Is that what you guys want?

First off, the “drop” is not relegated to Facebook but is widespread.  Second off, it seems if your strategy is to sell to a narrow segment a good way to do that is through artificial scarcity and exclusivity as offered by a drop event.  It seems though as this hobby matures that the power of the Drop is waning and there isn’t the same feeding frenzy there once was.  I can attest that my interest in a Drop Scramble is ZERO.  I have way too many soaps and I enjoy all the differences but as I settle into my groove, I want the soaps I like to be available when I want a new one.  Offer me a seasonal release?  Ok.  But a “Drop”?  Ain’t nobody got time for that.  But I get it, some like the crush.

Let me add, this is why I never owned, nor will own a Varlet. Yes, I know Aldo doesn't do "drops" anymore, but TWICE, I had a Ranger in my cart and I couldn't get my payment in fast enough, before they were "no longer available". Never again.

Let me add, this is why I never owned, nor will own a Varlet. Yes, I know Aldo doesn't do "drops" anymore, but TWICE, I had a Ranger in my cart and I couldn't get my payment in fast enough, before they were "no longer available". Never again.

This brings up another thought... Sometimes a drop is just the best viable method to sell products, not in any way intentionally trying to build hype or exclusivity.

The Karve Overlander was released in drops. You signed up if you were interested and got notice beforehand that he was releasing some. However, because of his abysmal history with releases, we all knew that this was just a way to avoid problems. As far as I'm concerned, it worked pretty well.

They had been coming out regularly... If I looked back on the posts I bet I'd find it was every 2 weeks. Basically as fast as he could make them. He kept at it, and at this point, I believe they're still in stock. So he kept it up until he met the demand. No shortage... No exclusivity.

The whole limited release drops phenomenon isn't what it used to be and thank goodness for that.  Soap makers used to do a lot more limited releases that sold out in seconds to generate and maintain interest in their brands.  It was important in an increasingly crowded and competitive space but it also generated negative vibes too for those that missed out or in those instances where servers crashed (Hallows).  I think a lot of the vendors/artisans/soap makers have stopped doing the FOMO driven limited releases for a couple of reasons - the negativity and anger of some people who miss out is epic and can outweigh any positive and buyer fatigue - how many Hallows sets do you need?  (sorry Will, I'm just using B&M as an example people may be familiar with).  I also think that for various reasons, supply isn't as limited as it used to be.  Whether thats because makers have ramped up production or found suitable subcontracting arrangements, however, the result is more product lasting longer on the shelves so its a lot easier to buy what you want.  Theres also the fact that the market for this kind of wet shaving products isn't really that big - I'm sure its growing but not at a meteoric pace and those who have been in this for a while pretty much have everything they want or need and a LE drop isn't going to move us that much.  Probably.    Of course, I could be wrong on every point.  I'm not on any social media platforms other than this forum and I'm ok with missing out on specific social media platform exclusive drops. Or any drops.  Still waiting for that unicorn tallow soap.

 (like the Lambda Athena Razor) 

Yeah - that.  Whatever that razor was.  

If the creator chose to exclude part of the market by using Facebook and still met his sales target - good for him.
If not - well maybe there is a flaw in his marketing plan

The hobby has pulled back the last year or so. Everyone has a glut of gear and you can't shave fast enough to use up the inventory. So it becomes flipping new once or twice used soaps for serious discount not to build up your personal inventory yet again.

Also, artisans not shy about releasing their greatest hits again even after it may have been said "to never return" I think with Passiflora coming back Rhino is probably one of the last few that would excite the hobby.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 (like the Lambda Athena Razor) 

Yeah - that.  Whatever that razor was.  

If the creator chose to exclude part of the market by using Facebook and still met his sales target - good for him.
If not - well maybe there is a flaw in his marketing plan

I'm not all that interested in a soap that I can't get again if I like it. I don't do Facebook or Twitter either. I just don't see the need. If I am missing out, then blissfully so.

I don't use social media, and DFS is the only forum I'm a member of, therefore I'm not aware of any promotions or drops.

I strive to buy only what I need, not just because it's a limited-edition item and I don't want to miss out.

All of my razors have been purchased secondhand on auction websites.  Instead of buying new, I aim to reduce my environmental impact by giving unwanted items a new home.

So happy to see the many folks, besides myself, who don't care for social media.