Warby Parker, an eyewear brand renowned for its direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model, and Allbirds, an eco-friendly shoe brand that went public on NASDAQ in 2021, exemplify innovation in connecting manufacturers directly with consumers without intermediaries. This model promotes a positive image by endorsing an eco-friendly business approach. However, the disclosure of the companies’ financial statements revealed that both had accumulated losses greater than anticipated. While it would have been ideal for manufacturers to supply products directly to consumers, the burden of inventory increased along with rising administrative and marketing costs. Distributors in the middle shared profits, but they also shouldered the financial burden. Choosing eco-friendly options often incurs higher costs due to the search for alternatives, which can lead to accumulating losses. Pollution negatively impacts both consumers and suppliers, and business deficits further inflict additional damage that c...
In September 1999, NASA’s unmanned Mars climate probe “MCO” exploded in Mars’ orbit. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin set up the data unit as a “yard,” but NASA mistook it as a “meter.” The MCO entered the atmosphere of Mars 100 km below the original orbit and exploded in friction. Communication error had blown away $ 125 million. With this opportunity, NASA decided that the units used in space development were “meters”. A slip of the tongue in business doesn’t end just a mistake accidentally. It must undoubtedly damage the “cash flow”. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”