Thanks everybody. I thought we'd get a lot of different opinions and, so far, I am not disappointed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
The way around the logistical nightmare Guyon points out is a simple mechanism called a backorder. Based on my recommendation, a person could place as large an order as they wanted to, but no more than TWO knives would ship in the first 72 hours after the product was released. Once the 72 hours had elapsed and all orders to that point had been filled, backorders could then be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Dan wouldn't be the first person to employ this technique nor would he lose potential sales by doing so. And I would argue the statement that Dan & Patti want to sell as many knives as they can as fast as they can. Promoting a large and loyal customer base is just as important, if not more important, than dumping your products to the guy with the fattest wallet.
This is sensible if D & P want to fool with such a system. If I notice in time on the first go-around, I'm only planning to order one (maybe two), so I won't be edging out anybody else. Be nice to know that nobody else is edging me out.
One problem I see with the system, however, is shipping costs. With multiple shipments on the maker's end, that means more $$ to pay someone to package and ship. Also more $$ for packaging materials. On the receiver's end, multiple shipments mean more $$ because of multiple packages. Most folks would rather order their 3 or 5 (or 25) and get them shipped all at once.
