Case Study: From dead end to market success

cocape® bicycle rain cover

At a glance

Where European manufacturers are giving up ASIAPRO work? How it works

The problem

CoCape UG tried for for months to develop a technically sophisticated rain cover for cargo bikes in Europe. produced in Europe. The result: a waste of time, broken communication, zero progress.

The solution

ASIAPRO took over the project completely: From the manufacturer search in China iterative product perfection through to to compliance consulting, quality control and intelligent logistics.

The result

A product of the highest quality level, 100% EU compliant, in time for the Christmas business on Amazon - with a long-term long-term partner for new variants.

CoCape UG

The customer

A German start-up with the vision of revolutionising urban cycling in all weathers.

cocape® is a new type of leg protection that unfolds in seconds thanks to a clever pop-up mechanism.

The product effectively protects cyclists from rain, wind and cold - without the need for cumbersome rain trousers.

Developed for the quality-conscious German and European market.

A history of wasting time

The EU experiment

CoCape invested months in discussions with German and European manufacturers. Detailed briefings were prepared, technical drawings were sent and prototypes were presented.

“The manufacturers simply stopped communicating. No offers, no prototypes, no explanations. Just radio silence”

Maximum waste of time - valuable months were lost.

The project was in danger of failing.

Technical complexity as an additional hurdle

The challenge

CoCape invested months in discussions with German and European manufacturers. Detailed briefings were prepared, technical drawings were sent and prototypes were presented.

“The manufacturers simply stopped communicating. No offers, no prototypes, no explanations. Just radio silence”

Maximum waste of time - valuable months were lost.

The project was in danger of failing.

The ASIAPRO solution

Partner search

Identification of suitable manufacturers in China based on product requirements and quality standards.

Development

Iterative product development for the step-by-step optimisation of design, function and production.

Compliance & quality control

Ensuring compliance with relevant EU regulations such as REACH and GPSR. Carrying out independent pre-shipment inspections to check the agreed agreed standards.

Logistics

Coordination of the shipping processes and provision of an Amazon-compatible delivery delivery solution.

Step 1

Strategic partner search

After receiving the briefing and prototype, we identified ASIAPRO quickly found a suitable manufacturer in Shaoxing. The ASIAPRO team in China acted as a crucial bridge between CoCape and the manufacturer.

Fast identification

Qualified manufacturer found within a very short time

Local team

Bridge for language, technology and cultural working methods

Long-term flexibility

New variants can be realised within a few weeks

Measurable impact:
A long-term manufacturing partner who not only took over the initial production, but can also realise new variants within a few weeks - a decisive flexibility for a growing product portfolio.

Prototype during the optimisation phase

4 sample rounds

to final perfection - thanks to a local team on site in China

Step 2

Technical perfection through expertise

Complex technical drawings

ASIAPRO as technical translator between customer and manufacturer

Perfect the pop-up mechanism

Video training and simulation for correct threading of the spring steel wire belts

Develop lock-buckle fixing plate

Joint development of new solutions despite processing difficulties

Absolute waterproofness

Continuous refinement of the seam sealing technique to perfection

Many companies underestimate how crucial local presence and cultural understanding are for the success of complex projects. At CoCape, we have seen how important it is to be on the ground - not just to translate, but to solve technical challenges in real time. This is the core of our philosophy at ASIAPRO.

Step 3

Compliance & market access

ASIAPRO accompanied CoCape through the entire certification process:

RegulationDescription of theASIAPRO performanceInvestment
REACHEU Chemicals Regulation on the restriction of
Pollutants
Coordination of TÜV tests for Pb, Cd, AZO-
Colourants, formaldehyde, SVHC
1,200 USD
GPSRGeneral Product Safety Regulation of the EUComprehensive advice and realisation at the
Manufacturer
included
Risk analysisIdentification and minimisation of potential
Product hazards
Independent creation by ASIAPROincluded
Reach

EU Chemicals Regulation on the restriction of harmful substances.

ASIAPRO performance: Coordination of TÜV tests for Pb, Cd, AZO dyes, formaldehyde, SVHC

Investment: 1.200€

General Product Safety Regulation of the EU

ASIAPRO performance: Comprehensive advice and implementation at the manufacturer

Investment: included

Identification and minimisation of potential product hazards

ASIAPRO performance: Independent creation by ASIAPRO

Investment: included

Step 4

Quality control: Create 60% besser as Standard

Pre-shipment inspection in accordance with the AQL standard (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2008): 80 out of 504 units were inspected.

Major Defects: 2/5

Only 40% of the permitted limit utilised

Minor Defects: 3 / 7

Only 43% of the permitted limit utilised

Measurable impact:

60% better than AQL standard - quality that impresses

Defect rate compared to the AQL standard

The CoCape project was technically one of the most demanding challenges that we have accompanied. The pop-up mechanism, the seam sealing, the lock-buckle plate - every detail had to be perfect. What made the difference was our ability to be directly with the manufacturer, recognise problems immediately and develop solutions together. You can't manage that from afar.

Step 5

Intelligent logistics for optimised cash flow

ASIAPRO developed a customised Amazon Ready Logistics solution with strategic division and

optimised import route.

Amazon FBA Ready

Direct storage in the Amazon Warehouse for immediate availability

Rotterdam route

Import via Rotterdam for deferral of import sales tax

Time advantage

3 weeks earlier market launch through optimised processes

Measurable impact:

The combination of Amazon-ready packaging and Rotterdam import meant the difference between „too late for Christmas“ and „in time for the most important sales window of the year“ for CoCape - plus a significant cash flow advantage.

Frustrating experiences with EU manufacturers made?

ASIAPRO is not a sourcing office - we are your extended workbench team in Asia.

If you stop in Europe when things get complicated, you'll find the way to make it work here.

We deliver where others fail. Full stop.

Get in touch with us

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Manuel Proschko
Sales

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