Rickshaw Bagworks

Agree with the comment above about the Un-​Holiday Sale. I love Rickshaw bags– their quality, style and that they’re made in SF. I also really appreciate the sale and understand the extra time taken to make the bag as it was a great deal at 50% off, however, if they simply communicated that the bag would be delayed past the promised delivery time, I’d understand. I called a week and a half after it was expected and was told I should probably get a call the next day that is was ready. After another three days and hearing nothing, I called again. Same response of maybe another day. This was supposed to be a Christmas gift and I still haven’t received a call/​email that it’s ready. I honestly felt the folks I talked to seemed uncomfortable telling me the bag wasn’t done and I wasn’t asshole-​y at all. I still recommend them, just with the caveat about poor communication when there are delays.

Love Rickshaw their products, their service and their commitment to being SF local.

I appreciate their sale for un-​black Friday. That said, they took forever to make the bag and were poor at communicating about it. Customer service was sporadic at returning my emails. I finally picked up the bag — many weeks late — today. It’s nice.

My bf and I stumbled across Rickshaw Bagworks today while wandering in the Dogpatch district (so cool and hipster!). We stopped by 1 ½ hours before they officially opened so we hung out at Philz Coffee (btw another great place!) around the corner and then came back at noon. So happy that we did because I got one of their small zero messenger bags in the reflective tweed material. I added a hot pink insert that attaches perfectly to the inside strip of velcro. I should have also added the phone case too… but, next time!
I am planning to order some Christmas gifts for my friends and let them customize their own bags. What a great n’unique gift idea!

Richshaw Bagworks do great work. They are artists on canvas.
I would have given them 5 stars, but I picked up my bag at their Dogpatch store.
Although Richshaw emailed me that my bag was ready for pick up, the employee working at the store could not locate my order. A visit that should have lasted 2 minutes seem to go on forever. I was ready to cancel my order.
My suggestion would be to buy from a third-​party retailer or pay for shipping.

On my way to the SF Street Food Festival, I stopped by Rickshaw to see what wares they offered. Mostly all of the bags were messenger style and the styles were mostly patterned colors. I think there was an option to customize your own bag which sounded cool but otherwise, the bags seemed really well made and very supportive/​durable. They also sell cell phone cases as well as tablet cases too.
I will likely stop by Chrome on my way home to Caltrain one of these days for comparison purpose but otherwise, these Rickshaw bags were solid.

If you live in San Francisco, having a Rickshaw bag is a must. They are freshly made in-​house and you can even see the inner workings of this local small business beyond the walls of bags. Rickshaw has everything from cell phone holders and wallets to laptop cases and messenger bags. PLUS, you can customize your own with the instructions and fabric samples on the wall. These are sturdy creations, but even when your purchase falls apart, you can bring it in to get it fixed. Awesome concept and customer service!

Great bags… amazing customer service and a really cool location. Love the fact that they are still a smaller size shop. We even saw the owner around filling orders. Keep up the good work guys. and don’t sell out!

I still have the most fantastic wallet we received at the TED gathering maybe seven years back. It is just beautiful and better with age. I appreciate Rickshaw!!!

I’d had my Clive messenger style commuter bag since 2000. Yep, 2000! I LOVED that bag. It was my constant companion. This year the shoulder strap ripped, ripped some more, and just about ripped off. I was devastated. It was like losing my BFF.
Just around that time a friend showed me his new bag from Rickshaw. Talk about lust at first site! Wow. The quality and craftmanship was obvious, and he told me that he even got to customize it — he picked his own colors and fabrics. And, to boot, everything is made in the US in their San Franciso factory. Score one for the home team! I was sold.
I ordered a Customized Small Zero Messenger, basically a mini-​messenger. I even got to add buckles to carry my yoga mat, and an interior deluxe drop pocket to hold small things like pens, $, id’s, all my neccesities. I chose a waterproof fabric, black on the outside (so it never looks dirty and goes with everything) and bright red on the inside (for a pop of color and to add some personality). It’s about the size of a medium purse, but it’s amazing how much I can fit inside! I usually wear it on my back like a messenger, but I can also put it over my shoulder like a purse if I want. It has a front flap that makes access fast and easy and is secured with super strong velcro. I don’t think it will ever wear out.
For care, it just wipes clean with a wet cloth, but I can throw it in the wash if I need to — I just have to take off the straps.
I initially bought it just for my commute, but I like it so much, it’s permanently taken the place of my purse. It’s utilitarian, cute, and very functional. I couldn’t be any happier. I’m already hankering to order a larger bag. I paid $ 109 total (including all of my add-​ons), but I know this bag will last me 15 years (or more) just like my faithful Clive, so it was worth the investment to me. It’s commuter couture!
Rickshaw even sent me a tweet of my finished bag, straight from production (see photo).
Isn’t she cute?

I work for a San Francisco non-​profit that provides street outreach services with a very tight budget and an almost entirely volunteer crew. We have been using plastic bags for some time to distribute supplies. After contacting a number of businesses in the Bay Area that create bags, not only was Rickshaw the only one to get back to us, but the only one to donate some bags to support our efforts. These bags are beautiful and built to last! We are all very moved by the gesture and support. and can’t wait to put these bags to use helping people to help themselves!

Just picked up my Mac Book Pro sleeve, custom made in coyote brown and desert tan. Great service, beautifully handmade product made right here in San Francisco!
Thanks Crystal for going out of your way!

I stopped in on vacation, fell in love with the bags and the different prints available, and ordered the backpack in pink houndstooth. It is perfect for my laptop, and very well made. The side zipper is a clever way to get a water bottle out without opening the top.
The store/​factory is really neat, and I also like the fact that they were made right there. I thought prices were fair, for a custom bag, high quality craftsmanship, locally made.

My small zero messenger bag arrived a mere three days after I ordered it.
It’s cute and almost exactly what I wanted. The Bordeaux interior is a little more muted than I’d hoped. The «silver dust» lining is a little less silver, a little more grey. I’m also a little annoyed at the Rickshaw labels everywhere. We get it, Rickshaw; you made the bag.
Finally, the $ 100 price tag — which included a «deluxe» $ 15 drop pocket and $ 10 shipping — was a little hard to swallow. Basically you’re paying for a $ 30 bag and tacking on another $ 70 to pick the colors and have it shipped to you. Note to Rickshaw: I live in San Francisco. Couldn’t you partner with something like Google Shopping Express?
Having said that, the bag is adorable. I’m happy with my purchase and thrilled it showed up the same week I ordered it.

I was excited to go to this store after reading such great reviews about the customer service. However, I walked in on Sunday ⁶⁄₂₂ and the two ladies inside didn’t even say hi, they looked at me and continued gossiping about some guy. There are TONS of options for the bags so a little help is needed but the people here were not interested in offering any help at all.
After a while of perusing, I went up to the counter and asked for help with colors. One girl just gave me a dirty look, as if to ask why I was interrupting her all-​important, mid-​work gossip session. The other dropped what she was doing and immediately started helping me with colors. She was quite helpful. The other girl should be fired. As a business owner myself, I would never tolerate that kind of attitude towards customers.
The products themselves look good. It’s a shame the people inside aren’t very welcoming though.

Customer service goes over and beyond expectations.
Craftsmanship is excellent.
Get your custom bag.

During the renaissance of the 1980’s humanity rediscovered three great truths; music (rock on Hall and Oates), Chuck Norris (was and still is awesome), and the reputation of quality products manufactured in the USA (except for Ford and Chrysler). Items would roll out to consumers with a stamp proudly declaring an item to be «USA made». This stamp of approval implied a higher level of quality and was a direct response to the competitive priced items arriving in America from China. The idea being, American makes quality products and China just makes a large quantity of products. The actual truths behind these statements are closely guarded secrets that the Carter administration was unwilling to disclose. I reached out to the current administration but my calls were not returned.
So how does this tie to Rickshaw Bags? I’m glad you asked. The answer is very loosely. To understand my review you must understand consumer products of the 1980’s, Hall and Oates — Rich Girl (I used to think they said ‘Bi**h girl’), and Chuck Norris (greatest Kah-​Rah-​Tay fighter ever). Since these specific pools of individuals are an endangered species I’ll elaborate.
Rickshaw Bags creates beautiful products that are customizable, durable, well-​crafted and made with love. Yup, everything America was in the 1980’s. I have purchased multiple bags from Rickshaw and after years of usage I couldn’t be any happier with their product. I recommend their bag to friends and even people I hate because I’m just that awesome. Rickshaw Bags are proudly designed, constructed and sold locally (San Francisco). That’s right, these bags not only have the prestige of being «USA made», they pack a second stamp of awesomeness, «Built locally». I’ll spare you the environmental and social impact selling points to products being made locally, but take my word it’s a good thing. I love companies like Rickshaw, they construct an image of caring and creativity in their products.
Are you are a student, a messenger or just carry a bunch of stuff/​crap? Yes, then give Rickshaw a shot, you won’t regret it.

Yay for supporting local businesses! I was with the cousin and bf driving around Dogpark when we drove past Rickshaw Bagworks. It was definitely eye-​catching and inviting enough to make us park and stop by for a quick perusal. The little chalkboard sign outside their shop said it all — «Wondering what on earth goes on inside this building? –Come into our factory store to find out!»
Inside the small warehouse was a little shop with custom/​personalized made messenger bags, laptop and tablet covers, and totes! They had several dozen messenger bags ranging in all sizes on display all around the shop. I don’t ride a bike, but I wish I did so I could justify the need for me wanting one! There is a wall of color swatches of the different materials hanging on the wall for you to choose from so you really can make it all your own.
They also have a new line of cute and neatly designed San Francisco graphic inspired tote bags that my cousin and I couldn’t resist in getting. She got the red one of the golden gate bride on one side and «San Francisco» on the other. I picked up the other one of the bridge for my sister’s birthday present. It’ll be a nice momento of the bay area for her to keep when she goes off to college next year :)
5-​stars for being locally made, eco-​friendly, and supporting the commuting lifestyle WITH style.
PROS
–Check into Unilocal and receive 10% off your first purchase!
–Great customizable gift for a friend!
«Fresh bags made daily right here in SF.»

Bag … awesome! Backpack, camo outside and orange inside! Added the two reflective stripes on the sides, has the laptop sleeve, but I also got the drop pocket with the SF Made patch! Bag is waterproof with deluxe shoulder straps. Top zipper.
Service … friendly
Lack of business card/​public transit cardholder = no bueno!
Prices = moderate. Thanks Living Social!

Remember that JanSport backpack you used to lug around as a child that everyone had and somehow you would always need a new one each school year? And now you’re an adult and nothings changed. Well it’s time to graduate kids! Personally, I think crossbody messengers are pretty sleek and a necessity for anyone on the go who needs to carry their life with them. Messenger bags aren’t just for bikers anymore!
My medium zero messenger bag has been in heavy rotation for the past 8 months to accommodate the crapload of books I have as a student and it still looks good as new! I have the waterproof «X-​pac» exterior and I can vouch for it’s functionality. The size is perfect (I’m 5′ 2″), the bag sits comfortably on my shoulder (even without a padded strap) and they have a great color selection. I customized my bag with a black, burgundy, and grey color combo, and I really enjoy how I’m not sporting what everyone else has on their backs.
Nothing against Timbuk2 and Chrome messengers, but with Rickshaw, I get a little added fuzz factor in my heart knowing that I’m supporting a local SF business. Great company, good service. Love my bag. Check ‘em out!

Walking around the Dogpatch area saw a bunch of people going into Rickshaw. I didn’t know what it was so went in. It’s a bag shop that you can even get Custom-​made bags made there! That’s cool. Not sure the cost.
A Medium Zero Giants Messenger Bag $ 109 — it looked cool, didn’t buy.
Small Zero Messenger Bag $ 59 — looked fine, didn’t buy.
If you Check-​In on Unilocal with your Smart Phone you get 10% off your First Purchase!

I finally used my Living Social deal here. The original offer mentioned you could only use it for the Medium Zero Messenger Bag but when I talked to the staff member, she said the value I paid was good toward any purchase. This made me more excited because as much as I liked the Medium Zero, I didn’t think it had enough pockets to meet my needs. Besides, I already had a Dakine and a Dickies messenger bag that suited my lifestyle.
I decided to upgrade my laptop bag instead. I figured the removable sleeve makes it easy to swap things out and use it as a messenger bag if I really needed to do so. After a debate between the Zero, the Commuter and the Skinny Commuter, I decided to go the less is more approach and picked the Skinny Commuter. Then I had to decide how to customize my bag. I ended up going with the light gray tweed with an eye-​popping turquoise binding and a blue label.
Not only was the sales rep helpful, but she was also patient when I was trying to figure out how to customize my bag. I also ended up placing an order for a friend in LA who wanted some accessories with my 20% off in store coupon. She even let him use the coupon over the phone even though I was the one in store and not him.
A few days later, the Moleskin Smart Phone folio went on sale online so I ended up customizing and purchasing one of those as well. Basically, the money I saved on my Living Social deal went back to Rickshaw anyway. I can’t wait to see how my folio looks.
I already filled my bag with all of my computer stuff and my Kindle. It fits snugly but it’ll force me to be a little more minimalist. I love my bag, especially the comfortable shoulder strap and I’ve already received compliments on it.
With their excellent in store and online customer service, I’m more than happy to spread the love and support a local business like Rickshaw Bags. Check them out for yourself. Chances are you’ll find something that you’ll love there.

I scored a $ 35 medium messenger bag via Living Social and FINALLY got around to placing my order. Not only are these rugged bags totally made in SF, but Rickshaw is also very dog friendly. I took my two poodles to serve as consultants when picking out my colors. Christy who placed the order was just a sweetheart and more than patient in explaining the process, material, etc… She also looked the other way when I put my dogs in the rickshaw for a photo op. I liked that I could also use the tool on their Web site to mix and match colors so when I got to the show room, it took me 5 minutes to decide upon my selection.
We walked from SOMA to Rickshaw and had breakfast at Just For You Café up the street then stopped by the Gluten-​Free Grocer on the way home. It was a perfect morning walk with your dogs.