Infomercial from the future, or blast from the past?
This particular video was brought to my attention by my agroecology professor. While not a marketing campaign per se, it represents the latest outlets of information for sustainable products: Youtube videos, word of mouth, and country farm festivals such as this one, racing a scythe against a weed whacker:
And unlike 99% of conventional advertisements, it piqued my interest in the product.
Perhaps the most curious part, though, is that this stuff is in fact current. And here it is, you can buy a blade on sale for $44.35 at Amazon.com:
Think about it: simple technologies. Not a lot to them. But there could potentially be a huge market out there as people realize that petroleum power just doesn't measure up to human strength combined with age-tested tools.
It can be promoted on three levels: 1) Simplicity - every part of the machine is easily understood by the consumer, or should I say, user (because nothing is really "consumed" in the making of this product - it doesn't vanish after one use). 2) Performance - it just works better overall, making the need for motorized equipment hard to justify. 3) Enjoyment - mowing lawns or trimming weeds can suddenly become a quiet, peaceful activity, free of continuous loud noise, faulty starter cords, and flying debris, all with the added benefit of good exercise.
There's also a great deal that I'm sure can be improved upon, in terms of sharing information, comparing models (apparently an Austrian scythe is lighter and easier to use than the American scythe - http://www.thescytheshop.co.uk/permascythes.html), even updating the look if it would open up the market to new users. It's a product that could build up lasting relationships with clients in terms of training, renting, customizing, and repairing as opposed to one-time purchase, use and disposal.
For more information: http://www.scytheworks.com/
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