Pebble’s most recent crowdfunding success proves that pull manufacturing is the future

Some weeks ago I wrote about the many disadvantages of physical retail and why we should abandon it immediately if we could (which we cannot yet for socioeconomic reasons). One thing I did not mention in that post but which most likely will play a crucial role in changes to come for retail is the rise of product manufacturing based on specific demand. One could also call it the switch from push to pull manufacturing.

Until now, most products were produced by companies that could not be sure whether all or even a high percentage of units would be sold. Instead, guess work, predictive market research and individual opinions decided about volumes. Then placements in stores combined with different marketing activities were used to create demand and generate sales. The existing products were “pushed” into the people’s field of attention in the hope that people would buy. Continue Reading