Hello VAF,
I wanted to update everyone on a few improvements we are making in light of the long lead times (currently about 12 months). Here are the main bullet points:
As far as the temporary seats go, they are based on requests from our customers. They are a basic set of cushions that the customer can purchase and use until their final seats are finished. They use the stock Vans backrest frame, and are held in place with Velcro. We encourage customers to pass them along to other builders after they are not needed (possibly at a reduced price to offset some of the purchase price).
Initially we will offer these for the RV-14 with others to possibly follow based on what we learn as we go. We plan to offer them in black cloth, and keep them in stock once the initial run is complete (in the next few weeks). Pricing and information should be on the website in the next few days.
We know the lead time is a big inconvenience to customers, and we are doing our best to move back to a more "normal" production schedule. We are slowly ramping up the number of orders we can ship per week. In the mean time we appreciate your understanding as we try to take care of everyone.
I wanted to update everyone on a few improvements we are making in light of the long lead times (currently about 12 months). Here are the main bullet points:
- About 6 months ago, we hired 2 new key employees that are getting closer and closer to being fully trained.
- Over the past year we've been working on a complete rebuild of our internal purchasing and inventory control systems.
- We are now working with an outside vendor to outsource some of our sheet metal part production to increase capacity.
- We are now going to offer a temporary seat option for those who are ready to fly before their order is finished (details below).
- Some others are still in the works.
As far as the temporary seats go, they are based on requests from our customers. They are a basic set of cushions that the customer can purchase and use until their final seats are finished. They use the stock Vans backrest frame, and are held in place with Velcro. We encourage customers to pass them along to other builders after they are not needed (possibly at a reduced price to offset some of the purchase price).
Initially we will offer these for the RV-14 with others to possibly follow based on what we learn as we go. We plan to offer them in black cloth, and keep them in stock once the initial run is complete (in the next few weeks). Pricing and information should be on the website in the next few days.
We know the lead time is a big inconvenience to customers, and we are doing our best to move back to a more "normal" production schedule. We are slowly ramping up the number of orders we can ship per week. In the mean time we appreciate your understanding as we try to take care of everyone.