17 messages · last: Andrew Lee, 2026-09-15 12:55
Andrew delivered the full TRG pricing grid for Franklin's cones on Sep 15, covering both 84/26 (9MQ2T) and 109/26 (R6K8N) in dyed and undyed versions at 30k/50k: 84/26 dyed $0.155 (30k) / $0.135 (50k), 84/26 undyed $0.145 / $0.125, 109/26 dyed $0.185 / $0.165, 109/26 undyed $0.175 / $0.155, all with shipping+duties broken out (e.g. 84/26 dyed 30k totals $7,500). TRG confirmed it can produce the cones with no added dyes; GVF is still pending on undyed-material pricing, with a rough estimate of $0.32–0.35/cone. Andrew also proposed a GTM strategy of launching undyed cones as a separate 'Naturals'/'Raw' SKU rather than migrating the whole line. Ryan responded same day: Franklin's wants to focus on TRG for the cost savings, and asked what the undyed cones will look like and what the turnaround time would be — he may go that route. Andrew confirmed undyed samples are in motion and will share reliable reference photos. Final size/volume/dye selection still waits on Ryan's R&D and material testing results. Andrew also noted an in-progress CRM/client-portal migration that will host invoicing once an order approaches.
Movement was all on the Franklin's Cones project. Andrew disclosed the full ingredient list for the three sample SKUs (9MQ2T-4N8Q5T01 x100 and 6R8KX-7P4X9N01 x100 from TRG, R6K8N-2K7L8R01 x130 from GVF) under case ref 6M2R8ZA14 — both manufacturers use the same ingredients (chamomile, cacao, cellulose, natural binder, food coloring, water, vanilla, glycerin, potassium sorbate) with differing treatment processes and ratios — and noted our records show these passed materials testing years ago, so Ryan's independent testing should cover compliance. Ryan then asked whether cones can be sourced dye-free or with natural coloring, and for the cost of 30,000 blunt cones at 84/26mm (GVF or TRG). He clarified the dye issue is a labeling/customer-perception matter — customers push back on dyes appearing on the ingredient list — but it is not make-or-break. Andrew explained our factories have historically not produced wraps without dyes (food coloring is a standard QA/uniformity treatment), said manufacturers are still working on adjusted MOQs for dye-free material, and promised ballpark 84/26mm pricing as currently produced for budgeting. Still outstanding from Ryan: heavy metal test results, sample findings, and a volume commitment.
Movement was all on the cone sample track. Andrew sent the formal dispatch notice (case 6M2R8ZA14, ref 6M2R8ZA09/6M2R8ZA12) for the Tea-Leaf 'Blunt' cone testing samples — 84/26 and 109/26 in two different chamomile materials, quantities 100/130/100 across the three item codes, UPS 1ZE4C6760349071446, ETA Fri Sep 4; identical samples and quantities went to both Franklin's and Hamilton Farms. Ryan confirmed receipt on Sep 4, said the samples 'seem great,' and will send them out for heavy metal testing and report back. He asked twice for a full ingredient list/BOM and whether the cones have been third-party tested, and added a new requirement question: can these be sourced without added dyes. Andrew replied that the BOM is pending from one of the two source factories, that prior lab-testing history is still 'in discovery,' and noted the no-added-dyes request; he asked to be cc'd on all materials testing results. Pricing is still blocked — order volume and frequency remain unestablished, and Ryan has not responded on the Franklin's → Hamilton Farms cone supply pain-points question.
New client relationship with Franklin's (KCMO) moved from intro to sample stage. Ryan Hayes (VP of Operations) provided their shipping address (3043 Roanoke Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108) and annual volume estimates: 600–750k cones per year, split roughly 75% 84mm/26mm and 25% 109mm/26mm. Andrew confirmed the next step is getting samples into their hands for testing — no samples have shipped yet and no pricing has been quoted.