Shellback Production Update 14 March 2020
over 4 years ago – Fri, Mar 13, 2020 at 11:45:40 PM

Hello Shellbackers!

The Coronavirus and virus mitigation continues to dominate the news, local and national governments, and much of what we are talking about on an interpersonal level.  I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and practicing good hand-washing hygiene.  On a personal note, my family just emerged from self-quarantine after a visit to Japan two weeks ago.  Luckily, we were not infected.

Production Update

I'm happy and also a little amazed to report that due to some proactive steps taken by our factory in Vietnam we've assembled 95% of the materials for the Shellback backpack.  We've ordered the remaining Shellback components and our suppliers have assured delivery within March.  Delivery is far from certain, but we're optimistic enough to schedule a production start around 1 April!   We are still on our original schedule to have Shellbacks landing on your doorstep in May 2020.  

Pre-Order Store

After the Kickstarter Campaign ended, we called our store the "Second Chance Store" for folks that missed the original campaign.  Moving closer to production, our site has now become a Pre-Order Store for 1st Edition Shellbacks.   As we move into spring, people may consider biking to work a more viable option than they did in January and February.  Please let your friends and family know about the "ultimate Bike to Work accessory--the Shellback backpack" found only on our Pre-Order site HERE:

Shellback Pre-Order Store

Shellback6 Blog Launched

Last week, I started the GrüneStrasse blog that we're calling Shellback6.  In it, we're going to address the Bike to Work Movement, health and fitness, highlight community bike initiatives and successes, environmental issues, and the alternative transportation market.  I hope you'll take a look and forward to your friends:  Shellback6

Win the Race!  ~Aaron

Production Update and Fulfillment Survery Ending 1 March!
over 4 years ago – Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 05:00:26 AM

Hello Shellbackers!

Coronavirus Impact to the Shellback

I want to first discuss the impact of coronavirus on our production timeline.  As you are aware, the coronavirus has spread outside of China to pretty much all of South East Asia.  We are manufacturing the Shellback in Vietnam and have approximately 90% of our materials on hand, but the remaining 10% were coming from China, Taiwan, or South Korea.   What that means for the Shellback at this point I do not know.   Commerce from China to Vietnam was stopped for approximately 3 weeks, but the border is open for trade again.  So I bring this to your attention as a possible delay in the production of your Shellback.  I will keep you posted on all developments as I learn them.  Thank you for your patience as we work through this.

Backer Surveys Due 1 March

60% of you have completed your Backer Survey to determine the size and color of your Shellback.  Thank you!  For the remainder, please complete your surveys by 1 March to ensure you get exactly what you want and most importantly, to the correct address!  If you have any issues on sizing, feel free to email me or review the sizing guide found here on our Kickstarter site.  Note that I am 12 hours ahead and may not get your email immediately.  

Win the Race!  Aaron

Fulfillment Update 19 February 2020
almost 5 years ago – Wed, Feb 19, 2020 at 02:21:46 AM

Greetings Shellbackers!

I hope you were able to enjoy the President's Day weekend and perhaps get outside for a bike ride.  I've been able to get out into the Hanoi countryside a bit more since the Kickstarter campaign ended and am relishing the cooler temps of winter.

Fulfillment Update

As of the 18th, 46% of our backers were able to complete their Fulfillment Survey, which is a great mark for the first weekend.  THANK YOU.  I hope the remainder of our Backer will be able to take a couple minutes and click through the website.  It will take you AT MOST 10 minutes, but many people are able to complete the survey in 3-5 minutes.  

Lastly, please help me get the word out on our SECOND CHANCE STORE which we are running on BackerKit.  We set this up for people who may not have heard about the Shellback during Kickstarter campaign and interested in the bike to work movement.  Please let your friends know that they have one final opportunity to order the Shellback Bike to Work Backpack at Kickstarter prices and shipping.  

 https://fearless-commuters.backerkit.com/

Win the Race!  ~Aaron 

BackerKit Surveys on 16 February!
almost 5 years ago – Fri, Feb 14, 2020 at 06:45:33 PM

Greetings Shellbackers!

Good news!  BackerKit Fulfillment Surveys coming to an Inbox near you on 16 February.  

We sincerely appreciate your patience.  I have not used BackerKit before and it took me a while to set it up and ensure there were no mistakes.  One of the reasons I chose BackerKit is that we have a fairly robust catalogue of add-ons and I wanted to find the simplest and easiest platform for backers to use.  I believe you'll see why we chose BackerKit when you receive your survey email.  

You do not need a BackerKit account to complete the survey.  Simply click on the survey link in your email, complete the survey, and you're GTG (Good to Go).  You will be able to answer questions regarding size and color of your Shellback, confirm your shipping information, and consider some of the Add-Ons we've included to the project.   Expect this email on Saturday morning, 16 February.

If your email does not arrive on Saturday, please check your spam folder.  If you need to check, change, or review your survey information, you will be able to recover your survey here:  

https://fearless-commuters.backerkit.com/

All the best and Win the Race!  ~ Aaron

Shellback Production Update: Fulfillment Survey Coming Soon
almost 5 years ago – Tue, Feb 11, 2020 at 07:25:49 PM

First, I wish to offer a very sincere THANK YOU for supporting the Shellback backpack and the Bike to Work movement.   Your support is enabling us to create meaningful change both in individual lives (perhaps yours) and in the environment.  Enclosed is a recent note I received from our backer community:

"Aaron, [because of this campaign] I am actually now considering biking to work a few days a month...17ish miles but hectic.  You are motivating me."

I have received several of these types of messages--your contribution really is helping to put more bikers on the road and reduce the number of vehicles emitting CO2.

Second, I will be in regular contact with your regarding production.  It is my intent to post videos and photos of your pack being made at the factory in Hanoi from first cut of the fabric until packs are loaded on the truck.  Then I hope you will share your videos and photos as you put the Shellback to use on the streets and trails of your hometown.

I am working with a company called BackerKit to help organize the reward tiers and simplify the Fulfillment Survey.  I have competed the survey and it is going through the review process at BackerKit.  As soon as it is approved, you'll see it in your Inbox.  If you've not completed a Fulfillment Survey before, it is your opportunity to choose your Shellback sizes and colors, update your contact info, and choose add-ons to your original reward.  

In addition to your original reward tier, we are offering a number of accessories you might find complimentary to your bike-riding habits.  Add ons include:

• Dual-Utility Rotating Hanger
• Triton BPA-Free 1L Water Bottle
• EVA Waterproof Sunglasses Case with Front Strap Connector
• Front-Access Phone / Snack / Utility Case (LARGE) with Front Strap Connector
• Front-access Wallet / Snack / Utility Case (SMALL) with Front Strap Connector
  

Dual-Utility Rotating Hanger

Triton 1L BPA-Free Win the Race™ Water Bottle

EVA Waterproof Glasses Case with Front Strap Connector

Front Strap Phone  / Snack / Utility Case (Size LARGE and SMALL)