Spot on dude. Also for me a huge plus is the joy of keeping bikes affordable for people with smaller budgets. They're often very grateful. Don't underestimate these customers, I've sold 6 or 7 used bikes per year to big families that also keep coming back for maintenance so their bikes last multiple generations. Circulair economy at it's best! We do trade ins if old bikes are interesting for refurbishing, wich makes keeping inventory even easier and that's a big convenience for someone not having to think about getting rid of their old bike in other ways. Got some real gems this way, cool 90's mtbs and some classic roadbikes 👌 just make sure to be a bit selective and take the trustworthy brands with quality components (wheels, gearsystems) so people don't return too soon with mechanical problems if you resell
Absolutely! One of my favorite things about this business model this it a truly a win-win between business owner and end consumer, something that always makes for a good long-term strategy
We have sold "used" and new bikes for quite some time. The used category certainly changed during COVID, as it seemed that most wanted new bikes. Then about a year/year and a half into COVID, lots of folks were selling the bikes that they just bought..so "used" bikes took another hit. Like everything in the shop, you can do well if you pay attention to ups/downs of the bike industry.
I am sure that you have thought of this , but adding an "About This Bike" card to the handle bar might be a great way of telling a story about why that bike is Interesting/Great/Unique/Valuable. I was on FB Marketplace looking at 1990 MTBs. Saw someone selling for $200 a Rocky Mountain bike. I knew nothing. Thought Rocky Mountain was a Walmart marketing name. Went and Googled Rocky Mountain bikes and discovered that it was no Walmart bike. Then I wanted to own it!
One other thing to consider is the customer who bring in a bike that really isn't worth fixing. This is where a good service manager can't point out why fixing a cheap bike isn't always a good idea. The customer would be happier with a good used bike that's already to go.
You got me rethinking my concept. We have abended the use bike market since a long time ago, but found great mtb and standard bikes from not china import and sold them many years to go. Nowdays 9/10 of my customers are only looking for e bikes, the used market there are different than analog bikes. But as you mention - why not try some used bikes - just for the fun of it?
I agree, definitely a different animal selling a used Ebike. Having at least a few used bikes can sometimes be a great "downsell" where someone who's budget doesn't meet your core offer picks up a bike used rather than walking out the door with nothing
Well said…. Thank you .
Spot on dude. Also for me a huge plus is the joy of keeping bikes affordable for people with smaller budgets. They're often very grateful. Don't underestimate these customers, I've sold 6 or 7 used bikes per year to big families that also keep coming back for maintenance so their bikes last multiple generations. Circulair economy at it's best! We do trade ins if old bikes are interesting for refurbishing, wich makes keeping inventory even easier and that's a big convenience for someone not having to think about getting rid of their old bike in other ways. Got some real gems this way, cool 90's mtbs and some classic roadbikes 👌 just make sure to be a bit selective and take the trustworthy brands with quality components (wheels, gearsystems) so people don't return too soon with mechanical problems if you resell
Absolutely! One of my favorite things about this business model this it a truly a win-win between business owner and end consumer, something that always makes for a good long-term strategy
We have sold "used" and new bikes for quite some time. The used category certainly changed during COVID, as it seemed that most wanted new bikes. Then about a year/year and a half into COVID, lots of folks were selling the bikes that they just bought..so "used" bikes took another hit. Like everything in the shop, you can do well if you pay attention to ups/downs of the bike industry.
I am sure that you have thought of this , but adding an "About This Bike" card to the handle bar might be a great way of telling a story about why that bike is Interesting/Great/Unique/Valuable. I was on FB Marketplace looking at 1990 MTBs. Saw someone selling for $200 a Rocky Mountain bike. I knew nothing. Thought Rocky Mountain was a Walmart marketing name. Went and Googled Rocky Mountain bikes and discovered that it was no Walmart bike. Then I wanted to own it!
Really enjoying the video's. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
One other thing to consider is the customer who bring in a bike that really isn't worth fixing. This is where a good service manager can't point out why fixing a cheap bike isn't always a good idea. The customer would be happier with a good used bike that's already to go.
It's always a tricky situation, but when we come across plenty often
You got me rethinking my concept. We have abended the use bike market since a long time ago, but found great mtb and standard bikes from not china import and sold them many years to go.
Nowdays 9/10 of my customers are only looking for e bikes, the used market there are different than analog bikes.
But as you mention - why not try some used bikes - just for the fun of it?
I agree, definitely a different animal selling a used Ebike. Having at least a few used bikes can sometimes be a great "downsell" where someone who's budget doesn't meet your core offer picks up a bike used rather than walking out the door with nothing
One wonders why the cycling industry don't follow the car industry example.......where you can buy used cars, or trade in for a new car.
I've always said to customers "used car dealerships are all over the place but used bike dealerships are few and far between"