Ozone Instinct & California

[fearlu]

I used to know a windsurfing rep from Minnesota named Mark Robinson-- not you is it?

If it were, you would probably already know the "demand curve equation and it's variables". Others have noted, it is first led by visibility (I'm a regular rider and have never seen an Instinct) then by reputation (I know you've had a demo but that's just the first of what will need to be many opportunities for consumers to try them) then by public endorsement and advertising ("my friend loves his and it's in the mags") then by demand at the consumer level to the retailer ("do you guys carry...?"). If it's that good, you should be on the beach (at least with a tech rep) at every crowded weekend venue you can handle. Demand will need to be earned one rider at a time and it ain't like selling tents, believe me. The market is very small and driven by fashion and uncertainty ("am I riding a cool kite?") and the road to market share is tedious I'm sure. But, you've got the dream job as you know.

My advice (after selling wholesale sporting goods for many years in my youth) is to stick to the numbers. If you can rep Quiksilver or Kelty or Nike or O'Neill, why bother pioneering something else. (Just my $.02 based on years of observation, not intended to bum you out about the momentum issue.)

That said, I'd like to try one! The problem is saying "I'll be at Sherman on Tuesday" when it's blowing like stink at the coast! (Or vice versa.)Maybe just show up and pump up your demos (with a flag or two) where it's really windy? Hand out beer (and waiver forms) and you're in! I'll need a large size please.

[windhorny]

I think the unfortunate reality is that you have possibly the best bow kite on the market but released at the end of the season and when the bow craze has been bought up by most people that knew they wanted one from day one. There will be the beginner market that is always growing. As a safety issue-especially with a bow that wont invert- all beginners/advanced riders will be interested in it. I think you really need to get a local dealer. I have flown the ozone razors from way back and the instinct, I have complete confidence in Ozone's abilities BUT the first thought to go through my head was "what if I have a problem, where do I go.?" "How do I get one?" If KWS wont/cant carry ozone products then talk to the boardsports girls. It seems Naish is pulling out anyways so it would be good for them to have a new manufacturer. And since they teach all beginners, a bow that didnt invert would be perfect.