Agreed. I’m sure they raked in a fair wad on pre orders, and likely secured some other means of funding to cover R&D and then production, none of their modelling could have predicted the impact/timing of COVID nor the ongoing impact of the pandemic. And lets not forget other things kicking off around the globe.
What I will say though is that all of my interactions with Expressive E have been excellent. From deciding to sell on a Touche and getting licences transferred to engaging with them over Brexit concerns (which in hindsight should be fixed now without the solution they agreed to). At all points, they’ve been fantastic with me. That deserves some benefit of the doubt - I just hope they can land the thing whether I stick with the preorder or not as on paper, it’s going to be one hell of a keyboard.
For sure…. No matter which way you look at it, delays cost ( EE ) money, reputation, momentum.
Let’s also remember the chip crisis has also deepened - so that’s likely causes other ( supply/cost) issues.
But, I do feel their communications could do with a bit of improvement.
I think few of us, actually mind the delays, and we have been supportive - and I think improved communications will help foster that.
I’m really expecting them to raise the price for all orders when they start taking the remainder cost, citing inflation, and offering refunds on deposits (no interest lol) if folks are unhappy. Folks will be enraged, but I don’t see how they can’t at this point.
Recently played an early production model (not the 3D printed one) and it really blew me out of the water. The action and expressiveness left me in shock like so many of those early promo videos. I’m still excited for when it finally ships.
whilst I understand where you are coming from, I don’t think so…
I just don’t think they could do that , and retain any creditability…
you can’t take money upfront to secure a price, then later change the price…
otherwise what is the point of people putting down deposits… and then also waiting years for delivery?
so tough as it is, I reckon EE will have to swallow the extra costs … and basically make little, to no profit on the pre-ordered units, in the hope of reclaiming on future (non-preorder) sales.
lets be under no illusion here… even at the offer price(s), there was margin on the Osmose… EE were never doing this as zero profit, so its is going to hurt them for sure on this side, particularly, the earliest offer price.
(*) It would have been different if the ‘offer’ had been a % discount of retail price, or similar, then of course, then the (already) increased retail price, would mean everyone pays more. … but that was not the deal.
100% , no-one knows how much impact this has had Expressive E… its all pure speculation.
actually, partly my post, was to ‘dampen down’ a discussion that backers were going to be asked to pay more ( or bankruptcy!) … let’s not start raising pitchforks towards Expressive E, when they haven’t even hinted at this being the case.
of course, people are a little anxious, as this had gone on for a long time… and to some degree speculation is inevitable - this is why I believe better communication is important !
I, personally, believe (with zero knowledge ) Expressive E will eventually deliver Osmose, and if anything the above discussion, illustrates why its also in their best interests to get it shipped as soon as possible.
all we can do, is sit back, and (try to) patiently wait … if you can’t, or are overly concerned, then ask for a refund.
personally, I’ve enough and projects stuff to keep me busy for years, so will sit it out. hell, I might have even improved my piano chops by the time it arrives ! (work in progress)
For any of you intersted, just ask Expressive-E what you want, they respond to any question you ask them with pretty detailled answer and they offer a phone call if that’s not enough…
) Expressive E will eventually deliver Osmose, and if anything the above discussion, illustrates why its also in their best interests to get it shipped as soon as possible.