I am also impressed by your persistence in bringing this keyset to life, MaNiFeX. You could have thrown the towel when reaching MOQ took a long time, then again when a chunk of participants just didn't pay up, now there's the issue with the conversion rate, and still I am confident I will recieve my set. Your updates are always frequent and reassuring.
Trust is of course involved in every GB.
Thank you for your kind words and confidence in me, r5d! I really appreciate all the community support. I've always done my best to live up to/exceed expectations and conduct business in a fair manner. Any other way would reflect poorly on me!
Let me address the conversion rate, specifically. First, I built in a little 'wiggle room' in my pricing for un-anticipated hurdles in the process, and will be eating the cost of the conversion rate, if possible. I'm doing my best to give the community a set for the price I originally set, regardless of issues. I set the price, and everyone will get that price. Second, I've learned quite a bit about banking, PayPal, international shipping, business, and conversion rate fluctuation. So, even if/when I do lose some cash on this GB, at least I've learned something. Finally, I could have saved a hundred bucks or two by 'riding the market,' but I wanted that money over to GMK as soon as possible!
Regarding my persistence: this set needed to be made. It was haunting me. I kept hearing whispers of everyone's "oohs and aaaahs" at JTK Stormtrooper or HHKB Stormtrooper setups. "I wish I could get a set of those..." "That would look sick on my mini." Post after post... Then a convergence of hype and May the 4th happened. I kept hearing, "May the 4th be with you." "May the 4th be with you."
"May the 4th be with you." "Yes, yes. And with you, brother! AND WITH ALL THE KEYBOARD BRETHREN!!!!"
So, I designed a 'cheap and compatible' set, contacted GMK for a render, then listed it. Then I had a vendor kick in for a large order and a contingent from China buy in with a sizable order, too. And about 100 other individuals. I really, really, didn't want this to fail and have to refund everyone! Luckily, on Monday, my last post got a number of people to buy in and push the funding to the point I could pay GMK and cover a good portion of shipping with GB funds.
Let's hope for a quick production and nice product! Can't wait to start shipping these out!