Hello all,
Just a quick update for February 27th, 2022 for the Quik Rack Mach2.
The Good Stuff.
Aluminum is here!!!!
We finally got our 2nd big aluminum shipment on Jan 24, 2022, and more shipments have come since then. In May 2021 we began placing quarterly orders based on our sales predictions, and these are the shipments we have been waiting for.
We hope this will end the delays and that our next quarterly shipment comes on time. In this environment, no one is giving hard dates, so we will have to wait and see.
Also the barrel/tubular lock mechanisms came in, and were sold out rapidly. More should be here any day as they are the only ingredient we get from outside North America and we all know that story.
So, as I have said before, recycle your aluminum cans and such, so we can avoid these types of disruptions to our communities and businesses in the future. Aluminum is the easiest material to recycle. These types of recycled raw materials makes us less reliant on foreign producers and supply chain interruptions.
“Recycling is a critical part of the modern aluminum business. Making recycled aluminum only takes around 5% of the energy needed to make new aluminum — reducing carbon emissions and saving money for businesses and end consumers.” The Aluminum Association https://www.aluminum.org/Recycling
Sales keep riding in!
I have said this before and I repeat it again. Sales keep coming in and people are being very patient with us and the current production queue we are running. Production is currently outpacing sales, so we are making headway on backorders.
Feedback and reviews have been fantastic and people seem to be loving the rack.
As always, read the Delivery Estimate FAQ to keep abreast of everything. It is our most updated communication to you all. And it has the up-to-the-day status on all orders, process and our progress.
(See FAQ #2 – “Delivery Estimate“)
Production and Shipping
The CNC machines have been great and at times frustrating. They are incredibly efficient, yet one of the machines has had it’s motor breakdown…twice. The last occurence caused a 3 week delay in production. Not good obviously, but we had enough stock on parts that we only lost one day of shipments.
We have started a 2nd shift at the machine shop with three new CNC operators, and should be able to boost production by approximately 40% within the next couple of months. We are also onboarding another assembly person. We have been training staff and getting our ducks in a row for the increase. And as most of you already know, our pre-sales allow us to procure the funds we need to order more aluminum, making it possible for us to produce and ship more quickly. Build the plan…work the plan…iterate the plan.
Follow our process and progress here – FAQ #2 – “Delivery Estimate“
Don’t forget to maintain your rack!
Like anything, our rack will perform better and last longer if you wash and maintain it. Winter salts are very corrosive, and the only defense is soap and water!
Order now and get in the queue!
Please know that the timeline for receiving your rack is based on factors that were and are (practically) out of our control (i.e., getting aluminum, other vendors, repair technicians), but we have been executing our plan to scale…just very delayed. The sooner you order and get in the queue, the Quikr we get you a rack, period. Over 990 people who participated in our pre-sales campaigns now own a new Quik Rack Mach2. When they ordered, they knew it might take up to 6 months and it has worked for them. And it will work for you, too!
NOTE: If you are concerned about making the advanced investment in our rack, we suggest using a credit card that is guaranteed vs. debit cards which are not.
Remember, if ANY OF THIS is a problem and you have ordered, do not hesitate to contact us and/or ask for a refund.
I know I keep saying this, but it has been an interesting journey and humbling experience. Never in my career have I been involved in a company that had this much interest, success and struggles at the same time. I hope we all learn from each other and our reliance on our supply chains to live our daily lives. I know I sure have.
Keep riding!
Bryan Wachs
CEO QuikrStuff.com