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Ski Startup - what kind of designs would you want to see?

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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Hi guys -

I'm new here, but I think that my new ski related startup might be interesting to the community. This is something that I've been thinking about and making for myself for years, but just recently made it legit.

Vinyl wraps for skis. If your skis have a lame design, or they're just looking old and roughed up, you can make them look awesome for just $65, free shipping. We've tested the materials over the past few seasons, and the wraps hold up great. We asked skiers in the lift lines at Vail what they thought and they were all stoked!

So, what kind of designs would you want to see? We've got some real funky ones in the works - my personal favorite and the one I have on my skis is beardman.

Our site is http://www.norkasports.com. Any feedback on website, designs, product etc., good or bad is always welcome - we want it to be great! I attached some product images below as well, take a look.

Sorry for the semi long post - if you made it this far, good on you!

-Jarrett
Apr 20 2016 11:53PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
.lenconI have some feedback and it's kind of negative but hopefully it will help cause this isn't a bad idea.

I don't like any of your graphics at all haha I'm sorry, I think you could work on that. So if I hated my ski graphics so much I'd have to pay $65 to replace it. Well, I'm no artist so I'd have to pay someone like Cy (who has sick art btw) to do a draw up for me. Then, since it's a custom drawing, it's another $5. That's probably going to come out to be $100 at least. With companies like ON3P and caravan already offering custom graphics what's the point of coming to you? I'm not trying to sound rude, I like the idea, I just think you need to work on some stuff.


Also I don't think I've ever been on a ski I really liked and thought "if only these didn't look stupid" idk it seems like most ski graphics are pretty cool these days. Kinda seems like a novelty to me and if that's what you're going for then cool. Sorry if I seemed negative, not trying to discourage, just giving you my .02


Thanks for the feedback @.lencon, definitely some helpful stuff. Do you have any suggestions on design themes / designs in general you'd be interested in seeing? I've been working on more updated designs because I agree that the offering could be better, but its taking me a while to put everything together.

The difference between getting a vinyl wrap and getting custom skis is mainly in price point. Even if you're saying it will cost you $100, ON3P skis are going to be at least $600+, which I think is a big difference. Do you think my price is too high? Do you think custom should be the same price? If you could give me an idea on what aspect of the business you think needs work (in addition to the graphics), that would be helpful feedback for me. Thanks!
Apr 24 2016 11:59PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
jrtknzThanks for the feedback @.lencon, definitely some helpful stuff. Do you have any suggestions on design themes / designs in general you'd be interested in seeing? I've been working on more updated designs because I agree that the offering could be better, but its taking me a while to put everything together.

The difference between getting a vinyl wrap and getting custom skis is mainly in price point. Even if you're saying it will cost you $100, ON3P skis are going to be at least $600+, which I think is a big difference. Do you think my price is too high? Do you think custom should be the same price? If you could give me an idea on what aspect of the business you think needs work (in addition to the graphics), that would be helpful feedback for me. Thanks!


You do have a point there, I was thinking if you were buying new skis and not already having a pair, my bad.

And I'm not exactly sure on graphics, just try new styles and offer more.
Apr 25 2016 12:02AM
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Frozinballz
Posts: 184 - Karma: 277
Give some designs and patterns where the customer could choose what colors go where..maybe add a logo or brand name for extra $.

Make it customizable to what they want it to look like.

And an optional newschoolers logo for a discounted price if mentioned in checkout line
Apr 25 2016 5:12AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
.lenconYou do have a point there, I was thinking if you were buying new skis and not already having a pair, my bad.

And I'm not exactly sure on graphics, just try new styles and offer more.


Working on it!

FrozinballzGive some designs and patterns where the customer could choose what colors go where..maybe add a logo or brand name for extra $.

Make it customizable to what they want it to look like.

And an optional newschoolers logo for a discounted price if mentioned in checkout line


A customer could customize any of the wraps to be how they wanted with the "custom wrap" option, and I would happily alter any colors etc on an existing design for them. Is this what you mean? Should I make it more clear?

I will look into implementing a discount code of some sort, good tip!
Apr 25 2016 9:10AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Hey Everyone -

Bumping this because right now we're running a free giveaway for two wraps through reddyyeti, so if you wanted to check out the wraps now is a good chance! You can enter to win at http://www.reddyyeti.com/spring-giveaway

Thanks!
Jun 8 2016 1:31PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Everyone -

We're still going strong a year later and looking to bring the people what they want so:

What do you want to see as far as designs? What else can we provide in the realm of "designed ski gear" that might be interesting?

We've been getting a pretty steady stream of orders with the snow starting to fall again, so we really want to step it up this year and get some more attention. Any feedback is welcome.

http://www.norkasports.com
Nov 17 2016 3:13PM
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FluidMotion
Posts: 65 - Karma: 31
Definitely a neat idea all the luck to you!
Nov 17 2016 6:37PM
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joelski
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 736
could i use the wrap on multiple pairs like if i skied on a ski for one season with vinyls trashed the ski and got a new pair could i put the vinyl on the new skis? assuming the new ski is the same size or smaller then the previous one
Nov 18 2016 2:09PM
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joelski
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 736
also helmet and boot wraps might be cool
Nov 18 2016 2:11PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
joelskicould i use the wrap on multiple pairs like if i skied on a ski for one season with vinyls trashed the ski and got a new pair could i put the vinyl on the new skis? assuming the new ski is the same size or smaller then the previous one


Hey joelski - the wrap wouldn't be reusable once you removed it. You would have to reorder another wrap for the new skis.

joelskialso helmet and boot wraps might be cool


I agree. We've looking into helmet and its difficult since stickers usually look crappy wrapped around something non flat. Boots would work, but it would take a LOT of custom cutting on the users end since there are far too many shapes to make a one size fits all design. One thing we've done is used the scraps from ski vinyl on our poles, which turns out pretty cool.
Dec 15 2016 2:39PM
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-arc-
Posts: 943 - Karma: 3,320
This is looking sick. Glad you guys are off the ground and going. Keep up the hype!
Dec 15 2016 8:57PM
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cozzey
Posts: 1353 - Karma: 1,814
This sounds pretty dope. I've got around 4 pairs of skis I could see myself tossing these on lol.

Discounts for more pairs bought?
Also would I be able to put them on my 192s?
With the poles, id love to take some scraps and try it out to see the durability before I really invest my money.
Dec 15 2016 10:08PM
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cozzey
Posts: 1353 - Karma: 1,814
I also just checked out your website and the designs.
In my opinion skiers dont want those "Taco Cat" or "Puggy Pug Pug" type designs.. they want something intricate, nothing to trendy (a design needs to be good for a few years) and mostly something that people are like "damn thats dope". Lots of these seem good for little kids or gapers.

Just my opinion and I know you can design your own but you might be more successful if you have quality designs ready
Dec 15 2016 10:30PM
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Hoodliving
Posts: 1033 - Karma: 1,873
Did you fix the durability issue with the vinyls? I was provided two versions to test for norka. They have held up about 65% over the spring and summer and start of winter. Large amounts of chipping and peeling as well as color fading to white where the laminate flakes off. The only spots that haven't gotten any damage and hold well are the middle of the ski from nose to tail. If you ride park these will chip on you and peel in parts within a week. Still a great solution for your powder skis and or hideous ones. Spend a lot a lot of time heat shrinking it. Helps out with the application and durability. Although your edges chip and bust sidewalls and top sheets of skis to begin with so no matter what these will continue to chip until it reaches far enough onto the top sheet where your skis won't touch when crossing. If you don't mind that aspect I highly recommend making yourself a custom design. It's funny looking at the confusion on people's faces looking at my rossis.
Dec 15 2016 11:08PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
chiefclulThis sounds pretty dope. I've got around 4 pairs of skis I could see myself tossing these on lol.

Discounts for more pairs bought?
Also would I be able to put them on my 192s?
With the poles, id love to take some scraps and try it out to see the durability before I really invest my money.


For 192s we have to make them custom, but yes, we could accommodate any size. Discounts for more pairs bought would be a good thing to implement, I'll have to play around with the site and see if I can get that up.

chiefclulI also just checked out your website and the designs.
In my opinion skiers dont want those "Taco Cat" or "Puggy Pug Pug" type designs.. they want something intricate, nothing to trendy (a design needs to be good for a few years) and mostly something that people are like "damn thats dope". Lots of these seem good for little kids or gapers.

Just my opinion and I know you can design your own but you might be more successful if you have quality designs ready


Thanks for the input on designs, this is the kind of feedback I really want to see. Gapers are of course part of the demographic too haha. But I do see what you're saying - this was the easiest way to start off, since intricate designs take much more time. I'd say 80% of our orders are for customs, so I'm using those design requests to pool an idea of designs people want. Now that the concept is proven, I'll be working on some more intricate stock stuff.
Dec 16 2016 12:44AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
HoodlivingDid you fix the durability issue with the vinyls?


We've fixed most of the durability issues, but buyers should take into consideration the type of skiing they're doing. Anything that would chip the ski will probably chip the vinyl as well - just as a vinyl wrap on a car will chip if a rock hits it. Someone like you who is in the park every day of the year will unfortunately see wear a lot quicker than others.
Dec 16 2016 12:52AM
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Hoodliving
Posts: 1033 - Karma: 1,873
jrtknzWe've fixed most of the durability issues, but buyers should take into consideration the type of skiing they're doing. Anything that would chip the ski will probably chip the vinyl as well - just as a vinyl wrap on a car will chip if a rock hits it. Someone like you who is in the park every day of the year will unfortunately see wear a lot quicker than others.
with that being said, the latest one I tested has held up well enough through the year that if you can live with the edge chipping, as a park rider I would recommend them. But if you want them pristine look more so towards the powder ski.

Maybe you could do a returning customer discount for folks that have chipped ones. Like 15% off your next wrap if you have proof of purchase like a code word from an email or something along those lines.

I still frequently get asked about my skis and most have assumed it was a custom made ski and we're interested when I told them about norka.
Dec 16 2016 1:00AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Hoodlivingwith that being said, the latest one I tested has held up well enough through the year that if you can live with the edge chipping, as a park rider I would recommend them. But if you want them pristine look more so towards the powder ski.

Maybe you could do a returning customer discount for folks that have chipped ones. Like 15% off your next wrap if you have proof of purchase like a code word from an email or something along those lines.

I still frequently get asked about my skis and most have assumed it was a custom made ski and we're interested when I told them about norka.


Very cool to hear that people ask about them. I do like the idea of deep discounts for returning customers, thats something I'll have to look into the implementation of. For now (and for the record for anybody reading), I will offer a 15% discount towards one wrap on a reorder - just contact me through the website and we will work it out.
Dec 16 2016 1:12AM
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cozzey
Posts: 1353 - Karma: 1,814
This sounds dope and youve already done your research. Sadly I dont dislike any of my topsheets enough to spend that much.. Theres a few I could see myself replacing but theyre not that bad
Dec 16 2016 3:05PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
chiefclulThis sounds dope and youve already done your research. Sadly I dont dislike any of my topsheets enough to spend that much.. Theres a few I could see myself replacing but theyre not that bad


Haha understandable. I'd love to lower the price, but unfortunately the price is $65 because it costs a ton for us to source the right material. Hopefully in the next year or two we can bring the price down a little with some big bulk ordering. If you ever want a new design though you know where to look!
Dec 16 2016 3:56PM
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notJacobJohnson
Posts: 105 - Karma: 344
Paddle_Carveblank white?


Sorry but J Skis already did that with THIS years skis
Dec 18 2016 11:50AM
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SJDonoghue
Posts: 4 - Karma: 3
All the designs are awesome!!
Jul 6 2017 12:41AM
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Coloradoskier03
Posts: 174 - Karma: 501
Artist collabs would be dope. Just go with artists solely from the mountains.
Jul 6 2017 10:29AM
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