View Full Version : Zpacks waiting game
QuietStorm
03-09-2018, 12:28
Ordered an Arc Haul Zip on 2/23--two weeks ago--and hiking next on 3/17 (a week from tomorrow). Still "pending fulfillment." Have emailed Zpacks but cannot say when the pack will be shipping. Concerned I won't have it in time with 5 days' shipping. Anyone have a similar experience? What did you do? I really thought 22 days lead time would be enough.
Gambit McCrae
03-09-2018, 12:41
I don't recall the exact time frame last November but I am pretty sure it took them a week to make my pack and tent. And then a week for shipping. This is also probably a pretty busy time of the year and I know for sure that one of their employees is off tramping around on the BMT so who knows. One of the perks on their end of not having a phone number, which turns into a con to the consumer. How long ago did you email them? I got a reply same day when I had ordering questions
trailmercury
03-09-2018, 13:02
I know for sure that one of their employees is off tramping around on the BMT so who knows.
Redbeard?
If he is the one you speak of, I doubt his absence makes any difference on turnaround.
Does he even sew?
I ordered a custom pack and tent from them separately in 2016 and turnaround was much less than 22 days.
Did you let them know of your dates?
QuietStorm
03-09-2018, 13:09
Yes, I emailed them earlier in the week and again today, with subject line 'urgent,' as they suggest to get a quicker answer. So far crickets...
That's strange. I've always received very prompt responses from zPacks...
Rick from Georgia
03-09-2018, 14:10
Ordered a backpack along with several other items on 2/19 from Zpacks. Has been shipped and FedEx says I will get it tomorrow on 3/10.
So just shy of 3 weeks.
Hope that helps.
fastfoxengineering
03-09-2018, 14:21
Ordered an Arc Haul Zip on 2/23--two weeks ago--and hiking next on 3/17 (a week from tomorrow). Still "pending fulfillment." Have emailed Zpacks but cannot say when the pack will be shipping. Concerned I won't have it in time with 5 days' shipping. Anyone have a similar experience? What did you do? I really thought 22 days lead time would be enough.It says directly on Zpacks website that the lead time on backpacks is about two weeks. Its been exactly two weeks since you sent in an order. So two weeks give or take a few days to process your order and make your pack. Then it will ship and you'll receive it in a few days relative to your location from Florida.
Zpacks has always done things right on their end for most of us.
Yes, every now and then they go hiking too. But they typically state that it it will affect lead time times.
They are always behind on emails. Be paitent, I'm sure it's an extremely busy time of year for them.
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Will doesn't work in the West Melbourne location at all. He works from home. That said, he has no effect on turn around times on items. I believe he focuses mainly on their online presence/media/etc.
cmoulder
03-09-2018, 14:48
Ordered an Arc Haul Zip on 2/23--two weeks ago--and hiking next on 3/17 (a week from tomorrow). Still "pending fulfillment." Have emailed Zpacks but cannot say when the pack will be shipping. Concerned I won't have it in time with 5 days' shipping. Anyone have a similar experience? What did you do? I really thought 22 days lead time would be enough.
I hope you get it in time, but this is another reminder that if you really, really need something from a cottage vendor by a certain date it is best to check the current delivery times and add a couple of weeks to it, and even more time if it's one of those loooong projected dates. You're lucky, because when I got my first Arc Blast the back-up was 6 weeks, and when I got my Duplex it was 10 weeks! Recently I had to wait 6 weeks for my Darien hammock from Dream Hammocks... no problem because I really don't need it until spring, and having it way ahead of time greatly reduces angst.
motocross269
03-09-2018, 14:59
I ordered a Arc Haul and a Duplex from Z packs in the Fall.....It took them around 3 weeks...I was planning on 5 or 6 so I was surprised to get it so fast considering it is a small operation...
You left yourself just over 3 weeks to get the pack...That is cutting it close....
Now as far as the communication with them.... can't explain that but it is a small operation and anything could happen...
QuietStorm
03-09-2018, 14:59
I factored in the two weeks, plus 5 days for shipping. My concern is that if it doesn't ship today and they're closed on weekends it's unlikely I'll get the pack in time. I usually buy from cottage vendors--Warbonnet and ULA as two examples, and have never had this issue before. I've also bought from Zpacks, but largely accessories. My bank account was debited right away, though, so no waiting time on that.
cmoulder
03-09-2018, 15:36
OK, but in my experience that's cutting it very close. Especially this time of the year when weather delays for shipping are common.
Also, I like to get product in hand in plenty of time to tweak and adjust and maybe even do a shake-down day hike or overnighter to get familiar with things. When I got my Arc Haul I discovered very quickly that the bottom crossbar and my lumbar region did not get along well at all... I encountered significant back pain even with a very light load. I put in the supplemental lumbar pad and all was well. However I had to order the lumbar pad and it took time to resolve that situation — I sure as heck would not have enjoyed dealing with it right at the start of a multi-day backpacking trip!
https://www.google.com/search?q=willy+wonka+i+want+it+now&oq=wiily+wonka+i+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.13222j0j7&client=ms-android-att-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
Maybe you will get it in 22 days.
Fastfoxengineering is right. Lead times of about 2 wk's is posted by ZPacks at top of Backpacks index page.
Cmoulder is right too. That's cutting it close especially at this time of the yr. CM is also right about pointing out the need to tweak, play with, and look over pieces of gear pre hike especially such a critical key piece of gear that isn't being mass produced.
You cut it close.
Can you or is it worth it to contact ZP changing shipping to a faster option?
OK, but in my experience that's cutting it very close. Especially this time of the year when weather delays for shipping are common.
agreed.......
cutting it close...........
and this time of the year is probably the busiest time of year for the hiking community......
greensleep
03-09-2018, 17:32
I needed to replace a broken tent stay (flex option for the duplex) and I leave for the trail in 3 weeks. When I contacted them by email their first response came same day, and asked me to send the broken part back and they'd have a repaired/replaced part to me within a couple of weeks at no charge. I then noticed that if you have a time issue, they ask that you that you say "urgent" in the subject line. I did so with my response to their email and explained I'd be leaving for my hike in 3 weeks. I got my replacement parts within 4 days.
QuietStorm
03-09-2018, 18:26
Yep, saw the two week build time at the top of the web page. Yep, know it’s a busy time of year. Doesn’t seem to affect other cottage gear manufacturers as much. Not a newbie. Know I’m cutting it close. And a snarky Willie Wonka video not really called for.
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fastfoxengineering
03-09-2018, 19:54
Yep, saw the two week build time at the top of the web page. Yep, know it’s a busy time of year. Doesn’t seem to affect other cottage gear manufacturers as much. Not a newbie. Know I’m cutting it close. And a snarky Willie Wonka video not really called for.
Sent from my iPad using TapatalkIt says about two weeks. Not two weeks.
So if they take 2.5 weeks I would say that's reasonable.
And other cottage manufacturers are definitely affected. Yama has a month lead time and MLD is 8-12 weeks.
You keep saying your having issues with Zpacks. That is just not true, sorry. I know you want your gear. But....
You should have contacted them before ensuring you would get your gear in time. If you gave them a date and they couldn't make it, they wouldn't have accepted your money.
You know you rolled the dice with time, and it's not working out. So.. your taking it out on Zpacks for losing your own gamble rather than accepting things aren't going in your favor.
Your insinuating Zpacks is at fault. And none of us agree.
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If this isn't your first rodeo with UL non mass produced cottage manufactured gear I assume you know ZPacks is probably the hottest if not very near the top right nowin popularity and you're catching them at one of if not the busiest times of the yr.
Vid wasn't meant as a put down but to inject some levitity which is what I thought you could use.
I know it's hard awaiting expected needed new gear for a quickly approaching adventure. I've been there myself.
ZP is very good at delivering on their promises. I'd expect your new pack to arrive for your Mar 17 hike. Again, youight consider a faster shipping option. I wouldn't be surprised very soon hearing from ZP telling you your pack has been shipped out with expected arrival time.
Two week lead time is nothing compared to when they were doing custom work and had 6+ week delivery times. The shorter build times are likely due to the fact that they no longer do custom work - so it is a mixed bag. They've always come through as promised, a couple of times even beat a delivery window when I had a hike coming up, and they once exchanged a sleeping bag well after the timeframe where I expected them to. zPacks and ULA are both first class operations.
As to OP, I will assume you are upgrading your pack, and therefore have your older pack to use. So if your new gear comes before your next trip then great! But if your pack is delayed, hey you’re still out hiking, and you will appreciate your new gear even more when it does come. You have an enviable problem!
that said, hope your new gear comes in tomorrow. Where are you hiking? If you are starting a thru hike, perhaps you can get the pack shipped in to one of the hostels, hold for thruhiker.
and, a good reminder to us all to build in adequate lead time.
Enjoy your journey :*)
Maineiac64
03-10-2018, 00:43
Ordered an Arc Haul Zip on 2/23--two weeks ago--and hiking next on 3/17 (a week from tomorrow). Still "pending fulfillment." Have emailed Zpacks but cannot say when the pack will be shipping. Concerned I won't have it in time with 5 days' shipping. Anyone have a similar experience? What did you do? I really thought 22 days lead time would be enough.
Hope you get pack soon. You will love it. Have fun hiking.
It doesn't matter what time of year or how busy a company is....unless there are extraordinary circumstances out of their control, they should deliver as advertised or represented at the time of the transaction. It's a contract and about reputation.
cmoulder
03-10-2018, 08:05
It doesn't matter what time of year or how busy a company is....unless there are extraordinary circumstances out of their control, they should deliver as advertised or represented at the time of the transaction. It's a contract and about reputation.
Some of you people keep insinuating that Zpacks is somehow at fault here, and, even so, there are still a few days on the calendar for fulfillment.
The term "Piss Poor Planning" is totally appropriate in this instance. Take this as a lesson to plan ahead better next time by leaving a generous buffer for the unexpected. Very few things in life happen without a single hitch somewhere along the line.
42171
Maineiac64
03-10-2018, 08:11
It doesn't matter what time of year or how busy a company is....unless there are extraordinary circumstances out of their control, they should deliver as advertised or represented at the time of the transaction. It's a contract and about reputation.
They said “about two weeks” which is not a contractual commitment but an estimate of time it would ship. Knowing cottage companies I would take it to mean 2 weeks best case, less than 3 weeks likely, 4 weeks possible. Heading out on AT I definetely would have built in time to be able test, adjust, and even return if something didnt work out. At one point they were 6 weeks lead time but now have it to 2-3 days when its less busy.
My ZPacks experince has been fantastic! I have purchased an arc haul as well as numerous other dry bags, etc.. Matt at ZPacks is extremely helpful and I even went to their shop to try on some backpacks before my purchase. I hope you get your gear in time but my gut tells me that ZPacks is fulfilling their orders as fast as possible. I also recall being told a 2 week delivery time was the best case scenario. I recieved my pack in about 6 days but I ordered it back in the Fall because I knew there would be a rush come spring time.
Offshore
03-10-2018, 20:45
My bank account was debited right away, though, so no waiting time on that.
Processing a payment that far ahead really unusual and actually pretty sleazy. It's not uncommon to put small (usually $1) pending charge on a credit card or a reserve on a debit card, but charging the full amount weeks before shipping is sketchy. I know they are a small business (to my mind they are now too big to be considered "cottage") but I can't imagine they need prepayment to cover material costs. If so, they are severely undercapitalized.
In addition to the lesson of adding extra lead times for small manufacturers, I'd add that using a credit card rather than a debit card has its advantages in pretty much every type of transaction. If you run into a problem with a vendor you can dispute it with the credit card issuer and they will issue a chargeback and will fight the battle for you. You won't be billed for a disputed charge - which is a lot easier than recovering your cash. American Express is particularly good with customer service and has a number of no-fee cards.
cmoulder
03-10-2018, 21:49
How, exactly, was payment made?
If it was PayPal and your PP account is linked to a debit card or credit card, then yes, of course, it was debited right away.
Maybe find out more details before unloading with nasty pejoratives?
I was a bit sympathetic with the OP's plight earlier in this thread. But the more we find out the more it becomes clear that this is a completely self-inflicted 'charlie foxtrot'.
And I fully expect this to be followed by endless bellyaching and carping about how the pack doesn't fit right and how the pockets are not right, yada-yada-yada ad infinitum.
Seriously thinking about adding somebody to the 'ignore' list.
Some of you people keep insinuating that Zpacks is somehow at fault here, and, even so, there are still a few days on the calendar for fulfillment.
The term "Piss Poor Planning" is totally appropriate in this instance. Take this as a lesson to plan ahead better next time by leaving a generous buffer for the unexpected. Very few things in life happen without a single hitch somewhere along the line.
42171
You assume too much and put spin on my comment. My comment was about businesses providing an accurate delivery time upfront, dependent upon their business situation at the time of the order. Too many businesses accept orders representing a delivery lead time they already know isn't possible. I'm not placing fault on anyone but rather making a general comment in context to the underlying subject.
They said “about two weeks” which is not a contractual commitment but an estimate of time it would ship. Knowing cottage companies I would take it to mean 2 weeks best case, less than 3 weeks likely, 4 weeks possible. Heading out on AT I definetely would have built in time to be able test, adjust, and even return if something didnt work out. At one point they were 6 weeks lead time but now have it to 2-3 days when its less busy.
About 2 weeks is a contractual representation and if I were their customer, anytime within 3 weeks would be acceptable to me under those terms. More than 3 weeks (such as double their about time frame) is outside of what most people would (should) accept as "about". Nothing wrong with a 6 week lead time if the customer placing the order is told that at order placement time. This is the whole point of my original post.
cmoulder
03-10-2018, 22:29
You assume too much and put spin on my comment. My comment was about businesses providing an accurate delivery time upfront, dependent upon their business situation at the time of the order. Too many businesses accept orders representing a delivery lead time they already know isn't possible. I'm not placing fault on anyone but rather making a general comment in context to the underlying subject.
Well of course a business should do its best to provide a reasonably accurate delivery window, but when you made the comment you made in the context of a discussion about a specific transaction with Zpacks, how are we to infer it wasn't about Zpacks?
Yes, there are some operations (Luke, Ook, Backcountry Boiler and the like) to which your comment would apply. But I have now done many business transactions with all manner of cottage (and not so cottage) backpacking and hammock vendors and have had exactly ONE bad experience (Backcountry Boiler, years ago), and I think the vast majority of purchasers would likely report similar results with all these reputable vendors.
This is truly a pointless whinefest.
Usually online retailers charge the card upon shipment but I've always seen made to order vendors charge upon the initial order, not shipment. Although zPacks doesn't do custom work anymore, they build to order so they charge when you order the product, at least that's how I read it. I suspect the same is true of you order a few suits from one of the Asian vendors who specialize in build to order suits. In any case, I'm never out of pocket until the gear arrives since lead times are generally less than the payment window on my credit card. It's really a non issue to me.
Usually online retailers charge the card upon shipment but I've always seen made to order vendors charge upon the initial order, not shipment. Although zPacks doesn't do custom work anymore, they build to order so they charge when you order the product, at least that's how I read it. I suspect the same is true of you order a few suits from one of the Asian vendors who specialize in build to order suits. In any case, I'm never out of pocket until the gear arrives since lead times are generally less than the payment window on my credit card. It's really a non issue to me.
That saved me from writing it. Nothing "really unusual", sleazy, or sketchy about it. It's common practice.
Pending credit charges or reserve holds can affect available lines of credit.
Wrong Way
03-12-2018, 19:27
OK, but in my experience that's cutting it very close. Especially this time of the year when weather delays for shipping are common.
^^^THIS^^^
I've ordered from MLD, Yama, Zpacks and EE.........always MONTHS before the item was needed. There is no way that I'd order so close to the date I need something......especially during the busy season.
After deciding on a destination, ordering needed gear is the second item on the planning list.
trailmercury
03-13-2018, 10:00
OP is asking on another thread how to adjust the pack, so one would assume he got his stuff (in time). In a perfect world he/she would have updated this thread with the good news.
Maineiac64
03-13-2018, 10:33
Let’s see, he ordered on 2/23 with shipping in about 2 weeks with 5 days shipping. 2 weeks would be 3/9 and he’s trying it now on 3/13 so it appears that he may have even got it earlier than the estimate.
Let’s see, he ordered on 2/23 with shipping in about 2 weeks with 5 days shipping. 2 weeks would be 3/9 and he’s trying it now on 3/13 so it appears that he may have even got it earlier than the estimate.
I think the OP is a she
QuietStorm
03-13-2018, 12:29
Pack arrived last night. Zpacks came through and I'll hopefully have enough time to adjust and practice packing it.
QuietStorm
03-13-2018, 12:30
Yes, sorry. I'm not on here every day. Busy with work.
After all that it arrived. It was expected. I can understand your impatience. You showed a lot though coming back to the thread with those last two posts. Have a great hike and enjoy your new gear Quiet Storm.
I really was trying to loosen you up by posting the Wonka vid. Consider watching it again and laugh.