Hong Kong's only online gift-ordering and delivery service was born in a Lan Kwai Fong pub panic at 7pm.
Norman Lowing and Phil Davis were having after-work drinks. 'Life was good, everything seemed under control and we were looking forward to another hard day's work the next day,' says Norman.
Then it dawned on him - his girlfriend's birthday was the next day. 'I sat there thinking about this. Then Phil realised he too had a friend's birthday coming up and, after checking dates, realised it too was the next day.
'The relaxed atmosphere soon changed to a flurry of activity and brainstorming as we tried to think what we really could sort out that was different, a little bit funky and, more importantly, on time for both occasions.
'We also soon realised that we probably weren't the only people ever to find themselves in this precarious situation,' says Norman. 'So we came up with the idea for a service aimed at catering to this previously neglected niche market, while also targeting the more affluent, busy professional who also didn't want to reside for long periods in the doghouse. With this in mind, we set about putting together an array of gifts with a difference and on November 17 last year Red Source finally launched.'
They were surprised this market had not been exploited in a sophisticated city such as Hong Kong and when gift websites had existed in Europe and North America for years.
'We originally launched the website with around 100 separate products listed in 10 distinct sections,'' says Norman. 'We now have close to 200 products in 12 sections and will be adding another 60 or so products and a further four categories in coming months. 'Additionally, we are also able to offer tailor-made gifts for particular requirements, both personal and corporate.