Tucker’s turnaround time – an update.
Posted by Rob Longenecker on February 21st, 2007
Just a note to let you know that we have been flooded with orders since December and it hasn’t tapered off much since.
My turnaround estimates are always made in good faith, but I miss the mark sometimes. We’re adjusting to a whole new reality over here.
We’ve had high demand for several years and our lead times last summer were 3-4 weeks for IWB’s and 8-9 weeks for HF1 belt rigs. Now the IWB’s are running 6-7 weeks and the HF1 rigs 12 weeks or so. Other makers are also experiencing longer lead times.
Tucker has hired a good man who comes in 3-4 days a week and who’s helped to speed up production. We could use another good holstermaker. (That’s not a job solicitation – Tucker would have the say on that.)
Tucker’s looking at additional equipment to speed up production including an additional sewing machine. We’re willing to spend money to improve our production rate. The one thing you always get is Tucker’s best work, so he wont’ rush anything to sacrifice quality.
What I really want you to understand is that our estimate of when a holster will be made is based upon a running history of how long orders have taken in the recent past. There’s a chronological list and when your order reaches the top, it’s made in 2-3 days (which includes some drying and maybe stamping in between steps.
I’m committed to communicate well with customers and I don’t mind getting emails or calls to check on status. Emails are best and I respond daily. Let me know what else I can do to communicate more effectively.
February 21st, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Rob,
THis one statement defines your side of the business and why you have my profound respect even though my body didn’t fit the Tucker holster I ordered:
“I’m committed to communicate well with customers and I don’t mind getting emails or calls to check on status. Emails are best and I respond daily. Let me know what else I can do to communicate more effectively.”
You and Tucker define the ideal holster maker. Top quality Artisan quality beautiful functional holsters with a no BS business model.
Victims of your own success I say. And I, for one, am glad to hear it. It means more Tucker holsters are getting out and good business practices are being rewarded.
February 27th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Rob,
You and Tucker have our every confidence. We already believe in your ethics and Tucker’s craftsmanship. If he hires others to assist him, I, for one, am pre-convinced that he will exact the same standards from them, to which he, himself, subscribes. You and Tucker have built this, now EXPLODING, business, on principle! Principles of excellence and integrity.
Whatever you and Tucker need to do to succeed, you have my, unqualified, support!
Carry on, Brother!
Don
March 21st, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Rob,
Though the holster I ordered during the Christmas rush hasn’t arrived yet, I have been EXTREMELY pleased with the honesty and candor you have displayed. I believe what you have found out is that people enjoy doing business with a straight shooter (no pun intended). Thanks for your hard work.
For others reading this,
I ordered a compact pancake for my girlfriend’s new bersa cc. It’s a new model, so Tucker didn’t have a mold for it. Rob worked with me on getting dimensions and the subtle changes from the regular bersa .380. I can’t wait to see it, and I hope she likes my “Christmas” present!
March 28th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I had to wait awhile for my order and as a first time customer I was a tad nervous at the delay over the holidays.When I received my holster and belt I actually trembled as I slipped it on.Wow! Looks and function in one package!I wear the OWB holster and belt constantly and my mother-in-law even thinks its beautiful.What more could I ask for?It retains my snubby well but releases easily.Can’t wait for my pancake for my 1911.Great work!