Timbuk2 Factory Store

This factory outlet doesn’t have much product even though the space is quit big. They did have mens clothing which I haven’t seen in the Denver store. The outlet prices were just okay. I suppose the selection varies from week to week. This is one of those places you just have to keep stopping by if you are looking for a deal. Otherwise, it’s a bit out of the way if you are walking from SFO and probably not worth the effort if you are only in town for a short visit. There is a nice micro brewery a few blocks away though.

Always a friendly staff, and always great products at a very great price! Love coming to see what they’re trying to clear out of inventory and scooping up a new bag. I try to only come when I have another bag I want to exchange so I get that 20% off. I have a habit of getting bored of a bag design, so I can just bring it in instead of letting it collect dust, or spending money on shipping it to Timbuk2 or another person/​reseller.

’95, High School, mail order… remember the days? Waited all summer to get my first (and only) Timbuk2 bag. Blue with a black stripe. 21 years later it came home for a freshening up. High school, bike courier, California Maritime Academy, selling oil cans to farmers, working construction, travels, motorcycle wrecks, car crashes, continent hopping, marriage, divorce, living all over the Bay then moving to Texas my bag has been my partner. There are few products in the world. This is one. Today it brought it home for a 20 freshening up, looking forward to another 20 more. Thank you.

Clearly, there is a benefit to the customer service that you receive for being a San Fran local. When my 6 week old bag had a strap break, I inquired about a warranty repair via email. I received a canned reply that led to me to perceive that I would need to send my bag to them, while paying a $ 25 repair charge and, potentially weeks later, get it back. Not willing to wait that long, I called the Factory store and asked about walk-​in service.
The guy who answered said that walk in service was welcomed and preferred. And I if I brought the bag in before noon, they could usually turn around the repair the same day. So I went into the City. Walked into the store just as it opened at 10:00a, showed the guy my bag. He asked if I had time to wait, walked the bag right over to the seamstress at work in the store and asked for a turnaround on the repair. She immediately starting working on my bag. I was out of the store with my newly repaired bag in 15 minutes at no charge to me as a warranty repair.
Can’t get much better. But I wonder what the mail-​in service would have looked like

My wife and I ordered a Stork diaper bag from these guys after seeing one in person here in Denver. It’s a little pricey, but we were sure we would get what we paid for. When it showed up at the house, it didn’t include the changing pad or the insulated bottle holder. We’re leaving in a little bit for a cardiology appointment for my daughter and my wife quipped, «You know what would be nice to have? An insulated bottle holder…»
We contacted customer service about a week ago by phone and they told us to take pictures and send an email. They wouldn’t deal with us on the phone. The email page says specifically that if you send more emails, they move you to the bottom of the list. I wished I’d realized what kind of company we were dealing with, I wouldn’t have bought anything in the first place. Now I feel bad, because I was the one who suggested Timbuk2. Seeing all the reviews for bad customer service makes me think we are just getting started with these guys. Since we paid another $ 40 for additional things that didn’t arrive, I’m not sure what to photograph. The empty shipping bag after I take the messenger bag out? Seems like we can’t return it, since it’s custom. So, we’re screwed.
I’m not sure why this company commands such a high price. They’re not a premium brand if they can’t handle customers… or even delivering the correct product.

My backpack was old, ugly and decrepit. Where to go for a replacement? I got my answer one morning in the line at Artis Coffee in Berkeley: the woman in front of me was wearing an absolutely gorgeous backpack — with the Timbukt2 logo on it! I was already primed for a Timbukt2 purchase because there was a Timbukt2 store in my hotel in Seattle in early January; some of my friends were buzzing about the store and its products.
Once I discovered that there was a *Factory Store* in the Mission, I realized that I had to check it out immediately. I stopped by on my way down to SFO, parking at what turned out to be the Flour + Water corner @Harrison. The factory store was full of beautiful messenger bags, pouches all kinds and, of course, backpacks! Abby helped me choose one; I was grateful for her useful advice. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes (thanks, at least in tiny part, to Android Pay). I now have a killer backpack and no longer need to feel embarrassed when I’m in line to buy coffee.

No markings on the door, so good luck finding the entrance. Apparently they are «understaffed» and may be closed when you do finally find the entrance; but don’t worry, a super snarky tech wannabe will gladly insult you while you wait. Really, really wish there was a negative rating for this app. Instead of spending your money here, go to Amazon. Or anywhere. Just don’t bother coming to this hole.

Have not been here yet but I ordered my messenger bag from their website and very satisfied with their products. Will look forward to visiting this location and watch my custom bag being made while taking the factory store tour. I’m not a cyclist, love messengers bags specially when I travel.

I’m a huge cyclist and have generally had really good experiences with Timbuk2. I’ve had 4 of their bags over the years, and they usually are really well made.
Unfortunately, I’m echoing the poor customer service that people are referring to. I am hoping Timbuk2 will pay attention and change their polices to be more customer-​centric.
Here is what happened. I asked for and was gifted a bag for Christmas. Unfortunately, it’s turned into a nightmare.
The $ 118 bag was shipped to me defective. Specifically, one of the zippers was closed shut, no moving zipper piece, just the closed zipper. Frustrating, but whatever, they’ll replace it right?
After not hearing from folks – I called, emailed and Facebook messaged – I finally heard back. My email had gone into spam.
It’s been months and I hope this will finally be taken care of soon. Ultimately, I had to pay to send them the defective backpack in order to get a new one, that I still haven’t received.
Apparently, they can’t reimburse me for the cost for shipping it. I wish they would rethink this policy. The entire process has been exhausting, and I feel punished for a error on their end.
I really appreciate my friend for the generous gift, but I would not recommend Timbuk2 to anyone. Well, maybe if you go in and pick out your bag and make sure it’s not defective, then that works. Definitely don’t order online.
I’m feeling disappointed and exhausted by all the back and forth.
I really hope the replacement bag is okay and I never have to deal with them again. It’s left a horrible taste in my mouth. I hope Timbuk2 looks to companies like Chrome who in the same day sent a bike messenger to pick up and replace a pair of shoes when I was delivered the wrong size. That was the kind of response I expected.

I’d been using the same large Timbuk2 bag for about 12 years before it finally got too beat-​up to take into work, so I bought a new one about 6 months ago on Hayes street. At that time, the sales guy suggested I can get my old bag «refurbished» at the factory store in the Mission (thanks, man!).
I dropped it off on a Sunday, and they shipped it back to me by the following Tuesday. $ 25 replaced the liner (how did they do that?!), upgraded some Velcro, sewed up a long tear, and replaced a broken clip. Now my old bag is once again fully functional; though I think I’ll never get it clean enough to take back into work. Great value for money and very good service. Thanks so much to Jennifer and the crew!

This review is specifically for the horrendous customer service I just received…
I called the Timbuktu Factory store on Saturday, January 23 at around 1:15pm to inquire about availability of products at this specific retail destination.
My complaint:
The young lady I dealt with completely lacked any sort of customer service ethos in her phone manner, basically declaring in an off-​putting tone: «We’re having a big sale — call back.»
And then she hung up on me…
Really? This is how you treat a potential customer that is ready to spend a lot of money on some of your higher-​end products?
I get that you are busy — and that you might have people in front of you requiring check-​out, etc. But you simply don’t engage potential customers that way!
I recommend these guys do some basic customer service training — because you’ll lose customers with the attitude I just encountered. Embarrassingly bad.

The customer service at Timbuk2 is incredible.
My boyfriend visited this factory store last summer, he and his friends purchased an awesome custom backpack, and he was told by one of the managers that if ever in the area/​in need of a bike to use for the day, Timbuk2 would be able to provide one — for free!
About 7+ months later, that offer remained true. Jenny was extremely kind and accommodating; she pulled out a bike, assured the seat was fitted to my boyfriend’s height, offered a helmet/​U-​lock to use, and provided a bike pump for us to use before our ride. She was very flexible and laid-​back with our use of the bike (simply asking us to bring the bike back around 5:30p, before closing). No hassle!
Because of Timbuk2, we were able to spend an amazing day on a ~25mi ride through the city.
Thank you for your kind service and rad selection of bags! We will be back!

The crew here are awesome! One of their managers, Jennifer, helped me out yesterday to create custom made backpacks for my research team at Stanford University, and told her I need the 9 bags asap so I can give hand them as gifts in 3 days! She called their assembly team and asked to get the bags ready by the next day! Not only did they got the bags ready for pickup the next day, they were done by noon so I can bring them to another place for embroidery! What a service!
Will definitely work with them in the future, and I know for sure my team will love their surprise!

Timbuk2 is a great company with quality, unique, Made in the USA products! The factory store offers unique custom bags at very competitive prices. Found a beautiful medium messenger bag for $ 50!

I have been using Timbuk2 bags for many years. They never Die — you just usually want to change color or style. Timbuk2 will even recycle your old bag!
There is no better bag!!!
Customer service is also outstanding! See or call Jennifer at 587 Shotwell SF store! She is amazing! helped me choose a new bag then shipped to me in NYC overnight. Awesome service — Awesome Products!!!
Great Job Timbuk2!!! Proud owner of 4 bags :)

Used to be a big Timbuk2 fan. Have been in three of their stores, bought something each time. Own 4 different items. Ordered a 5^th for my son heading to college, what was shown on the website and what arrived were nowhere near close. Their website will not let me automate the return for some reason, so I have called customer service, emailed, then emailed again. More than a week later, I still have not heard back from them. Sending the bag back anyway because it is bumping up against the 30 days since I bought it. Not happy with their lack of customer service. Lots of other options out there.

I walked in looking for a bag and quickly learned that the term «bag» means a lot of different things. The amazingly patient clerk Jen worked with me to select and try out a range of bags and styles to suit my needs. She then helped me custom design a bag and recommended a different backpack that they didn’t have in stock. After how much time she spent with me, I trusted her judgement and bought the backpack sight unseen to pickup the next day along with my the custom messenger I’d designed.
I absolutely love both bags, and the one she recommended was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t believe she picked the best bag for me so quickly. Fantastic service.

I cannot say enough about Thomas and Antonio at Timbuk2’s Factory Store. I brought my bag in for repair while traveling to SF for the weekend. As I walked in, they saw my well appreciated duffle bag and knew right away it needed some TLC. Thomas brought me back to the seamstress and we worked out the repair how I wanted it done, and they obliged without a question. What I am blown away by is how fast the repair was done. The whole panel needed replacing on the bottom and a handle changed out. The super talented lady is so unbelievably efficient, I got a call to come back a couple hours later! I even picked out my next backpack while waiting and will order it with all the custom bells and whistles. Really appreciate your help guys, this was so worth coming in for instead of sending in and waiting weeks and weeks.

I love visiting the Timbuk2 Factory Store! They hold many wonderful events throughout the year ranging from sample sales to new product release parties. And they even give factory tours for visitors to go inside and see where all the magic takes places to creating these well designed bags.
As a frequent shopper at this store, I have been helped many times by Jennifer who knows that I am always looking around for the coolest custom bags or limited prototypes that may go up for sale. I love the Timbuk2 family and friendly relationship to the community of local supporters. I am always ready to pick up a new bag from this store and relay all the great compliments I get back towards Timbuk2, so that everyone may know of Timbuk2 when they think of San Francisco!

I just had a fabulous experience at the Timbuk2 factory store! I took my old favorite custom laptop bag in to recycle it and came out with a lovely brand new replacement for under $ 36! Hooray! And the service, as usual, was friendly and efficient.

GO HERE… wait don’t go here, you will want to buy everything. Jen works the counter, at least until she becomes CEO. She is amazing and a huge asset to the company. I’m a small business owner and know valuable staff when I see it.
I’m a Timbuk2 hoarder and my family is usually un-​moved by little trips like this when we are on vacation. However this time was different. All four of us left with new bags.
Great selection of custom stuff and a few 1 off bags. Defiantly worth a stop in, should be on top 15 things to do in San Fransisco.

I don’t need to convince you to buy Timbuk2 because their products speak for themselves. However, when you do buy their products you must come to this very special factory store. I received a tour of the production area and it was quite impressive. I also purchased a backpack and Jennifer helped me out. She was very fun to hang out with and helped me pick the right backpack for me. This location has a great vibe, nice people, and wide selection.

Staff at the Timbuk2 factory store is wonderful.
The available bags and variety of other assorted stuff was great. So great I ended up buying a couple of bags.
I am in love with the product and the brand. I am now a proud owner of a Timbuk2 backpack.

I was there last weekend about 20-​minutes before their closing time. The young woman — the only employee I spotted — was less than helpful and had a real attitude.
I was wearing a timbuk2 backpack and was looking for one similar. She apparently was not familiar with the style (small!) and dismissed the need for one that size or similar. It’s hard to describe but she reeked of an attitude that conveyed…“leave me alone, it’s closing time.“
Apparently this factory store has diversified and sells jeans and other products they do not make. Nothing really seemed very discounted; I get better deals online.

I’ve seen timbuk2 messenger bags around for a long time, and I have respect for the brand. But, messenger bags aren’t really my style. A few weeks ago, I purchased a bike at a charity silent auction that came with a voucher for a timbuk2 bag. Thinking they only offered messenger bags, I brought my husband along to let him design one. Once I saw the options available, I recinded my offer and decided I wanted it for myself!
At this factory store, they have both bags that are already made and custom options. For the custom bags, there are messenger bags, backpacks, laptop cases, tote bags and more! I made a tote bag and chose all of the fabrics on the computer. I loved that the fabric swatches were all laid out to see just what the options were like.
I made my bag at 6pm on a Wednesday. By Thursday at noon, it was ready! I love it! Overall, a great experience, a high quality bag, and a business that supports local nonprofits by donating this to the New Door Ventures auction.

I was so impressed with the tour and merchandise after attending a Unilocal Elite event here, that I came back the following week with the kids to get their back to school bags. Luckily they were having a sample sale and we were able to find some cool bags easily. I haven’t used a backpack since I finished grad school a few years ago, but the one I picked up for myself made me drop my messenger bag. My amazingly picky daughter actually found a couple backpacks right away, which never happens. The real deal was finding an older messenger bag missing a strap for only $ 20! Good think I have plenty of straps at home.
I love that this is a small, local business. The quality is pretty good and the styles are never ending. I’m going to need someone to keep me out of this area — I’m probably going to make excuses for picking up new bags just because.
Shop local, shop small. This place has what you’re looking for. And if they don’t, heck, they do custom bags that can be ready within hours too.

An outlet for the great Timbuk2 bags.
Lots of variety and options at discounted prices.
Backpacks, totes, messenger, and clothes are available to choose from.
Worth the visit if you are planning to get a bag.

An awesome and addictive addition to the Mission St. As much as I don’t like the hyper-​gentrification of this neighborhood, here is a business that has grown with the community and still employs San Franciscans to manufacture goods with skilled labor!
Enough for the economics — the great thing about this store is all of the goods that you can find: from discounts on last season’s items to one-​off items prepared by staff as a demo to test product ideas.
As an example, I picked up the last custom small messenger bag with an awesome print design made from the downtown/​chinatown/​FiDi & SOMA street grid with Market diagonally running through the middle.
You can order your own custom bags, backpacks and bag straps from a kiosk here, as well as drop off a Timbuk2 bag that has a rare problem like a broken zipper — if you drop it off before noon, I was told it would be fixed the same day. If it falls under warranty it is a free repair, otherwise if it from wear and tear there is a $ 25 charge.
A must visit for a Timbuk2 fan, aficionados of urban travel & commute gear or a tourist looking to take home a useful and unique gift.

Perfect new shop for a local company. The prices are not bad and the store is very well done. Need to stop by when you are in the area or after you are done eating a Mission Burrito and you need to walk it off.