This is obviously the question we all ask ourselves. How much will the machine cost?

I announced that my dream was a beacon for less than €100. I actually think it is possible. In reality, it's all about quantity.

I was able to control the costs for the development of the first prototypes. The initial budget is respected.

But between the prototype that works and the industrial product, compliant, guaranteed, etc., there is a big step. I still have a lot of steps to go through, laws to respect, and unfortunately it costs!

I estimate that I have around €15 in fixed costs. It covers the constitution of the company, R&D, tooling, legal, certifications, etc…

Going through a bank or shareholders is out of the question. We are in the age of the internet. This stuff is has-been.

Not possible either to ask for money from the FFVL: They will not be able to help a company. That would be unfair competition.

The solution: Organize a crowdfunding campaign (= presales), with a free price. Or let's say a minimum price per beacon, with the possibility of paying more to support the project. The challenge is to have enough pre-orders to reach critical mass.

Minimum price of tags, depending on the number of orders:

Number of pre-orders	Price including tax (€)
50	399
150	199
500	149
1500	99

We should be able to reach 150 pre-orders without too much difficulty. 500 it can be playable, but we will have to fight!

The subscription will be 20 € TTC / YEAR. No need for a sim card, or papers to do. I manage everything.

I plan to launch the campaign within a month. For delivery in January 2015.

That way I will finally have the means to do a real job. It will also leave time to have a first feedback on the prototype beacons, and to tackle the industrialization work.

Remarks ?

This article tells you about the birth of Piou Piou, the first 100% autonomous and affordable sensor to measure the wind live, even where there is no electricity or internet.

Discover Pioupiou on his website: http://pioupiou.fr