Capitalizing on K-Lite - Orchid Board

Ray · #1 12-15-2013, 04:51 PM

Those of you who know me and my business philosophy understand that First Rays does not carry stuff for sale just to make a buck, but only sell what I use and believe in.

Apparently I am fairly unique in that, as the company that produces K-Lite fertilizer for me (who had committed to making it only for me) has been pressured by other vendors to sell it to them, I suppose so that they can capitalize on its popularity.

As that manufacturer has treated me so well over the years, I did not feel I would be doing right by asking them not to sell it elsewhere, so I suppose we'll soon see who the "glommers" are.

Anyone want to make any guesses?

Jayfar · #2 12-15-2013, 05:06 PM

You could brand yours Ray's Original K-Lite, but then that approach didn't make for easy distinction in the NYC pizza market:

Ray's Pizza - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Quote:

Ray's Pizza, and its many variations such as "Ray's Original Pizza", "Famous Ray's Pizza" and "World-Famous Original Ray's Pizza", are the names of dozens of pizzerias in the New York City area that are generally completely independent (a few have multiple locations) but may have similar menus, signs, and logos.

The Hunt For The Real Original Ray's Pizza: Gothamist

billc · #3 12-15-2013, 05:09 PM

I'll pass on the guesses. I've been using K-lite since the first trials began and I can't thank you and Rick enough. My plants are doing real well. I'm not convinced it was just the K-lite, I think cutting the feeding rate down to 30-40 PPM played a big part in my "cultural revolution".
Didn't the same sort of thing happen with S/H? Everyone jumped on it after saying"that will never work" I have some intergenerics going on 5 years in S/H and they are still thriving.

Bill

naoki · #4 12-15-2013, 05:48 PM

repotme? Whoever it is, you have a great attitude! It's not quite like open source or open science, but hopefully wider usage could tell us more about orchid nutrition in the future.

Ray · #5 12-16-2013, 08:41 AM

...and to be totally honest about it, I have "capitalized" on it too!

My original intent was just to use my contacts in the industry to get the stuff made for the experimenters, but it has been so popular that I've sold a total of almost 2500# of the stuff over the last two years.

Thanks Rick!

jeremyinsf · #6 12-16-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

My original intent was just to use my contacts in the industry to get the stuff made for the experimenters, but it has been so popular that I've sold a total of almost 2500# of the stuff over the last two years.

I guess this officially makes me a member of "the 1%" club

Thanks to you Ray for making it available and taking the time to explain and document the experiences with it. I know a lot of people appreciate what you bring to the table and would rather get products from you than other places anyway.

Leafmite · #7 12-16-2013, 02:34 PM

I haven't tried K-light just because I do my own crazy thing but I applaud that others are also willing to experiment for, due to experimenting, advances are made.
Good luck, Ray! I'm quite certain that you will continue to do well for everyone knows you are an honest person who tries very hard to deliver quality.

littlefrog · #8 12-16-2013, 08:20 PM

You could have the manufacturer tack on a royalty that goes to you...

I share your 'pain'... I never could quite get to the mercenary side of orchid growing. Which explains why I just found out that plants I was selling for $50 bucks were being sold on E-bay for $400+... Still wouldn't sell mine for that much, that is just sick.

Andrew · #9 12-16-2013, 10:22 PM

Ray,
Is K-lite your formulation or did the fertilizer company come up with a low K formulation for you? It seems to leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth of breaching IP if they were manufacturing a formula that you came up with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlefrog

You could have the manufacturer tack on a royalty that goes to you...

Agree and get them to label it as First Ray's K Lite.

Ray · #10 12-17-2013, 09:28 AM

Rick Lockwood originated the concept. I contacted a fertilizer producer to see what it would take to have it made. The producer proposed a formula or two, and Rick and I chose one and went with it.

Up until now it was only made for me. I had the option of keeping it that way, but you have to understand that if the firm or firms "jumping on the band wagon" wanted to, they could certainly go to another manufacturer and have it made. All that would achieve would be taking sales away from my manufacturer, and I didn't like that idea.