Reddit roundup: backers angry as Coolest Cooler appears on Amazon first
Delivery Delay · PledgeRadar Editorial ·
This 2015 thread discussed the Coolest Cooler, one of Kickstarter's biggest campaigns at the time, after units went on sale on Amazon while many backers were still waiting for theirs.
Commenters debated the underpricing behind it and whether selling at retail first is ever acceptable.
What Reddit users said
Sees underpricing as the core problem: about $12M from roughly 60,000 coolers works out near $200 each, leaving perhaps $130–160 after fees, shipping and R&D. Retail sales at a higher price look like an attempt to cover that gap.
Original commentHighlighted the reported cause of the delay: the supplier of the blender motor was on strike and no replacement had been found.
Original commentThinks backers' anger is justified, arguing the launch was rushed without a proper transition plan.
Original commentReceived theirs and says it works well, and that the company was open about delays.
Original commentRecalls that the original Pebble watches also showed up at Best Buy while backer orders were still being fulfilled.
Original commentOut of about 20 backed projects, only one wasn't delayed, so delays don't bother them. What frustrates them is an early backer number still not receiving a unit while retail buyers do.
Original commentThinks cases like this hurt Kickstarter and that the platform should tighten its terms.
Original commentSource: Kickstarter backers are furious the Coolest Cooler is selling on Amazon - before they got theirs! (r/kickstarter)
Replies in this roundup summarize public comments posted on Reddit and are credited to their original authors, with links to the source. They are third-party opinions, not statements by PledgeRadar or its members. PledgeRadar does not verify these claims and accepts no legal responsibility for the content of community discussions.