CASE STUDY: The Trike Shop Case Study

CASE STUDY:
The Trike Shop Case Study
FAST FACTS
Founded in 1972, The Trike Shop is a family-owned business
specializing in manufacturing motorcycle conversion kits for
selected Honda and Harley-Davidson motorcycle models. The
conversion kits change a motorcycle from two wheels to three,
offering riders comfort and security with three points on the
ground. In addition, The Trike Shop features custom built
VW-powered trikes.
The Trike Shop is located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
The web address is www.trikeshop.com.
... CUSTOM CRATES DELIVER A
50 PERCENT SAVINGS
The Solution
Packnet studied the existing issues facing The Trike Shop and
developed a solution that not only offered improvements, but several
labor and cost advantages as well. Packnet engineered a custom
four-piece packaging solution constructed of corrugated cardboard
and wood.
Benefits
The Trike Shop realized several new business benefits from the
new shipping solution:
Background
The Trike Shop manufactures approximately 700 conversion kits
annually for more than 50 dealers nationally, and one in Japan. The
conversion kit manufacturing process requires hands-on detailing
during assembly as each kit is custom painted to match the bike’s
color. Once complete, The Trike Shop takes great care by carefully
crating and shipping the highly detailed, custom kits to their
destination.
The Problem
The Trike Shop was experiencing numerous instances of damage to
the fiberglass on the trikes from both the crating process and during
shipping. The Trike Shop contacted Packnet to inquire about a
custom packaging solution that would improve the crates used to
ship the custom trikes.
•The new crate design eliminated kit damage during the crating
process and significantly reduced damage during shipping due
to the improved strength of the new crates
•New crates eliminated the need for an export crater for oversees
shipments since they were designed to be ISPM 15-compliant
for shipping worldwide
• Shipping costs savings as the new crates were lighter weight
than the previous ones
• New crates were easier to assemble and pack which resulted
in a 50 percent labor savings
• Customers received cleaner kits because of the fully enclosed
new design
• Stacking and storage made easier by new design
“You can really feel the strength of these new crates. Pushing on a corner is like trying to push a brick wall.”
– The Trike Shop