3 biggest lessons we've learned in the last year.

We're really thankful to all of the people who have purchased Combray, and we have learned a lot:

1. Redness conditions are the top reason people buy repeatedly

- Rosacea, Eczema, and Psoriasis are each about the same in terms of % repeat purchases

- Acne is 30% higher repeat purchases than the conditions above, and the highest of any condition

2. We really think we need a 10 ml (1 month) supply. We see this by the fact that we see many people repeatedly purchase the 3-pack samples (about a 2 week supply). Since this offering was really meant as a means for people to try Combray, on a per ml basis, it is expensive to buy repeatedly. So, an alternative for those who don't use it fast enough or who just don't want to have to pay $156 at a time, we think a 10 ml, 1 month, about $50 bottle would be perfect.

3. Sampling, sampling, sampling! Since posting our free sample offer on a coupon/sample site (Hunt4Freebies.com) and receiving 6,000 + survey respondents/samplers in less than 24 hours, our world has changed in terms of "advertising."

- It makes great sense that to give a free sample to an interested person it shouldn't have to cost much more than shipping. I love how this shows the new commerce paradigm possible through the internet. The biggest obstacle for years for small companies to compete with multi-nationals in products like skin care is accessing the customer, either through buying advertising pages or having to "buy" shelf space. Free samples via these special internet sites that act like coupon clearing houses levels the playing field and we love it.

Here's a review of Combray that is not your average skin care product review, in the sense of the amount of scrutiny the reviewer applied:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue-9/combray.html

I think it was about a 2 month process in all putting Combray to the test: sunburn, wound healing, insect bites, and more. The results with mosquito bites is kind of a new data point for us, but another person has also mentioned it. Combray really passed with flying colors.

The natural, organic, etc. versus synthetic question is raised regarding Oxofulleram, as the review is in a digital magazine called Organic Lifestyle Magazine, but they don't come across as close-minded, just the opposite. One of the ways I thought of to explain Oxofulleram was to consider the technology theoretically necessary to produce it - one could dig up the raw carbon from e.g., a coal seam, then "cook" it with an oil in a fairly primitive fashion and that would basically be it, plus or minus some very lucky choices of what you added to the cooking pot. Chemistry is cooking, and cooking is chemistry, pretty much.

The structure exists in nature, and just has to meet the right other ingredients. Not that that is any better or worse than a purely synthetic structure.

Hi -

We started a new blog, focused on applications of Combray, and how and why it works or doesn't for various skin care needs. Our focus is on user experience. Right now there is a post on the history of Combray, and then a post on why we are putting some emphasis right now on understanding how Combray helps with rosacea. Everything is driven by listening to users, through our surveying and sampling, and even better, when we can speak or correspond with users directly.

Here's the new blog: http://combray-applications.blogspot.com/

We're also interacting with Combray customers, testers, and friends on twitter: @Combray_Dave and @Combray_Jeanne. We would love to hear from you - I think it's going to be a great way to interact with users and people interested to learn more.

Good rosacea information

We're in the process of trying to contribute to the understanding of rosacea - it's apparent that some rosacea sufferers are helped by Combray. The causes are not well understood, though inflammatory processes and oxidative stress correlate with the condition. So, there's a basis for why Combray could help - if reducing the concentration of free radicals signals a reduction in inflammation.

Here is a good information center at the NYTimes on rosacea.

On the topic of corporatization and the alternatives -

Life, Inc.

Benton's

Benton's is a small family-owned business in Tennessee, near Solenne's US distribution site for Combray.

The first interesting thing is that they make really good bacon, prosciutto, country ham, etc., that's been written up in Saveur, Gourmet, and other high-end food publications.

The next interesting thing, and revolutionary, is how they have evolved as a local 60-year old business. For most of their history, they were a pork butcher/smokehouse that served the local community. The communities in this area of Tennessee are not really that healthy anymore, small farmers have gone out of business, local manufacturers have pulled out, etc. So, Benton's began to serve the rest of the country through internet sales.

They are still the same - a simple block-house that will leave your clothes smelling of smoke for a
day, it's just that now they have a way to serve people farther than a car's drive away. And, like most successful local business, they are approachable, nice people who you can talk to and get to know and learn more about their product, the history, and feel a personal connection.

They not only survived, they are prospering, and I think they could be a great example for small business-owners in local rural communities to consider, especially farmers, who could specialize and market a high-quality product nationwide through the internet. They are also an example of how a good national brand can be, approachable, and with a local, personal approach.

Here is an interesting video :

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1886337/6214254