Test successful (for the most part)
over 9 years ago
– Thu, Apr 16, 2015 at 02:54:38 PM
My test with the new packing method seems to have worked better. Out of the 25 packages sent out to US backers all arrived undamaged internally except for a few drain nibs. The boxes were not all that lucky with more than 60% having rounded corners. Luckily due to more padding and extra protection inside, the contents all arrived unscathed and those backers are enjoying them. A drain nib or two came off, but I think it may be the glue holding the plastic nib to the aluminium. Unfortunately my overseas test was a disaster. Of the 2 test packages sent, one is lost and the other one arrived destroyed. I will have to think about different packaging for those. In Canada the 3 that were sent out arrived beaten but intact. They did get there with quite a delay. Anyways, I will be sending out more units this week and in the weeks following it. I hope that we can get this project to bed soon. For the ice kits, they are still not ready for shipping but should be by next weeks shipment.
Thanks for the ongoing patience and support.
Sam
New Shipping Test units are finally out
over 9 years ago
– Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 05:32:23 PM
26 units were delivered today Friday February 20th to the USPS. 4 units to Canada Post and 2 overseas. Those people received tracking info by email. If you did not, please do not ask as the backers were picked randomly by geographic location or territory. If you are one of the recipients, then I will be in touch with you to see how delivery dates were respected and package and its contents arrived. For the rest of you still waiting, if this initial test is good then we will double the next one and so on until everyone is ok.
For our US customers, the ice kits encountered again another silly customs agent. To avoid the aggravation, we simply removed all piping (ice kit) and resealed the boxes. If you receive your items and the ice kit is missing do not panic. We found someone locally in New york to build these for us and we will ship them out separately at no extra cost to you.
Let's keep our finger strong so that we can finally finish this project with almost everyone being happy.
Sam
For all those still waiting
almost 10 years ago
– Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 06:28:23 AM
I apologize for the long silence.
I am sorry that things have not shipped out as promised.
Most items have been repacked after our shipping fiasco and the balance are being fixed for the minor defects that backers who received theirs pointed out.
It has always been my intention to deliver the best product possible with the least delays possible, but as I learned in crowdfunding projects, a lot of things happen in the way.
I hope to have everyone receive theirs by the end of the month.
Though it should not be a valid excuse, I still have not shipped the test shipment that was repacked as promised due to the unfortunate weeks of snow storms we have had in the north east and my work schedule, I have been unable to make it to the post office 100 miles away from me. I only have Monday or Tuesday to ship out. I am hoping that next week will be calm weather wise and I can start shipping.
I do not mean to frustrate anyone, even though I do.
Sorry,
Sam
Ready to Ship once again. (hopefully)
almost 10 years ago
– Wed, Feb 04, 2015 at 12:47:38 AM
All the repackaging has been done and should be able to withstand all but the best drops or kicks down the hallway. I am also sending new drain assemblies to replace all those who answered and told me theirs was broken in the shipment. With the new packaging, this should no longer happen.
All presses have been inspected by myself personally and any not making my QC control were sent back to the machine shop to be turned down another 20,000 of an inch to remove any lines or defects. They will then be re-anodized and re-lazered if needed. Note that all the bottom of the bases have some scratches on them due to the softer nature of aluminium. Its on the bottom facing the counter and would show scratches after your first use anyways.
The shipping plan is as follows:
Starting next Monday, I will ship out a batch of 25 packages via USPS and all the remaining Canadian orders.
All USPS packages will hopefully be delivered by Wednesday or Thursday that week. I will then contact all 25 backers to make sure that they received everything in good shape and to their liking. Assuming that all goes well the following week shall see another 50 packages to the US and 10 to overseas.
If all these are good, then the balance of all orders will be shipped soon after.
In the first batch I will replace the 3 packages that USPS lost the first time.
I just ask one thing, if you do not get a tracking number on the first 2 batches, do not ask me for the number. Apart from the 3 replacements, all packages sent will be randomly picked, noted and shipped.
I will post updates after each shipment.
Thanks again.
Sam
Shipping update
almost 10 years ago
– Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 03:23:57 PM
I have met with with the eastern manager of the USPS based in Albany NY and discussed my concerns.
He was shocked at some of the poor states that some of the boxes arrived in, especially since others that travelled farther came through fine.
He gave some suggestions to make our boxes more break proof. We also discussed the boxes that never got to destination showing tracking as still being in Champlain NY our starting point.
He apologized for that saying that this mess was caused by the fact that due to sheer volume, they are unable to scan every box that came in as should be. There were 5 packages lost showing no tracking.
As of today they have found 2 and have asked me to wait until the end of the week before claiming a loss and shipping out replacements.
I have ordered some extra packing material to repack all boxes and most should be repacked this week.
I have also re QC all bottles and have sent back a batch for remachining and re-anodizing.
The majority of the flaws were minimal, but I promised a quality product and would not like you to be disappointed with a sub-standard final product.
I am hoping to start shipping out again early next week in small batches until I can guarantee that the steps we have taken have resolved 99% of problems.
Anyone who received a damaged product or are unhappy about the finish, please send an email to [email protected] with your name adresss and some clear digital pictures of the problem. I will then send you back a pdf of a prepaid stamp. If your box is in good shape then please re-use or stop at any post office and ask for a medium flat rate box. Do not pack using your own box as it will double our shipping costs.
For the people who received damaged boxes, upon verification with the supervisor, my advice was correct, but unfortunately the postman do not care. They should have taken back the damaged package and shipped it back. The USPS will credit me for all damaged shipments I pre-pay.
Once again I thank all the backers that have received nothing or a damaged or improper package for your understanding in this matter.
Sam
