The way we are used to finding and buying products could be described like this:

Make > See > Like > Pay > Get.

This model of getting products to market is very efficient for companies who want to sell a lot of something in a short amount of time. But that model pre-supposes they know what people will buy and it requires them to take the financial risk of designing, manufacturing and advertising a product hoping it will sell and make a profit.

A growing number of entrepreneurs are turning this model on its head to:

See > Like > Pay > Make > Get.

In this new world, products are envisioned and shown to interested people first, and only if enough of them "buy" the product ahead of time is the product then made. The first one I came across was from a design firm that created two versions of a watchband than turned an Apple iPod Nano into a very cool wristwatch. More than just a band that the iPod could clip to, these wrist cases are made of aerospace-grade aluminum to exacting tolerances and look just gorgeous. Another I came across was someone who designed a clip system for hanging a digital SLR camera from various points on your body, thereby eliminating the need for a neck strap that always gets in the way and doesn’t stop your camera from swinging into objects when you bend over. Both of these project were offered to “backers” who came to kickstarter.com. 

In a world that is drowning in “stuff” that nobody wants, or that becomes obsolete the day it debuts, a system that gains commitment from purchasers before precious time and resources are invested seems like a tremendously good idea. The obvious challenges for a company would be previewing their ideas to competitors as well as their prospects, and in getting people to trust them with paying (and waiting) for a product before it is even made. 

How about you? Would you ever participate in a venture like this? Would you pay $1, $5, or $50 for a cool, new product knowing that it was untested and might take eight weeks to get? Still, you’d be the first on the block with a new cool toy, and you’d know that you were helping the world make products that people actually wanted.

Come to think of it, would you be interested if Presto offered a cool, new service to “backers” that were given a chance to help shape the future of family communications and possibly get to use that service for free? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts on this new way of inventing the products and services we use for everyday life.   

Sincerely,

Peter Radsliff
CEO, Presto Services Inc.