Sold Out Drop, Big-Send & Frantic Planning.

I'm currently outside writing this weekly founder update, enjoying some rare Melbourne sunshine.

 

And given we've come out of a cold winter, not sure how long I'll last out here. So I'll keep it brief.

 

I'm actually taking a little break from packing orders.

 

In case you missed all the commotion, last night we dropped our brand new running vest - The Hybrid Pro.

 

It feels really good to finally get this campaign out there.

 

It's been in the works for about a year. The product development has been long and I never gave the final tick of approval until I was absolutely happy with it.

 

Iterations, wear-testing, sizing and function. We went through it all.

 

When I look back at the very first concept I made for the Hybrid Pro, it was not great. Not functionally, but aesthetically.

 

But the bones were there. I knew I had a really good concept that just needed some tweaks to bring it to life.

 

9 sample iterations later, it was complete.

 

The Hybrid Pro was based purely on your feedback.

 

I had countless conversations at events with people about wanting an 'in-between vest'. Something perhaps between our Original Vest, and our R700 Hydration Vest.

 

Runners wanted something that was slimline, low-profile, but was still adaptable to carry everything they need - including a little bit of hydration.

 

So in a way, we've kind of completed the set to cater to different types of runners, and different types of running preferences.

 

And in a matter of hours after the release last night, we were 80% sold out of Hybrid Pro running vests.

 

That's not a typo.

 

At time of writing, there are just a handful left in the first release. So if you're keen to grab one, I wouldn't wait too long. They're available here.

 

It's always nice when the community likes what we're putting down, so to speak.

 

Everything came together for this campaign. Aside from the product, that speaks for itself. But rather the imagery, social media and comms around the campaign were on point.

 

Really, the main thing is that we're trying to paint a picture of how the Hybrid Pro fits into your running kit.

 

It's versatile, extremely light, and you can use it for a number of different distances, terrains and races.

 

And now I've got the pleasure of sending out all of the orders today! (of which I'm currently taking a break from).

 

In the early days of Runly I'd wake up at 5am every morning and send off every single order myself, with the aim of trying to have everything done by 9am.

 

I really wanted to send off the first orders for the Hybrid Pro myself. I suppose there's a little bit of pride in it. Creating this product from scratch, based on your feedback, and then bringing it life.

 

A proud moment in some ways, and I'm just really glad that the Runly community loves it as much as I do!

 

Another thing firmly on my mind at the moment is the Melbourne Marathon!

 

Can you believe it's just a week to go? I can't!

It's our first-time activating at the Melbourne Marathon and I'm so excited. I've probably spoken to more than 50 of you about coming over to say hello - many wanting to say g'day, or try on a vest, or even purchase a product.

 

It's going to be a massive, massive four days.

 

We're going to be there Thurs-Sun at the Runner's Expo, just outside the MCG.

 

It's a big logistical operation for us. Trying to understand how we're going to setup our dedicated area, what stock to bring, where to store extra stock, taking payments, pack up, pack down and all the rest of it, too.

 

Our 'event stock' is actually separate to our 'online stock'.

 

The reason we keep it separate is we can't go to events and have no stock, so just in case we're completely sold out online of something, we try to have at least one at the event so people can at least try them on.

 

It's a lot to think about. A lot to plan. But I'm pumped.

 

Can't wait to meet many of you who are going and/or running!

 

Well, I think the sun is starting to get the better of me now. Even with my wide-brimmed hat.

 

Better head back inside and continue packing orders.

 

Thanks for your support as always,
Robbie.