Post by: X-Force on December 06, 2017, 04:09:43 PM
http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/1512516892f41ths36xqu (http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/1512516892f41ths36xqu)
Ketchum, ID- First Lite, a brand synonymous with premium gear, design innovation, and active conservation announced its shift towards a direct-to-consumer sales model. Beginning with the 2018 season, First Lite products will be available exclusively at firstlite.com and select third party marketplaces including Amazon.com and others.
"After careful consideration, thorough analysis and a great deal of discussion we've decided to restructure our distribution model to position the company to best serve our customers and distribute our premium product where and how they--the end customer--want," said Kenton Carruth, First Lite Co-CEO. "This move will allow First Lite to continue to innovate new technologies and support our conservation efforts while also directly serving the customer exactly how they want to be served. Ultimately, we are letting our customers dictate the direction of the brand instead of the other way around."
"We understand that this will impact many long-standing partners and we are committed to taking the appropriate steps to help ease the transition for our current dealers," explains Carruth. "We could not be more thankful and appreciative to the retail partners who have supported and believed in us over the past ten years."
Established in 2007, First Lite has grown a direct relationship with consumers since its inception and has seen its business move organically in that direction more and more every year. As the company completes this transition, First Lite will work directly with effected partners on tailor made business solutions, while continuing to focus on its value equation for consumers; the best gear on the market at the best possible price, unparalleled customer service and an industry leading warranty.
For more information please contact info@firstlite.com.
About First Lite
Born in the Rockies, at First Lite our mission is to create simple, proven, versatile gear that provides comfort and performance in any situation, while working to promote the pursuit of ethical hunting and stewardship. For more information visit https://www.firstlite.com.
Post by: Special T on December 06, 2017, 04:18:04 PM
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Post by: kentrek on December 07, 2017, 08:26:38 AM
Kind of the business model that lots of products take now. They rely on the retailers to build up a brand, then chase the profits of direct selling.
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:yeah: and then tell the customers that theyre the ones getting the slice of the pie
Post by: Special T on December 07, 2017, 08:56:51 AM
Which is half true. I'm unsure of the margins but let's say there is a 40% markup. Maybe it's higher or lower doesn't matter. If they cut out the retailer sell direct and say it will save consumers and they reduce the end use cost by 20%... they are also making extra by the same ammount.Kind of the business model that lots of products take now. They rely on the retailers to build up a brand, then chase the profits of direct selling.
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:yeah: and then tell the customers that theyre the ones getting the slice of the pie
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Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 07, 2017, 09:04:27 AM
Post by: lewy on December 07, 2017, 09:08:19 AM
Post by: KopperBuck on December 07, 2017, 09:10:49 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on December 07, 2017, 09:33:00 AM
I've heard they make you pay return shipping. Any truth to that? I'm not interested in sending back a bunch of stuff while trying to figure out what fits best, especially at the price tag.I have paid for my shipping on all my returns.
Post by: Special T on December 07, 2017, 09:40:23 AM
In this new paradigm there may be a shorter lifecycle for these kinds of businesses. What retailers are going to want to invest heavily in brands that may not be with you for very long
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Post by: yakimanoob on December 09, 2017, 12:58:52 PM
I'm unsure of the margins but let's say there is a 40% markup. Maybe it's higher or lower doesn't matter. If they cut out the retailer sell direct and say it will save consumers and they reduce the end use cost by 20%... they are also making extra by the same ammount.
That'd be cool, but when was the last time you saw a brand drop its prices by 20%??
Post by: Stein on December 09, 2017, 01:50:00 PM
If they could reduce their prices significantly, it could help them significantly.
Post by: Jason on December 09, 2017, 01:56:47 PM
It don't matter what they do now if they don't drop their prices down. The advantage they had for their higher prices was that you could find their clothing in the stores and be able to try them on and buy them their.I'm unsure of the margins but let's say there is a 40% markup. Maybe it's higher or lower doesn't matter. If they cut out the retailer sell direct and say it will save consumers and they reduce the end use cost by 20%... they are also making extra by the same ammount.
That'd be cool, but when was the last time you saw a brand drop its prices by 20%??
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 09, 2017, 03:40:27 PM