Unfortunately for those that have pre-ordered and backed the awesome Virtuix virtual reality treadmill via Kickstarter and later directly from the company’s website, will be disappointed to learn that the company has now cancelled all international preorders that require delivery outside the US.
The company has now updated its official Kickstarter campaign page explaining that to ship the 80kg 1m square box to non-U.S. customers “has proven naive and unfeasible.”
Challenges in International Shipping
Shipping large and heavy items internationally presents numerous challenges. The Virtuix Omni VR treadmill, weighing in at 80kg and measuring 1m square, is no exception. The logistics of transporting such a bulky item across borders involve not only high shipping costs but also complex customs regulations and potential delays. These factors can significantly increase the overall cost and time required for delivery, making it impractical for the company to fulfill international orders at this time.
The Omni VR treadmill originally launched on Kickstarter back in 2013 and raised over $1.1 million becoming the most successful virtual reality accessory to date on the crowdfunding website. The Road ToVR website explains more about the refund process :
Virtuix will be automatically issuing full refunds to anyone outside the United States plus an extra 3% per year compounded monthly. Virtuix says they hope to ship to international customers at some point in the future, however in the meantime they’ll be focusing on the domestic consumer market and the international commercial market such as VR arcades and family entertainment centers.
Future Prospects and Market Focus
While the cancellation of international preorders is a setback for many eager customers, Virtuix remains optimistic about the future. The company plans to concentrate on the domestic consumer market in the United States, where shipping logistics are more manageable. Additionally, Virtuix is targeting the international commercial market, including VR arcades and family entertainment centers, where bulk shipments and commercial logistics can be more feasible.
The decision to focus on these markets allows Virtuix to continue innovating and improving their product while ensuring that they can meet customer expectations and maintain high standards of service. By concentrating on the domestic market and commercial applications, Virtuix can build a stronger foundation for future international expansion.
The Virtuix Omni VR treadmill represents a significant advancement in virtual reality technology, offering users an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional VR setups. By allowing users to physically walk and run in a virtual environment, the Omni VR treadmill enhances the sense of presence and realism in VR applications. This makes it an attractive option not only for gaming enthusiasts but also for various professional and training applications.
Despite the current limitations in international shipping, Virtuix’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction suggests that they will continue to explore solutions for global distribution. As the VR market continues to grow and evolve, there may be new opportunities and technologies that can help overcome the logistical challenges currently faced by the company.
Source: Road To VR
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