Hello /r/throwers! It’s been a month to the day since I started putting any formal plans together for Spool Thread Co. In that time I have mailed test models out to about 10-15 testers, received feedback, and changed as needed. I initially planned on a 2nd round of testing but decided to skip as I thought the feedback and subsequent changes addressed all concerns that were actually addressable. This morning I got the batch of “thank you” string to all the testers based in the United States mailed out. I still have 2 international shipments to make (one tomorrow), but the other will take a bit longer, so thats on a different timeline. This is basically what I consider the end of testing and going final.
During this time I was asked by Offset to provide the strings for their first official drop the M1. It will come with 3 Spool Thread Co. strings (fat). I don’t know if they have publicly said anything about the colors, so I will keep that to myself for now, and let them share that info when they deem needed. On top of that there has been interest shown by various other parties of all kinds. Some of these details I hope to share with you soon!
Not so bad for the first month!
So that leads me to the most common question I have received thus far from the general public; “When, and how, can I get some?” (usually followed by “...and for how much?).
While I am still getting a ton of the formalities together, like logo/label design (which hasnt been started), a website (which hasn't been started) in conjunction with an online store to stock the more popular color ways (which hasnt been started), and all the backend business stuff to make it real and legit (which has actually been partially started) I wanted to start to get this into the hands of the general public. Taking after a resturaunt, I’m thinking of doing sort of a soft open.
I’m not really sure on anything final in the end, but for the soft open, my idea is around the number 5:
$5 5 Strings 5 choices of colors (basically 4 colorways, or choice of solid). 5 Days to order (though i guess this would change if there was no interest or too much interest)
This would be a flat fee and only be available to those in the US. Any international parties will be entertained, but you will need to pay the overage on shipping - and it would just be basic shipping. Nothing fancy like first class insured tracking - unless you are willing to pay that amount, of course). In the end I think the final price for a 5 pack would be more along the lines of 6.50 or maybe do 10 packs for 10 bucks.
This would be locked to 1 order per person (verified via shipping address and email address) and would be mailed out as they are made. My idea is just create a google form and contact people in the order they are received as I can make them - and make them as soon as I get the paypal confirmation.
I know this may seem expensive to some as it boils down to $1 a string (a bit less when you factor in postage and materials) so I’ll explain a bit. The string is 100% nylon. It’s not the typical nylons used on most, if any, string. It’s different than regular thread, and costs more due to this difference. Compared to polyester I get less of it per spool as well. So from the get go, the materials cost a bit more, for less. Everything involved is US made. None of the products are coming from Japan, Mexico, China, Malaysia, or the Phillipines. As you all know with most things, that comes with a bigger cost, this is no different. These things are also way more durable than your run of the mill string. Where as I was replacing string after 2-4 hours of use - I am changing it out now every 12 hours of use, and that's usually because I’ve been bored with the color, and not the wear and tear.
Please leave a comment with what you think, and if it seems like some people are on board I’ll get this all finalized and posted around Wednesday.
