So of course I talked to Andre about the Evora R-SP and having it on his store, Yoyoexpert. It was a kind of last minute decision and not as planned out as Id like. And with that there were a few issues I needed to address head on. With the added price of the harder grade of titanium, I needed to find a way to press down the price and keep it affordable. This is where I started looking for a simpler minimalist packaging.
The packaging is a simple two part cardstock tube. To add some protection, I used a butcher wrap to cover the yoyo. While I was in Japan, there were many markets that still used this type of paper to wrap raw meats. Its a cool little homage to the memories of exploring Japan. Its definitely a more traditional technique, as now a days the paper is commonly used for crafts. For the Evoras sake, it also makes a great protective packaging material.
One of the most expensive things about the original Glass Dusted Evora packaging was printing the sleeve, so that had to go. I always had a love for white ink on cardstock though, and I knew it would be cheap if I did it myself by hand. So I got some stamps cut, and bought a little ink pad. The total was something like 30 bucks. With the white ink its a bit harder. You actually have to saturate the pad with the ink then stamp it, unlike black or red where it is pre-saturated and doesn't dry. I think its closer to paint than ink, as it dries out within minutes making it even harder to do. I spent an hour hand stamping every single one, and throwing away like 10 boxes because I suck. Anyway, its definitely a pain in the ass, but I think they turned out pretty good.
The last thing that was on my mind was the retail price. See the problem with this is that the original Evora wasn't retailed. I sent them all out myself. I looked at the prices around, and instead of pricing it thinking about wholesaling them I priced it with a discount for the players mainly because I could. I didn't have to worry about someone else's overhead - only mine. But Its a different story when you retail it. For my sake, because the cost to make these titaniums compared to regular aluminums are, like, ridiculous (so I need to at least break even) and for the retailers sake (so Andre can cover his overhead cost, and more importantly because hes a cool dude). This is why it got complicated when I decided to take on this project with Yoyoexpert.
Andre has been really kind and understanding. Hes tolerated my many emails and Facebook messages. I am so excited for the release, and like I've said before - these Evoras are the most beautiful and smoothest Evoras I have had the pleasure to assemble. I think once they reach the hands of the players, it won't need any more explanation. It will also likely be the last Evoras ever made. So for the countless people who have emailed me - here is your last chance.
Anyway, that is really all there is to say. Its been a crazy ride. If you need more information on the yoyo itself check out the previous blog post titled "Evora R-SP". Grab one from Yoyoexpert next week - and know that when you do, you will be supporting my good buddy Andre. I really owe it to him for putting up with my shit.
Much Love.
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JeaHwan Soh
September 12, 2015
is there any way i could get it personaly from you? i’ve been fan of your product since first release but i was never able to get my hands on it. due to the country where i live. i live in south korea so the day n night is oppisite from usa. really how am i suppose to get a quick notice when i’m sleeping. maybe it means that i’m not fired up enough for your product. still. i want you to realize that western people are not the only ones that wants your product. if there is a chance i could get a evora personaly from you, please email me.