Hi Peter !!
I am sorry to join the hype about you simplifying your product line, but even as I think this might not be appropriate for me to make suggestions concerning your business, I still have to add my thoughts. I just have to.
here's my example of an extremely simple arrangement while adding some extra variety on the "freak-end" of the line.
"basic" means the versions available to the general public through the standard distributors worldwide.
"advanced" should only be available through ArcLights to simplify distribution, ordering and especially reduce confusion amongst the normal consumers (a very important point if you want to sell soemthing).
1. Arc LS
basic:
Arc LS with std. battery pack
just one version, that should be enough. the little difference between LSH and LSL is not worth the confusion and work invested. no one except CPF should even notice a difference.
the standard battery pack is a choice of yours and might include the Kroll (which I personally do not like, but that is of no importance here).of course I mean an 123 pack.
advanced:
other battery packs
- P-123 for a very small size and alomst keychain-like appearance
- TSP-123
- TSP2AA
- 1AA since there might really be someone around to buy it ...
- future ideas, e.g. rechargeable etc.
alternate heads:
- LSH head
- alternate colors, esp. Cyan being liked quite a lot around
2. Arc AAA
basic:
Arc AAA standard anodize
only one kind of anodize, e.g. black or natural, should be sufficient. it is not because of the housing color that anyone would decide against buying an Arc.
in addition to that the LE-version is not necessary, since the improvements of the beam are not even visible to CPFlers and are a source of constant confusion and misunderstandings, just like the LSH and LSP-trouble in addition to the same problem with the Premium versions versus standard LS.
Arc AAA white
Arc AAA turquoise
Arc AAA UV
I would include the turquoise and UV versions because they do have uses and add variety without adding too much complexity.
advanced:
nothing fixed, maybe special runs from time to time
Thus you would end with the following very simple basic line like this:
- Arc LS
- Arc AAA white
- Arc AAA turquoise
- Arc AAA UV
and the advanced options would include all the rest and maybe some beta-test-versions for the CPF freaks.
IMHO this would eliminate a lot of misunderstandings and disappointments on customer side while simplyfying the production along with the costs on producer side. In addition to that the "standard-user" or non-flashaholic could buy an Arc LS and would know what it is and does without having to study "Arc-ism" first while the true CPFlers could still benefit from all the variations you could possibly offer. and finally, for the advanced line, you could change and modify that one according to your needs and the success of the products without affecting the general distribution standards of ArcLights since you would be the only one to sell those items. and using the advanced line as a beta-test center would't be that bad either.
so again, sorry for poining out ideas where I should normally shut my big mouth ... I only dared doing this because you are so open to CPF and it's ideas and because I felt it was necessary because of a lot of threads with confusion and disappointment where showing up recently, where none was necessary if things were clearer.
Arc lights are one of the best available and shouldn't be misunderstood because of such minor marketing issues. and I really would hate to see Arc in trouble because of trying to be too good to everyone.
the average customer is not A CPF-freak and should be treated accordinigly so that he/she buys your product. and you are right, simplicity is the key.
the CPF-guys would have their advanced-line they could be happy with and exchange ideas about and acquire "special items" and limited runs made for specialists IF you can find the time and the recources. this could reduce the stress and pressure on your back if all this is truly optional ...
keep up the great work, Peter!!!
bernhard
I am sorry to join the hype about you simplifying your product line, but even as I think this might not be appropriate for me to make suggestions concerning your business, I still have to add my thoughts. I just have to.
here's my example of an extremely simple arrangement while adding some extra variety on the "freak-end" of the line.
"basic" means the versions available to the general public through the standard distributors worldwide.
"advanced" should only be available through ArcLights to simplify distribution, ordering and especially reduce confusion amongst the normal consumers (a very important point if you want to sell soemthing).
1. Arc LS
basic:
Arc LS with std. battery pack
just one version, that should be enough. the little difference between LSH and LSL is not worth the confusion and work invested. no one except CPF should even notice a difference.
the standard battery pack is a choice of yours and might include the Kroll (which I personally do not like, but that is of no importance here).of course I mean an 123 pack.
advanced:
other battery packs
- P-123 for a very small size and alomst keychain-like appearance
- TSP-123
- TSP2AA
- 1AA since there might really be someone around to buy it ...
- future ideas, e.g. rechargeable etc.
alternate heads:
- LSH head
- alternate colors, esp. Cyan being liked quite a lot around
2. Arc AAA
basic:
Arc AAA standard anodize
only one kind of anodize, e.g. black or natural, should be sufficient. it is not because of the housing color that anyone would decide against buying an Arc.
in addition to that the LE-version is not necessary, since the improvements of the beam are not even visible to CPFlers and are a source of constant confusion and misunderstandings, just like the LSH and LSP-trouble in addition to the same problem with the Premium versions versus standard LS.
Arc AAA white
Arc AAA turquoise
Arc AAA UV
I would include the turquoise and UV versions because they do have uses and add variety without adding too much complexity.
advanced:
nothing fixed, maybe special runs from time to time
Thus you would end with the following very simple basic line like this:
- Arc LS
- Arc AAA white
- Arc AAA turquoise
- Arc AAA UV
and the advanced options would include all the rest and maybe some beta-test-versions for the CPF freaks.
IMHO this would eliminate a lot of misunderstandings and disappointments on customer side while simplyfying the production along with the costs on producer side. In addition to that the "standard-user" or non-flashaholic could buy an Arc LS and would know what it is and does without having to study "Arc-ism" first while the true CPFlers could still benefit from all the variations you could possibly offer. and finally, for the advanced line, you could change and modify that one according to your needs and the success of the products without affecting the general distribution standards of ArcLights since you would be the only one to sell those items. and using the advanced line as a beta-test center would't be that bad either.
so again, sorry for poining out ideas where I should normally shut my big mouth ... I only dared doing this because you are so open to CPF and it's ideas and because I felt it was necessary because of a lot of threads with confusion and disappointment where showing up recently, where none was necessary if things were clearer.
Arc lights are one of the best available and shouldn't be misunderstood because of such minor marketing issues. and I really would hate to see Arc in trouble because of trying to be too good to everyone.
the average customer is not A CPF-freak and should be treated accordinigly so that he/she buys your product. and you are right, simplicity is the key.
the CPF-guys would have their advanced-line they could be happy with and exchange ideas about and acquire "special items" and limited runs made for specialists IF you can find the time and the recources. this could reduce the stress and pressure on your back if all this is truly optional ...
keep up the great work, Peter!!!
bernhard
