pic: Andy comes to Canada.

[kpugh]

Originally Posted by dubious elise

Whoa now Al...since when has the addition of vinegar to french fries been Canadian?

And what is wrong with being Canadian anywho??

No no no. Gravy and cheese on the fries is Canadian!!! Poutine, yummy!!

[Sean Schuff]

Andy?? Who the heck is Andy??!!

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by dubious elise

Whoa now Al...since when has the addition of vinegar to french fries been Canadian?

And what is wrong with being Canadian anywho??

Perhaps he meant putting gravy (poutine) on french fries? Gag.

Ya know, I love Canada and the Canadian people, but there are some things you just shouldn't do to potatoes. KETCHUP potato chips? BLAH.

[JVN]

Because I went to college so close to the Canadian border, I'm very familiar with the poutine.

When we were visiting the Toronto Regional this year, Adrienne and I made Ken Patton try one, I'm pretty sure he was wowed.

Gravy? Cheese? Fries? What isn't there to love?

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by T. Hoffman

KETCHUP potato chips? BLAH.

Sorry to burst your bubble Travis, but we have those stateside as well. I agree that they are gross but you can find them at your local convienance store in Maine.

[Chris Fultz]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

to seek new customers for our AndyMark business.

As for the "FIRST Supplier Summit", it was a meeting where FIRST challenged, "what can you put in the Kit for free?" Andy B.

Andy, Mark - a basic business hint.

Giving stuff away for free does not generate a lot of profit.

[Mike Schroeder]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

Andy, Mark - a basic business hint.

Giving stuff away for free does not generate a lot of profit.

but its above gracious, its awesomly proffessional

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

Andy, Mark - a basic business hint.

Giving stuff away for free does not generate a lot of profit.

Actually, this would be interesting to see, because there will invariably be those who manage to completely blow the gearbox to smithereens two days after Kickoff. (We managed to completely mess up some omniwheels from our own errors.)

Besides, think of the fun that could be had if a two-speed (apparently a darn good one at that, after seeing this year) were standard.

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by iCurtis

Sorry to burst your bubble Travis, but we have those stateside as well. I agree that they are gross but you can find them at your local convienance store in Maine.

Well, I first saw them at the Canadian Regional in 2002, and I have yet to see them in my neck of the woods (thank goodness). I am most fortunate to have Lake Erie shielding me from the evils of ketchup potato chips.

[Jessica Boucher]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

Andy, Mark - a basic business hint.

Giving stuff away for free does not generate a lot of profit.

I'm going to have to strongly disagree with you there, Chris - aside from product reviews, people talking it up on forums like this one, and other chatter/buzz...the best way for an emerging company to get their foot in the door is by giving the stuff away. Because of this specific market's nuances, if they are able to snag their attention correctly, the price to visit Canada will be very small in comparison to what they'll make in return.

Of course, if Baker didn't take the opportunity to slip in an AndyMark sticker with whatever he donates to the KOP, I'll be very disappointed...

[Joe Matt]

Originally Posted by David Kelly

Sure sounds like a summit for FIRST suppliers or potential FIRST suppliers to get together and talk about and/or to support FIRST........

And get free shirts, don't forget that part David....

[Madison]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

Andy, Mark - a basic business hint.

Giving stuff away for free does not generate a lot of profit.

But providing a sample product does -- the same way that IFI provides sprockets in the kit sufficient for 2WD and likely makes a killing when we all go clamboring for more so we can have 4, 6 or more driven wheels.

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by T. Hoffman

Well, I first saw them at the Canadian Regional in 2002, and I have yet to see them in my neck of the woods (thank goodness). I am most fortunate to have Lake Erie shielding me from the evils of ketchup potato chips.

Ketchup chips are the best. Everyone eats french fries with ketchup so why not potato chips. The best are Pringles.

[Ken Patton]

Originally Posted by JVN

Because I went to college so close to the Canadian border, I'm very familiar with the poutine.

When we were visiting the Toronto Regional this year, Adrienne and I made Ken Patton try one, I'm pretty sure he was wowed.

Gravy? Cheese? Fries? What isn't there to love?

It doesn't *sound* tasty, but it is.... thanks for expanding my horizons!

[Chris Fultz]

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

Andy, Mark - a basic business hint.
Giving stuff away for free does not generate a lot of profit. (FULTZ)

I'm going to have to strongly disagree with you there, Chris - aside from product reviews, people talking it up on forums like this one, and other chatter/buzz...the best way for an emerging company to get their foot in the door is by giving the stuff away. Because of this specific market's nuances, if they are able to snag their attention correctly, the price to visit Canada will be very small in comparison to what they'll make in return. Of course, if Baker didn't take the opportunity to slip in an AndyMark sticker with whatever he donates to the KOP, I'll be very disappointed... (BOUCHER)

But providing a sample product does -- the same way that IFI provides sprockets in the kit sufficient for 2WD and likely makes a killing when we all go clamboring for more so we can have 4, 6 or more driven wheels. (KRASS)

Alas, only on Chief Delphi can such a sarcastic, intended to be humorous comment, be taken so seriously as to question my understanding of the basics of marketing and business development .....