Despite the recent suspension on Kickstarter, it seems that some Indiegogo backers still believe in the laser razor, Skarp.
According to its original description, Skarp uses lasers to clip the unwanted hair. The creators (Skarp Technologies) promise an irritation free and incredibly close shave. All with a high-tech device that will last for years – not days. The razor uses a light wavelength that is absorbed by hair. Regardless of color, the product promises a clean shave even without water.
After securing $4 million, Kickstarter pulled the plug on the now infamous project because the project was in violation of the platform’s terms of operation, as it lacked a working prototype.
The platform sent the project’s organizers a letter stating the following:
Hello,
This is a message from Kickstarter’s Integrity team. We’re writing to notify you that the Skarp Laser Razor project has been suspended, and your pledge has been canceled.
After requesting and reviewing additional material from the creator of the project, we’ve concluded that it is in violation of our rule requiring working prototypes of physical products that are offered as rewards. Accordingly, all funding has been stopped and backers will not be charged for their pledges. No further action is required on your part. Suspensions cannot be undone.
We take the integrity of the Kickstarter system very seriously. We only suspend projects when we find evidence that our rules are being violated.
Regards,
Kickstarter Integrity Team
Refusing to allow this “setback” to get them down, the Skarp team moved over to Kickstarter’s competitor, Indiegogo, for the funds. In just one week, the campaign has successfully raised nearly $350,000 thanks to over 2,100 backers.
During a recent post, Skarp Technologies responded to those who were questioning Kickstarter’s decision:
“Some people have asked for clarification on our suspension from Kickstarter. We’d love to tell you more but Kickstarter haven’t responded to us at all. We know as much as you do. Our campaign was initially approved without any issues. After a week we were asked to post a better demonstration, which we did. Kickstarter told us it looked great & they were happy.
Also clearing the air of the demo accusation, the company noted:
“Last week Kickstarter asked for a demo cutting white hair, which we duly posted. Then, 2-3 weeks into the campaign and without any warning it was suspended, because we are offering the final product as a reward, different than the working prototype in the demos. In this endeavor Kickstarter de facto applied this rule in a way they have not applied to other similar campaigns. It is our impression that they caved in to special interests, but we also appreciate that it is their right to do so.”
In regards to Indiegogo’s support, the Skarp team added:
“Indiegogo have been incredible & we’ve been so impressed with them so far. We’re very happy to be on Indiegogo & hope many of those left Kickstarter disappointed, will come join us here! We are working on some more demonstration videos for everyone & should have something next week.”
The company added that the extra week on Indiegogo will not affect its schedule delivery for March 2016. The funding initiative is set to close next Monday.
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