Here is the letter
This a form letter-
333 may not make it. We have worked to achieve a level of quality and customer service, unprecedented in this industry. We made this attempt with no money, inside a recycled box. We have received praise for which we are thankful. Not for one minute have myself, Kristin and crew given anything less than full effort. Our attempt to deal with the volume, develop quality control on our manufacturing platform, and provide an educational website, have all fallen short.
We think in order for this company to move forward, we have to do the following:
· Ensure that we provide every last bit of information of what you get when you buy a test ski or 333 ski
· Of the 227 steps we have to take to build a set of skis we do it meticulously with out compromise
· Pull any ski out of a production loop if it falls below our baseline standard
· Build in 5 unit batches, which will allow us to identify and correct problems quickly and with minimal repercussion
· To work with clients who have the willingness and patience to fully support our effort
· To ask customers who have placed an order who can not fully support our effort to cancel their order
· If you need your skis now or by a certain date, or by a certain month, you should cancel your order
· We’ll only ship skis that meet our baseline level. There will be no refunds. If there is a performance related problem, we will listen and go to great lengths to resolve it. If there is any other problem, we will listen and go to great lengths to resolve it. As a customer, if there is a problem you must also listen and go to great lengths to resolve it.
We have over 500 orders, we anticipate loosing 480. We’re taking a risk, but then again this whole damn thing is a risk. We hope there are at least 20 good customers who we will build 20 sets of soul built skis for. For the 480 we think we’re going to loose, we sincerely apologize for having wasted your time.
We are updating the site to give you a clear understanding of our baseline quality. We are going to build in small batches and ramp up our batch capabilities and possibly even become one of the most powerful manufacturing platforms in the industry. We will take small steps, but we’re going to learn how to take them fast.
If you want to support us, and I don’t mean order a set of skis from us. I mean if you want to support our principals, values and effort, then please be kind enough to inform us you are on board, that you want us to build you your skis. If you cannot or do not wish to fully support us, you need not reply to this email. We will cancel your order. If you wish to complain or bitch I will throw your email away, never read it, and cancel your order.
This is a radical approach and a radical solution. The only way 333 is going to survive is if we are given the time to grow correctly. Our only other option is to sell out on our principals. I’m not willing to do that.
Of the customers that stick it out with us, wish us luck. We’re going to make history, or die trying. Drop us an email, let Kristin and the crew and I know if you’re on board.
Once we have received notice from the people who have hopped on board, we’re going to build each ski with a meticulous attention to detail. If any part of the ski falls out of tolerance, we will pull it from the batch and put it into the next batch with full correction. As we develop ways to streamline the process for efficiencies we will increase our production rate. Once our platform is efficient and quality controlled, we will develop the apprenticeship program and 333 satellite program to accommodate more orders.
One thing is for damn sure, we are going to figure this out. When we do we’ll have some of the finest customers and the ability to make a very good set of skis for a working person’s wage.
We’re going to give it all away. We will remain transparent and give the next generation a business model with integrity, pride in American manufacturing, and all the knowledge 333 has earned.
