Hondo Garage's New Thing

Oh boy... I’ll be honest. Deep gashes are 100% unacceptable to me on a brand new item that I paid 5k for... so that is likely why they are pushing white glove.

@gmacmt I guess if mine isn’t crated and ready to go perhaps I will be forced to wait for white glove. Unless you’ve come up with an even more secure crating option. Though if it’s not gonna make it on time i guess why rush....

Ugh... the highs and lows of being on this thread lol

 

Foolproofing for shipping is definitely an art form. A lot of companies end up wasting a lot of time designing shipping containers and supports because of this. A couple folks have talked about the significant losses they had to cover while developing the idiot proof packaging that is generally all waste when done.

 

To clarify a little bit, deep gouges are completely 100% unacceptable to us as well. For most shipments, checking the item for damage falls on the purchaser of the product when receiving the freight shipment, as we insured it for such an event. Unfortunately the item appeared fine when unloading and wasn't unpackaged for a period of time after arrival, and thus wasn't thoroughly inspected upon unloading.

@whitetaco16 brought this to our attention after receiving the item, and noted that the camper was able to function as intended even though it is suffering from some aesthetic damage. He was willing to wait for our next delivery run to the east coast for a replacement panel that we will be bringing with us and installing at no expense to him. He has been awesome to work with through this process and was able to provide us with feedback to better improve the shipping process.

We clearly don't want to make a habit of this (repairs 1000's of miles from base are $$$), and receiving a partially damaged item is obviously not the customer experience we are looking to build our business on. We want to let our customers know that we fully intend to go above and beyond to ensure that they are happy with their purchase, and a huge amount of that is based on experience and continually improving our processes.

The following changes have been and are being implemented based on that shipment...

• Changing our plans for both palletizing and partially crating the units to ensure that issues like this are mitigated.
• Notifying the customer of their immediate responsibility to thoroughly check and report any damages upon arrival for any future shipments.
• White glove delivery, which has been implemented since this occurred, guaranteeing that we are in control of the process, and gives the customer assurance the camper is installed correctly. (We also love hanging out and meeting our customers)

As anyone who ships big stuff knows, freight is always a game of russian roulette. This is another reason we are happy to do our own delivery service, in addition to the host of ancillary benefits the service offers.

 

nice concept.

I'm digging the 3d model of the truck. Is that photogramatry or did you download it?

 

Hi all I'm in NYC and although a late build number (95)... it's good to see other people in the general area are eagerly awaiting the GFC. My plan is to pick up... and would def attend a meetup if not too far away.... to meet the GFC clan!

 

If you have instagram, its on their story.

https://www.instagram.com/stories/gfc_usa/

 

Were you listening to The Dude's story, Donny?

 

I would have no problem making the trek out to your neck of the woods for a "White Glover" , as long as it would be quicker or same time frame compared to shipping the unit to me. Your spread sounds ideal for this as well, not to mention the install lube(beer). Thanks for offering!
-Morgan

 

Dear god yes that post is rich in double entendre.

I mean.. "White Glover" my imagination runs wild.

 

Decipher it however your imagination twists it. It's probably just a reflection of your own twisted subconscious fantasies. Just think of all that beer

 

GFC in NYC, that’s bad ass!!!! I gotta see that when it gets installed. Very cool!!!

 

Got an email from Elise this afternoon. Looks like my camper is getting finished up soon (few more bits from the softgoods side). But that looks like it’ll prevent my camper from shipping this week which means this guy isn’t going to bother with Mid-Atlantic Overland Fest. Which is really more of a loss to GFC than anything. I know they’re killing it, especially on the west coast, but It’d sure be nice for them to be seen out here on the East.

Oh well is what it is I suppose, just a bit of a disappointment all around.

 

I feel your pain, I was hoping to have mine in the AAV booth at Expo West. But I’m very happy now that I have it.

 

Holy Shit, they’d had AAV’s at Expo West. AWESOME!!

 

Yes my initial thought was sheer disappointment but I’m generally a very happy and positive person so.... hey whatever!!!

I love it I’m happy I bought it I just can’t wait to actually get it!!! That said it’s no biggie, heck it’s only a camper right? I’ll just skip Mid-Atlantic work some OT maybe instead.

And I’ll enjoy the hell out of it when it does get here! I know these guys are working as hard and fast as they can, and if that means I miss a 3 day trip so what... once it’s here I’ll have it all the time.

Still it’s exciting to be soooooo close!!!

 

Great idea, but... i belive GFC has it in there plans to offer up a heater that was integrated. Of course without knowing details it’s tough to know. Going by what we’ve seen so far though it’ll prob be amazing.

I’d be really interested to see your build if you decide to try it

 

"Can dismantle to a new car when replace vehicle.
Volatile technology, by the ceramic ignition plug will fuel heating evaporated into gas, fast ignition, full combustion.
The use of advanced automatic control technology, with a reliable abnormal operating conditions.
Fuel, electricity, temperature can be set arbitrarily ."

lol first 4 lines of the description... dear god what is he trying to say. Things made in China with English translations can be hilarious!!!!

It does still look pretty damn awesome though

 

I'm #50 and in VA. Willing, but currently unable to drive North for a meet-up. Kinda/sorta on the way if they decide to take 81, though.

I'll go ahead and use this opportunity to test the TW/Elise contact theory while I'm here.

 

Morning TW,

Sorry for my slow response to questions regarding my GFC and its shipping woes. Graeme has already answered most of it as they will replace the damaged side panel when they come east. I rattle canned it to cover the deep scratches and its not prevented me from using it one bit!

The 9 day shipping was 9 calendar days, not 9 business days. If there are other questions I will try to answer but it may not be fast.