Thanks to all you LunaTiks!
Hello all you LunaTiks! It’s been a while since I personally updated all of you even though the rest of the LunaTik and MINIMAL team has been busy individually giving you love where needed.
First off, I have to again thank all of you for the ongoing support throughout the process. It has truly been and exceptional experience. One of, if not, the most inspiring projects of my career. The good and the bad. In fact, in many ways the failures have been more valuable for learning for the future. Thank you all for your patience through some of the trouble spots on the backend. As even Kickstarter founders admit, we were “the guinea pigs” for the scalability of this platform. In the end I have to thank everyone from Kickstarter to our amazing suppliers to the MNML and LunaTik team to our fulfillment partner for their dedication and passion in making this a reality and going above and beyond to make sure everyone gets their rewards.
I believe all 13,512 backers have their rewards besides possibly 100 or so that have had issues with changing addresses, customs issues or missing information. In fact I think we had some people receive duplicate orders. Still digging into that one. If for some reason you have still not received your reward please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please email info@LunaTik.com with your full name, details of what you selected as a reward and email address tied to the account that you used to order.
The biggest issues we faced in an otherwise shockingly smooth product launch were the fulfillment issues. And this was not so much our fulfillment company’s fault as the carriers and US Customs. For instance, all the US $500 and $150 orders got rejected for no explainable reason by US Customs and returned to China. They are above the law so its hard to really predict. This was horrible that our biggest backers were affected by the frustrating and unpredictable nature of US Customs. Good news is we sent everyone theirs again via UPS Priority at our cost upon return to China. The second mishap was that DHL over-promised and undelivered big time. Not only did they not provide much support they also issued thousands of non-working tracking numbers which they cannot still give us a reason or compensation for. And the third mishap was Hong Kong Post, a partner of DHL, received a bulk infusion of packages, scanned them, then sat on them for 10-14 days or longer. No reason again. All we can say here is thank you so much for your patience.
Looking back we are very proud of what we accomplished and proved. In the end we still started shipping TikToks around December 17th, a day after the project closed, and were 95% fulfilled within 60 days of the close and funding. This included setting up supply chain, developing and producing product, packaging, brand and signing up a fulfillment partner and integrating fulfillment systems, etc. Things that other companies already have in place when they develop a new product. Congrats to everyone!
Some fun additional facts on the project:
- 76% of the backers bought a Nano because of the TikTok or LunaTik. This is an unprecedented event where the accessory drove core product sales. Wow!
- Many people are buying multiple Nanos as well to outfit the LunatTik Silver, LunaTik Red and TikTok all at once.
- We shipped to over 50 countries.
- From project close on December 16 and funding transfer from Amazon on Jan 2, it took 60 days to be 99% globally fulfilled on over 20,000 units.
- Our funding transfer from Amazon Payments broke Amazon. It exceeded their transfer limit by over 2x. The money disappeared for a while. Funny but scary.
- I received over 40,000 messages in my inbox from around the world in response to the project. This definitely broke Outlook’s .pst file. Had to switch to Exchange.
Moving forward we plan on continuing the conversation and relationship with all of you. Many of you expressed interest in the Bluetooth LunaPod and LunaPort covers. We are actively working on these and will be offering them on www.LunaTik.com when they are ready. The Bluetooth LunaPod is very much needed but it is also a very expensive and risky investment we have found out after doing our homework. Much more than the TikTok+LunaTik. We may have to go raise money, which sucks, or find a partner that is willing to take a gamble on it with us. Or should we Kickstart it? My instinct is to Kickstart it but the inherent development time is longer than the TikTok+LunaTik took including certifications we have to submit to. So we are wondering if people on Kickstarter would wait 4-6 months for it?
The other question we are looking into is does the dongle have to be dedicated to a specific headphone. This may be a reality as the Nano doesn’t have settings to allow it to pair universally. So that would be we would have to develop and pair of LunaTik Wireless Headphones. We have a killer design for these. By far better than anything on the market. We designed the Motorola S9 and hate them to be honest. It lightyears better than that. Just a major investment. It’s not out of the question and we are continuing discussions with some leading Bluetooth suppliers.
We are also developing LunaPort covers for the TikTok+LunaTik. Still waiting on samples for these. We will probably sell them in packs of 5 or 10. Sign up for the newsletter on www.LunaTik.com for updates on these.
We are hoping that Apple does not change the form factor of the Nano in September and sees the current Nano platform as an opportunity for Apple to own the wrist in the future with Bluetooth, custom apps, clock faces, etc. Having Caller ID and other notifications on the wrist would be amazing and no one in the watch industry can touch them right now. We'll have to wait and see what they do in September.
It might be a nice experiment to have all of you interested in the future of wrist-based technology email Apple and tell them what you want. Who knows, maybe you can make an impact.
For those of you interested in the crowd-funding and social entrepreneurial aspect of this project and platforms like Kickstarter, I continue to be amazed at the recent momentum in this space. It is a very interesting time. From simple projects on Kickstarter to over-throwing entrenched governments, social media is changing the world and making things possible that were not before. Power to the people. I am dedicating a percentage of MINIMAL”s time going forward to building on this momentum in the product development space. We will be looking across industries to identify other opportunities to engage this platform. So stay tuned and thanks again for your support.
Best,
Scott
PS. Speaking of other projects. A young designer here in Chicago, Don Lehman, another Rochester Institute of Technology alum, has a project that I backed on Kickstarter. He is funded and only has 6 days left. Very simple idea for any of you that have an iPad and like to take notes or sketch but don’t want to carry a separate stylus. I currently use the Just Mobile iPad Stylus which I really like but this Stylus cap actually consolidates pens I already use with iPad stylus capability. Just FYI.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/donlehman/more-real-stylus-cap
13,512
Backers
$942,578
pledged of $15,000 goal
0
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Funding period
Nov 16, 2010 -
Dec 16, 2010
(30 days)
- 3 created · 43 backed
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- Website: LunaTik.com
Pledge $1 or more
128 backers
Every dollar counts. If your dollar helps make this a reality you will be able to buy the TikTok or LunaTik online or hopefully someday, if successful, at an Apple Store near you. Be a part of making a cool product that no one else would take the risk on and enabling a design firm to produce its own undiluted product.
Pledge $25 or more
2432 backers
For $25 pledge you are pre-ordering and will receive the TiKTok Multi-Touch Watch Kit which will sell for $34.95 at retail. Includes shipping within the USA. (Shipping to Canada add $10, International add $15 to pledge amount)
Pledge $50 or more
5013 backers
For a $50 pledge you are pre-ordering and will receive the LunaTik Multitouch Watch Conversion Kit. The Lunatik is hot-stamped and CNC'd out of aerospace grade aluminum at one of Apple's suppliers. The LunaTik will sell for $69.95 online and at retail. Includes shipping within the USA. (Shipping to Canada add $10, International add $15 to pledge amount)
Pledge $70 or more
4390 backers
The Collection pre-order gets you both the TikTok and LunaTik. Includes shipping within the USA. (Shipping to Canada add $10, International add $15 to pledge amount)
Pledge $150 or more
1398 backers
A serialized, red-anodized LunaTik Kickstarter Backer Edition signed via laser by the designer, Scott Wilson. While you wait for your custom color we will also send you a TikTok to boot. Includes shipping within the USA. (Shipping to Canada add $10, International add $15 to pledge amount)
Pledge $500 or more
100 backers All gone!
Spread the Love Party Pack. You will get a serialized red-anodized LunaTik Kickstarter Backer Edition (with 8GB iPod Nano included) signed via laser by the designer, Scott Wilson. We will also send you 5 silver anodized LunaTiks and 5 TikToks to give to your friends and family to replace their current old school timeware. (Shipping to Canada add $25, International add $50 to pledge amount)
Comments
Creator Jason Scott on March 21, 2011
Just posting this question here so others who have the same issue can see your response/ideas. I got one of the wonderful Red LunaTiks, but during a week and a half of solid-every day wearing, the small screws worked themselves out and two went missing. Perhaps they weren't tightened enough, and I'll try that next, but in the meantime can I get/purchase replacement screws from you?
Fantastic item, by the way.
Creator Andy Nguyen on March 17, 2011
Scott,
I wanted to thank you again for this amazing product. I am now a proud owner of the party pack! I've gotten so many compliments its overwhelming entertaining! I recently notice that you guys launched a Black LunaTik and a White TikTok. As a proud investor before the product launched would I be able to get a special rate for these new colors? If so I am very interested in ordering these ASAP. Please let me know
Sincerely,
Andy Nguyen
Creator Pinich Suntanapanich on March 17, 2011
I already got the clock kit. It is very cool. How about if I wants to buy more ??? HOW ???
Creator Domenick Giambattista on March 15, 2011
Scott, I would wait as long as it takes to get a Bluetooth adapter from you. I think you should definitely put the project on KickStarter, but only if enough of us are serious about it, because I'm guessing only people with a TikTok/LunaTik are gonna want one. I wonder if it'd be the first KS project that was an accessory to a previous KS project (which itself was an accessory)? Anyway, I'm definitely in for the LunaPod, and even for those who missed this project might want in, as they can always buy a TikTok or LunaTik once they go on sale. My concern, though, is the headphone problem you mentioned. I already have 2 pairs of Bluetooth headphones, different styles for different situations (Sony DR-BT50 for music and games on the train and Plantronics Backbeat 903+ for myPhone). Will the ones you are designing be a similar style to either of those, a wraparound like those Moto's, or something different? Either way, you rock, and the ladies compliment my shiny red watch, and this project has been awesome!
P.S. I use the Just Mobile stylus too, even as we speak, and it's definitely the coolest iPad stylus ever.
Creator Hunter Walker on March 15, 2011
In for the purchase of a LunaPod.
Creator Chris Montalvo on March 13, 2011
thanks scott i just wished u had the black lunatik when we backed you and ordered the silver one..
Creator paco on March 11, 2011
I will not purchase a new headset (getting a little crazy, what you're proposing sounds like a $250 "investment"), just bought the S10's and they're great for daily use and at the gym. I will however back a bluetooth dongle for the nano that goes with the lunatik and would connect to my existing headset.
Creator Ryan Gessel on March 10, 2011
I 2nd Sean Goller's comment regarding the Bluetooth transmitter from www.Kokkia.com. In fact I just received my Kokkia dual device BT transmitter from Amazon just 5 min ago!! This thing is TINY!!! Can't wait to pair it with the stereo on my food truck so I can control the music from my wrist while serving my customers!!
Creator Todd Lampone on March 10, 2011
Scott, I am absolutely interested in a LunaPod. I have been using an iSport adapter with both my S9s and BT620s without issue. As someone else mentioned the battery life is significantly compromised. I am hoping that you can come up with a low profile, low power adapter. I would only expect the adapter to support a PAN of a couple feet. Seems like the current adapters can provide a signal at a significantly larger area but that is not needed and wastes power imo. Keep us updated please!
Creator Nancy Raskauskas on March 10, 2011
Well, at the rate I am going I can probably wait 'til you come up with the bluetooth adapter. My problem is that I want to use the Nike app and listen to music while I run. That seems to require 2 bluetooth adapters one plugged into the headphone jack (to my knowledge only motorola has one that is scaled in size to fit the nano while on my arm) and the other into the dock port. Please come up with plan that would accomodate all of us who use the Nike app and listen to radio or music.
Creator Dan Natkin on March 10, 2011
Can't wait for the bluetooth dongle and headset. Love the Lunatik, but a wire running up my arm sucks.
Creator Tom F on March 10, 2011
I still find it unfortunate that most of this work was done overseas.
I'm wondering if some of the issues (i.e. costs) you mentioned would have been avoided, had the work been done in the good old US.
Creator Dale Reed on March 10, 2011
Scott,
Like others on here I've bought a bluetooth dongle from eBay (I think I mentioned it before on a post as they specifically mention the Tik Tok in the listing). Unfortunately the device's connector is off centre so it's far from perfect fit wise, however it works fine with the nano, and will work with any headset. Although the nano has no pairing options, it simply tells you to hit the play button on the headset within a few seconds of playing on the device. It works fine, working with the motorola S9 which you also mention. I'd definitely be happier with something the size you showed in an earlier post, but thought I'd mention that other people seem to have already gotten over the hurdle of pairing to the nano.
Creator Ben Roberts on March 10, 2011
I'd be totally keen for the bluetooth adaptor and headphones. if you want to do it via kickstarter, i'll back you for both, instantly! I'd also be happy to wait 4-6months for it, although if you can get backing via a third party to make it happen sooner, even better. I dare say your bluetooth adaptor and headphones would look amazing. I'm actually getting pretty desperate for a decent adaptor and headphones, in fact i'm probably going to have to buy something like the kokkia ones, because i know it will work with the ipod nano. unless people can suggest another brand which is smaller and looks nicer. keep up the good work, we all know it's not easy. look forward to backing your next project!
Creator Ron Castro on March 10, 2011
Hey Scott!!! I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, and was worried due to the delay. But I took a risk.... And am I glad I did! I bought the dual package, tiktok and lunatik. Tiktok for my girlfriend and the lunatic for myself....and ended up buying two nanos! We will be running the LA Marathon this March 20th with our new toys on our wrist! Awesome product! I'm looking forward to the bluetooth headset!
Creator JUAN LUIS on March 10, 2011
Hi Scott!!!!! My LunaTik is amazing!!!! All my friends are asking me where they can buy one and thinking about buy an ipod nano....and in Spain is not cheap.
I'll wait for the bluetooth adapter. And if you say that you're working on bluetooth Headphones, i'll wait for them too....if you need to kickstart this proyect again, you have a baker in me again
Creator Lking on March 10, 2011
Thanks Scott for a great product. It has been interesting following the story behind Lunitik from the designing of an idea to the marketing of the finished product. It is a unique product and I am so glad to be a contributor. Keep up the good work. Les
Creator Wayne de Geere III on March 10, 2011
I ordered the "serialized, red-anodized LunaTik Kickstarter Backer Edition signed via laser by the designer, Scott Wilson. While you wait for your custom color we will also send you a TikTok to boot" and more recently ordered the standard silver LunaTik band as well.
So far, I am disappointed to report, I have not received any product, despite sending several emails to the info@ address and to Jillian@. I have until now refrained from posting this to the public comments section but I really don't know what else to do. I'm not stark raving angry but I have become quite disappointed waiting, waiting and waiting and seeing nothing concrete as to when I should expect my orders. I simply want to enjoy wearing my iPod Nano on my wrist.
In the mean time, I have resorted to buying a lesser watchband from an Apple store while I suffer the indignities of having to see all my other friends, who also ordered theirs the same time as I did, wearing theirs around town for the last couple of months.
Creator Bernard Yau on March 9, 2011
I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM YOU - BACKER WITH NO TIKTOK
(sorry to shout, but i need some feedbacks, PLEASE)
WRONG! this is so WRONG! I am also very fustrated in NOT GETTING MY TIKTOK . I have been waiting and sending e-mails, ya, there were some generic replies, simply telling me to wait. Like I have been waiting for months, OKAY? I need some useful info - tracking number and not excuses.
Honestly , I have lost all interest in this product. I have seen better around and I can get this off the shell without waiting. I did request for a refund, but no reply on this yet. I bet I will have to wait another 3 months for the refund if they allow it.
SCOTT, You have great design but fail to execute it. This is my first time getting stuff from Kickstarter.com and you have given this whole thing a bad impression.
Creator Chrise2469 on March 9, 2011
Wow, don't I feel special one of only a hundred people whose expectations have been met with zero care and concern.
How about you show some love, get off your butts and answer your f'n e-mails. All over the forum there are where's my stuff, no response form info or Jillian. I have sent 3 e-mails, one got a boiler plate reply which didn't apply and 2 others have not been answere.
Perhaps you haven't figured out yet but the end user can't stark a tracking claim. The shipper-being you- has to initiate it. If you are unreachable how the f**k can i get any trace of the package done?
Seriously, I've bought products all over the world from custom designed group watches, flashlights, to motorcycle parts and your company has the worst customer service I have ever encountered.
Any expectation has been set by you-from expected ship dates to customer satisfaction. You have failed miserably in ever aspect of execution.
How about starting a trace on my package which has been in customs since the 16 Feb?
Creator Keith Sexton on March 9, 2011
Do you respond to emails sent there? I have sent two emails with no response. Still waiting for my LunaTik.
Creator Wayne Hepp on March 9, 2011
Scott,
Do you know of any kind of antenna adapter/short plug so that both the bluetooth headset and the Nano radio can be used together.
Creator Arijit Banerjee on March 9, 2011
My son and I love our LunaTiks--we would be the ones who bought Nanos because of your products.
Now if only I could find an elegant way to mount my spare iPad on my kitchen wall without damaging the paint...I liked the iPad stylus project and became a backer today.
Arijit
Creator Heather Sabin on March 9, 2011
Thanks for the update Scott! Love the products and would love a GOOD bluetooth solution, and be happy to Kickstart it and wait for it too.
Creator Etiene Pieternella on March 9, 2011
It is an idea to make a rubber strip for the charger part of the iPod Nano and the speaker hole?
Creator Battlephrog on March 9, 2011
I will back any of your projects for sure...!
Creator Rowel Bughao on March 9, 2011
I have not received my package yet. Please check your records there...i bought the two model.
Creator Alan Rodriguez on March 9, 2011
Congrats to you guys for so much success.
However, I have yet to receive mine. It's been well over a month, and no one even has a clue where it is. It's possibly in China, but there's no way of knowing because there isn't a reliable tracking number to be found. I got an email from Kerry yesterday informing me of the situation, but it's not very comforting.
I noticed you have begun selling the watches on lunatik.com. Does this mean you have more in stock? If so, can you PLEASE just send me one of those? More than anything, I'm looking to get my LunaTik and just be done with it.
Creator Jovey Antonio on March 9, 2011
I will definitely back you up on the bluetooth project. Knowing the amount of work that you need to get a device, designed, prototyped, produced and distribute a longer wait is more then acceptable. Your company has provided excellent communication of status and delivering when others in the chain drop the ball. You got my backing when you want to kickstart this project.
Creator Sean Goller on March 9, 2011
Scott, have you talked to Kokkia ( http://www.kokkia.com/ ) yet?
I bought the i10s and it's great, I've successfully used it with my lunatik and paired it with my car stereo. The thing is small as hell and I'm sure you could work with them to create a custom version.
Creator Sneakerbunny on March 9, 2011
An inspiring story. You guys rock!
Creator Matt Haughey on March 9, 2011
Awesome work, I love my special red watch that arrived around xmas. Congrats on getting such a mega project out the door!
Creator Adam Lamar on March 9, 2011
Awesome work, Scott and Team - if you KickStart the BlueTooth, I'll back and wait for it..
Creator Jason Wilson on March 9, 2011
Scott,
I've been using the JayBird iSport Bluetooth adapter and the JayBird headphones and while I'm satisfied with the aesthetic and sound (Bluetooth is not awesome for sound), I can tell you that the dongle sucks the battery life out of the iPod crazy quick. Just something to consider as you think about developing a product.