We’re letting the Raconteurs bring this project to a close for us. All for good reason.
The last expected ship date came and went due to the wildest of errors. Despite our relentless efforts of documentation (color guides, reiteration of colors next to each part listed on our PO, etc) one of our suppliers totally got the colors wrong. What was supposed to be a super clear, easy to understand process was totally botched.
The Black Cloaks, which were expected to ship last week were photographed and caught at the last minute by our QA staff on the ground at the factory (big ups to Kyle, Cyrus, Debbie & Andy).
“REJECTED!” we said to Phil (the owner of the factory that sucks) in our best NBA announcer voice.
The Inner cover was not the dark black we had intended, instead it was the light gray we had intended for the portrait stand.
Did it look horrible? No, not exactly — but it’s not what we intended, so we took the time to get it right.
Reproducing the units that had been created thus far according to the color spec that had been in our suppliers hands for months (confirmed & signed off on by multiple team members both here and on the ground in Asia).
How this mis-match happened still baffles us.
There are, in fact, many shades of black. We at Quirky are very particular about our black.
On Sunday we got our first glimpse into fully assembled, fully packaged Cloaks heading our way.
The shipping process will be staggered, as planned and the black hiccup cost us about 7-10 days.
Obviously, delays are the last thing we are looking for at this point. But, when faced with the question of delaying a shipment by a week, or shipping a better product- we will always choose the latter.
The good news is, we’re through it and the first batch of Cloaks are on their way here – and from there (hopefully) it’ll be smooth sailing.
Mike McCoy is on his way up to NYC tomorrow to be around for the launch. Our warehouse has already started to tape together the boxes that the Cloaks will ship to consumers in so that all they’ll have to do is pick & label. FedEx is standing by ready to rock your world… and, of course, our Sourcing, QA, and logistics teams are all standing by, ready to get their first full nights sleep in months.
Looks like the typing stand part should be flipped for a minor reason: to hide the ejector pin imprints. Not sure if its a symmetrical part but during assembly you should ask them to make sure the imprints are on the inside.
I’m a bit concerned about the color of this thing. In all but one picture here, the Cloak looks decidedly grey. I did not order a grey cloak – I ordered a black one. I’m going to be very disappointed if this turnes out as lightly colored as it appears here. It especially bothers me because I convinced a few friends that the Cloak was going to be THE case for the iPad. Its weight had already become a concern, but now the coloration is in question too. I’m starting to feel like I’ve made a mistake. I hope that when it finally arrives all my fears and doubts are alleviated.
No need for concern — the Cloak is in great shape, and the front cover is the exact Pantone color number (426C) that we requested. These images aren’t too high-quality, particularly those taken with flash. Once we’re able to take web-worthy shots for the product page, I’m confident your confidence will be restored.
In case you’re curious about the color of the black Quirky case, Pantone 426 C is viewable here (note: could differ with your monitor): http://bit.ly/bhJ7uZ
I’m excited about this thing, and am totally going with black.
What is the pantone color for the green – it’s a bit too late to ask since I have already ordered it – and any shade of green is awesome – but since I have a pantone color book from 1987 in my office thought I’d look it up (if it existed back then).
11 Comments
Mike | 07/19/2010 12:31 PM
Awsome! Thumbs up! I can’t wait to get mine!!!!!
John | 07/19/2010 1:27 PM
Woot woot!!!
DODGELF | 07/19/2010 3:04 PM
WHAT IF I DID NOT ORDER BLACK?
aiyo | 07/19/2010 3:15 PM
Looks like the typing stand part should be flipped for a minor reason: to hide the ejector pin imprints. Not sure if its a symmetrical part but during assembly you should ask them to make sure the imprints are on the inside.
Can’t wait to get mine!
Giolon | 07/20/2010 4:18 AM
I’m a bit concerned about the color of this thing. In all but one picture here, the Cloak looks decidedly grey. I did not order a grey cloak – I ordered a black one. I’m going to be very disappointed if this turnes out as lightly colored as it appears here. It especially bothers me because I convinced a few friends that the Cloak was going to be THE case for the iPad. Its weight had already become a concern, but now the coloration is in question too. I’m starting to feel like I’ve made a mistake. I hope that when it finally arrives all my fears and doubts are alleviated.
jess | 07/20/2010 9:37 AM
No need for concern — the Cloak is in great shape, and the front cover is the exact Pantone color number (426C) that we requested. These images aren’t too high-quality, particularly those taken with flash. Once we’re able to take web-worthy shots for the product page, I’m confident your confidence will be restored.
Gary | 07/20/2010 4:54 PM
Hope you don’t have the same problems with the blue! since that’s my choice
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unintentional | 07/20/2010 5:10 PM
Yay for August 2nd… what a good way for me to start the next academic year!
Bev | 07/20/2010 5:51 PM
What about the Pink. When will they ship?
Chase | 07/22/2010 1:42 AM
In case you’re curious about the color of the black Quirky case, Pantone 426 C is viewable here (note: could differ with your monitor): http://bit.ly/bhJ7uZ
I’m excited about this thing, and am totally going with black.
Julie | 07/22/2010 9:00 PM
What is the pantone color for the green – it’s a bit too late to ask since I have already ordered it – and any shade of green is awesome – but since I have a pantone color book from 1987 in my office thought I’d look it up (if it existed back then).