Watch our update video
Hello all,
Just a quick update for July 6th, 2022 for the Quik Rack Mach2.
The Good Stuff.
Sales continue to be strong
It is humbling to see how demand has been so strong. I don’t say that as a soundbite. This whole venture has been humbling. People keep supporting us and are being patient with our production backlog. We have got a bunch of press and awards for our non-traditional marketing, transparency and support from you, our customers.
Awards and recognition
We have been honored with a rare, first time nominated, award of Colorado Companies to Watch – the 50 fastest growing companies in Colorado making an economic and community impact in our state.
We were also recognized by the Hubspot Newsletter, “The Hustle” for our unusual growth and business model started at the beginning of the pandemic. I think unusual is a nice word for crazy. 🙂
Here is our new demo video with Gabby Serrano
Feedback and reviews keep coming in, and they are fantastic.
These are full paying customers creating these reviews. Take their word, not ours:
QuikrStuff Mach 2 Bike Rack: Could this be the ultimate rack?
Things to know BEFORE you buy a RACK for your ELECTRIC BIKE
QuikR Stuff Bike Rack, Stealth Hitches Review
QuikrStuff Mach2 | Unboxing and Installing on Model Y
QuikrStuff Mach 2 Bike Rack – Tested and Reviewed
Aluminum seems to be coming in consistently. The supply chain seems to be stabilizing. 🙏
We got our third big aluminum shipment in June 2022 and are expecting regular shipments from here on out. Our lead time is down from 45 weeks at the peak of the supply chain debacle to the current 38 weeks. Not as good as we want it, , but going in the right direction.
Production and Shipping
Running two shifts has allowed us to ramp up production significantly. We are hiring more CNC machine operators and assembly staff. We are buying more machinery and tools to increase production even further. We feel like we will outgrow our existing facilities in six months and need to find a permanent home.
Our plating vendor has been creating a production line specific to us, so this is also helping us raise our outputs.
We have added a new column to our live, production queue, ‘Estimated Ship Date” here. This is a formula based on production rates for the 6 weeks. This will help to get an idea of our progress.
Wheel Locks are our second product launch and are selling well.
They slide right through the arms of the rack and the spokes of the wheel. The lock/key component is imported from China since no one in North America makes them. They are at 20 weeks lead time and we continue to sell/produce the Wheel Locks in the same order of the queue. They are delayed until we can catch up with production of the bike racks orders, which take priority. These do NOT appear in the Live Queue as it is a logistical nightmare. Just know that we are on top of it and will start sending out proactive emails to communicate with customers waiting on their Wheel Locks. For more information, go to this FAQ.
Don’t forget to maintain your rack!
First things first. When you get your rack delivered, READ THE MANUAL in the envelope, in your box. We took the time to write it with feedback from initial customers and continue to iterate on it. There are VERY important instructions regarding the Hitch mechanism, the Tilting feature, the integrated locks and how they should be used and the red latches that secure the Add-ons. This is a highly engineered piece of equipment that you will invest in, so take the time to learn how it works for your own safety and peace of mind.
Like anything, our rack will perform better and last longer if you wash and maintain it. As an example, winter salts are very corrosive, and the only defense is soap and water!
NEVER NEVER NEVER lubricate your rack. It will attract dirt and grime and hinder the tight tolerances that this rack is built to. The only lubricant in the rack is inside the hitch mechanism and we doubt it will ever need more.
Always be sure to check screws and bolts and such. Vibration on all mechanized things have the possibility of loosening and the only defense is to periodically check them.
Best Place for updates
As always, read the Delivery Estimate page 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. As you probably already know, we do blog posts every few months when there are “major” events to communicate, but the Delivery Estimate page is updated with new queue numbers and dates, DAILY!!! The text at the top is updated and dated so you know any timely news.
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, CNC 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 2000 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.
Recycling protects our supply chain resources!
So, as I have said before, and I will KEEP saying this, 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
The Bad Stuff.
There is no Bad Stuff!
So, we just keep grinding and pushing forward. That’s all we know.
Keep riding!
Bryan Wachs
CEO QuikrStuff