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Way Point mid year 2012

Keeping up seems to get a little harder each year.  Having a blog is a great reason to write this annual update to our Way Point History Series.

Way Point

As JRB enters into its ninth year, the upward growth trend lines continue in all areas. Business is good.  Once again, it is estimated that well over 98 percent of all orders received during this period were shipped on the same or next day.  Thus our primary customer service goal was achieved.  This year, during The Trail Days period in the middle of  May, there was only one order past that shipping goal; a phenomenal improvement in a month that experienced 50 percent growth in sales over same period in 2011.

January saw the introduction of the JRB Spreader Bar Bag designed to accommodate the BMBH spreader bars as well as tent pegs or a long handled spoons.  It is quite efficient in design, durable and secure.  Its emerging popularity has proven its value.

The Greylock 3, a sub 14 ounce, torso length under quilt was introduced right after the first of the year and promptly sold out of its initial production five months ahead of our expectations.  An extra production run of the Greylock 3s was added and they were back in stock, “just in time” as we headed off to Trail Days in May.

Also debuting at Trail Days was the Ultra Light model of the Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock.  Similarly sized but sans the pad pocket, and four inches shallower; this lay flat, lay straight hammock improves scenic views and reduced a full half pound from the BMBH Deluxe.

In our Dutchware department JRB added the popular Dutch Tarp Flyz and Dutch Hooks in the fall of 2011.  The Dutch Whoopie Hooks were added last month. Additional Amsteel Blue and Zing-It products were added that incorporate these Dutch items in their splices for customer convenience.  These are the Ultra Light Ridge Line Cords with Tarp Flyz and the Whoopie Slings with Dutch Whoopie Hooks in the adjustable loop. As a side note, JRB converted from use of the continuous loop to the use of a “12 inch Dog Bone” of Amsteel Blue which has locked brommel loops in each end.  The Dog Bones serve the same purpose and work better with the Dutch Whoopie Hooks for those seeking the lightest of the light suspension approaches.

Turning from new products to advertising, JRB is now in OUTSIDE magazine in addition to every issue of Backpacker magazine.

With the New Year and all this growth came the addition of a dedicated shipping clerk.

Finally, on the 5th of July the new www.jacksrbetter.com web site went live.  We hope you are enjoying it.  Although it is faster and better laid out, we still consider it a work in progress.  There are future additions in progress, so stay tuned.

Azimuth

First, the company posture in inventory and ongoing production, as well a shipping growth, is in place to assure customers that “Same or next day shipping” goals for the busy and growing fall and holiday seasons will continue to be met.

The Greylock 4, a zero degree capable torso length under quilt, will soon be available. You will not want to miss the introductory special when it comes out.  Hint, if you are not already subscribed to our mailing list, it is worth subscribing.

Our Dutchware department will soon add the new Dutch Stingerz.  The feather light titanium goodies combine the Dutch Tarp Flyz to a micro biner and add a convenient “eye” to tie or splice the tarp line too. And, they weigh a mere 4 grams.

Additional web site improvements are planned in the coming year.  Time permitting, we will be adding some “how to” videos and some improved photos.

HOIL FYN!

Jack & Jack

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