Here we go again, playing the delay game. At the end of November, we explained the situation with the new colors in our blog. Read the previous blog here: >>
Back then, we had three new colors in the pipeline. However, we also had to wait for fresh raw yarn longer than expected. So we decided that we could just use the occasion and order 9 new colors for next season. Yep, that's right... nine.
Luckily, our supplier Tearfil was super flexible and produced the color samples, the so-called "Lab Dips," in no time before the Christmas break. We need these lab dips to verify the color tone because it's tricky doing this only based on pictures. The color you might see on the screen might differ in real life. In our case, we had to adjust some of the new colors' saturation and brightness.
Side note which made Thomas pretty angry when he was cross-checking the blog draft. I started to write "Lap-Dips" instead of Lab-Dips". Happened also when replying to our partner, hahaha.
In the end, we got all colors in the right tone and were super happy with the process and speed. We even estimated that all new colors would arrive in Sweden by mid-January, ready to be woven into our trusted handlebar tape, 'Gripper.'
Well, ... that obviously did not work out. One week before the estimated arrival, we received the first notice about a week-long delay. Soon after, another delay notice arrived, pushing the ETA for another week. What a bummer! Our order book is filled, and the only thing we can do is sit and wait. You might have already guessed the main reason for the delay. A couple of hints: quarantine, workforce shortage,... you name it. Let's not spell it out here since it's already all over the place anyways.
What do we learn for the future? There are possibilities to minimize the risk of delays in the future. One option is to look for another yarn supplier. But it's an option we're not willing to take for several reasons. First, we lack the financial means. In practice, all suppliers have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) per year. Since we like to grow GREPP organically >> previous blog, we cannot commit to another very large MOQ. At least not at this age of GREPP. Second, we like to establish trustworthy relationships with our suppliers, and the cooperation with Tearfil has been positive.
Instead of adding another yarn supplier, we will increase our stock of dyed yarn, plan better ahead, and thus be prepared for an increased order demand. We have received 2 of the 9 new colors this week, and production will start asap. The remaining colors will be shipped by mid-February. We hope they will be available at your local bike shops and in our online store shortly after.
Stay tuned, and lots of hugs from the North.
Jan & Thomas