Last Day! $55K and climbing...
over 7 years ago – Mon, Oct 16, 2017 at 06:40:38 PM

Hey Everyone! 

Thank you so much for being part of our community of backers launching the Napier Jigger. Over the weekend we flew past our $50k stretch goal, so we'll be making the Napier with both ounce and milliliter measurements. (hooray!)

Kickstarter LIVE

Live countdown tonight: about 30 minutes before the project ends (6:30ish Pacific time). We love meeting our backers, so feel free to drop by online and say hi. We'll show off some of our tools, Jigger samples, and answer questions.  Make a cocktail and cheers with us to a great Kickstarter!

JOIN & Submit Questions: LIVE: Happy Hour Kickstarter Countdown and Q&A

Add-ons & Surveys

Just a reminder (because it keeps coming up)- you can add additional items to your pledge in Kickstarter. There are detailed step-by step instructions in our project FAQ, so check it out! 

No additional shipping is required for Add-ons via Kickstarter, which we're doing to try to keep costs down (especially for our international backers, where shipping can get expensive).

You'll be able to specify in our post-Kickstarter survey exactly what your add-on funds are for, which will help us keep things straight. Surveys will be sent in a few weeks.

See you tonight!

Rachel Eva & Shawn Michael

New Reward + LIVE Countdown on Monday
over 7 years ago – Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 10:16:03 PM

Hi Backers & Friends,

We're getting close to the end of the Kickstarter, and very close to our $50K Stretch Goal!

Let's Talk About the Stretch Goal

We are still $3,500 away from hitting our stretch goal, so we need about 95 more backers. That may seem like a lot, but it's actually really achievable. 

If you're familiar with Kickstarter projects, you may know that there is usually a huge number of backers right at the beginning (earlybirds & eager backers) and then another huge number right at the end (procrastinators and last-minute backers). 

Kicktraq is a Kickstarter data analytics and projection estimator. They understand this concept, and estimate that our project is trending toward $52,000+

So, we've got pretty good odds for meeting our goal, but we'd rather not just sit around and see what happens. We're asking for your help to lock down this stretch goal!

If You Measure in ML, I'm Speaking to YOU:

If you're considering cancelling your pledge because it doesn't look like we'll make it to $50K, hang in there - we're confident that if you do, it will happen.  If you cancel this far before the end of the project, it has a snowball effect and makes meeting that stretch goal an uphill battle for the rest of the international backers that are rooting for us.

We have EVERY intention of making the Metric Jigger, and we are CONFIDENT that we can make it to $50K with your help!

One of our challenges is that we don't have much capacity right now to get the word out to all of your friends in Sweden, Australia, Singapore, the UK, Germany, Canada and all the other amazing places where you live. But you do.

Here's what you can do: 

• Share the project. We're in the home stretch - people get really excited about these next few days. I guarantee you there are hundreds of people out there that have intended to become a backer but they haven't felt the urgency yet. Be that catalyst!
• Increase your pledge. Buy more jiggers. Shop for birthday presents.  Shipping doesn't increase when you add items to your pledge, so that's a huge bonus.
• Add a shirt to your pledge. Apparel?!!  Oh yes.... read on!

New Reward Add-On: Apparel

Remember we said we didn't want to just sit around and wait for $50K to happen? Help us get there faster by adding a Napier Jigger T-Shirt to your pledge!

We've already got production set up on these, and if you've made it to the first level of our Referral Program, you're getting one for free as thanks for being a sharing friend. 

Just add $25 to your existing pledge for each shirt you want. They're super-soft, the gold metallic ink is really durable, they fit great, and we'll also be making one in a ladies-cut version. You'll be able to designate size and other details in our post-Kickstarter survey.

And yes, we've created a separate Apparel reward level for your friends who just want a t-shirt with no jigger. 

MONDAY: Happy Hour Countdown + Live Q&A

Drop in to say hi during the last 30 minutes of the Kickstarter! We're going to be live on Monday at 6:30 PM Pacific Time (-8:00 GMT)

Make yourself a cocktail (or coffee, if you're just waking up), and join us as we talk cocktails, barware, the Napier Jigger, future tools, and answer all your questions.  The project ends at 7:08 PM our time, and we're counting down live on-screen with our favorite friends and fans. 

You can RSVP Here to get a reminder of the Kickstarter Live Event and send us questions in advance.

To all of you: THANKS FOR BACKING!  You are super amazing. Hope to meet a lot of you on Monday :)

Cheers,

Rachel Eva & Shawn Michael

1,000 Backers + New Images + Survey on Metric Measurements
over 7 years ago – Mon, Oct 02, 2017 at 07:42:30 PM

Hi Backers!  

This weekend we added our 1,000th backer to the project, and we're over 250% funded! We've got a lot to update you on, so skip around to what interests you, or just dig in from the top:

Metric Measurements

We're getting closer to our $50K Stretch Goal - once we hit that mark, we'll be able to make the Napier with metric measurements.  We went ahead and made some renderings, which we think are really pretty:

We know that different countries have different standard or frequently used measurements, so we're trying to take that into consideration.  Because 15 ml, 30 ml, 45 ml and 60 ml tend to be pretty commonly used already, and they correspond to the vintage design in ounces most closely, these will be the stepped measures in the metric version.

However, we do have an opportunity to add additional internal guides for other commonly used metric measurements. 

If you plan on receiving a metric jigger, PLEASE take the time to answer this quick, 1-minute survey on what measurements you use most often:

 

Please Share:

We've surpassed our initial goal, so we'll definitely be making this jigger. The only thing right now that still isn't certain is whether we'll make the metric version - we have to get to $50K first.  Since there are still two weeks left on the project, we've got a great chance of hitting that stretch goal. But you backers will be the ones to get us there!

Did you know that a LOT of this project's success is because people share it?  If you haven't shared the project yet, please consider doing so.  You can blast it to everyone in your network, or just send a link to the few people that you know would appreciate the Napier Jigger.  If you've got a competitive nature and want to earn some rewards, use the custom referral link we sent you (check your messages). Otherwise, you can share right now:

 

 

Thanks for sharing!

Production Update

We still have two weeks left, but that doesn't mean we can't start on production details. This week we're working on 3D files to deliver to our manufacturer, which will ensure accuracy and clear communication of product specifications. 

We've already had several conversations with our factory about the possible introduction of the metric version, and are working on that design in the next two weeks - with your feedback (please take the one-minute metric survey!)

We're also working on finalizing our Quality Control requirements, and starting on packaging design.

There is a LOT that goes on behind the scenes, but we're also trying to keep up on messages and comments and emails.  If we don't respond immediately, we probably will within a few days. Thanks for understanding!

Updated Backer Map

Since the last update we added backers from Romania, Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greece, Russia, and the Philippines. Welcome! This Kickstarter now has backers from 38 countries (and counting!)

Thanks to all of our existing backers - and to everyone who's joining us for this product launch, we are really glad to have you :)

Cheers,

Rachel Eva & Shawn Michael 

Stretch Goal: $50K for a Metric Jigger
over 7 years ago – Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 07:49:32 PM

Hi Backers,

We stayed up late last night crunching some final numbers, and we're excited to announce our first stretch goal will be to manufacture a metric version of the Napier Jigger.

When we took a quick look at where our backers are coming from - a metric version became the obvious choice. 

 

Over 30 countries are represented by backers of this project, and even though the majority of our backers are from the United States, there is a growing segment of international backers who - guess what - all use the metric system. 

This is the beauty of Kickstarter, and why we love launching products here. So thanks! 

Metric Jigger Design

One of the attributes we love about the Napier Jigger is it's simplicity.  We have quite a few measuring cups at our bar and in our kitchen, and those that contain markings for both ounces and milliliters tend (in our opinion) to look a bit cluttered. Generally, people use one measurement system or the other, not both. So the metric jigger will be an entirely different version, with metric measurements instead of imperial ones (ounces).

We still need to do a little testing and some research before we finalize the design, but to be as true as we can to the Napier design, the four steps on the metric jigger will represent 15ml, 30ml, 45ml, and 60ml. The easy way to do it would be to just take the Napier Jigger we have and change the numbers to milliliters instead of ounces. Considering that one ounce of liquid is equal to 29.57 ml, it would be a pretty close translation. 

That's not really the way we do things, and if we were ever to create a highly accurate metric jigger - now is the time.  We're working on the design now to ensure accuracy in both the imperial and metric jiggers. And of course we'll keep you updated along the way.

If you want a metric jigger instead of one with ounces, you don't need to do anything now. You'll tell us which one you want during the backer survey after the project ends --- assuming we meet our stretch goal!

Stretch Goal: $50,000

If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, a stretch goal reward is only contingent on making the goal - so we will make a metric jigger if our project reaches $50,000 of funding. 

To make a metric jigger, we'll essentially be doubling our production efforts, but it doesn't translate directly into just doubling our original goal. It's always risky adding more products mid-campaign, and we're very aware of how "scope-creep" can backfire later on. As more backers join the project, we need to ensure we continue to trend toward fulfilling our original purpose, while adding another huge chunk of expenses for design work, additional tooling, and an entirely new production run with entirely new MOQ's (minimum order quantities). 

The great news is, we still have a little over 3 weeks before the end of the Kickstarter, so there is plenty of time to share with your friends (especially everyone outside of the US) that we've added a metric jigger!

Use your custom referral link (in your Kickstarter message inbox) to share the project, and when you refer new backers, extra rewards will be coming your way!

Here's a fun parting gif for you:

 Cheers,

Rachel Eva & Shawn Michael

Break out the sparkling rosé....
over 7 years ago – Mon, Sep 18, 2017 at 08:21:39 PM

Hey Backers & Friends,

It was Shawn Michael's birthday on Saturday, and as we were waiting for a table at our favorite breakfast spot, this project hit its goal of $15,000 - after only four and a half days! We decided the occasion was serendipitous, and toasted with mimosas. 

Today - it's one week since we launched, and you all have overwhelmingly demonstrated that we're on the right track. Thanks for your support as we continue to develop great barware.

Refer-A-Friend

If you haven't checked your messages, you may not be aware that we are doing something new this time around.  As independent creators, Shawn Michael and I do a lot of legwork to get projects off the ground. Kickstarter projects are crucial to our planning for barware design, future demand, customer feedback, and proving concepts to take to manufacturing. 

We also do all of our PR and Marketing ourselves, and it's a lot of work. It actually really, really helps us when you share our projects. However, we also recognize that your voice and influence are valuable, and we hate asking for free favors.

That's why we decided to do a referral program this time around, so we can say thanks in a concrete way, and give you something in exchange. 

When you share this Kickstarter with your friends, submit it to Reddit, pitch it to bloggers, or share with your network, use the custom referral link we've sent you (it's in your messages), and anyone who pledges to the project is linked back to you.  When your referred contributions add up, you get some great swag, free jiggers, and other barware that we make.

Your referral link is in your messages - if you haven't gotten one yet, check back later tonight, and thanks for sharing.

Stretch Goals

If you're familiar with Kickstarter, many projects that fund early add on "stretch goals" - a series of secondary goals that add something special to the project if additional funding thresholds are reached. 

We're carefully considering what those might be - stretch goals can be great for adding features, expanding product options, or adding new rewards, but they can also over-complicate a project, and if a project creator isn't careful, stretch goals can compromise the original purpose of the Kickstarter. 

That being said, I think we're on to a few things. If you've got input, please send us a message and we'll definitely take that into consideration. Thanks to those of you who have already reached out - feedback is so important to us. If we decide to announce a stretch goal, it will be in our next update, probably in a few days!

Cheers,

Rachel Eva & Shawn Michael