posted
Guys, I posted this on a thread in the Micropenny post, but I'll post it here as well. (If you have any feedback, try to post in in the Micropenny board).
Ok, enough is enough! I'm hungover, downright broke, mad as Hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!!!
I'm writing Nicodrop management, and CC'ing the Cervelle Group, with some of my (our) concerns. I plan on sending this early next week. All of you NCDP shareholders, read it, and tell me if any inaccuracies exist. Also let me know if there are any other questions you would like answered. Enough is enough!
Dear Nicodrops,
I am writing this e-mail on behalf of myself, a shareholder in your fledgling company, and also on behalf of other shareholders, who together hold approximately 5 million shares of your compnay's stock. We are all supporters of your product, your management team, and your company, and have faith that in the future, Nicodrops will show a great rate of return to its current shareholders. Some of us have tested the product, and do agree that so far, it does actually seem to work as advertised! We have been here since the beginning, and are willing to continue to be shareholders through thick and thin
We would just like some further insight into your marketing / distribution strategy. It appears that Nicodrops has reached a "crossroads" of sort, a defining moment in the company's growth stage. We ask these questions not as those who wish to shout the information from the top of the mountain, but merely to reassure ourselves that Nicodrops is on the path to prosperity. As you already know, this week, in terms of share price, was not reassuring! I realize that you may not be able all of these questions, but any insights you can share would go a long way in keeping your loyal shareholders confident that their investment shows promise.
1. Distribution - In December, 2004, you had mentioned during your webcast that you were attempting to have 2 more distributors market Nicodrops. Can you give any update on this development? If you cannot release the names of the retailers, can you give some clue as to where they are located? Are they regional or national retailers? Will they be receiving Nicodrops on a trial basis only? How many units do you expect to ship initially? When can we expect these announcements?
2. CVS - In December, 2004, we all read the press release concerning Nicodrops using CVS as their first national retailer. However, to date, many of us have had trouble finding Nicodrops in many of the CVS's near our homes. Also, they are not listed on the CVS web site. After contacting CVS, we have been told by CVS representatives that CVS will only be stocking Nicodrops on a trial basis; restocking of Nicodrops will depend upon the demand of the product by CVS customers. They also mentioned that it "should" appear on their website soon, however, no date was given. Can you give any futher details on the CVS deal? Will you be stocking a majority of CVS stores with Nicodrops, or only select markets? Is it true that CVS is only stocking Nicodrops on a trial basis, and if so, can you give any assurances at this time that CVS will continue to stock Nicodrops in the future? Also, have the sugar-free lozenges been shipped to CVS retailers? We have only been able to find the sugar Nicodrops in stores near us.
3. Advertising - First, let me say that it extremely satisfying to see that you have brought Joel Appel on board to lead your Marketing team. Many of us have done our homework on Joel, and believe his past accomplishments speak for great volumes in terms of his marketing skills. In your December, 2004, press release, you had mentioned that you had hoped to capitalize on many consumers New Year's resolutions to quit smoking. Considering that the product is beginning to appear in CVS stores and is available online via your website, are you planning some massive advertising campaign to still capitalize on the New Year's consumer? In what form can we expect this advertising - television, print, radio, etc.? And when can we expect to see some type of aggressive advertising? I believe Nicorette has just invented their own lozenge, and I myself have seen their commercial at least 3 times since the New Year.
4. Financial - I believe during your webcast you stated that your company possessed very little overhead, and that you are expecting a 60% return on revenues. What is the timeframe for this expecation? When will your company share any sales figures for the product? Do you have any expectations in terms of earnings?
5. Stock price - You had also mentioned during your webcast of 12/04, that you had hoped to have your company listed on the OTCBB. What is the progress toward this goal? I know bringing aboard The Chervelle Group was a step in the right direction. However, when can we expect such a listing to occur? Are you planning any splits (reverse or forward)? Are you planning on buying back, or diluting shares in the future?
6. Product - As I stated above, many of us have purchased and used your product. We have an observation that we would like to share about the packaging of the product. On the packaging, in our opinion, there is not a bold enough statement that Nicodrops contains NO nicotine! If you read the directions, it becomes apparent. However, this, besides your cost, is perhaps your biggest selling point. We are suggesting perhaps you can redesign the packaging in the near future to emphasize this trait.
7. International - In past press releases, you mentioned that your company had received EU and Canadian approval to market Nicodrops. Is there any update as to where the company stands in terms of making its product available to other countries? Have foreign retailers been brought on board, or will they be brought on board soon? Also, you had mentioned that you were looking to enter the Asian market in the near future. Any update on entry to this market?
8. Testimonials - As I said, many of us have tested the product, and so far, feel it does work to some extent in limiting the craving for nicotine. However, besides testimonials on your website, there has not been any independent 3rd party confirmation that Nicodrops is effective. I know you did some clinical studies in South Korea, and that documentation from those studies do exist. Do you plan to release any type of information to the public concerning these studies? Also, do you plan on utilizing an independent 3rd party to verify if Nicodrops is effective?
I appreciate your time in possibly answering some of the above inquiries. Again, I am just one of many shareholders who feel you have a tremendous product on your hand, and would just like to feel confident that you and your company are taking the necessary steps in bringing the product to market.
Again, thanks for your time.
NCDP shareholder
-------------------- Stick with Repo's plan in '07 - FRPT/DKAM! Posts: 6379 | From: PA | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
I think it looks good. I am not a shareholder but have been watching this stock. Those are the questions I would like to see answered. Please let us know when you send it and what you get back. Thanks
Posts: 181 | From: Colorado Springs | Registered: Jan 2004
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1. Got a response from my e-mail. The Cervelle Group answered, and gave some pretty solid responses (at least it assures me it is not a scam). Although the answers were not totally forthcoming, the one good part is the listing on the OTC.BB in 6 months. Long and strong at 300K shares! You can't take em unless you pry them from my cold, dead fingers.
Here is my original e-mail:
Dear Nicodrops,
I am writing this e-mail on behalf of myself, a shareholder in your fledgling company, and also on behalf of other shareholders, who together hold approximately 5 million shares of your compnay's stock. We are all supporters of your product, your management team, and your company, and have faith that in the future, Nicodrops will show a great rate of return to its current shareholders. Some of us have tested the product, and do agree that so far, it does actually seem to work as advertised! We have been here since the beginning, and are willing to continue to be shareholders through thick and thin
We would just like some further insight into your marketing / distribution strategy. It appears that Nicodrops has reached a "crossroads" of sort, a defining moment in the company's growth stage. We ask these questions not as those who wish to shout the information from the top of the mountain, but merely to reassure ourselves that Nicodrops is on the path to prosperity. As you already know, this week, in terms of share price, was not reassuring! I realize that you may not be able all of these questions, but any insights you can share would go a long way in keeping your loyal shareholders confident that their investment shows promise.
1. Distribution - In December, 2004, you had mentioned during your webcast that you were attempting to have 2 more distributors market Nicodrops. Can you give any update on this development? If you cannot release the names of the retailers, can you give some clue as to where they are located? Are they regional or national retailers? Will they be receiving Nicodrops on a trial basis only? How many units do you expect to ship initially? When can we expect these announcements?
2. CVS - In December, 2004, we all read the press release concerning Nicodrops using CVS as their first national retailer. However, to date, many of us have had trouble finding Nicodrops in many of the CVS's near our homes. Also, they are not listed on the CVS web site. After contacting CVS, we have been told by CVS representatives that CVS will only be stocking Nicodrops on a trial basis; restocking of Nicodrops will depend upon the demand of the product by CVS customers. They also mentioned that it "should" appear on their website soon, however, no date was given. Can you give any futher details on the CVS deal? Will you be stocking a majority of CVS stores with Nicodrops, or only select markets? Is it true that CVS is only stocking Nicodrops on a trial basis, and if so, can you give any assurances at this time that CVS will continue to stock Nicodrops in the future? Also, have the sugar-free lozenges been shipped to CVS retailers? We have only been able to find the sugar Nicodrops in stores near us.
3. Advertising - First, let me say that it extremely satisfying to see that you have brought Joel Appel on board to lead your Marketing team. Many of us have done our homework on Joel, and believe his past accomplishments speak for great volumes in terms of his marketing skills. In your December, 2004, press release, you had mentioned that you had hoped to capitalize on many consumers New Year's resolutions to quit smoking. Considering that the product is beginning to appear in CVS stores and is available online via your website, are you planning some massive advertising campaign to still capitalize on the New Year's consumer? In what form can we expect this advertising - television, print, radio, etc.? And when can we expect to see some type of aggressive advertising? I believe Nicorette has just invented their own lozenge, and I myself have seen their commercial at least 3 times since the New Year.
4. Financial - I believe during your webcast you stated that your company possessed very little overhead, and that you are expecting a 60% return on revenues. What is the timeframe for this expecation? When will your company share any sales figures for the product? Do you have any expectations in terms of earnings?
5. Stock price - You had also mentioned during your webcast of 12/04, that you had hoped to have your company listed on the OTCBB. What is the progress toward this goal? I know bringing aboard The Chervelle Group was a step in the right direction. However, when can we expect such a listing to occur? Are you planning any splits (reverse or forward)? Are you planning on buying back, or diluting shares in the future?
6. Product - As I stated above, many of us have purchased and used your product. We have an observation that we would like to share about the packaging of the product. On the packaging, in our opinion, there is not a bold enough statement that Nicodrops contains NO nicotine! If you read the directions, it becomes apparent. However, this, besides your cost, is perhaps your biggest selling point. We are suggesting perhaps you can redesign the packaging in the near future to emphasize this trait.
7. International - In past press releases, you mentioned that your company had received EU and Canadian approval to market Nicodrops. Is there any update as to where the company stands in terms of making its product available to other countries? Have foreign retailers been brought on board, or will they be brought on board soon? Also, you had mentioned that you were looking to enter the Asian market in the near future. Any update on entry to this market?
8. Testimonials - As I said, many of us have tested the product, and so far, feel it does work to some extent in limiting the craving for nicotine. However, besides testimonials on your website, there has not been any independent 3rd party confirmation that Nicodrops is effective. I know you did some clinical studies in South Korea, and that documentation from those studies do exist. Do you plan to release any type of information to the public concerning these studies? Also, do you plan on utilizing an independent 3rd party to verify if Nicodrops is effective?
I appreciate your time in possibly answering some of the above inquiries. Again, I am just one of many shareholders who feel you have a tremendous product on your hand, and would just like to feel confident that you and your company are taking the necessary steps in bringing the product to market.
Again, thanks for your time.
NCDP shareholder
Here is their response:
Here is some information for you per your request.
Distribution. The company is still in negotiations with a number of retail chains some similar to CVS. Nothing is imminent as of today though. The product has begun to hit the shelves at CVS and yes it is considered a product on a trial basis there – almost every new product is. When it is available, it can be found at the cash register next to the cigarettes.
CVS. I cannot give you any assurances that the product will be successful or that it will generate enough interest from CVS to continue to carry it. That remains to be seen but please give it time. The purchase orders were for product to be sent out to all of the CVS distribution centers and then the distribution centers would ship it to stores. At this time, I do not know how many stores are carrying the product but Nicodrops anticipates it will generate revenue from this agreement in the first quarter 2005.
Advertising. Nothing has been announced yet on an advertising or marketing campaign on behalf of the company but Joel is developing a marketing strategy and continues to utilize his expertise and extensive contacts to assist the company in gaining more exposure. I have not seen any information yet concerning an ad campaign or marketing program but I assure you as soon as one is finalized we will be sure to insist that the company issues it as an update to shareholders.
Financial. As you know the company is non-reporting at this time. No financials are expected to be released in the near future but I can tell you a few things. The company anticipates it will become fully reporting within the next 6 months and file for OTC BB status. Also, the company is estimating that it will generate approximately $23 million in its first full year of marketing the product to retailers, consumers etc. – that clock has begun ticking with the product entering CVS stores. I cannot comment on earnings at this date.
Stock Price. See above. Also, there are no plans of any splits or buy backs to my knowledge.
Product. Thank you for the suggestion I will be sure to pass it along to Chris Calpito. Keep in mind, the product was recently redesigned. It has been met with enthusiasm from buyers and consumers to date but I’m sure it can always be improved upon.
International. Good question. The company is definitely looking to target Europe and Asia in 2005 to go along with the U.S. Nothing is signed as of yet but distributors have been approached in Asia and negotiations are taking place. Same for Europe. There is a definite need for Nicodrops in these countries. Also, so you know, people can order the product on www.nicodrops.com – that includes people from overseas as well.
Testimonials. The company is gathering a number of testimonials right now which could be potentially used for marketing purposes. Another great question and something the company is very keen to at this time.
Thank you very much for your interest in Nicodrops. I have attached a two page profile for your review on the company. This is something we send to retail brokers and prospective investors alike. I think it may give you more information in your quest to understand the company better. I know since it is non-reporting you have a bit of a challenge on your hands but it certainly looks like you have done a tremendous job so far. I wish more investors were as thorough as you.
If you have any other questions or concerns please let me know.
Sincerely,
Dave Donlin Cervelle Group
2. The investor information packet they sent looks pretty cool. I can't post it because it is in Adobe Acrobat, but I can try and post the text parts:
Business Scope: Nicodrops Inc., headquartered in La Mesa, CA, has developed the world’s first drug-free, non-nicotine product which allows smokers to give up their habit faster and at a lower cost than their major competitors without the adverse side effects of nicotine. Nicodrops is an all-natural herb lozenge which helps to calm the nervous anxiety that is brought on by nicotine addiction. The company’s lozenge products are based on patent protected proprietary technology which offers a safer alternative to all other nicotine based products in the marketplace today. Nicodrops is currently offered in two lozenge products for sale to the retail market, one being its regular lozenge, the other being a sugar free lozenge. Both lozenge products are individually wrapped and sold in packages of 20 lozenges per package. The Company also sells both individually wrapped lozenges in bulk to the international markets. Nicodrops Herbal Formula consists of Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Valerian, and Lobelia. Canadian research has indicated that ginseng helps ease the withdrawal symptoms of recovering addicts. Wort is often used to improve the irritable disposition of individuals trying to break their addiction from tobacco use. Valerian is beneficial to those experiencing withdrawals from addictive substances. Lobelia is believed to mask (mimic smoking) the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine addiction without itself being addictive.Nicodrops requires a much shorter time to show tangible results (less than 4 weeks compared to thedrug based products that are 12 weeks or longer.) Nicodrops lozenge is a no non-sense straightforward approach to begin a stop smoking program without using nicotine right from the onset.
Key Investor Points:
Nicodrops has EC (European · Community) approval to distribute its products in 15 European countries. · Nicodrops do not require FDA approval since the lozenge product are in the “Dietary Supplements” category for purposes of the U.S. market. · NCDP anticipates a profit in its first full year of operations. · Nicodrops anticipates first year revenues of $23 million with after tax earnings projected to be approximately $8 million in the first year. · Currently, there is only one other drugfree product of its kind in this market which is a complicated program consisting of a multitude of products.
Management Bio's: Dr. Srini Chary – Chairman and Director Dr. Chary is a prominent medical doctor well known throughout Canada. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Chary has extensive business interests throughout North America as well as other parts of the world. He will be primarily responsible for giving overall direction to the Company. In addition to this responsibility he will also oversee all corporate governance matters and assist the Company in promoting its products in international markets. Dr. Chary’s other activities include overseeing the activities of companies involved in various healthcare and other businesses. He has extensive background in international marketing and finance and has been the President and CEO of a number of NASDAQ listed companies. Christopher L. Calpito – President, CEO and Director Mr. Calpito is involved in the Company’s business on a full time basis. Mr. Calpito has gained extensive background in herbal products and their properties as they relate to smoking cessation products which he gained over a 10 year development period. Mr. Calpito has been actively developing the Nic odrops product since 1993. Prior to becoming involved with Nicodrops on a full time basis, Mr. Calpito was involved in the airline transportation industry. In his capacity with the Company he will be responsible for implementing the Company’s business plan as well as overseeing the quality control of the Company’s manufacturing program and ongoing research and development activities.
Key Industry Points: · The world market for smoking cessation products is $2.5 Billion annually. · The Center for Disease Control estimates 70 million Americans are smokers (24% of the U.S. population). · An estimated 250 million people worldwide are smokers. · More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. This is true for both men and women according to The Center for Disease Control (CDC).
The only other part of the pamphlet that was interesting was this part of the disclaimer:
The Cervelle Group, LLC has been paid for such public relations and promotional services, including this publication, by being paid 4,000,000 shares of NCDP. For further information on this company, please contact a company representative. Additional copies of this report may be obtained by calling investor relations at 407-295-7878.
-------------------- Stick with Repo's plan in '07 - FRPT/DKAM! Posts: 6379 | From: PA | Registered: Dec 2004
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<stocktracker>
unregistered
posted
I can honestly say that I have not had a dip (snuff) in 3 + days. The drops help take the edge of withdrawal off. I would prefer they be sugar free, though can live with it considering I'm off the tobacco. Wish I had some free cash to accumulate some of their stocks. Regardless, I'm tobacco free.
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<stocktracker>
unregistered
posted
By the way, for what it's worth, the packaging seems fine to me. The 3 day trial packaging seems down to earth, though I have heard they updated the packaging. In fact I am expecting another 3 day trial pack in the mail and am told it's a new package.
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<stocktracker>
unregistered
posted
In addition, I actually like the way they taste. Very peculiar.
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posted
7 + days without a dip. The Nicodrops work for me. Now if I can find the sugar free Nicodrops.
Posts: 58 | Registered: Jan 2005
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<PennyNewbie>
unregistered
posted
Anyone still following this stock?
Noticed the "Comparison" link on their website is "under construction". They used to have comparisons of the other smoking cessation products. Wonder if they are reconstructing it due to the lawsuit.
Seems like a good product with an undervalued share price.
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-------------------- jordan Posts: 5812 | From: st paul,mn | Registered: Feb 2004
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<b>
unregistered
posted
Its time to stick a fork in this stock. Adventis is coming out with a stae of the art drug for getting off nicotine addiction. This stock is worthless. Give it up. The day they get out of their lawsuit is the day we get another ice age.
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quote:Originally posted by <b>: Its time to stick a fork in this stock. Adventis is coming out with a stae of the art drug for getting off nicotine addiction. This stock is worthless. Give it up. The day they get out of their lawsuit is the day we get another ice age.
nice informative post. thanks for your insight. why dont you register? right now you have zero credibility. at least in my book. what would drive you to make a worthless post like that? post a pick with your DD and maybe we'll have a look.
-------------------- jordan Posts: 5812 | From: st paul,mn | Registered: Feb 2004
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<Nishera>
unregistered
posted
I really don't care who bashes this stock. NCDP has just as good a chance to make it as any other stock. Let's not forget that the lozenges are HERBAL and even if this new drug B was talking about IS released it is still a DRUG.
There are a lot of holistic people out there who prefer natural to synthetic. I for one am not concerned. I'm hanging on until this stock turns a profit. And if that means going long, I'll go long.
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I for one am not concerned. I'm hanging on until this stock turns a profit. And if that means going long, I'll go long.
