Present
I’m satisfied with the overall design.
This means I’m no longer changing the prostheses every few weeks…. things are more certain…. and I can offer replacement
parts.
I no longer need to spend so much time on design work, so I'm now able to lower the price.
BUT
Just when I thought I could relax ... came new hurdles. To adjust, I've made some changes
What's changeing?
- Lower price for the t2 Phase5 (also for replacement skins for the Phase5). But with a
- Removal of the garantee system. see terms and conditions section 1.project concept.
- The website in English only (for now) - this makes public communication faster, less expensive, much easier (until now I've had the German and French versions as well as English, everyone else has used a translator).
- I'm re-introducing a (new) t2 Simple (flaccid only with a hole to connect an STP) version of the prosthesis.
What happened?
1. Medical certification removed
The prosthesis are no longer "medical devices". I saw no indicaiton that this is about quality or safety, my official qualifications, or even about penises for trans+, it seems to be about EU-wide regulations making it harder to be a certified medical device company, unless very large. I imagine it could also have something to do with the current all-round cuts to medical insurance in Germany. Whatever it is - it feels like a large brick wall.
What does this mean?
Far higher tax rate : The prostheses can no longer be taxed at the reduced rate for medical devices.
No payment coverage by medical insurance companies. Everyone has to pay out of pocket now, all the people who are used to having their prosthesis paid for by their insurance, no longer have that possibility.
One positive is that international shipment should be easier. Sending as a medical device was always complicated.
for details, see medical insurance
2. Cheap versions, pretending to be something like this project
I've tried to ignore it as scams come and go.... but this one is not going away.
For details, see Peecock
3. Changes to import, USA
This project has more supporters and people who order from the USA than from all other countries together. Customs controls and tarrifs for import to the USA, has had an impact.
see the last section of Postage
4. and this has been a steady change for awhile now, and having a big effect on the project...
Commercialisation of online spaces
Expectations
Many many companies make prosthesis and packers now. Where we once had individuals sharing reviews, we now have larger platform influencers who are businesses. While I have my 'no hype' policy, "hype" is used for sales - be it clicks or products.
Expectations are way too high. Because so many people believe the ads.
While ... there's a general expectation that everything's a scam, because people don't really believe ads.
It seems that many people believe the perfect prostheses already exists, that they just need to find out which company sells it.
Truth is, I've found no indication of anyone or any company out there seriousy investing time and money - except this project.
Critique
I'm ok with needing a thick skin. What makes this project harder and harder though, is that less people contact me to work out problems.
One of my most active supporters ever, was someone who I asked to please not order because there is no way that I can deliver what he's hoping for. He ordered anyway - and then continued to order and share ideas throughout many years until he eventually had surgery. (He's the one who suggested coconut oil as internal lubricant - so - all the companies using coconut oil now - it's thanks to him.)
This project needs communication and collaboration - I've read several random online posts over the years - from high praise to deep criticism - often pure fiction from people who I know never ordered from me. This project needs direct personal communication.
see no hype policy
Making prostheses is my job, and I know there's no comparable prostheses out there, and very few people with the knowledge and skills I've gained. I'm not closing shop. I'm adjusting, re-focussing.
Druckversion 