Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, while the examples aren’t exact analogies, that’s pretty much what Huntington Beach, California’s Signal Snowboards is trying to replicate with its new subscription service for snowboards.
The company’s website allows riders to get in the club for $35 a month (that’s the minimum cost), that includes a brand new board made in its Huntington factory. Riders get a new ride every year as they renew their subscription. The membership includes two weeks of demos (basically, you can try two new boards)—say if you’re lucky enough to get some heli time in some place awesome and want a different shape—and $40 for additional demos after that. Subscribers can also get tip-to-tail warranty on boards (that’s extra).
The brand is hyping its community, hoping this program is “a launchpad for additional value-added snowboard programs (that) include affordable partnerships with ski resorts on lift tickets, unforgettable trips and other snow gear.”
It’s an interesting concept. But with the minimum sub at $35, that’s still $420 a year at the minimum. Tough to tell if a soft snowboard market can handle the cost. “We love snowboarding and want to see the sport continue to grow and flourish with the changing retail landscape,” said Signal Founder Dave Lee in a release. “We have created a direct online platform that allows snowboarders — both new and old — to easily buy a quality USA-made snowboard for the cost of a dinner out or a few beers a month. It also gives subscribers a direct line to us and our brand. We want them to feel totally taken care of. In addition to providing the best boards at the best price, we are building an online community of snowboarders.”
Find out more at Signalsnowboards.com
