"Tell everyone close to you about your project or product" Forest Watches Tells Kickstarte
Introduce us to your business, how you got the idea, and how you sourced any materials.
About two years ago, Adam came up with : “Alex, i want to start a company with you, and i want to make watches.” Since then, we studied what there was on the market, and we started our research for an original design (we did multiple in fact). From the market study, we found that too much of the affordable watches looked the same, with a generic style but different dials. We came up with a model that was truly ours, that would please everyone, and that is minimal enough without being bland and soulless. Once the design set, we searched for a manufacturer, and we fine-tuned the design of the parts with him.
How did you go about manufacturing your product, as that is a major obstacle for many entrepreneurs?
This part was not the major obstacle for us because of our background in Industrial design (product design), we are aware of the process. The design was handled mostly by Alexandre, and we worked with our manufacturer to fine tune the parts. Therefore, the product development, especially the first prototypes, were longer than expected.
How do you handle the logistics and inventory management of a crowd funding campaign, not knowing how much product you will end up needing?
As it is watches, it’s not going to be a big problem having to store it. Also, everything is ready aside from the order that will be sent once the kickstarter will be finished. We are using it to gauge the public response, and to order the right amount of each model.
Tell us about the backend of your business and if there is any online tools or apps you use to stay organized?
As we are about 250km apart, the best tool for us is our phones, to stay connected. And aside from the 3D and creative software used to design the watch, we use shopify for the website platform. It is super easy to use and is very complete to build an online store. We also rely on google drive (and docs), which allow us to work at the same time on shared documents.
How have you been able to get the word out about your product? Any direct or online marketing tips?
As every blog and websites about crowdfunding will say, tell everyone close to you about your project or product. They will help you, and probably more than you might think. Therefore, sometimes when your goals are a higher, you may have to rely on social medias, like facebook, instagram, twitter. This part was entirely new for us, and we didn’t expected it to be our biggest challenge.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To stay active on social medias as much as possible, and to keep your kickstarter page alive with updates and comments reply.
What tips do you have for crowd funders and entrepreneurs, from making a crowd funding video to making a website and selling product?
Even if you have a nice product, don’t wait for people to come for you. You need to be seen as much as possible, from social medias to advertisements (if needed).
Lastly, what should consumers know about your product that is different from what is already on the market?
We are a designers-owned company, which mean we sell a product that is truly ours, with quality materials, at a decent price to remain affordable. Too much of the other watches on the market are made from the same design, and materials used are not as great or as durable as they should be.
Thanks so much for talking with us!
-The Create Team
