel like, If you're going to release a new product, let people on waiting list for a huge investment know before you restock the old version (three days prior to new product release). And if you're going to make a new product it should be tested for design and function prior to launch. The last thing you want for a new customer is to ruin the enjoyment of the purchase. We all upgraded to the Vrod for improved performance and function, not to test the product in return for a discount (its not a discount if you pay 100% and then 50%). And the goal in a new product release should be the efficacy of the product (not sales, clearing inventory, or getting a product ready for a new event).
Due to all this, Im back on the Showerhead.
The reason for the switch back to the SH is simple, I'm demonstrating this product to several people a week. They are being introduced to NewVape and the Flowerpot by my recommendation. I demonstrate the function, and then they use the product. People were afraid of the Vrod because it sticks and they had to pull so much longer it was difficult for people with weaker draw capacity. Once one person got hurt, I'm back to the Showerhead that doesn't stick.
Ultimately, new products are great and are the reason this company is going to be a dominator in the industry. They should be proud of their creations. My best recommendation is that some education on production release best practices would help for the future. And when you have a resource like the FC for product R/D & testing, don't use that as your direct mail sales list unless you trust your product with your market experts. If profit is your goal, a marketing campaign will provide more ROI than continuos product rollout. Best bet is to grow your customer base, not repeat customer sales. The value of something durable and well constructed is lost with high product roll over, and ultimately customers will lose interest. Properly timed releases with marketing/awareness campaigns can help create a desire for products with a manageable scope for retail purchasers.
The reason I mention this is I like NV a lot and want it to succeed. This company will be expanding very fast over the next few years and I know they will do well. The hardest part about expanding a business isn't the sales, or the products, or the distribution, or the marketing... its simply making sure you don't lose sight of your customer experience and your original mission statement.
Ok let the hate responses fly... I will have more positive posts in the future i promise.
Piece be with you...