Challenges
Here’s the deal, we’ve had some unexpected software and production challenges. With two previous Kickstarter projects under our belt, experience taught us to always set a realistic delivery date that was also a little ambitious (by doing this, creativity thrived, our team was laser-focused, and production sped up). Now we’ve learned it also means that when multiple challenges occur at the same time, we have to inconvenience our backers with a delay.
After analyzing the results from field tests of the first fully functional prototypes, we came to the conclusion that parts of the patented power management software that make WakaWaka products uniquely efficient had to be re-programmed. It took a little longer than envisioned, but working closely with our technology partners at Intivation, we are now certain the WakaWaka Base will perform at the high standards we demand.
At the same time we were correcting software issues, we ran into trouble sourcing the rugged pouch that will store the solar kit. We initially found a manufacturing partner to fabricate the pouch, but were confronted with a price that simply didn’t fit within our budget. In the end, this actually turned out to be a positive development because we were forced to go back to the drawing table. The result is an even better quality pouch that keeps the Base affordable. Upgrading the pouch also meant packaging had to be partly redesigned – which of course, led to more delays!
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this delay may cause. Now that we’ve tackled the challenges and mass assembly has commenced, we look forward to shipping during the second week of July. As a start-up company committed to quality, innovation, and design we’re confident we have a superb product in production. The WakaWaka Base, the next step in the evolution of portable solar power, will be shipped to you as soon as possible. Though it will arrive a little later at your doorstep than promised, we are sure you won’t be disappointed.
Surveys and address change
If you’ve already submitted your backer survey, you can review your response by visiting the project page and clicking the ‘Your response’ text in the bottom of the reward tier you selected. You’ll notice an option at the top of this window that will allow you to change your shipping information. If you have not filled in the survey or want to change your shipping address, please do it now. This option closes on May 8th.
Nepal Earthquake Relief
Meanwhile, WakaWaka’s commitment to improving and saving lives continues to be front and center of our operations. In the wake of the devastating earthquake that has already claimed over 7,000 lives and caused widespread destruction in Nepal, large parts of the country have been plunged into darkness. Because access to light and power is crucial for survivors and emergency response teams, immediately after the earthquake hit WakaWaka donated 2000 solar lights to emergency relief organizations working on the ground in Nepal. The first WakaWakas have arrived in Nepal and as a result of the tremendous response from our Agents of Light community across the globe the number of WakaWakas that will be sent to Nepal and surrounding regions has now surpassed 6000! More information on our work to bring light and power back to Nepal can be found at staging.waka-waka.com/nepal. With your continued help, we can do even more.
As always, thank you very much for your continued support.
Until the next update and in the meantime take a look at the video where we announced the new WakaWaka Base!