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Showing 1 of 1445 conversations about:
Rocktroit
22
Mar 25, 2016
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3 months? When is payment due? At the end of the drop or ship date?
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Mar 25, 2016
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eksuenYes. According to my doctor, those questions have taken 6-8 months off my life expectancy.
Exnorton
33
Mar 25, 2016
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asdf4455yes it will. I've had $399 tied up since Feb 9th for the mahogany ones!
Turbo_AL
25
Mar 25, 2016
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WillWill when will Massdrop implement some sort of VIP Rewards points program for all of us crazy's that have to buy every piece that comes out? I know there is a refer 5 new people promo but that doesn't take into consideration the dollar amount spent on some high end stuff.
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Mar 29, 2016
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Turbo_ALSo this is an interesting topic worth some rambling. Long, long ago in the town of Menlo Park, CA, there was a house filled with shipping supplies and Costco pizza boxes. This was Massdrop HQ for the first ~10 months of our existence.
Lots of great things happened in that house (we released polls, discussions, launched the Auidiophile community, etc) and for every good idea we executed, there were 20 outright bad ideas, 10 "This seems viable" ideas, and 5 "We should totally do this when we have more resources".
Some form of VIP program has always been something we'd like to do, but it's never made sense from a financial perspective. We couldn't find a way to make the math work.
Now, that said, perhaps we can figure out something around custom products. Like you said, there's a reasonable number of people who "gotta catch 'em all", maybe there's something we can do for ya'll.
Here's an idea, came up with this on the spot so calm your torches and pitchforks, but what if we did some kind of monthly subscription charge? It would be a "Pay $x per month, and get every custom product we release in Y community" this year. Immediatly after writing that, I don't think it would work (remember those 20 outright bad ideas?) but maybe there's something we can do in that vein.
Lemme know your thoughts, how would you structure some kind of cool VIP program? Early access to certain drops? Financing options? Lots of different ways it could go.
Lots of great things happened in that house (we released polls, discussions, launched the Auidiophile community, etc) and for every good idea we executed, there were 20 outright bad ideas, 10 "This seems viable" ideas, and 5 "We should totally do this when we have more resources".
Some form of VIP program has always been something we'd like to do, but it's never made sense from a financial perspective. We couldn't find a way to make the math work.
Now, that said, perhaps we can figure out something around custom products. Like you said, there's a reasonable number of people who "gotta catch 'em all", maybe there's something we can do for ya'll.
Here's an idea, came up with this on the spot so calm your torches and pitchforks, but what if we did some kind of monthly subscription charge? It would be a "Pay $x per month, and get every custom product we release in Y community" this year. Immediatly after writing that, I don't think it would work (remember those 20 outright bad ideas?) but maybe there's something we can do in that vein.
Lemme know your thoughts, how would you structure some kind of cool VIP program? Early access to certain drops? Financing options? Lots of different ways it could go.
Rocktroit
22
Mar 29, 2016
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WillI'd like to see, Early access to certain drops and Financing options. Not credit but pay half at the end of the drop and the remainder on the ship date. Especially if the product isn't in inventory at the Manufacturer. I understand funding the production is necessary but funding it at %100 before ship date doesn't guarantee the promise date either.
OnePunchMan
330
Mar 29, 2016
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WillI like the early access drop, for example, once 70%-80% of the order has been fulfilled (assuming the drop gets funded), maybe you send out those VIP units out early/free FAST shipping.
For audiophile, have an Massdrop X (manufacturer) is awesome. We have couple cans now, maybe we cover the gamut of ear phones from IEM, open back/semi closed/reference, type. I can see speakers, so basically someone will have an entire MD x (manufacturer) set, from dac/amp to cans to iems to studio speakers/monitors. All from high end stuff but at a "reasonable" price. These seem to be the most popular, so picking the right partner and right way to put that MD signature of great performance but without the price tag will be the challenge. We have a "fun" can in this fostex collaboration, how about a more "serious" can thats more reference for studio music producing/mixing type deal. See if you can nab a contract with an audio maker, keep the stuff that makes that can great, get rid/change/mix-match everything else to lower the price point, and sell those. And just keep going for all different type of music listening categories that are out there.
Also, access to prototypes to test (obviously signing NDA's etc) would be really cool.
Just ideas to throw around ^^
For audiophile, have an Massdrop X (manufacturer) is awesome. We have couple cans now, maybe we cover the gamut of ear phones from IEM, open back/semi closed/reference, type. I can see speakers, so basically someone will have an entire MD x (manufacturer) set, from dac/amp to cans to iems to studio speakers/monitors. All from high end stuff but at a "reasonable" price. These seem to be the most popular, so picking the right partner and right way to put that MD signature of great performance but without the price tag will be the challenge. We have a "fun" can in this fostex collaboration, how about a more "serious" can thats more reference for studio music producing/mixing type deal. See if you can nab a contract with an audio maker, keep the stuff that makes that can great, get rid/change/mix-match everything else to lower the price point, and sell those. And just keep going for all different type of music listening categories that are out there.
Also, access to prototypes to test (obviously signing NDA's etc) would be really cool.
Just ideas to throw around ^^
6EQUJ5
459
Mar 29, 2016
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WillMake a VIP program, call it like the "MassDrop VIP Insider" program. Pay $X dollars a month and get VIP access to the latest and future upcoming drops. In example, custom headphones/DAC/amps etc... you guys are working on with vendors. Pretty much you get to see the future drops that are in the works.
Perks 1. You are guaranteed a spot in the drop but must claim it within "72 hours" (3 Days for the lazy) or you will be tossed to the wolves and fight it out with everyone else, pretty much if you don't claim your place in line it will be added as extra stock when the drop goes live to the people who are not VIP. Realistically people are not going to be interested in every product drop. So relinquishing that extra stock or spot to the non-VIP members makes sense.
2. Voting power, VIP's will have voting power for features for custom products i.e. color, size, shape, add-ons etc...once voting finishes the final product will be shown with whatever the most voted features were.
3. First choice access to MassDrop's excess stocked items (because MD always orders extras just in case of quality control problems). For example, if someone orders something and it had some minor problems, blemishes, etc... and the person returned it, then VIP members get first choice pick of those items first before the stock is shown to non-vip members.
4. Cutting in line, yes you get to cut in line. For example for this drop people are refunding the Mahogany TH-X00 and jumping on Purpleheart instead. Those Mahogany are already ordered so you have to sell them some how. So VIP's who want those spots are allowed to take it on a first come first serve basis or some kind of lottery system. Whatever you believe is fair or reasonable.
5. Special discounts for VIP members only, example take 10% off MD's extra stocked items. Take an extra 5% off the current live drop. A one-time claimable 15% off any drop for VIP members. A yearly one time claim of 7% off any drop. Offer discounted or free shipping on certain drops for VIP members.
6. You get to join the drop even if the item doesn't ship to your country, of course you will have to pay whatever the shipping costs and import fees are. Pretty much remove the exclusiveness to being only a USA drop.
7. Access to MassDrop financing options, for example pay 30% ($134.99) of the cost of the item of the Purpleheart THX-00 to reserve your spot as a VIP member. When the drop ships pay the remaining 70% cost of the item. Of course this would only apply to items that are on a very long wait time. You could split the cost into 3 increments to 33.33% of the drop price. So the beginning you pay 33%, when it's the middle of the drop pay another 33%, when the item ships pay the remainder of the 33%. If the VIP member fails to pay the remainder on shipping day then the item will be released for purchase to other VIP members via #3 above.
8. You get a shiny gold portrait around your avatar to show how much you love MassDrop.
Of course, realistically this is just an idea and not full proof to anything. People are still going to ride their dolphins and come at you bro with pitchforks and tornadoes.
Perks 1. You are guaranteed a spot in the drop but must claim it within "72 hours" (3 Days for the lazy) or you will be tossed to the wolves and fight it out with everyone else, pretty much if you don't claim your place in line it will be added as extra stock when the drop goes live to the people who are not VIP. Realistically people are not going to be interested in every product drop. So relinquishing that extra stock or spot to the non-VIP members makes sense.
2. Voting power, VIP's will have voting power for features for custom products i.e. color, size, shape, add-ons etc...once voting finishes the final product will be shown with whatever the most voted features were.
3. First choice access to MassDrop's excess stocked items (because MD always orders extras just in case of quality control problems). For example, if someone orders something and it had some minor problems, blemishes, etc... and the person returned it, then VIP members get first choice pick of those items first before the stock is shown to non-vip members.
4. Cutting in line, yes you get to cut in line. For example for this drop people are refunding the Mahogany TH-X00 and jumping on Purpleheart instead. Those Mahogany are already ordered so you have to sell them some how. So VIP's who want those spots are allowed to take it on a first come first serve basis or some kind of lottery system. Whatever you believe is fair or reasonable.
5. Special discounts for VIP members only, example take 10% off MD's extra stocked items. Take an extra 5% off the current live drop. A one-time claimable 15% off any drop for VIP members. A yearly one time claim of 7% off any drop. Offer discounted or free shipping on certain drops for VIP members.
6. You get to join the drop even if the item doesn't ship to your country, of course you will have to pay whatever the shipping costs and import fees are. Pretty much remove the exclusiveness to being only a USA drop.
7. Access to MassDrop financing options, for example pay 30% ($134.99) of the cost of the item of the Purpleheart THX-00 to reserve your spot as a VIP member. When the drop ships pay the remaining 70% cost of the item. Of course this would only apply to items that are on a very long wait time. You could split the cost into 3 increments to 33.33% of the drop price. So the beginning you pay 33%, when it's the middle of the drop pay another 33%, when the item ships pay the remainder of the 33%. If the VIP member fails to pay the remainder on shipping day then the item will be released for purchase to other VIP members via #3 above.
8. You get a shiny gold portrait around your avatar to show how much you love MassDrop.
Of course, realistically this is just an idea and not full proof to anything. People are still going to ride their dolphins and come at you bro with pitchforks and tornadoes.
bjw
290
Mar 29, 2016
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6EQUJ5If this happens I will never purchase another thing from massdrop again. Paying for VIP IS FREAKING STUPID. Greedy shit. I don't and will never participate in a such shitty system. It's like the wealthy get richer cause they can afford the system and the poorer get poorer cause they can't. That's just metaphorically speaking but you get the idea.
MassEDU
182
Mar 29, 2016
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bjw@Whiskey, although you said it with more fervor than I would have, I completely agree. VIP, imo, creates this odd elitist atmosphere/subcategory based on how much money you have and/or are willing to spend. I dislike such mentality. To me, MassDrop doesn't need that at all. It doesn't vibe with the generally budget-friendly, free-for-all philosophy that I love about this current drop system. Also, MD's drop system is already enough of a privilege, so I say leave it as is: open for all to join the drop whenever it becomes active until stock is depleted. Rinse, repeat. If anything, just give people the option to pay for faster shipping speeds (of course the free shipping options remain when viable).
6EQUJ5
459
Mar 29, 2016
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bjwI don't see how you can get richer because you can afford VIP and keep buying a ton of items you wanted to get in on the drop that you couldn't. You can explain to me how that makes you richer by spending more money than everyone else. A business' goal is always to make profit, unless you're a non-profit which is not the case. VIP are for the loonies who must have every piece of custom gear drop. And even then non-profits have to get paid to eat too.
bjw
290
Mar 29, 2016
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6EQUJ5First of all, I don't think you read that I said that was a metaphorical statement. I really shouldn't even be explaining this or as such to someone with a user name like that. I feel like I'm talking to either a kid trying to troll or a manchild. Take that as an insult, but its hard to take you seriously. The fact that if Massdrop would consider doing something like this would really just defeat the purpose of the web traffic they have when drops first start like this one did to get the top 200 or so serial numbers or the other X00's or k7XX's. That decreases profit in the long run and Consumer capital is lost. The fact that this would be introduced and pushed out so that they would get a monthly subscription would not make up for the money lost in loyalty or really the excitement from the customer. The investment in the customer would be gone when it all comes down to it and it would become just another Site that you have to join for a price to be involved in. In the end, This is a niche site with niche products and forecasting some type of VIP program would be cut throat for something such as this site.
If Massdrop introduced that system. Would YOU join it? I seriously doubt it and I would bet money on it.
If Massdrop introduced that system. Would YOU join it? I seriously doubt it and I would bet money on it.
Erix
134
Mar 29, 2016
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bjwI agree with Wiskey. Generally, Massdrop is marginally cheaper than other retail outlets like Amazon, for instance. This small savings often comes at the expense of longer wait times. This drop exemplifies extended wait times. If Massdrop eats into the marginal savings it offers with a VIP fee, many customers will take their business elsewhere.
Demi9OD
18
Mar 29, 2016
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ErixMarginally cheaper hasn't been enough to draw many away from Amazon and lose the Prime shipping and return policy it offers. Where Massdrop truly has an edge is with the exclusive products that you simply can't get anywhere else.
I do not think a VIP system can work with a limited release system. It will do nothing but repel new customers who feel they are being marginalized and treated unfairly. An upgraded membership works best for all when it is based on monetary savings for the savvy consumer but still nets the company a profit or at least break even due to not all consumers being savvy. For instance, a small monthly charge membership for 5% cashback in "Massdrop points" that can be spent on future purchases, but are only active for 6 months after the ship date of your initial purchase. Savvy consumers will do the math and spend their points wisely, saving themselves a little money. Others will make one purchase and forget about the points. No skipping in line, no VIP only releases. Just a point system that increases MD browser hits and purchases, because no one wants to see their points expire, while saving customers money on their purchases at the same time.
There should be no penalty for not joining the program, and community members should always be treated as equally important.
I do not think a VIP system can work with a limited release system. It will do nothing but repel new customers who feel they are being marginalized and treated unfairly. An upgraded membership works best for all when it is based on monetary savings for the savvy consumer but still nets the company a profit or at least break even due to not all consumers being savvy. For instance, a small monthly charge membership for 5% cashback in "Massdrop points" that can be spent on future purchases, but are only active for 6 months after the ship date of your initial purchase. Savvy consumers will do the math and spend their points wisely, saving themselves a little money. Others will make one purchase and forget about the points. No skipping in line, no VIP only releases. Just a point system that increases MD browser hits and purchases, because no one wants to see their points expire, while saving customers money on their purchases at the same time.
There should be no penalty for not joining the program, and community members should always be treated as equally important.
jeffri
139
Mar 29, 2016
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bjwI hear ya. At first, I think a VIP system might be great but in the end, it could potentially turns into an unfair system. The current free for all, where everyone has the same chance to get exclusive items is the better one in the end, no need to divide your members. Shipping options or some kind of reward for frequent customer will be great though, even if it's just some merchandise for saying thanks (i.e cheap stuff like t-shirt, pouch, etc). My 2 cents. :)
KallenStadtfeld_SC
24
Mar 30, 2016
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bjwI wish it were as simple as having the offer to pay extra to receive it earlier.
bjw
290
Mar 30, 2016
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KallenStadtfeld_SCBulk shipping is much cheaper than providing the option to ship faster. Honestly it might be a money pit trying to split up the shipping unless there are a ton of people interested in the idea
KallenStadtfeld_SC
24
Mar 30, 2016
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bjwI definitely agree. I think they could offer pricing options though depending on how badly you wanted it.
bjw
290
Mar 30, 2016
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KallenStadtfeld_SCCould make a poll about it and let others vote to show massdrop the interest
6EQUJ5
459
Mar 30, 2016
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bjwCalling me names on the internet isn't going to really win you any points. All I did was give Will ideas when he asked for some ideas for a VIP system. You're free to oppose such a system by discussing it but you decide to make ad hominems against me instead of directly addressing the issue.
You can bet all the money you want, I never had any intentions to join as I don't even buy enough things here at MassDrop for it to be worthwhile. I would not join the VIP system because it would not benefit me. But for those who have large sums of money in their bank accounts or people who just want to own everything they can benefit from it if they choose too. I see a VIP system no different than buying a membership to Sam's Club or Costco. You buy a membership because you get better service and discounts on items you were going to buy anyways.
See, that's all you care about is getting exclusivity on serial coded items to resell on eBay or Craigslist to make a profit. Some of us here don't really care, we just want an awesome product to actually use. You want exclusiveness, you're barking up the wrong alley. This site isn't called "Distributive Drop" it's called "MassDrop." If people were really after the first 200 serial numbers then nobody would've purchased any of the THX-00's in the last drop. But that is not the case.
I find it difficult to take you seriously when you spell niche as nitch.
You can bet all the money you want, I never had any intentions to join as I don't even buy enough things here at MassDrop for it to be worthwhile. I would not join the VIP system because it would not benefit me. But for those who have large sums of money in their bank accounts or people who just want to own everything they can benefit from it if they choose too. I see a VIP system no different than buying a membership to Sam's Club or Costco. You buy a membership because you get better service and discounts on items you were going to buy anyways.
See, that's all you care about is getting exclusivity on serial coded items to resell on eBay or Craigslist to make a profit. Some of us here don't really care, we just want an awesome product to actually use. You want exclusiveness, you're barking up the wrong alley. This site isn't called "Distributive Drop" it's called "MassDrop." If people were really after the first 200 serial numbers then nobody would've purchased any of the THX-00's in the last drop. But that is not the case.
I find it difficult to take you seriously when you spell niche as nitch.
Varholiaglimp
939
Mar 30, 2016
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6EQUJ5I personally don't want Will's VIP idea to take root, but I appreciate the time and thought you put into writing suggestions for implementing it. (It's possible for people with opposing ideas to get along if they're willing to check their egos at the door -- don't you think?)
Varholiaglimp
939
Mar 30, 2016
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ErixAlso: The Amazon Prime model doesn't really apply to Massdrop, which has far more limited resources than Amazon and involves purchases with much longer wait times by design. MD has one central location, not multiple centers all over the world that allow it to offer two-day shipping globally. Besides which, you have to wait so long on MD for a product to be delivered that you already deserve to receive Massdrop's version of VIP treatment: superior customer service.
Ordering from Massdrop involves a level of frustration that its steady customers learn to manage because of pricing and special items they couldn't find elsewhere. That frustration could get out of hand if customers had to choose between paying more money to wait a little less or watching other customers receive better treatment.
Ordering from Massdrop involves a level of frustration that its steady customers learn to manage because of pricing and special items they couldn't find elsewhere. That frustration could get out of hand if customers had to choose between paying more money to wait a little less or watching other customers receive better treatment.
bjw
290
Mar 30, 2016
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WillCount me out and you see how many drops I have been apart of. You start allowing people to pay to cut line or get exclusivity then you lose people like me that like the fun of jumping on and hitting that join button. You also lose that net traffic that allows some margins to come in as well. Lose lose I think but you guys go ahead and do that. See what happens. It may be good. It may be bad. But whatever it might be. It's hard to come back from a mistake on the internet
KallenStadtfeld_SC
24
Mar 30, 2016
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WillYou become a VIP for being an active, positive influence in the Massdrop community (and potentially being a frequent buying or having spent X amount of money through drops). What this does is give you free shipping on your orders (or greatly reduced for our overseas friends to make a lot of the drops more viable for them?).
If you:
Give VIPs increased say in custom Massdrop exclusives, you take away from what makes the system work so well. The large input gives you a larger sample size to create a better product.
Charge $X to receive all items is a serious gamble. Especially with the items being released, the cost of the VIP program would be high and you have no guarantee you will want or need what is released.
Give early access, that's cute, but I've yet to see a drop I was highly interested in that I didn't have time to sign up for. The emails do a good job of alerting me to new ones.
Set up a financing ability, that gives opportunities for people to join in, but how do you handle fraud or simply people who cannot keep up on payments? You'll be creating a large risk factor as a business, potentially have complaints from people who have money in hand and the drop fills up from a bunch of people financing, and almost every drop comes around more than once so what stops someone from saving and waiting for the next one? If this was to even be considering, I'd think drops would need a period where you could only buy into it at the full amount and then, on the last day, you could finance with a partial payment upfront.
If you:
Give VIPs increased say in custom Massdrop exclusives, you take away from what makes the system work so well. The large input gives you a larger sample size to create a better product.
Charge $X to receive all items is a serious gamble. Especially with the items being released, the cost of the VIP program would be high and you have no guarantee you will want or need what is released.
Give early access, that's cute, but I've yet to see a drop I was highly interested in that I didn't have time to sign up for. The emails do a good job of alerting me to new ones.
Set up a financing ability, that gives opportunities for people to join in, but how do you handle fraud or simply people who cannot keep up on payments? You'll be creating a large risk factor as a business, potentially have complaints from people who have money in hand and the drop fills up from a bunch of people financing, and almost every drop comes around more than once so what stops someone from saving and waiting for the next one? If this was to even be considering, I'd think drops would need a period where you could only buy into it at the full amount and then, on the last day, you could finance with a partial payment upfront.
needhelp
331
Mar 30, 2016
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WillHot toys has this VIP program, you have to buy each and every product released, then you get some discounts and some reservations for hot items. but it is so expensive, only business owners(toy shop owner) can afford that. while financing options that you were saying is laughable. if they are poor( sorry to be blunt), they cannot be a vip. If you are an audiophile that is short on cash and dreaming about becoming VIP, work harder. hey, the word VIP means you make money more than the rest, not by getting a loan to buy stuff you dont need.
needhelp
331
Mar 30, 2016
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KallenStadtfeld_SCagree. audiophile items are stuff people want, not need. you can give financing options for laptop and stuff. not an uber expensive headphones.
CobraTaco
41
Mar 30, 2016
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needhelpYeah but massdrop doesn't solely sell audiophile stuff. Would you VIP to a specific community? I feel like that would isolate and deter sales
Exnorton
33
Mar 30, 2016
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needhelpmaybe you should join the DIC program. Trying buying stuff that you earned the money for.
PixelPusher21
139
Mar 30, 2016
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WillHi Will. The items you sell are so varied between cost, size and shipping. Perhaps just free shipping for VIP members with VIP being set by how much a user has spent. If you spend X amount on Massdrop then any items you purchase automatically qualify for free shipping (no refund for items purchased to get to the amount). Pick a certain amount of time for that x amount to expire if you stop purchasing and start running an average spend over time. Once a persons hits the amount spent they are VIP until the average drops below that spend amount over the set period of time. You may have to adjust or leave out international but your US customers would certainly appreciate it. You can add in simple things like early previews to upcoming products and collaborations but after seeing your business and how it works with vendors of all types I would think that anything more would just be too expensive for most of your users and - or your business. Just a thought.
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