Xena Original Chakram Run 2026 #3 part II

If you are here, you are REALLY interested!

The last three weeks have been full of slow, painful negotiation, mostly trying to find ways to lower the cost. There was one week lost to a weeklong national holiday, (which I just can't relate to at all!) I'm not sure what happens if they keep their business open. Maybe it's not good. Also, the time has been used to collect every last charge, fee, service, supply, tax, and tarrif that will inflate the cost, as well as packaging. The final price is higher than I wanted (by a LOT) but I am satisfied that it is the best I can do and not compromise on quality.

I have told the foundry to stand by while I collect input from you and see how many on my interest list are really that interested. Perhaps by Monday I will give the green light (and big payment) to start the sample. This sample will be CNC machined to avoid the expense of a mold. The purpose is to get the finish details nailed down such as surface roughness, paint finish, and detail painting. It will take about a month to complete and make its way into my hands. If I don't approve it, they take another crack at it until I do. During this time I will design the packaging and continue overseeing the display stand production.

At that point, I order the production and pay for a mold and half of the production cost. It's a big chunk of money. The foundry has anticipated a month for production. They will handle the final packing into boxes and insertion of display stands. When everything is perfect, I will pay the balance due.

Transit to the USA will take about a month. I've got to figure out where I will put them while I get them shipped out! 

I will be posting up pictures along the way - samples, packaging, etc. Stay tuned!