Shellback Final Email: Shipping Day Approaches!
over 4 years ago – Tue, Jul 07, 2020 at 02:04:46 PM

GrüneStrasse, where is MY Shellback?

Your Shellback, along with 429 others, cleared customs in Oakland, CA last week and will arrive at our Warehouse and Distribution facility on the 8th of July.  It will take a couple of days to orient the warehouse software and systems, but we expect YOUR Shellback to ship on Friday, 10 July, or Monday, 13 July.  They are being shipped via FEDEX Ground and should be on your doorstep by the end of next week.  Expect a shipping confirmation email from us that includes a tracking number when your Shellback leaves the facility.

GrüneStrasse, I live outside the United States, when can I expect MY Shellback?

International shipping will take a little longer depending on the country.  Similar to domestic shipping, you will receive an email with a tracking number when your products ship that you can follow via the FEDEX International website.

Why am I receiving information on the Grand Opening of GrüneStrasse's Win the Race™ Store?

As one of the earliest Shellbackers, I wanted to ensure I kept you in the know as what GrüneStrasse was doing independent of the Kickstarter campaign.  Because of your great support, we were able to make your backpacks along with 245 additional backpacks for sale to other fearless Bike to Work Commuters.  You played an important role in bringing this company to life and I made the assumption that you might be curious about what is happening and how the company is growing.  

Also, we're just extremely excited about what you and I were able to accomplish here.  We identified a very specific market and went from concept to final product in 18 months.  We're pretty proud of that and we hope you are too.  Here's where we started and where we finished:

What are the changes to the backpack since I saw it on Kickstarter in February?

Thanks for asking!  We've made all kinds of small improvements based on tester and Backer input.  Here's a quick review:

Additional Features:

• Expanded size of exterior General Purpose pocket (also known as the Lunch Pocket)
• Increased size to the Shoe Well (fits size 13 shoes)
• Improved Hi-Viz Glass Bead Fabric, capable of 430 lumens and withstanding scratches
• Batch 1 Designator.  One of only 429 Batch 1 Backpacks available

GrüneStrasse, I only purchased a backpack from Kickstarter.  What if I want Utility Case, Water Bottle, or extra hanger now?

No problem!  We are selling those, along with the a small number of additional Shellbacks, at our Win the Race™ Store starting on 8 July.  

What can I expect after I receive my Shellback?

We would love to hear your thoughts, pictures, and videos regarding the Shellback.  Please feel free to mention your experience on social media @Grunestrasse or send me your thoughts directly to [email protected].  We will post as much user media as much as we can on our social networks along with your testimonials.   We will also send you a short (very short, I promise) questionnaire about packaging, usage, recommendations, and fit so that we can incorporate your feedback into the 2021 Shellback model.   

Thank you for your extreme patience and support during this entire process, especially during the challenges of COVID-19.  I am extremely grateful to all of you and your support of the GrüneStrasse brand and the Bike to Work movement. 

As always, Win the Race!  

Aaron 

Shellback Production: Final Update
over 4 years ago – Tue, Jun 02, 2020 at 10:21:23 AM

We made it!  We've completed production of 431 backpacks and YOUR Shellback is now enroute to the United States for distribution!

Thank you again for your patience, support, and encouragement while we worked through the challenges of COVID.  I know these times have been stressful on everyone and I sincerely appreciate your patience as we bring this product to you.

Shipping will take a month to get to our distribution center.  If you live in North America, you can expect YOUR Shellback in early July.  If you are an International Shellbacker, expect your backpack by the end of July.  If you have moved in the last two months, or will move in the next 45 days, please email me directly so I can change your delivery address.  

[email protected]

Here is some video of YOUR Shellback in production at the An Hung Garment and Textile Factory outside of Hanoi.

Look for my final update later this month.  For more current information, you can follow @GruneStrasse on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

As always, Win the Race!    ~Aaron

Shellback Production Update: 9 May
over 4 years ago – Sat, May 09, 2020 at 12:37:15 AM

Production 60% Complete!

Greetings Shellbackers!  Vietnam is opening up after COVID and our factory here in Hanoi is now fully staffed and all supporting subcontractors also open for business.  As a result, we expect backpack production to be complete on 15 May!  I've included a video of our factory at work on the Shellback and left the sound intact to allow you to get a good feel for the operating conditions.

We then begin the process of shipping to the United States.  That is likely a 4-6 week process, so I am afraid you won't be seeing your Shellback until June.  I am very sorry that we were not able to make our May deadline and sincerely appreciate your patience and flexibility during this challenging time.  

Secondly, in the next couple of weeks, I'm going to ask you to confirm your shipping address via BackerKit.  Some of you have moved since February or will be moving in June and we want to make sure we're sending our products to the correct address.  Nothing is required right now, so just wait for the email.  

That is it for today.  For the Mom's out there, Happy Mother's Day.

Win the Race!  ~Aaron

Shellback Production Update: 24 April 2020
over 4 years ago – Fri, Apr 24, 2020 at 06:37:34 AM

Shellbacks In Production!

Shellbackers!

Greetings from the GrüneStrasse COVID-19 Command Post in Hanoi.  We're making steady progress on the production of YOUR Shellback Bike to Work backpack.  The pace of manufacturing isn't as fast as I would like, but our factory has managed to remain open and continue work through a region-wide closure very similar to what people are experiencing around the world.  Among the challenges we've been able to work through are factory workers not allowed out of their homes, closure of Customs and Duty Offices, cessation of internal delivery services, and outright closure of subcontractors by police direction.  I'm very proud of our factory team for maintaining steady progress through such challenges.

We are about one third of the way complete with the order.  If things continue to go to plan, we could be ready to ship by Mother's Day!  There is still a good chance that we'll meet our May deliver date that we promised you during the campaign way back in January.  Boy, doesn't that seem like a lifetime ago?  

Next steps:  When we're ready to ship, I'll ask you to confirm your address again.  I know a number of you have moved, unfortunately, since you made your orders last winter.  As always, thank you for your patience and support.  I'll alert you with any updates or major news as it occurs.  If you have any specific concerns, please contact me at:  [email protected]

Win the Race!  ~Aaron

P.S.  Take a peak at the newly designed rain cover!

Shellback Production Update: 31 March 2020
over 4 years ago – Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 05:31:41 PM

Shellback Production Begins!

Greetings, Shellbackers.  Initial work began this week in Vietnam on YOUR Shellback Bike to Work backpack!  I've been working closely with the factory to procure fabric, trims, accessories, and also continue to improve the backpack.  I cannot wait to show you the changes and improvements in YOUR Shellback.  

COVID-19 Impact

Now a global pandemic, COVID-19 will continue to have a vote in the production, shipping, and distribution of this backpack.  My factory and I were able to make a number of fabric and trims purchases before the virus locked down China and Korea, so we've assembled all the materials to build your backpack.  As of this writing, the factory is still in operation, but as most of you know from personal experience, that can change very quickly.

If our factory remains open, we are planning to ship backpacks on 30 April!  

As always, I will keep you posted on all developments.

Win the Race!  ~Aaron