Update: I'm working on getting the pre-order page ready on my website. Shipping is going to be a struggle as the quoted shipping rates (using my FedEx/UPS accounts BTW) differ from the "real-time" quotes and the actual prices I receive when I attempt to print out a shipping label. On top of that, my host (rebel.com) wants me to connect my already linked shipping accounts to shippo so I can have a service print the label (additional charges apply). I'm most likely going to limit the shipping choice to either UPS or FedEx - I don't want the hassle of different accounts and different drop off locations. If someone needs one or the other I can ship with either but I'm leaning FedEx now because I'm familiar with their website and process.
I'm currently working with UPS to see what kind of rates they can give me as a small business but it doesn't appear so far to justify switching over from FedEx. What I am most likely going to have to do is take the real-time quotes and add a flat rate on top of them to reflect my actual costs. It will be a small fee added in to help average my actual costs to even.
I still haven't received the sample unit from the fabricator and I'm quite frustrated. I'm receiving another package from them tomorrow that hopefully will have the main unit so I can get photographs taken and update the website.
Lastly, I want to say thanks to everyone for their support and enthusiasm as I know there have been delays (par for the course) and challenges along the way. With that said however, I've experienced a few unforeseen expenses in the last week or so that I didn't account for when calculating the final cost of the S401. I will not be raising the price from $165.00 but I wanted to be on the record that I'm officially negative some small amount of money on each unit. I'm hoping there will be enough custom side panel work to help me offset the losses because the margin on the custom work is much greater than that of the standard case. The removable handle will also be selling at a loss because of a communication problem between myself and the fabricator on how much in total it would cost to produce. The short of it was that I didn't communicate to them the need to have the hex bar cut, drilled, and tapped to fasten to the bracket they made and so I only factored in the cost of the bracket, fasteners, and raw hex stock. Having the shop cut, drill, tap, and paint each hex bar added over $9/ea to the cost. I only had 60 units made so once they are sold out, I probably won't be selling any more.
The next newsletter will mark the opening of the pre-orders. I will have at least 3 different packages to choose from (Basic, Custom 1, and Custom 2) with varying accessories and options to choose from.
Thanks for reading this wall of text, but things are progressing and as a reminder, according to the PO I sent to the fabricator the first shipment of cases will arrive the week of September 10. After that, it will be mayhem for me as I try to keep up with orders. I'm looking forward to it.
P.S. I need someone to give me feedback on the pre-order process and options (as well as the look and description on the website). If you can help me with this PM me. Thanks!
