A Different Approach

I suppose it’s a sign that you’re doing something right, as a craftsman, when demand becomes greater than what you can physically do. While a convenient and enviable problem this may be, it can mean long hours in the shop with far fewer rides in the books than one would expect. Well folks, that’s where I find myself these days.

In an effort to remain true to what I really want from all of this, along with being honest and transparent to customers, there have to be some changes made. Changes that will make an even stronger representation of the quality, service and attention to detail that are paramount at Porcelain Rocket. It may mean making a little less, but making better. Prices, as one might expect, will likely increase slightly.

From the beginning of Porcelain Rocket, I’ve worked from a fairly standard running build queue, with an estimated lead time for delivery. This worked well, for the most part, until that lead time grew beyond 12 weeks, as it did earlier this Spring. As it stands today, the queue extends into November. I do not feel like it is fair to either myself, or a customer, to wait longer than 3 months for gear.

As of September 1st, 2012, I will not be accepting any new orders. ” Wait? What? Why?! “, you say. Like any product worth it’s salt, things have to evolve, grow, and get better. I have too many ideas rattling around, and too many promises made to some very patient and worthy adventurers, that need to be fulfilled. So, I plan to spend a few months building prototypes, riding those prototypes, and building some very custom gear for some very custom (and unbelievably patient) folks. My goal is to have the entire line of Porcelain Rocket gear updated by the time the Spring rush rolls in. I should have a few new items to show off as well. In order to achieve this goal, I need the time to be who I love being : a craftsman. I encourage you to take a peak at my Flickr page from time to time, and have a look at what is coming out of the shop.

There should be no delays for those of you already in my build list.

When things get going again this winter (likely November), there will be a new ordering system in place. I will be accepting a finite number of pack orders each month. This way, you will be made aware of what month your gear will be built in, and where you line up in that month. This will, hopefully, bring lead times down, and help to keep things clear, as to when you can expect your gear. I will post a more detailed explanation of this system in next few months.

My hope is that this new plan will make for a happier everyone. I do understand that this approach may put some folks off, and for that I apologize in advance. I am truly humbled by the relationships that I forge through the things that I make, and this will, hopefully, afford even more of that custom experience. That is my goal. I encourage and respect colourful, out-of-the-box thinking. Because after all, this is what draws us all to bicycle touring.

This year has been an amazing one. Porcelain Rocket has grown by leaps & bounds, and I have been anything but bored. The support and appreciation that has been shown to me, and the things that I make, has been utterly astonishing. I am so thankful for all of those that have chosen to work with me, and to outfit your adventures with the products of my own hands. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Scott