[FRC Blog] 2017 International Game Piece Option

[Steven Smith]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Thinking more about this, why doesn't FIRST just take themselves out of the equation all together? The biggest issue with game pieces, typically, is them being sold out. So, lets get AndyMark to set up a pre-order system. Starting in November or December, I can order a "set" of game pieces for $X (where X is obviously different every year, depending on the game pieces). I could even have an option to by a "complete field set" of game pieces for $Y, that would let me run a full week-0 event (and let me decide if I want to invest in that full field set, or start trying to raise funds for it early). Then, just like numerous companies do when they have a big release of a new product (like the annual iPhone release), they work with Fedex or UPS to ship everything early so it's delivered world wide on the Monday after kickoff. That way, everyone can get as many game pieces as they want, production companies can tool up and produce extra numbers a month before kickoff based on pre-order demands, and we avoid selling out during the season.

I like the idea. As you suggest, FIRST/AM could probably take a pretty good stab at some breakpoints for what an "average team" wants, based on prior year spending number as well as the game design, and offer a few packages at different price points. I know I for one would be to pre-order ~$300 of whatever the game piece(s) are this year, and just add a few more on later on the open market if I'm short.