AbsolutelyNew Blog

It's all about the service after the invention sale

We’re big fans of Tesla Motors. The company’s inventive electric Roadsters are not only oh-so sweet looking, but they do 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds with twice the energy efficiency of a Prius and get up to 244 miles on a single charge (yes, this merits a pause for awe). It also doesn’t hurt that the company named itself after one of the world’s great electrical engineer inventors (Nikola Tesla).

And even more noteworthy right here & now, the Tesla guys just announced they’re rolling out house-calls for owners who need service or upgrades to their $109,000+ sports cars. The service isn’t free—owners must pay $1 per mile the technician must travel to get from the nearest Tesla service center, and there’s a $100 minimum—but we suppose someone who’s spent six figures on their ride isn’t counting pennies.

Beyond the buzzworthyness of this move, there’s an important lesson in it: Success isn’t just about the initial sale—it’s also about the satisfaction & delight that follows. Tesla gets this, and is putting in the miles to prove it. They appreciate that people who are satisfied & delighted will tell their friends. And so will those who aren’t.

Lesson 2: Eliminate the barriers. With few dealers and perhaps no neighborhood garages equipped to repair a cutting-edge Tesla, this move also puts would-be buyers at ease that they won’t be left hunting for help when they need it. That’s almost as cool as the 3.9 seconds!

The best BBQ inventions for summer

We know – it's not officially summer yet. But with June upon us and Father’s Day rapidly approaching, now’s the perfect time to look at some of the best inventions for grilling, chilling and otherwise enjoying backyard sizzle.

Here are our top picks and clickable links to them. Definitely feel free to comment with your own recommendations.

GrillGrate. This is “the great equalizer” of grills – an inventive grate that tops your normal grate to provide a non-stick surface that also vaporizes drippings to re-use the moisture and prevents flare-ups that turn your medium rare burger into a well done hockey puck. Retail price: $22.49.

 

 

The Backyard Warrior. Yes, this grilling accessory looks like some medieval weapon. But that’s only half the fun. It also does a mean job flipping, hooking, and piercing items quickly. Retail price: 12.95.

Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush. Not to sound too much like an infomercial, but this brush harnesses the power of steam to remove even the toughest stuck-on messes and sanitize your grilling surface. The two handles also give a really good grip. Retail price: $21.50.

 

 

 

Magnetic Mini Stainless Steel Grill Light. Not every backyard barbecue ends at sundown. But turning on the lights can kill a mood… and attract mosquitoes? Fear not – here’s a little light that attaches to a grilling tool (or to the grill itself) with powerful magnets, letting you aim three LEDs right where you need them. Retail price: $15.

Husqvarna Automower 260 ACX. This robotic lawnmower – think Roomba with teeth – has no direct role in grilling. And it’s obscenely expensive. But we just had to mention it, because we love robots, and also because it's something to show your friends & neighbors while you’re waiting to achieve that perfect low & slow brisket. Retail price: 4,000 Euro (~$5,700).

The Rake Up: 2-in-1 Gardening Tool

For many people, the hardest part of raking their yard is having to bend down and pick up all the debris.

But one of our inventor-clients has solved that problem by inventing the Rake Up, a 2-in-1 gardening tool that not only rakes perfectly, but also includes a convenient gripping lever that picks up your mess when you're done. The grip is strong and wide enough to lift just about anything: grass, leaves, garbage, trimmings, thorny bushes, even rocks or bricks. This product eliminates the back pain caused by bending and spraining, and it's easily managed by gardeners of all ages. Available in three different sizes.

We think this product has the potential to be a big hit, but we want to know what you think. Do you see it taking off? How much do you see it retailing for? Would you buy one yourself?

Please click "Comments" below to offer your feedback, or drop us a line at info@absolutelynew.com.

Feedback Wanted: Review the "Wynder's Wieners" Tool

When is a hotdog not just a hotdog? When it's a Wynder's Wiener, of course.

Wynder's Wieners is a tool used to cut hotdogs, brats, sausages and more into spiral shapes. The advantage? Cutting a hotdog into a spiral increases its surface area, allowing more of the dog to caramelize (as witnessed at the 2:30 mark in the video above), which results in greater flavor. The spiral cut also allows the dog to cook faster and drain more of the fat out, not to mention giving it a fun, unique shape that kids love.

What do you think? Would you buy this product? How much would you be willing to pay for it? What kind of retailer do you see selling it?

Please click "Comments" below to give us your feedback. Or drop us a note at info@absolutelynew.com.