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A project log for Optical tracking sensor

Two-axis optical encoder without special code strips

htcpcp-418HTCPCP 418 11/28/2016 at 16:132 Comments

Just a quick update:

I finally got a reply from our distributor. At the price they quoted us, we should be able to sell breakout boards with module for about USD 15/each + shipping. The initial run would be at quantity 200.

Currently, the main issue is the substantial lead time of 12-14 weeks. There is probably no way around this.

So now, I'll have to decide which way to continue with this project:

  1. Teaming up with a Chinese electronics distributor (e.g. TinySine, Elecrow, Seeed, ...) and distribute it through their shop
  2. Kickstarter
  3. GroupGets?
  4. A mixture of 1-3

There is also the option of having everything sent to us and then forwarding the single devices ourselves. However, this would only make the boards a lot more expensive due to shipping, etc.

If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Discussions

schadenfreude wrote 12/06/2016 at 16:14 point

put me down for a pair of sensor and breakout board.

As regards logistics, on many electronics forums those who buy in bulk get the first bid and those who buy singles pay more. So if you have 10 customers then offer them the parts immediately in lots of 5-10 and those who want it cheaper must wait another month or two to buy it from a middleman.

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HTCPCP 418 wrote 12/13/2016 at 13:52 point

Thanks for your comment.

Since we'll have to order at least 200 sensors anyway, we are currently in contact with Elecrow and will probably work with them. The main advantage for anyone interested in buying the sensor is, that they can also order other items from their store at the same time and save on shipping. At the same time, we get the advantage of having someone else taking care of all the logistics, like warehousing and shipping.

So from my point of view, this is the best way for anyone who wants to buy this.

I will write a project log with more information, once I know the actual production schedule.

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