Archive for March, 2009

Bad News Followed by More Bad News…

As you may be painfully aware, w-a-y back in early 2008 we unveiled a “Low-profile” lid for the AUTOLINX. We did this in response to customer calls for a less vertical cargo carrier. Some typical feedback: “Why does it have to be so tall?” The answer being: It was originally designed for golfclubs.

As it turns out, very few of our customers use AUTOLINX for golf…and instead, use it as a touring alternative to pulling a trailer. So we decided to address the “tall” issue by designing a shorter lid that would knock about 6″ off the overall height of the case. We contracted with a West Coast company to manufacture the new lid…we received assurances of a May 08 delivery date and we advertised accordingly. (Big Mistake On My Part) I then pleaded, demanded, begged and screamed for delivery by July (Wing-Ding)…Nothing. So we sold some units based on the impending release with the promise of lid delivery upon receipt. When September came and went without the promised product, it became obvious that the West Coast manufacturer lacked the bite to match its bark. So, after thousands of dollars in design, engineering, molds, prototypes and full-page advertising…I made the decision to pull the project and give it to a more reputable manufacturer…one closer to home so that I might monitor the production first-hand.

This was the correct move, but it was also a time-consuming one. The West Coast company had left the design in such disarray that the new company had to bring in their own engineers to rectify issues beyond their control. This took months….and soon 2009 was here. And still no lid.

In late January the “Low-profile” lid was ready for production…except for its color. We spent weeks trying to match it with the existing AUTOLINX case, to no avail. Finally, we resigned to the fact that we would not be able to adequately match the case because the two parts were made via separate processes (Blow-mold vs. Roto-mold). A week ago I made the executive decision that if we can’t get a decent match…we’ll make it black. So that’s it…done deal, right?

Well…Not exactly

There’s been another project running parallel to this entire manufacturing debacle. It’s called TUFFLINX. This too, was promised back in early 08…and this too was subject to the same setbacks as the “Low-profile” lid. The TUFFLINX project wasn’t held up by color restrictions, but it did have a few molding issues that had to be rectified before a satisfactory part was produced. Today those issues are 95% satisfied…to the point that the remaining requirements are probably too insignificant for you (the customer) to notice. Nonetheless, as I write this, those final refinements are being made.

So what’s this have to do with production of the “Low-profile” lid? To offset costs…the molder requires both the lid and the TUFFLINX be run at the same time.

So where’s the good news? After more than a year of manufacturing trials and tribulations…both the lid and the TUFFLINX will be available for shipment by the end of March.

P.S. West Coast Manufacturer —> Mainland Products of California

Greetings and welcome to our new blog space. Here you’ll find informative posts from customers and skeptics alike…As well as updates on our latest products and when/where we’ll be attending bike events. Let’s get started…

Where’s My Low-Profile Lid? The low-profile lid suffered through a myriad of manufacturing issues, but it’s available now and being shipped out to awaiting customers on a daily basis. (If you’d like the low-down on its delay, check out the entry entitled “West Coast Manufacturing.”)

What Shows are You Attending? Like everyone, we made some cut-backs this year. We skipped Daytona for the first time ever, and we’ve taken a “pass” on every other regional venue we would normally attend. Nonetheless…in July we’re heading west for Wing-Ding 09 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wing-Ding is a tremendous venue and with the buzz surrounding Tufflinx, we felt compelled to get it out in front of the rest of the country.

What’s Up with Tufflinx? We’re extremely excited about Tufflinx, and here’s why… Pelican Products. Never heard of Pelican? Look ‘em up (Pelican.com) and you’ll see why their reputation is nothing shy of sterling. I’ve owned several Pelican cases…so when customers asked me for a smaller version of the Autolinx, Pelican was the first thing that came to mind. I was trying to come up with a case that could match the structural integrity of the Pelican when I finally decided to accept the simple fact: There’s no improving the Pelican case. That’s when I started working on a method of merging our proven attachment system with Pelican’s impeccable quality and toughness. Hence the name “Tufflinx.”

Needless to say, we think it’s an awesome partnership…but to be somewhat objective, take note:

• The case is very compact. — The size of a regulation “carry-on,” it has no where near the capacity of the Autolinx. It’s designed to carry that handful of things that would normally bust the hinges off your tour-pack compartments… or that extra change of clothes that extends your touring range.
• The case is heavy. — That’s the price you pay for (almost indestructible) strength and durability. 10lbs. empty is also one of the reasons why we didn’t go with a larger size.
• Tufflinx is 14″ wide. — Whereas the Autolinx is an inch narrower…it’s something to consider when mounting two side by side on a Trike.

Shipments are trickling out (a handful have left) but inventory is building and we anticipate steady shipments by April 1. Click here to view our full-page ad that will appear in the May issue of Wing World Magazine.

Check back often for more details…and, as always, feel free to call or email us with your questions, comments and concerns.

Safe Travels,

Ron Hesmer