Why is shipping delayed by six weeks?

TL;DR:

• Production has started with the parts we have. The first 50 sets of side panels are here
• Slats and packaging are now the critical path. Realistically: first shipments mid-to-late September (blue belts), early October (black belts)

The last few weeks have been genuinely busy, and a surprising number of problems stacked up in a very short time. The belt, the feet and the bearings each have their own post. Here's everything else.

Production Has Started

Now for the good news. The first side panels for 50 Office Walkers have arrived, and we've actually started production.

We can't complete units yet since the belts are missing, but we're preparing everything we can so that the moment the belts arrive, we can assemble finished Office Walkers quickly.

Two more pallets landed as well: one with the crossbars for the frame, and one with screws and all the small but essential hardware we need for assembly.

Slats and Packaging: The Critical Path

Beyond the belt, two things will cause delays.

The slats. I was promised these would be here at the beginning of August, but they still haven't shipped. They're currently sitting at the freight forwarder waiting to be stacked onto pallets. Realistically that means early September before they arrive.

The packaging. I received the second prototype, which is significantly lighter than the first and it looks good. Today I ran a test shipment: I packed an Office Walker and sent it to myself.

Next I'll probably do another test shipment over a longer distance (to my parents and back) to see how it holds up. If everything goes well, I'll place a larger order. But even then it'll take a few weeks before the packaging arrives in quantity.

Where This Leaves the Timeline

The slats and the packaging are the most time-critical items, and they will definitely cause delays.

If everything goes well from here, my current expectation is:

• Mid-to-late September: first Office Walkers ship with blue belts
• Early October: shipments with black belts begin

I know that's later than any of us wanted. These past weeks have been a pile-up of problems, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating. But every one of these issues - the stiff bearings, the belt, and especially the staining feet - is something I'd much rather catch now than have you discover after your Office Walker arrives.

I'll keep you posted as things develop.

Johannes

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