DPS Wailer 112RP (aka my wallet is in for a beating)

[marshalolson]

where in canada? might be able to ship to an area rep and meet them for delivery.

otherwise, you would probaly need to have a pre-arranged mailing box for delivery, though that is more for letters, not enormous ski packages.

[nate s]

Not sure about Canada but in the US you can send stuff to a post office general delivery and pick it up when you get a chance.

[whyturn]

Not sure about Canada but in the US you can send stuff to a post office general delivery and pick it up when you get a chance.

As long as when you get a chance is within 5 business days or it will go back or worse to the void of lost packages

[Squaw]

where in canada? might be able to ship to an area rep and meet them for delivery.

otherwise, you would probaly need to have a pre-arranged mailing box for delivery, though that is more for letters, not enormous ski packages.

the location is Whistler.

Hopefully I will not come in this situation. But if, I need some sort of plan and that's why I ask. There is of course also an aspect that if I will recieve my skis, let's say day before my departure, it feels slightly unnecessary to pay heavy shipping costs and duty, just to drag them all back overseas the day after. In that scenario, help out from an area rep would be great.

We will just have to see when the shippings are approaching in December.

I assume skis to europe are air freighted?

[marshalolson]

they are shipped airmail to europe, yes. usually 4-5 business days to get there.

if it gets tight, we can certainly ship to someone in whistler have have them get you sorted as far as it goes....

feel free to pm me with specific Q's or as it gets a little closer as need be.

thanks!

[todug27]

Just a question for m.o., or really anyone with knowledge, but what specifically causes these delays? I've seen this with nearly every indie manufacturer making skis where shipping estimates get delayed because of unexpected hiccups in the manufacturing process. My question is, what prevents the production from beginning in april as opposed to waiting until late summer to start manufacturing skis? This is not directed at just DPS or any company in particular, it just seems to happen all the time.

Am I missing something obvious, or is there a major reason why the solution is not a simple as beginning production earlier?

[single]

just a question for m.o. or really anyone with knowledge, but what specifically causes these delays? I've seen this with nearly every indie manufacturer making skis where shipping estimates get delayed because of unexpected hiccups in the manufacturing process. My question is, what prevents the production from beginning in april as opposed to waiting until late summer to start manufacturing skis? This is not directed at just DPS or any company in particular, it just seems to happen all the time.

Am I missing something obvious, or is there a major reason why the solution is not a simple as beginning production earlier?

Indie skis dont produce skis in the same quantity that major brands do, and base their manufacturing on orders. They dont want to be left with tons of backstock, and they might not have the capital to afford that.

Combine that with DPS' ridiculous level of quality control (something that you would only see from a manufacturer like stockli or kastle), you have a more chances for a lower number of skis to make it to the sales/shipping floor.

That is why DPS has less than a 1% warranty rate on their skis, and considering the small levels of production, that is a HUGE deal.

One slight mistake in the manufacturing process that can lead to a series of "blems" (AKA retail skis for most companies) results in a delayed shipment for DPS because they are going to make it right. Something that bigger brands might not pay attention to.

I have owned and seen blems in the past from DPS, and (in regards to the skis they have been producing in the last couple of years) I can assure you that many companies don't produce a ski that nice... ever. So you know the product you are getting is absolutely top notch. And sometimes you have to wait for quality like that, but I absolutely assure you that it is worth it.

[Hugh Conway]

whatever man. they've had problems with this kinda shit since "they" were DB skis.

[PNWbrit]

That is why DPS has less than a 1% warranty rate on their skis

They do?

I'd have guessed far higher based on the numbers of people I know who've had warranty issues with theirs and the whole cracked side wall chipping top sheets reputution they have.

[khyber.pass]

if it gets tight, we can certainly ship to someone in whistler have have them get you sorted as far as it goes....

Not a problem, DPS Whistlerites

[single]

the warranty rate the last 2 season is below 1%.

12345678

[todug27]

Originally Posted by single Indie skis dont produce skis in the same quantity that major brands do, and base their manufacturing on orders. They dont want to be left with tons of backstock, and they might not have the capital to afford that.

well, I'm not really asking about their level of qc. Its the start time of production for these pre-season deals. I understand there are going to be blems and obstacles that occur, but the whole thing with pre-season sales is they can guarantee the amount they need to produce earlier in the year. So again, why not begin production a little earlier, as soon as the preseason deal ends? Because besides preseason deals and shop orders I assume production is based on estimates anyway.

Again, not trying to make DPS look bad and I'm not waiting for skis, but this issue happens with (nearly) every indie on the board.

[I've seen black diamonds!]

I've pre-ordered a few pairs of skis from indy companies and have ALWAYS received them late. The first time I was pretty annoyed, but good communication from the maker kept me patient enough. Now I consider it the industry standard.

[single]

well, I'm not really asking about their level of qc. Its the start time of production for these pre-season deals. I understand there are going to be blems and obstacles that occur, but the whole thing with pre-season sales is they can guarantee the amount they need to produce earlier in the year. So again, why not begin production a little earlier, as soon as the preseason deal ends? Because besides preseason deals and shop orders I assume production is based on estimates anyway.

Again, not trying to make DPS look bad and I'm not waiting for skis, but this issue happens with (nearly) every indie on the board.

Usually presales are a way to gain capital for production. I cannot speak for DPS, because I dont know the specifics, but I imagine that a lot of that presale $$ goes into paying for materials.

Plus most "indie" companies may not be in production year round, and they definitely do not have the ability to produce skis at the same rate as bigger manufacturers.

[todug27]

Usually presales are a way to gain capital for production. I cannot speak for DPS, because I dont know the specifics, but I imagine that a lot of that presale $$ goes into paying for materials.

So why not start production/getting materials as soon as the $$ is in the account?

[whyturn]

So why not start production/getting materials as soon as the $$ is in the account?

You want to wait until you have enough for solid production runs and price breaks are trades for when to start. There is always somebody (one voice) who wants to wait to get more $ to stuff the coffers....Economy of scale and you want limited production runs. Shorter schedule relates to smaller costs. Costs are fixed for material, but not labor.

[single]

You want to wait until you have enough for solid production runs and price breaks are trades for when to start. There is always somebody (one voice) who wants to wait to get more $ to stuff the coffers....Economy of scale and you want limited production runs. Shorter schedule relates to smaller costs. Costs are fixed for material, but not labor.

Exactly. And if something happens, the timeframe all gets pushed back.

Basically, shit happens. And most manufacturers are not going to put out a second rate product. So by asking about timeliness of building, you are also asking about quality control.

[todug27]

Ok, that makes a bit more sense. I still feel like there has got to be some way for the small companies to produce on time even with blems, etc., but I'm not exactly sure how.

[Hugh Conway]

Basically, shit happens. And most manufacturers are not going to put out a second rate product. So by asking about timeliness of building, you are also asking about quality control.

You're an engineering student and spewing this shit? In a good production environment the "shit" that happens is managed and stuff comes out on time, on budget, and on spec.

[single]

You're an engineering student and spewing this shit? In a good production environment the "shit" that happens is managed and stuff comes out on time, on budget, and on spec.

I dont work for DPS...

I also work in sales. The key is not to advertise a date that you might not be able to meet. That way, if you are on time, your customers product arrives early. But there are often gaps in communication between marketing and engineering/production. And marketing/sales doesnt always work with engineering. Thus, we have dilbert.

This is not meant for DPS in specific, but saying skis you order in may will arrive in january is not conducive to sales. November/december/october sounds way better.

[Hugh Conway]

Over qualified?

[single]

Over qualified?

under. way under. I am a sophomore. Both in the literal definition, and the school related one.

[whyturn]

In a good production environment the "shit" that happens is managed and stuff comes out on time, on budget, and on spec.

In a good production environment the "shit that happens" is managed and the customer is kept in the loop. Shit does happen (see pic of NOAA bird where a guy on third shift decided he needed holding bolts and forget to put them back when they went to TVAC to crank antennas up Vert to Horz) and as things get more complicated (higher technology) - more things can/will happen. I imagine its ME's and flow system guys in China with DPS. Great technically, but the hardest thing is a technical guy who can do customer service and communicate (trust me I know).

Workarounds and status are frequently reported and the company minimizes impacts to the customer. Damage control and more information is better. Mass email with oops, was probably first mistake, then blaming it on getting too much business implies not enough resources (bad idea from customer confidence perspective). The QC issues are interesting. Blems in January???

DPS has a good product (from what I can tell by looking at it and checking construction, can't wait to ski it and to be able to tell more). Customer service is not such a strong suit, but getting better.

Some thoughts Marshall -The dealer list on website could use some help. Some of the high end ski areas are not supported and highest per capita areas incomes aren't as well (from my review). REPS are not listed, we use line cards. Just some free advice from me. I do this for a living in Aerospace, (10 years) EE, SE, Metallurgy, with marketing, sales, and customer support both at the "shop" and onsite internationally. Not bragging, just sayin' I might know a thing or two. Got NOAA..........

FWIW I tried to be on the DPS team, but they didn't want a guy at this small socal mountain (see pic). I am not sure this area of socal (with alot of traveling skiers and alot of money (Malibu, Beach cities, hollyweird, studio city, etc) is covered, I could be wrong. But they did not really ask about my customer backround and I didn't supply my resume, so

Best of luck guys -
Marshall the bentgate video was good and that type of stuff is great for viral web and video content. Maybe get some POV up from your AK stuff and be sure to highlight the 112. Hope to see it.

[marshalolson]

They do?

I'd have guessed far higher based on the numbers of people I know who've had warranty issues with theirs and the whole cracked side wall chipping top sheets reputution they have.

cracked sidewall = 06/07 and 07/08 gen skis (bamboo).
significant topsheet chipping = 05/06
very minor topsheet chipping = 06/07, 07/08

08/09 and 09/10 for sure both saw sub 1% warranty rates.

[PNWbrit]

Like I say it was a guess. But based somewhat on many other's experiences. They mostly all still love them though which is credit to you. Delivery dates now seem to be the problem and apparently that's because of ongoing quality issues, its just you don't let these esacpe production. Which presumably also still somwhat accounts for the high price you're asking and asking customers to fund production of and then wait for.

Honestly it doesn't thrill this very potential customer.