March 10, 2021 3 min read 30 Comments
“We’ll do our best to make up time in the air.” You’ve probably heard this phrase before from a pilot, but likely never from a company. What does this mean? Keep reading.Â
If you aren’t aware of global supply chain issues right now, it’s a big deal. Give this a look if you are interested in hearing more about how it’s affecting domestic production in virtually every industry.Â
At Go Fast, we pride ourselves on the domestic production of our products, and in our previous video about the production process, you likely saw how much of the manufacturing is handled here in house. While our domestic suppliers have been able to keep up with demand, we have had another issue with our global fabric supplier that we need to get you up to speed on.
As you are aware, the SuperLite fabric is produced overseas. This is a new process for us, and one that has not been without a learning curve. In the last couple of weeks as the first large batch of fabric was completed, there was a delay in its departure from the port of Shanghai. A change in the booking from the factory resulted in it getting delivered to a ship that didn’t end up leaving the port for about two weeks after the intended departure date, and due to the volume of product currently being received by our US ports will end up arriving at our factory about three weeks after our initial expected date.
So what does that mean for you? Well, it means that the upcoming group of SuperLites here will be pushed about 3-4 weeks from the original expected ship date. That brings us back to the beginning of this email, however. Because we do not expect delays on the follow-up shipments of materials, we are tooling up our production lines while we are waiting on inventory to build more than our initial projected volumes. So that means while the first few off of the line will be delayed, we will do everything in our power to catch up. That said, with the state of current shipping lines, we can’t promise anything other than the fact that we will keep you up to date with information as it comes to us.Â
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have been fortunate to have a great customer base that knows that we stand behind our product and value transparency over everything. And it is our responsibility to keep you guys informed as that information unfolds.Â
Because of all of this, we are waiving the restocking fee for those of you that need to change your mind on the SuperLite orders. But for those of you who are able to put up with this change, we are super excited to have you in the GFC family and can’t wait to see you out on the trail this coming year. Like everything with GFC, we only put our name on quality products and the SuperLite is no exception.Â
PS: In the meantime, the SuperLite accessories have been in early testing, and we have some quick teaser videos for the surfboard rack design and the quick release mount. Planned for release in April.Â
March 19, 2021
Thanks for the update! Totally understandable and appreciate the transparency. Looking forward to a quality tent!
August 01, 2022
Have you guys got any updates on testing the roof substructure for strength? Can you walk around on the roof while unzipping the clamshell?
Thanks.
March 19, 2021
The wait will be worth it. If in the future an adaptable mount for a ski rack can be engineered, that will be right on the money for the mountain folk!
August 01, 2022
Love the quick release – if only Prinsu made a rack for our car. GFC making all of Montana proud!! To hell with canceling, the update makes me want to buy another superlite!! Going to be worth the wait.
March 11, 2021
Love the quick release solution! I will definitely buy these when available. I can’t park in my garage without removing a tent, nor do I like driving around with a tent on the roof everyday, so this looks perfect!
March 11, 2021
In this day in age when customer service is lacking, you guys set the precedent for how customers should be informed and how a business should handle their approach to a quality product. It’ll be worth the wait and I cannot wait to have it on the 4Runner here in Canada !
March 11, 2021
This is totally fair and understandable. First trip isn’t until end of June. So I think it’ll be fine. Luckily it’s to Montana. So maybe I’ll just swing by and pick it up! Thanks for keeping us updated! You guys rock!
August 01, 2022
Any chance you can make that Surf board rack design accept a whitewater kayak? If I could strap 2 whitewater kayaks to the top of this I would be set to adventure!
March 11, 2021
Thanks for the update, GFC. I’m stoked to see the accessories teasers in the near future.
March 11, 2021
That quick release looks great! Thanks for being strait forward with production. Keep up the good work.
March 19, 2021
Thanks for the update. What rack is the quick release attached to there?
March 11, 2021
We are all in this together! My most anticipated and last piece of the build.
March 19, 2021
I’m in, I can wait a few more weeks. I’m definitely exited to getting it on the roof and getting out there for some camping. 👍👍
August 01, 2022
Thank you for the update. With the fluid situation, I guess I will cancel my trip to MT this summer and just have it shipped to me whenever they are ready. Pls call at your convenience to switch up in person to ship to Boston. Thanks again and look forward to using it this summer hopefully….Jerry
March 10, 2021
Thanks again for the update!! You all are the best and I cannot wait to get my Superlite up on the 4Runner and out onto the backcountry roads.
March 10, 2021
Your customer service is what every company should strive for! Your product is superior to your competition and your customer service just brings it to another level! You guys are ROCKSTARS!
August 01, 2022
So what orders are delayed? Not sure what the “first” round of shipments was suppose to be. What does this mean for the expected June deliveries ?
March 10, 2021
Sounds reasonable & thanks for the continuous updates. I’m on board for the long haul.
August 01, 2022
I would pay more if it material portion came from North America.
August 01, 2022
So when I ordered mine, it was projected to be ready in mid to late May…..just pushing that out to possibly beginning to mid June? Not sure where mine stood in line and wether this shipping issue will effect mine or a batch before mine. Just curious only cause I’ll have to reschedule vacation time at work.
March 10, 2021
Thanks for the heads up…I actually would find a kayak rack more interesting. I live in the PNW and there isn’t a whole lot of surfing up here… at least not without a wetsuit and a sharp eye for underwater logs…
March 10, 2021
Hope it all goes well. Cant wait to be ripping it up with that tent on top!!
March 10, 2021
We are soooooo stoked for our Superlite. Thanks for the proactively managing expectations.
March 10, 2021
Very kind of you to waive the restocking fee…only makes me want to keep my order even more! I enjoy doing business with people like you guys.
March 10, 2021
Thank you! Exciting update đź‘Ť
March 10, 2021
Thanks for the update! Absolutely cannot wait to get this thing mounted and hit the road.
August 01, 2022
For that surfboard rack design, do you anticipate that would hold longer boards like a SUP?
Keep up the great work!
August 01, 2022
Will there be a way to attach a solid panel to the top of the superlite?
March 10, 2021
This is going to be worth the wait. The fact that you all update us all the time makes this experience more and more exciting! I love the emails and can’t wait for my superlite! Keep working hard and staying safe thank you all!
Kenny Mc
August 01, 2022
Where are you now on the receipt of that large shipment of fabric? Has it gotten off the boat in port? Are you back on track manufacturing and shipping more Superlites yet?