Segway sales and marketing?

[jacoplen]

People are always asking me, why don't I see more Segways? I think the total number sold is very low. I was curious if anyone knows how many have been sold, and why they have yet to market Segways with adds and commercials?

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. - Samuel Johnson

[verbl800]

As of the recall, LLC announced that there were 6000 Segways out in the world.

Many folks have wondered the same thing as you - why there is a clear absence of marketing in media outlets. No-one is sure of the answer.

[SegwayUtah]

So, seven months into the consumer product launch (since shipping began), there were no fewer than 6,000 Segway HTs in the wild.

It's now been another 2.5 months. Does that mean there are at least 8,000 HTs in the wild? After Christmas (a busy time for sales), will there be at least 10,000?

The world may never know :)

Chris

[verbl800]

SegwayUtah -

There will definitely be a lot more than 6,000, especially if exposure through Brookstone during the Christmas shopping season helps, but I think your extrapolation is faulty; I believe the 6,000 number includes E series models as well, and since many of the early purchasers were corporate entities that were testing and have not yet gone through their purchasing processes, I would probably say 10,000 is perhaps a bit on the high end.

But, obviously, that's pure conjecture on my part, so who knows?

[counselorbrian]

It is very unusual... to have a product with such an appeal initially, with millions spent on R&D, and yet very little spent on marketing it.

By not having a national campaign, LLC risks leaving the media spin the Seg in whatever way it wishes- and we've seen how supportive they've been.

[jacoplen]

I really think that is a great point. I find myself defending the product all to often. I wish Segway would market the product so people are fully educated on it function and usefulness.

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. - Samuel Johnson

[shaehnic]

Maybe I'm not fully indoctrinated, but it seems like Segway marking would have an easier time presenting it as 'really fun' rather than stretch to make it look useful to everyone.

That LLC video showing the guy just doing donuts and goofing around looks a lot more believable than later when they show "Mr & Mrs Business executive" riding it into their cliche office.

If these things were $999 instead of $4500, I think they would join snowboards and bicycles in quite a few garages, without any justification at all except it's a blast to ride. Do you think Kamen's helicopter is enviromentally efficient, or fun to fly?

[jacoplen]

My understanding of Kamen's goal for the Segway was to be sure it was not seen as a "Toy". He specially designed to be safe, and a reliable mid-distance travel device. People should understand that Segway's are useful for people who live and work in urban areas. People like myself who live a little two far from work to walk, and so close that it is more problematic to drive. Therefore this mid-distance travel device is a great solution.

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. - Samuel Johnson