This message is directed to the entire CT9A Mitsubishi Lancer/EVO community, Vendors, and Aftermarket Manufacturers.

First of all, Happy Holidays!

We are all very aware of the issues revolving around the manufacturing and order lead times for our Orbital Prestige Dash Kit. Many of you have expressed major satisfaction with our innovative product and interior solution for these vehicles, only to note that the manufacturing delays are the major issue holding you back from ordering and supporting our business.

I've been thinking for some time now, most especially as I've been preparing to pull the product from the market altogether and accept the substantial debt that this business venture accumulated as my own. Recently, I was contacted by Fujitsu-Ten (Eclipse) Australia about possibly establishing a major distribution account to push its AVN series overseas. Immediately after this communication, I scheduled a conference call with our manufacturer to once again discuss our kit in it's current form and the inefficient manufacturing process we currently have underway. We discussed alternative production methods, costs, and the implications on our Orbital 2-DIN Upgrade.

Accordingly, there are now major possibilities in existence that could lead to the reform of this product and I wanted to share them with you all before moving into discussions or negotiations with anyone.

Specifics:

• Retail price would remain the same - Improvements would cost nothing more than your loyal commitment

• Wholesale price may decrease - More incentive for distributors to get on-board with carrying inventory, more margin for distributors to push the product into the market and be rewarded for keeping the product readily available to consumers

• Major quality reform - We would actually use the authentic Mitsubishi 3-D grain and texture on the kit to perfectly compliment your dashboard; even more of a match than our current 2-D grain - Color would be a consistent throughout with no variation from bezel to bezel or to the OEM dashboard - The fit would be flawless as new manufacturing processes would allow us to utilize ABS injection-molded plastic just as Mitsubishi does on their own parts - We may also be able to utilize UV protectants during production to further protect the plastic for the end-user

• Existing Orbital customers would be allowed an exchange of their current Kit for the newer version at a discount substantially lower than wholesale cost to reward them for commitment and early adoption of our product

• Availability would be a non-issue - Following the tooling phase of approximately three months, the kit would be readily available and in-stock at ALL times - Wholesale and retail orders would ship out within 24 hours

If we could succeed with this, Orbital may just be able to survive and continue developing innovative products. More importantly, I get the burden of this product off my back and you all get the product you want, in the quality you expect, when you need it.

I've taken the measures needed to legally protect this product (go figure, i'm a law student ) and secure my interests with Orbital. Accordingly, if this is ever going to happen, it must happen soon. Before we get into further discussions, I'd like to open the forum to hear what people have to say about this. You all wanted changes, I'm doing my best to make them for all of us.

Consumers - It's all up to you!

• If you haven't already purchased an Orbital Kit, would this change be enough incentive to earn your business and gain your support?

• If you have already purchased an Orbital Kit, would you be willing to purchase the new version if it was offered to you at a price substantially below wholesale cost?

• Would you be willing to pre-order this product before it was available to help us leverage and finance the tooling costs?

Distributors and Vendors - This time, we NEED your help and support for this product!

• Would you support this innovation with actual inventory commitments?

• Would you be willing to pre-order your inventory to help us leverage and finance the tooling costs of the new design?

• What can we do, as the developer, to help you carry this product to the Lancer/EVO aftermarket?

 

I think it is a great idea as it is such a popular product... I couldn't be happier with my kit and I think you would notice a substantial increase in how many 2-Din conversions were sold with an increase in availability.

 

Rich, you know I'm always in full support I'm sorry I forgot to call you the other night (doh!), I totally forgot!

 

* The incentives are clear in your write-up. I have been reluctant in getting the orbital kit simply because of the time it would take to get one. At one point I E-mailed a vendor that sells your kit and asked if any were in stock. He replied that there are none in stock and they don't know when they will be arriving and they have been on back order for a long time. At least if he could tell me how long I would have to wait to get one I would probably have ordered. But to have it open-ended like that is never assuring. I am also more likely to buy one knowing that you're planning on staying in business. Also I am glad that you will be tweaking the manufacturing process. From a consumer's perspective this means a better fitting and matching product. As for the price staying basically the same.... I'd be careful because it's pricing is already near the top of what I'm willing to pay for it.

* If I purchased an Orbital Kit, and there were improvements made to make your new kits better than the one I had, I would appreciate the opportunity to buy the upgraded version at a special rate.

* I would pre-order if I knew I was guaranteed my money back in case production is cancelled for some reason.

**EDIT: I just want to add that if this item is properly marketed you're going to make alot of money. It's by far the best looking kit I've seen for the Evo, and I'm sure you'd make more money by making them for lancers.

 

If the 3-D oem grain will be available i'm willing to wait until the release of this kit at 110%!!! Keep going this way!!!

 

I am all in for an exchange of my still NIB kit for the new and improved kit! Rich let me know when you need the money.

 

+1
I love my Orbital kit, but the finish wasn't exactly what I was hoping for... If you are offering an exchange with current customers, count me in and let me know when you need the money! I am 100% behind you and I will make a purchase ASAP!

Thanks for the update and I wish you total success!

 

I would purchase a newer one then one I'm still waiting for if it were a noticeable and substancial upgrade at a discounted price for sure, 100%.

I too would put my money down and other will to if you can promise a refund in the worst case scenario.

For exampe, on the webpage you set-up to take pre-orders, put up a predominant note stating your intentions with the pre-order money, and a note stating that if it doesn't go thru = 100% money back.

Your going to make it big with this determination Rich, Fujistu is a mass market company and once other distrubters and whoesalers see this, they'll understand the profit to be made and jump on board.

 

YES, FTW

Even without the exchange discount i'll still pay the full price for the newer version!

DO IT please

 

Oh yes! I would buy one right away but I'm going to need one in metallic finish .

 

the earlier threads of product delays ect is what kept me from initially buying your kit. if there was actual stock, with a vendor, id be much more inclined to buy it. especially if the quality improved.

 

I have one on order, but I would still support your new efforts, Rich. We spoke on the phone about this, and I am glad to see you are still moving ahead with it. Great news!

 

I would also buy one if not for the delays associated with ordering one.

 

I support your idea, I would def, buy a newer one with a special rate.
Keep us updated

 

Rich I already have my old one installed. I personally wasn't impressed with the fit and finish for my money. I pm'd you about it and you were willing to exchange but with availability issues I decided to keep mine. As much as I would hate to pay twice for the same product I would be willing to purchase "at a price substantially below wholesale cost" as per your write-up. It's such a great product to have and believe me there is a market for it. I've shown this to installers at Best Buy, Tweeter, and some other Stereo install places and everyone of them wanted to get their hands on it. My question for you is, would there be a Money Back Guarantee if the fit and finish was not as you've stated above? I'll definately be a repeat customer if what you've said is going to happen. Good Luck with everything and thanks for your hard work. Count me in.