OK - boat heading forward it is. Nope, no poll - if I've learned anything from watching this issue develop over the years, it's that making executive decisions will actually get the job done. Taking into account user input, of course...don't want that to sound too much like "my way or the highway"...
So, a couple updates and thoughts on the ordering process.
First up - the size is going to be 12"x18", not 10"x15" as mentioned originally. It has been determined in speaking with several designers, that 10"x15" is really more for dinghy sized boats, not to mention too much detail will be lost.
Second - price. Burgees will be $30/each, with a flat rate of $6 shipping no matter how many are purchased. This is not my actual cost - when all is said and done, it's a little more than $2 per burgee in my pocket. I'm not doing this to make money, but I do want a small buffer to cover anything unexpected - I'm just not in a position to go in the hole on this deal.
Third - payment arrangements. 50% down will be required from the vendor prior to ordering, and given this is coming out of my pocket - I need some assurance orders will be fulfilled. Of equal importance, I'd prefer to have something easy and streamlined when it comes to sending out the actual burgees...with near 100 of them going out, having something uniform in place that is easily queried and tracked would really help me out.
My preference is, to use a payment service and have everyone pay 100% up front. Yes, I only need 50% up front prior to ordering...but it will add significantly to my efforts if I have to follow up with folks for final payment. As a site admin, I have access to everyone's email address who expressed interest, so I can email bulk invoices easily.
While a payment service will take a cut of the final price compared to sending me checks, it provides a valuable service to both of us. For me, it provides an electronic record in one place of who has paid, along with their shipping addresses that can easily be sent to USPS for label/shipment processing. For you, it allows you to dispute the charge if/when I take all your money and put it towards a TomCat. If you are really opposed or are unable to use a credit/debit card, we can work something out - but I'd like to keep those to a minimum.
While there might be cheaper options, I'd plan on shipping everything via USPS Priority flat rate packages. Again, for simplicity - shipping charges will be uniform resulting in identical delivered prices for everyone, and tracking will be provided. With one exception - my guess is, we've got some Canucks in the list who will want burgees. Y'all know who you are, and also know shipping costs more across the border. Actual shipping cost for you folks, or if you're coming to the SBS in January - we can probably arrange to hand them over in person to save you $$.
If the above sounds like a plan, it bears repeating the expected timeline:
- Approximately 2-3 weeks for me to get the sample
- Assuming approval, another 4-5 weeks for delivery of the bulk order
- Upon arrival to me, I'll try and get everything shipped out within a week
So, conservatively - it may be as long as 9-10 weeks after you order before receiving your burgee. That's probably in time for Christmas. Perhaps shorter, but no promises.
Let's get going on this. If you have feedback on the above, or want to remove your name from the list - please do so ASAP. I'd like to order the sample next Monday, 10/21.