Our prototypes are finally done! Here they are, and I'm sooo happy!!
We have created four different bags with a variety of features on each one. Our goal for the next few weeks is to get our bags in front of as many people as we can so that we can gather as much feedback as POSSIBLE! We'll be gathering information in person through demonstrations and online through surveys. Our online survey is included below in this blog post. Everyone's feedback will help us determine which features are included on the bags we ultimately sell.
To really go for the gusto here, we need your help! Please help us by posting the following link on your Facebook or Twitter account, or by including it in an email: http://bit.ly/l7SvMw. The link will lead people to this blog post. Thank you in advance!
In the survey below, there are pictures and videos that accompany the first seven questions. The videos are made to compliment the pictures below and give a quick overview of the specific features in question on each bag. Please watch the videos if you'd like more details about the bags before you answer the questions. Also, each question has an "Other/Comment" box. If you don't want to leave a comment, that's fine. But if you do, we would love to hear what you have to say! We are especially interested in any CRITICAL comments you have. If there are things you do not like, new ideas you have, or features you think we can improve on in any way, PLEASE let us know.
And now, without further ado...the survey!
Question 1: Do you prefer a handle or no handle?
Question 2: Is it important to you that the cinch top and the lining inside the bag match in color?
Question 3: Which nylon support option do you prefer?
Question 4: Which closure option do you prefer?
Question 5: Which option do you prefer to hold the backing in place?
Question 6: Which upper mounting system do you prefer?
Question 7: Do you prefer a 3-point mounting system or a 2-point mounting system?
Other Questions:
Personal Questions:
Thank you so much for looking at our bags and taking our survey! Your feedback is so helpful to us, and your opinions mean a lot! We're trying to get as much feedback as possible. If you'd like to help us, please past the following link on your Facebook or Twitter account or in an email: http://bit.ly/l7SvMw. That link will lead people to this blog post where they can also take the survey. Thank you in advance!
Also, if you'd like to receive email updates about Natril Gear, you can sign up below to follow our progress!
Great job you guys. Lots of great stuff ahead of you in your journey. I had been praying for a 10 speed Schwinn Le Tour, with side bags like I use to have in California and WOW... God provided me with one last week "FREE"... As I continue on my journey... I can't wait to see what the Lord will do next.
Won't make a comment on what type of construction you should use on your bags, but as a driver passing cyclists on the road you can never have enough reflective tape or bright colors on the bike. Blessings!
I am so proud of you guys! The prototypes look great and have many options. One thing - I liked the covered back plate AND the elastic straps. Since I could only choose one, I chose the covered panel but maybe you could incorporate both? I wish you well and God's good blessings on this. The reflective strips are a great idea.
Aunt Kitty - thanks so much for the compliments and the ideas! I'm not sure how to incorporate the covered back plate AND the elastic straps, but I'll think about it and see if I come up with any creative solutions. You let me know if you come up with any, too. Thanks again for checking out our panniers! Have a great day
Ohhhhh. I was confused. I was not thinking about the backing being secured by the elastic straps, I was thinking that they look better with the backing covered, and the elastic straps would be good to hold a credit/debit card or driver's license, or papers or something like that. Sorry!
ooOOOoo! Well that does make a little more sense - haha Having a way to hold credit cards or other small things is a great idea. We have talked about adding pockets, but elastic might also do the trick. Thanks for the clarification and for taking some time and really thinking about our panniers - you're great!
I'd like to take the survey, but the questions don't appear to be active. I see the videos, see the choices (A, B, C), but there is nothing to click to submit my answer. Is the actual survey on another page? Thanks!
Oh my - all the surveys are gone! Thanks for bringing this to my attention Lisa. I apologize for the inconvenience. I'm not sure what happened, but I will fix asap!
Well...maybe it won't be "asap". I am having some trouble, so I'll have to wait until Nathan comes home tonight. He's the computer whiz, and this looks like a job for a whiz
This is a bummer, but THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting me know!! We will get it fixed!
Hey guys! We remember you! You two were the first people we saw as we pedaled down that LONG descent in Idaho (and you were pedaling UP it - omg!) I remember seeing your panniers and thinking "THOSE ARE SO COOL!" I bet you heard that a lot on your cross country ride, huh?
Hey Jen and Ken - we remember you too! We drooled about Smiley's cinnamon rolls and dreamed about Hot Sulphur Springs all the way from Idaho to Colorado b/c of you! Haha The hot springs and cinnamon rolls were totally awesome - you were right!
I'm so glad you thought our panniers were cool. We got a lot of compliments on them, and that's one of the reasons we decided to go into business selling them. I'm super curious to see how things go after we start selling!
I hope you guys will take our prototype survey (and pass on our link)! Thanks again for staying in touch!!
After reading the comments, specifically the reflective tape, I thought about dog collars that are reflective. You could use that material (or similar) as the trim on the edges...
Or Glow in the Dark paint... but I suppose you don't really ride too much after dark.
Hey Justin - I didn't realize there were reflective dog collars, but you've got a good idea there, and I'll have to look into it! Thanks for sharing.
About glow-in-the-dark paint, I've heard of it but never used it. I wonder if it would stick to the bags very well? I'll have to look into that good - another good idea!
Also, you're right about riding after dark - I don't do it much. After dark is my absolute LEAST favorite time to ride. However, if I'm ever riding after dark, I want to be SURE that I and my bike are SUPER visible to any other traffic that might be on the road. Because of this, after-dark visibility for our products is important!
Thanks again for your ideas and thoughts - keep 'em coming, and have a great day!
Starting Our Biz 
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Victor
This is a bummer, but THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting me know!! We will get it fixed!
Best of luck in your new endeavor!!
Jen and Ken
I'm so glad you thought our panniers were cool.
I hope you guys will take our prototype survey (and pass on our link)! Thanks again for staying in touch!!
Or Glow in the Dark paint... but I suppose you don't really ride too much after dark.
About glow-in-the-dark paint, I've heard of it but never used it. I wonder if it would stick to the bags very well? I'll have to look into that good - another good idea!
Also, you're right about riding after dark - I don't do it much. After dark is my absolute LEAST favorite time to ride. However, if I'm ever riding after dark, I want to be SURE that I and my bike are SUPER visible to any other traffic that might be on the road. Because of this, after-dark visibility for our products is important!
Thanks again for your ideas and thoughts - keep 'em coming, and have a great day!
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