JP, that PR seemed as honestly optimistic as it could or should be.
The product is beginning to be "distributed." Repeat orders are what really counts now. At this point that's what will cause this to fly or not. Does the public BUY this product (?) is what we are now waiting for. If the shelves go empty, the stores will call for more. That's where we’re at and that’s how it works at this point.
If there were stores in my town (and there are not) that carried this product, I'd buy it every day and send my family in (each separately) to buy it. I'd spend a hundred or two hundred dollars, and stack it in my garage so that the retailer would quickly place another order. That's just me being enthusiastic and attempting to prime the pump. I’ve done it before when I wanted them to carry something and when they finally did, I wanted to be certain that it didn’t appear to be a mistake, while waiting for the public to notice this new item.
I do hope to persuade one of our local food store chains to order some or these drinks but today they don't carry them.
From the testimony of this board, ...the product is widely liked and appreciated for excellent quality. They also have exceptionally attractive packaging, ...the new sign is terrific, very appealing, ... all in good taste, ... what's missing?? Volume of sales. Exposure to the general public.
Certain markets will buy this and others will not. The certified Yuppies will take to these products like a puppy goes for gravy. But people have to be introduced and they will have to see it more than once. Few will pick it up during their first exposure on a shopping trip.
I’m encouraged and hopeful. A good product always has a good shot at success. I like what I see.
I would expect the Japanese consumer to receive these products well in Japan. Affluent, health-conscious people are the focus.
And wouldn't it be great if we could ship thousands of cases to our own troops overseas.
