[WestsoundBT]

ok, I'll participate in a speculation thread.

Anytime a third party company comes to the table, there are some that think they have to knock someone else out to have a seat at the table. Vibrams setting up to the group ok and didn't have to steal (marketshare) from the others, so I don't think that'll be a big deal with DD or Prodigy to work out their own success. You don't have to be the biggest entity on the block to be successful - just successful enough to meet your own goals.

However, here's my interesting observations and thoughts:

DISTRIBUTION

Distribution is a big thing if you are primarily focused on selling a lower cost commodity. I have a good feeling on how DD is planning their distribution scheme - they already have it going. Maybe add wholesale order capability for regional brick and mortar. No prob there.

What I'm interested in seeing is the Prodigy distribution plan. Same thing - dive into online distribution, and grow ground up with small and medium sized wholesale arrangements? Likely. Or maybe they've got an "ace" in their pocket for a pre-arranged distribution network. There was rumors of an earlier disc golf meets Dicks Sporting goods effort somewhere, and I don't off hand know how Southern centric that would be. (pure speculation)

Additionally, I'm interested to see what happens specifically to touring pros that (perhaps) now have a higher stake in a startup company. Could we see touring pro team members now really drawn into being a notable part of the distribution and sales force? Commission, part equity, percentage of personal sales, blah, blah, blah.. you get it - it changes what it might mean to be one of these team members.

Could many touring pros now start traveling in larger merchandise vehicles, with them having a greater drive to sales as a distributer/point of purchase?

Side note: How awesome for DD that they got the Emporia Worlds bid to work out so well at a good timing!