This time I have not prepared a standard, regular monthly update about the storage & sorting solutions based on great Cube4Me products. Today there is a different focus – today we celebrate a special moment – the third anniversary of cooperation between Cube4Me and The Boardgames Chronicle! And with this, we start a small GIVEAWAY – details to follow.
It all started a bit more then three years ago. Initially, we discussed and brainstormed to what extent experiences and knowledge which Marcin built around RailsOnBoards and his passion for 18XX genre games can be re-used in the wargames world. It seemed there should be such an opportunity but we really did not know how the community will react. In the end, there were many long-term and well established producers of such solutions. And we really needed something new and fresh to make a difference.
The Beginning
It was obvious, that whatever we will think of, it should bring value – not only chrome – to the games and players. We decided to base it on three pillars which were a centerpiece of our work since the inception:
- First and foremost, tailor-made sets for specific titles, which are designed in best way to sort and store components while allowing for the lid to close! If you go for such a product, you may rest assured it will fit your box and do the job nicely.
- Then, using the superb Cube4Me trays and – what is even more important sometimes – card holders. Why I am saying superb? They close very tightly and firmly – no way to accidentally open them. They are transparent, so you can see both from top as well as bottom what is in compartment. But most importantly, they optimally use the space, leaving minimal “waste areas” – thus allowing to pack many more components.
- Thirdly, superb customer service. When you look at the lengths to which Marcin goes when making sure the sending of the product is safe and fast, this is simply fantastic. But what really amazes me, is how very attractive cost-wise is the shipping worldwide he manages to offer. Last but not least, if any of our solutions raises question how to use them, we create video materials with detailed explanation.
Once we agreed on approach and how we would like to start, we fired-up with first three, initial ideas. The aim was to target some counter-intense titles but also to run a test with one game which partially uses blocks. Of course, some of the more popular games so we can have enough feedback base on our idea. Here is what we went with:
Well, did it work? Beyond our imagination! We received massive positive feedback, a lot of questions about how we made sure the sets are fitting into the boxes as well as tons of requests for additional titles – which we promptly did! There were also suggestions and comments how to improve some of the storage solution aspects which we incorporated into our work.
The Past
These were our humble beginnings. However, after that proof of concept, the real, hard work started. It was a long journey, not devoid of some failures or less-than-optimal ideas, but in 99% of cases we were able to deliver what our devoted fans and customers asked us for.
I would like to present some interesting data below. As you remember the Cube4Me started as extension of RailsOnBoard blog and mainly served the 18XX. This time is long gone – the things completely swapped. When you look today at the split of proposed solutions it looks like this:
Yes, you see it right – currently 74% – or in other words 460 storage solution sets – belongs to wargames category. Only 26% (or 157 sets) are for 18XX and Euro games. That is some enormous transformation which we can observe here.
Of course, through those three years we were able to gather a lot of data, especially what is popular, what is important for the customers in those sets, where they become indispensable. What was main conclusion? Well, that counter-intense games are in most dire need of Cube4Me trays!
Let us see now the four most popular sets in the last three years. Except for the three above, which led the pack, these will be:
The Pacific War is probably the masterpiece how to fit the over 2000 counters in storage solution and close the lid – only possible with new type of Counter Storage Trays. Fields of Fire: Deluxe Edition is another, recent work of art as it has such an enormous number of components – and it fits fully with recent tweaks to initial set! Great Battles of Julius Caesar is another example how super-counter-intense games benefit from Cube4Me storage solutions. This is true for all Great Battle games. A Most Fearful Sacrifice fills the box to the brim – but thanks to proper management of cards and counters, fits fully!
What we were also asked for during those years, was to streamline the navigation on the page. A lot of the people knew those products but would like to see only the newly added stuff. Thus the “NEW & Noteworthy” section was created, which stipulates new titles from last five months. It often helps me too, especially when writing about recent additions:
And if you still wonder where to get all those great sets, here is the link to wargaming section:
The Future
You know, there is a saying, which I will paraphrase here: complacency is enemy of innovation and development. So while Marcin and me are really glad of what we already achieved and where we are with our project, new ideas emerge. We already added the tarot-sized card holders, we debate new trays designs – specifically for the Wargames usage, we discuss how to improve already created sets and where we can help most. There are two things which we shall focus in near future and I will comment on them now:
Big Card Holders will store 94 cards (in comparison to Standard which stores 50 and Slim which has capacity for 28). This is huge difference, enormous space-saver for the sets, and let us be honest – more cost efficient for customers.
Another area we shall focus on is designing and re-designing sets with the usage of Counter Storage Trays. Those were developed for smaller and larger counters, and are specifically useful for counter-intense sets with variable elements, which you need to find among thousands of other pieces.
With this conclusion I would like to thank all wargamers who had possibility to use the Cube4Me storage and sorting solutions, for you overwhelmingly positive, open and candid feedback. That means a lot for us!
The Giveaway
We thought with Marcin that we would like to use this occasion and celebrate with you guys this anniversary. With that in mind we organize a Giveaway! So how does it work? Couple of rules:
- Go to Cube4Me page. Check which wargames sets we already have.
- Think about 2-3 wargames which dose not yet have the sets on Cube4Me and which you deem as worth adding.
- Submit answers via CONTACT ME page. That way I will be able to respond to you on email.
- What counts is participation; no matter how many proposals you will provide or how quickly you will respond – you are eligible for a giveaway
- You can submit your answer till the end the week 🙂 So till the end of Sunday, June 22h (whatever timezone you are in 🙂 ).
- On June 23th with Marcin from Cube4Me we shall draw two winners; the prizes will be two discount coupons for 40$ each which you can use for their storage solutions
Good Luck!
The Boardgames Chronicle 