Video: Bartacking the Synapse 25
Bartacks are reinforced stitches that we use liberally in high stress areas on our bags: where shoulder straps or grab handles join the main body of the bag, where a critical seam ends and begins — anywhere necessary to make 100% sure the stitching on your bag never fails. In this video, Kieu adds several of the 24 total bartacks to our Synapse 25 backpack.
Kieu’s the master bartacker here in our Seattle factory: if there was a bartacking Olympics, we’re pretty sure she’d get the gold. Check out her focus on her work in this video and note that she slowed down to about half her usual speed so we could film the process.
And those of you with backorders for the Synapse 25 might be glad to know that this video was shot last week: our factory crew is hard at work making the first batch of Synapse 25 and we expect them to ship soon.
Best box art ever?
“I asked the TB crew to “draw your favorite thing ever” and this was the result!” — Posted by Rocks in the Forums
The Setup: Tom’s Interview
The Setup is a collection of nerdy interviews asking people from all walks of life what they use to get the job done. Read Tom’s interview.
Thanking our investors
Every person who has ever purchased a TOM BIHN bag is, in a way, an investor: I cannot put into words how grateful I am that you folks allow me and my company to do what we do. You’re helping us create some good jobs, as well as allowing me to have the time of my life. Thank you.
____________________________
In the early years of my company, in a time before Kickstarter, I relied from time to time on the generous support of my family and friends. I’ve been thinking a lot about that recently. Often that support took the form of help purchasing a new piece of equipment, or a small infusion of cash to meet a shortfall in income. Sometimes it was a piece of advice, an extension on my rent, or simply an encouraging word. Our business is more or less a success now, and it’s often too easy to forget the tough times we’ve weathered and the kindness that got us through those tough times.
Of far more significance than of the actual dollar value of these investments was the faith that was behind them. They reflect the belief that my family and friends had in me and my endeavor; the belief that I was on the right track and that things would work out — even when sometimes I had serious doubts myself.
A big thanks to those who have helped out and whose faith got me here:
Greg Bihn
Dan Bihn
Barbara Bihn
Mike Bihn
David Meeks
Alayne Meeks
Rob McCormick
David Giannini
Robert Swarner
Jim Snook
Peter Kambas
Don Nasser
Patricia Camp
Kieron Porter
Thank you.
Left: Here I am sewing on my Consew 206RB sewing machine, circa 1988. My workshop was in the corner of David Meeks’ bee barn in the Santa Cruz Mountains. My brother Greg helped me purchase this machine in 1980. On it I sewed miles and miles of seams; and on it I made all of my early packs (excepting those I made before 1980 — those sewn on my Grandmother’s ancient Singer.)
Right: The 206RB is still in daily service in our factory: Tao sews the trim of every Organizer Pouch on it. Every one. It’s like a monument to my family’s belief in me.
Update on the Co-Pilot
Co-Pilots are currently in production here in our Seattle factory. Those of you with backorders for the Co-Pilot can expect your orders to ship soon!
All About the Red, White and Blue, While Being Green (Video)
“Partnering with UPS, TOM BIHN Bags ships every order via UPS carbon neutral. The company pays a little extra to ship the bags and carbon “credits” are purchased to offset the emissions generated by the shipping process.
Going one step further, they have their shipping and packing materials certified as environmentally friendly in the UPS Eco Responsible Packaging Program. The boxes aren’t just made of recycled cardboard, but also are right-sized (preventing use of excess materials) and crush-tested to prevent product damage. This is especially crucial, as there’s no environmental benefit if a flimsy package is damaged in transit and requires a replacement shipment.”
2012 Holiday Shipping Guide
Use this handy guide to help figure out which shipping method you need to choose to ensure your TOM BIHN order will arrive by or on December 24th. Note that our shipping cut-off time is 12:30pm PST. Need help? Wondering if an out of stock bag can get to you or your loved one in time? Email, call us at 1-800-729-9607 (+1-206-652-4123), ask us on Twitter, or on Facebook. We would be glad to help. (Want to learn more about shipping rates and practices? Visit our FAQ.) Good thing to know: our Gift Certificates can be ordered and delivered instantly to your friend or family member’s inbox, along with a personalized gift message.
Orders shipping within the United States:
December 17th: Last day for folks on the East Coast to place an order with UPS Ground ($10) as their shipping method with guaranteed delivery by or on Monday, December 24th. Don’t worry: you can still place an order and choose expedited shipping ($20 and up) for December 24th delivery up until Saturday, the 22nd!
December 18th: Last day for folks in the Mid-West to place an order with UPS Ground as their shipping method with guaranteed delivery by or on December 24th.
December 19th: Last day for those on the West Coast and in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and Southern California to place an order with UPS Ground as their shipping method with guaranteed delivery by or on December 24th. Note to East Coast folks: this is the last day to select UPS 3 Day Select shipping for guaranteed December 24th delivery.
December 20th: Everyone: choose UPS 2nd Day Air as your shipping method for guaranteed delivery by or on December 24th. Exception: Northern Oregon, Northern Idaho or Washington State folks can still choose UPS Ground.
December 21st: In Northern Oregon, Northern Idaho or Washington State? This is your last day to order via UPS Ground for delivery on or by December 24th. Everyone else can place orders with UPS Next Day Air as their shipping method and have guaranteed December 24th delivery.
December 22nd: We’re shipping UPS 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air, and International shipments, even though it’s a Saturday — UPS is working and that means we do too. For example: an order placed with Next Day Air shipping by 12:30pm on Saturday, December 22nd will shipped on Saturday and received on Monday, December 24th, while an order placed with 2nd Day Air shipping will be received on Wednesday, December 26th. UPS Ground and 3 Day Select orders will ship on December 24th. Also: our Seattle factory showroom will be open 10am – 4pm.
December 24th: Our Seattle factory showroom will be open 10am – 2:00pm for last minute shopping and we’ll be answering your phone calls and emails. Our shipping department will ship orders as usual, though they will not be delivered until after Christmas. Need a last minute gift? Order a Gift Certificate and have it delivered instantly to your friend or family member via email with a personalized gift message.
December 25th: We will be closed. Have fun — that’s what we’ll be doing! Orders received over the holiday will ship Wednesday, December 26th. P.S. There’s still the option of ordering a Gift Certificate with instant email delivery to your loved one’s inbox.
P.S. This UPS Time in Transit map might also help you plan your order:
Orders shipping outside of the United States:
For our customers in Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and everywhere else outside of the United States: we recommend placing your order by or on Thursday, December 13th for guaranteed delivery by or on December 24th. Note that we are adding a couple of days on to the usual 2-5 business day transit time because of customs and high package volume.
