As noted on 11/3, we're back with a quick update on production!
There are a lot of details here, so let's walk through where we are on all the major components:
Companion Guides - In Production. Per the last update, the text and layout are complete, and the book is with the printer for review. It still takes time to print, bind, and ship the books, but if all goes well, the books should still arrive in early December.
MM5 Small - Complete. The entire run is complete and in the warehouse, and they will be ready to ship when the Companion Guides arrive.
MM5 Touch - Complete. The entire run is complete and will be delivered to the warehouse after Cyber Monday. Like the Small, they will be ready to ship once the Companion Guides arrive.
MM5 Educational Edition - Complete. The entire run is complete and due in the warehouse within the next week. They will be ready to ship when the Companion Guides arrive.
MM5 Large - In Production. Based on the current casting schedule, we expect to receive 800 units by mid-December. This can and probably will change as each museum is assembled, cast, and polished by hand.
Display Boxes and Pouches - Partial Receipt. Since our last update, we've had a little adventure with the packaging. The delivery destined for our warehouse actually ended up getting switched with another company's shipment. The good news is that our shipment was safe and sound, and it is back on track. The first part of the shipment arrived with boxes and pouches at the warehouse this Monday, and we're expecting the next shipment in a few days. Inspections show the items look great and should be all good to go once the rest of the components arrive.
Given all of these factors, if you are planning to give a Fifth Edition Mini Museum as a gift for the holidays we advise you to make backup plans. MM5 Small, Touch, and some early Large backers have a shot at being shipped in December, but there are still a few components that need to be completed before we can say anything for certain. Hopefully, these behind-the-scenes details of crowdfunding are informative and perhaps a little exciting. We're always happy to share the steps of production as this is what crowdfunding is really all about!
To close out this quick update, we've got a photo of one of the newly arrived MM5 Smalls as well as some brief questions and answers!
Q: Will the Fifth Edition be shipped before the end of December?
A: Smalls, Touches, and some early Larges may be shipped out in the middle of December, though this will depend on the arrival of the Companion Guides and the assembly of the packages.
Q: Will you make a print-and-fold gift card like you did with past Editions?
A: Absolutely! As with previous editions, we will have a downloadable print-and-fold gift card. These cards will contain art of the MM5 specimens, which you can share to let your recipient know about the awesome new collection headed their way.
Q: What about the Illuminated LED Stands?
A: QA checks on the stands are complete, and they are beautiful. We noticed that the factory fitment of the top and the cradle is pretty snug on this batch. The first time opening these stands can be a little tricky, and there is a specific way to separate the top and cradle pieces, so we're going to make a little demonstration video and include extra instructions in the box. That will be ready before the Companion Guides arrive in the warehouse, so expect to see an update on that very soon.
Q: What about other Add-ons?
A: Pins have arrived at HQ and look phenomenal (check out our previous update for pics!) The Coelacanth cutting board production samples are on their way to us right now, and they look fantastic. Carly K of Mythic Mgmt has helped this part of the project come to life, and we couldn't be happier. You'll be seeing some photos as soon as they arrive.
Q: When will the Pledge Manager open?
A: Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for the pledge manager! We'll begin collecting shipping addresses and revealing some special new add-ons a little after Cyber Monday, so we can start the first wave of shipping as soon as the museums are ready!
That's all for now. See you soon in the next update!
