118: Sales and Discounts

Tom Gairhan and Dan Prove discuss the difficulties faced with the serocote coating process for their product, the Keen. They highlight the issues related to tolerances being too tight, causing delays and manufacturing challenges. After shipping around 200 units, they decided to remake the doors, which was a costly but necessary decision to ensure quality and fit.

The duo reflects on the importance of thorough testing during the manufacturing process. They regret not stopping production earlier to conduct more extensive tests on variations, which could have prevented the current issues. They emphasize the balance between achieving tight tolerances and ensuring smooth assembly, sharing insights on managing quality control and the risks involved in product development.

As Black Friday approaches, Tom and Dan discuss their evolving strategies around holiday sales and promotions. They share their thoughts on Black Friday's cultural significance, how brands are navigating it, and the various ways they plan to participate if at all. They stress the importance of connecting with customers through tasteful marketing and unique offers.

The conversation shifts to the potential of Apple's Vision Pro and its implications for the tech landscape. They discuss the trajectory of pricing and advancements in AR and VR, speculating on how future iterations might become more affordable while retaining essential features. The duo reflects on the cultural shifts towards immersive technology and the importance of maintaining user experience in design.

Throughout the episode, there are discussions about their product development philosophy and the advantages of being a small team. They recognize the significance of being lean in operations while still producing high-quality, niche products. They talk about the need for effective communication and conveying the value of their well-designed products to a specific audience, reinforcing the importance of human connection in business.