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 a rapidly evolving technological market, companies thrive not by producing durable, long-lasting products but by continuously innovating new models. If car manufacturers create vehicles so robust that customers drive them for over 30 or 40 years, those companies risk failure. Therefore, product cycles are crucial in manufacturing: if they are too short, trust is lost; if they are too long, bankruptcy follows. Nevertheless, newcomers often aim to make them more robust. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”