LOTS OF IMPORTANT INFO ON FLINT AND TINDER: Please read. We've added the styles you requested...
So much important news to tell. Where to begin... and apologies that Kickstarter updates come through email without line-breaks. Anyway, here's what up:
1. SUPER-PREMIUM T-SHIRTS. Of the 3000+ people who took our survey, close to 1000 of you mentioned Flint and Tinder shirts to go along with your underwear. So we're doing it! Check out the Flint and Tinder Kickstarter page for details, but the basic info is this: 100% SUPIMA cotton, double soft-washed, and tagless. You're going to love them! Comparable shirts retail from $45 to 85 and go up from there. PLEASE CONSIDER CHANGING YOUR ORDER FROM ALL UNDERWEAR TO A MIX by logging into your Kickstarter account and selecting one of our new reward levels. It's just that easy, but it's actually going to change the game quite a bit. More on that later in this update (see point 6).
2. LONGER BOXER-BRIEFS. Some of you liked the short trunk-length. Some of you wanted longer. So we're making both now! Everyone's a winner.
3. KNIT BOXER SHORTS. Again, some of you requested this... admittedly, some of you prefer the woven kind (more like a dress-shirt then a t-shirt) but it turns out you can't make that kind of fabric in the U.S. at the moment. 6 months from now, we're going to change that, but for the time being, the simple solution is siding with the Knit Boxer people.
4. FABRIC. Based on your feedback, and extensive testing, the Briefs and Boxer-Briefs are now SUPIMA cotton with just a hint of spandex thrown in (95% cotton / 5% spandex). This is going to allow for better, longer lasting support, without sacrificing much of the amazing SUPIMA hand-feel and breathability we know you're going to love.
5. PACKAGING. Turns out that while our boxes are going to look great on shelves, they don't mail all that well and, on orders of multiple garments create unnecessary waste (also once someone tries jamming them through your mail-box, all bets are off). Instead, we're going to combine a more standard mailing system with some super durable U.S.-made custom Tyvek pouches. It's going to look great and be all but indestructible!
6. TIMING - THIS IS THE BIG ONE - PLEASE READ. When we first posted the Kickstarter, the goal was to sell somewhere around 3,000 units and have them all out the door by the last week in June. Instead, we're pushing the envelope at more than 22,000 units ordered! It's great, but it takes a little while longer to produce. The factory is digging in hard and has promised we will have ALL ORDERS SHIPPED by the last week in July (not bad considering the jump), but the more people who switch their orders over to include T-shirts, the better, as it will allow us to run the underwear lines and t-shirt lines simultaneously.
7. RETAIL PRICING OF FLINT AND TINDER GOODS. There's been a lot of questions about how much this underwear will retail for beyond the Kickstarter campaign. All underwear styles will cost $18. The shirts, taking more than twice the fabric, etc, will likely cost significantly more. Once you touch either though you're going to see it's a bargain. And, because of the materials used, you should still be loving them even after years-worth of washes.
8. ABC NEWS + FLINT AND TINDER. Lastly, if you haven't yet, be sure to check out the story ABC NEWS did on us. Lots of great info on the factory and our impact there as well. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2012/05/made-in-america-finding-inspiration-in-underwear/ Thank you so much for making this all possible!
Reminder: The funding period closes May 22nd. Shortly after, we'll send you a survey to get your exact order, including sizes, colors and styles... but if you want to switch from an all underwear order to a mix of undies and T-shirts, you'll have to log into your Kickstarter account and change the reward you've selected before then. Thanks.
5,578
Backers
$291,493
pledged of $30,000 goal
0
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Funding period
Apr 22, 2012 -
May 22, 2012
(30 days)
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- 2 created · 23 backed
- Jake Bronstein 2497 friends
- Website: flintandtinderusa.com
Pledge $5 or more
50 backers
You get our undying gratitude… PLUS: We’ll send you a limited edition set (3 boxes) of Flint and Tinder matches (we're calling them Tinder Boxes) shipped right to your door. Leave ‘em around to let friends and family know you appreciate quality and support America. Together we can spark a revolution. Hat tip to www.Swiss-Miss.com for the idea!
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $15 or more
840 backers
You get 1 pair of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BRIEFS, in the color and size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US. BONUS: We’ll throw in a box of matches too.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $36 or more
2618 backers
You get 3 pairs of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BREIFS in the 1 COLOR and size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US. BONUS: We’ll throw in a bunch boxes of matches too.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $36 or more
245 backers
NEW OPTION (5/17): 1 SHIRT & 1 PAIR OF UNDERWEAR. You get 1 PREMIUM T in the style and size of your choice, plus 1 pair of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BRIEFS (trunk length or standard) in the COLOR and size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US. BONUS: We’ll throw in a some matches too. This is the perfect way to sample a variety of great American-made wears.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $75 or more
387 backers
NEW OPTION (5/17): 2 SHIRTS & 3 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR. You get 2 PREMIUM T's in the style and size of your choice, plus 3 pairs of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BRIEFS (trunk length or standard - pick just 1 style please for all 3 pairs) in the COLORS (could be multiple) and size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US. BONUS: We’ll throw in several boxes of matches too. This is the perfect way to round out your collection with a variety of great American-made wears.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $75 or more
697 backers
You get 7 pairs of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BREIFS in ALL 7 COLORS (one of each) in the size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US. BONUS: We’ll throw in a bunch of boxes of matches too.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $125 or more
262 backers
NEW OPTION (5/17): 3 SHIRTS & 6 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR. A make-your-own collection-type mixed pack. You get 3 PREMIUM T's in the style and size of your choice, plus 6 pairs of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BRIEFS (trunk length or standard - pick as many styles as you like) in the COLORS (could be multiple) and size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US (just one address please). BONUS: We’ll throw in several boxes of matches too. This is the perfect way to round out your collection with a variety of great American-made wears and/or share the joy with friends and family.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $125 or more
425 backers
You get an ASSORTMENT PACK OF YOUR OWN DESIGN consisting of 12 pairs of premium men’s BRIEFS, BOXERS, or BOXER-BREIFS (you can pick how many of each) in WHICHEVER OF OUR 7 COLORS YOU CHOOSE (all one color, a few of some but none of another, whatever makes you happy) in the size of your choice, shipped anywhere in the US. Makes a great gift for a guy in need of an upgrade! BONUS: We’ll throw in a bunch of boxes of matches too.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $3,600 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
You get 365 pairs of premium men’s underwear. That's enough to wear a new pair every day for a year! Each will come individually boxed and can be given as gifts as we will gladly send you assorted sizes, styles and colors, per your specifications. And loads of matches. This isn’t a joke though; it’s an opportunity. Select this option and sleep easy knowing you’ve literally given almost 4 people jobs this month! BONUS: Our website (and hopefully stores one day) will feature a Wall of Heroes. On it will be pictures of the people and things that inspire us – Rocky, the original Ford Bronco, etc etc… and YOU! We’ll even pay to have a classy portrait taken at your convenience.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
Comments
Creator Kayote on December 31
So, guy likes them. Wants more. I'm sad to see the distinctive styling of the white in front go away, and I hope the redesign is as comofortable as what we go. However, it's the price that gave me the most pause. How did the $18 listed here turn into $22?
Creator Joao Gabriel Pereira Schutze on May 21, 2012
Are you shipping to anywhere?
Creator Kayote on May 20, 2012
Printed or outside. Help prevent label-rippers from removing the washing instructions, or at least the fabric content so I can guess the washing instructions (eyes people in the household).
Creator David Colera on May 19, 2012
I love this idea! Thank you for doing this.
My question for you is: Have you been contacted or contacted cafepress or any of the online personalized t-shirt manufactures to see if they are interested in American made products?
Creator Robert Kochanowicz on May 19, 2012
my undershirt vote: deep v necks and generous length. i like long undershirts, so a couple extra inches would be awesome.
Creator alexrohm on May 19, 2012
I agree with Steve Lionel on making the v-necks deeper!
Creator Christopher W Ganshaw on May 19, 2012
I would love to see a pocket T. Even one with the Logo on the pocket.
Flint and Tinder, putting America back to work.
Flint and Tinder, sparking the economy.
Flint and Tinder, Quality, Value, American.
Creator Wontaek Choe on May 18, 2012
i like my $125 boxer order, but would like to add some shirts on top of that. when will you offer these retail? thanks.
Creator Steve Lionel on May 18, 2012
I just signed up at the $75 level for briefs and T-shirts. One request I have is that the V-neck shirts have a deeper V than you show in the picture. With the shallow V, it may as well be a crew-neck and it shows behind a shirt - looks silly. I also hope the shirts are long enough for us tall guys.
Creator Louis Friedl on May 18, 2012
Have already pledge $36.00 for the underwear to try out product...would like individual pricing on t shirts...as with most t shirts the length is short for my build...I usually have to find a brand that fits or some brands offer large/tall...would consider ordering t shirts with proper length...I am 6' 2"...195lbs...please respond ...Thanks!
Creator Georg_GH on May 18, 2012
I'm with Hanwei and Jeff - the 12 pair underwear level is too good to give up; yet an option to add T-shirts (and the widespread support is obviously there) would make it even better - and less confusing!
Creator Jeff Warner on May 18, 2012
I'm with them...leave the original pledge alone and offer another pledge for the t-shirts...too confusing otherwise. Jake, you obviously have the backing, we're all gnawing at the bit to get your product and you've had great publicity. T-shirt option please. Need the briefs.
Creator Hanwei Hsieh on May 18, 2012
Oh man... okay. Looks like reward options won't be changing. I'd really like a few shirts but not at the expense of half of the boxer briefs (my current underwear wardrobe needs to be replaced ASAP it's not even funny). Unless we're allowed to combine different rewards and increase our pledges it looks like I'll have to stick with my 12 boxer briefs. Still excited to get them though!
Creator Leo S on May 18, 2012
I'm with Lawrence, altough it makes it seem that we're not getting as good a deal (per pcs) as the other all-briefs combo. How about a separate kickstarter for the tshirt? It would give you more time to prepare and won't 'mess up' the briefs calculations....
Creator Lawrence Wong on May 18, 2012
Okay then. will you allow us to select the new "3 SHIRTS & 6 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR" option and pledge 250 to get two sets? If your'e good with that arrangement, I will certainly go that route too.
Creator Jake Bronstein on May 18, 2012
Herbert: Shirts are 100% SUPIMA cotton.
Karl: I understand. Just be sure to leave us your email at GetFlintandTinder.com so we can send you a note when things change.
Leo: It's taken a lot of work and coordination to come up with the various levels and what they include. Sorry about that, but we're fighting hard to insure 4,988 happy backers. The t-shirt play is a big part of that - if enough people switch, productivity in the cut and sew where we can now run multiple lines shoots way up - but it's all for not if we lose that steam in the pick and pack by adding complexity.
Let me know if there's anything else we can do though.
Creator Herbert Kloiber on May 18, 2012
how are the shirts cut? same mix 95%/5% spandex?
Creator Karl Thomsen on May 18, 2012
I'm afraid I am going to have to cancel my pledge if the woven boxers are going away. I hate to do it but the knit is something I've tried and not been down with. Back to Brooks Brothers, I guess. Good luck with your project and let me know if you ever go back to the woven boxers.
Creator Leo S on May 18, 2012
Let's do a $199 pledge level for 12 briefs and 5 shirts ;)
Creator Leo S on May 18, 2012
Yep, me too.
I want my cake and eat it too.
Creator Ryan Nahapetian on May 17, 2012
I kind of agree with the others. I'd love to keep my reward as is, the 12 pairs of skivvies are a must. A separate reward level for just t-shirts would rock. I'd order up at least a half-dozen or more. I'm stoked to try out these new undies. I wish i could afford the 365 option!
Creator Greg Lindsley on May 17, 2012
+1 with Hanwei and Lawrence. I want to add shirts without sacrificing the boxers. Very cool!
Creator Lawrence Wong on May 17, 2012
I'm also in the boat where I would like to keep my 125 pledge for a dozen pairs of boxer briefs, but just want to add shirts to my pledge. Perhaps you can have a pledge level to allow us to combine multiple pledge rewards? This is an awesome update btw!
Creator Hanwei Hsieh on May 17, 2012
Hey Jake... If I'm already a $125 backer, and want to switch to the new option that includes shirts, but don't want to lose half of the boxer-briefs, can I add $36 to my pledge and also check off the $36/3 boxer-brief reward in addition to the $125 new option award? This would give me a total of 9 pairs of boxer-briefs and 3 shirts. Please let me know if this is possible! Or... like some others have mentioned, adding just a shirts option would be great for those of us who don't want to lose any boxer briefs. Thanks and I think what you're doing here is GREAT!
Creator Jake Bronstein on May 17, 2012
David: On the 22nd they'll let us start working on the survey to send out to collect that info. Ideally, we'll send it out that very same day... but, having never seen the back-end controls of the form, it might take another day to get it right. So by the 23rd at the latest. Hopefully that clears up any confusion.
Creator David Mink on May 17, 2012
When will you take orders for sizes and colors?
Creator Dick Hardt on May 17, 2012
You need to add a NEW OPTION for those of use that chose the $125 pledge that would like to get some shirts as well.
Creator Don Randall on May 17, 2012
I'd consider grabbing some shirts if it came emblazoned with a nifty logo.....see what years of wearing concert shirts will do to ya! On the fence here with the shirts....w/ summer upon us....any thermals in the works?
Creator Jeff on May 17, 2012
Jake
When I initially made my small pledge i was super enthusiastic about a quality brief from a U.S. manufacturer that I could buy direct at a reasonable price That's what I read (or wanted to read) in your proposal. I' really don't require rainbow colors, retail packaging or a wide variety of styles and fabrics. These all create inventory issues and higher costs. I'm certainly willing to pay a premium for an "American Made" quality product, but I may balk at a 100% premium. I think you're on to something huge here, but I urge you to stick to your original concept and not try to do too much too fast - Retired in NC.
Creator Paul Selby on May 17, 2012
I'm excited for the shirts. I upped my pledge!
Creator Jake Bronstein on May 17, 2012
Don: There's no shame in being excited. I know a lot of folks in PA at the moment who think this all pretty cool.
In light of our selling more than 7X the amount of underwear I told the factory would be required when they first set the timeline, we are pushing all orders from a June ship date to July. While we will likely ship in waves (meaning some people will get theirs a bit sooner than others) in the interest of fairness, the line at the moment is "all order will go out by the end of July." I hope this isn't a deal breaker but I understand if it is. It's part of the reason I wanted to send the update while backers could, still (*gulp*) cancel their orders if they wished.
Creator Don Randall on May 17, 2012
Confused a bit....if I stick w/ original pledge ( $125 - all shorts ) will delivery still be in June or ALL pledges pushed to end of July? Is it weirdly A.D.D to be SO excited about underwear?
Creator Jake Bronstein on May 17, 2012
Mark: I'm so embarrassed. I even got it proof read by friends... then made a last second typo in entering. Ugh. I'm scared that if I re-post though, it'll feel like spam.
Ryan: Color will come one day. But we've got to start somewhere.
Creator John Burns on May 17, 2012
I had to double down on my pledge. Thanks for the opportunity to buy in!
Creator Mark on May 17, 2012
Email said LOST of Important Info, not LOTS of Important Info.
Should send out a correction. Made me think you lost info.
Creator Ryan Robicheaux on May 17, 2012
i'd love a shirt, but i want some COLOR
Creator Richard L. Hill III on May 17, 2012
Heck yes, shirts! Can't afford now, but can't wait to see what you do in the future. I'll be watching.