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Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops
by Joshua Goran 28 Mar '14

28 Mar '14

I'm not here to be a QBP apologist, but I do personally appreciate that they are tightening up restrictions on third-party resellers. People buying cut-rate parts online doesn't do anything good for co-ops or independent local bike shops, so I see their perspective. I hope there is some compromise that can be reached, though, which restricts the flood of cheap parts to places like Amazon while also giving legitimate organizations access. My experience with QBP has been via a single location, independent, for-profit shop, a bicycle commuter parking/service station, and now at an established co-op with a commercial location, and while there are hoops to jump through no matter what, they've been accommodating in all of my situations, including setting up a second account at the commuter station to track and bill fleet repair parts separately. I put together a list of every wholesaler I could find in North America, who I personally called or emailed to inquire as to if they dealt with mobile repair services without a storefront location...which might fit into a similar category as a limited-hours co-op. I'll see if I can dig out those notes and share them with the list. We've had a J&B account here (before my time) and at the for-profit shop I worked at we used J&B quite a bit for entry-level refurb-type parts. Cheap stuff, basically. If you have a storefront, I would personally just approach any of these vendors as a regular shop since that's what they're used to dealing with, and get into the details only if they ask or it is required. *----------Joshua GoranAdministrator, Ohio City Bicycle Co-op* 1840 Columbus Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44113 216 830 2667 OhioCityCycles.org On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 11:41 AM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Money for our Movements conference - Register now! (Christa Orth) > 2. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (Joshua Muir) > 3. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (momoko saunders) > 4. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (Kevin Dwyer) > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Christa Orth <corth(a)streetsblog.org> > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Cc: > Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 10:03:50 -0400 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Money for our Movements conference - Register now! > Hi Bike! Bike! > > I do fundraising for Streetsblog <http://www.streetsblog.org/>, the daily > news blog for livable streets, and I'm on the committee for the Money for > our Movements conference August 2-3 in Baltimore. As a big supporter of > community bike shops, I wanted to be sure this group got the invitation. I > hope you'll come! It's my goal to get our all our biking and walking > organizations to attend. Our movement certainly needs more grassroots > funding, but even more than that, we have a lot to learn and share about > the power of social justice and inclusion. This conference is focused on > that. More details are below. > > Individual registrations are $300, but if we get a group of 5 or more > people to register together at once, the registration is only $200. Let's > do that! We can be the bike contingent. Housing and food are super > affordable, and there are scholarships available. > > Let me know if you have any questions, and please feel free to spread the > word far and wide! > > In solidarity, > Christa > > > [image: money for our movements 2014 banner] > > > Are you looking to increase funding from your community to grow the work > of your organization? > > Would you like to see your organization's funding stream more diversified > and sustainable? > > Are you working in isolation and looking for community with other social > justice fundraisers? > > *If so, THIS is the conference for YOU!* > > *Please join us August 2-3, 2014 at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, > MD for:* > > - *Fundraising skills training *geared toward social justice > activists, featuring hands-on exercises and practical information. There > will be over 70 workshops and facilitated discussions, with the most > popular sessions being offered twice! > - *Concrete, real-life examples and models *of organizations from the > US and abroad that are creating alternatives to fundraising that is driven > by foundations and/or government agencies. > - *Debates and plenaries *with luminaries and up-and-coming leaders in > the social justice and philanthropy sectors that will provoke participants > to think outside the box. > - *Networking opportunities *for people to share, come together, and > build community. > > More details are coming soon! Until then, you can check out videos and > workshop offerings from past conferences at *grassrootsfundraising.org/conference > <http://grassrootsfundraising.org/conference>*. *Registration is open > now!* > > > *I'm on the planning committee for Money for Our Movements. Contact me > to discuss ways you can support and participate in this amazing gathering!* > > > -- > Christa Orth > Development Director > > Streetsblog <http://streetsblog.org/> and Streetfilms<http://streetfilms.org/> > 148 Lafayette St., 12th Floor > New York, NY 10013 > 917-388-9066 > corth(a)streetsblog.org <corth(a)openplans.org> > > > *Support media that makes an impact on our streets* > *Donate today! > <https://openplans.secure.force.com/pmtx/cmpgn__Donations?id=701A0000000OLZL> * > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Joshua Muir <muirjoshua(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 07:48:25 -0700 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their > inflexibility with co-ops > It's time to let them know that the Community bike Project IS the new > local bike shop model! As a whole, we must be a lot of their business. > > Josh > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 11:08 AM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> Hi all, >> Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. >> >> After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small >> potatoes shop stuff, >> we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to >> ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of our >> shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and >> necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. >> >> Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good >> financial management. >> >> I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an >> account based on similar issues. >> >> This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party >> suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, >> we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area >> have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by >> the very policy designed to protect LBSs. >> >> We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring >> new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. >> >> Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with >> community missions? >> >> Thanks, >> Leslie >> Durham Bike Co-op >> >> >> >> >> >> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> <a href=" >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe >> from this list</a> >> >> >> > > > -- > Joshua Muir > muirjoshua(a)gmail.com > > Frances Cycles <http://www.francescycles.com/> > Handbuilt cycling framesets > Touring, Track, Road,Cross, and Cargo > 203 Cedar St Santa Cruz, CA (831) 469-3369 > > > The Bicycle Church Collective <http://bikechurch.santacruzhub.org/> > Community Self-Service Cycle Repair > 3pm to 7pm everyday except Sunday > 703 Pacific Ave (enter on Spruce St) > Santa Cruz, CA 95060 > (831) 425-2453 > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: momoko saunders <analyst(a)bikefarm.org> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 08:17:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their > inflexibility with co-ops > It would be nice if there was a person who could represent the concept > of a bike collective to QBP and other distributers. (does anyone have > a particularly good relationship? want to try it out?) > > Bike Farm has had some issues with setting up an account. The rep said > we could only order chains and tubes and other necessary parts. If > they saw anything high end, they would pull the account. > > For those who are wondering, Cyclone has always been good to us. They > even gave us a discount on our new tools when we had a fire last > summer. SBS is great as well. The two accounts combined get us pretty > much what ever we need. > > > I've also thrown the idea around about starting a Bike Collective > Distribution Company... When I started to research it, I found that > getting supplies would take relationships in China, or relationships > with people who have relationships in China. > > I don't currently know the right people. But I've been keeping my ears > open for opportunities. If anyone on this list knows the right people, > please feel free to contact me. > > -momoko > > On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 7:48 AM, Joshua Muir <muirjoshua(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > It's time to let them know that the Community bike Project IS the new > local > > bike shop model! As a whole, we must be a lot of their business. > > > > Josh > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 11:08 AM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> > > wrote: > >> > >> Hi all, > >> Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > >> > >> After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small > >> potatoes shop stuff, > >> we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability > to > >> ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of > our > >> shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > >> necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > >> > >> Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good > >> financial management. > >> > >> I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an > >> account based on similar issues. > >> > >> This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party > >> suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, > >> we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our > area > >> have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt > by the > >> very policy designed to protect LBSs. > >> > >> We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring > new > >> accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > >> > >> Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with > community > >> missions? > >> > >> Thanks, > >> Leslie > >> Durham Bike Co-op > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> ____________________________________ > >> > >> The ThinkTank mailing List > >> <a > >> href=" > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >> from this list</a> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > Joshua Muir > > muirjoshua(a)gmail.com > > > > Frances Cycles > > Handbuilt cycling framesets > > Touring, Track, Road,Cross, and Cargo > > 203 Cedar St Santa Cruz, CA (831) 469-3369 > > > > > > The Bicycle Church Collective > > Community Self-Service Cycle Repair > > 3pm to 7pm everyday except Sunday > > 703 Pacific Ave (enter on Spruce St) > > Santa Cruz, CA 95060 > > (831) 425-2453 > > > > ____________________________________ > > > > The ThinkTank mailing List > > <a > > href=" > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > > from this list</a> > > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Kevin Dwyer <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:37:20 -0600 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their > inflexibility with co-ops > I forwarded a summary of the thread to a Bicycle Collective board member > and QBP employee that is part of a team responsible for community > engagement. I'll check in with him and see where it is at. > > > On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 9:17 AM, momoko saunders <analyst(a)bikefarm.org>wrote: > >> It would be nice if there was a person who could represent the concept >> of a bike collective to QBP and other distributers. (does anyone have >> a particularly good relationship? want to try it out?) >> >> Bike Farm has had some issues with setting up an account. The rep said >> we could only order chains and tubes and other necessary parts. If >> they saw anything high end, they would pull the account. >> >> For those who are wondering, Cyclone has always been good to us. They >> even gave us a discount on our new tools when we had a fire last >> summer. SBS is great as well. The two accounts combined get us pretty >> much what ever we need. >> >> >> I've also thrown the idea around about starting a Bike Collective >> Distribution Company... When I started to research it, I found that >> getting supplies would take relationships in China, or relationships >> with people who have relationships in China. >> >> I don't currently know the right people. But I've been keeping my ears >> open for opportunities. If anyone on this list knows the right people, >> please feel free to contact me. >> >> -momoko >> >> On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 7:48 AM, Joshua Muir <muirjoshua(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> > It's time to let them know that the Community bike Project IS the new >> local >> > bike shop model! As a whole, we must be a lot of their business. >> > >> > Josh >> > >> > >> > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 11:08 AM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com >> > >> > wrote: >> >> >> >> Hi all, >> >> Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. >> >> >> >> After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic >> small >> >> potatoes shop stuff, >> >> we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability >> to >> >> ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of >> our >> >> shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and >> >> necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf >> ears. >> >> >> >> Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good >> >> financial management. >> >> >> >> I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an >> >> account based on similar issues. >> >> >> >> This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party >> >> suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. >> Ironically, >> >> we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our >> area >> >> have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt >> by the >> >> very policy designed to protect LBSs. >> >> >> >> We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring >> new >> >> accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. >> >> >> >> Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with >> community >> >> missions? >> >> >> >> Thanks, >> >> Leslie >> >> Durham Bike Co-op >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ____________________________________ >> >> >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> >> <a >> >> href=" >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >> ">Unsubscribe >> >> from this list</a> >> >> >> >> >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Joshua Muir >> > muirjoshua(a)gmail.com >> > >> > Frances Cycles >> > Handbuilt cycling framesets >> > Touring, Track, Road,Cross, and Cargo >> > 203 Cedar St Santa Cruz, CA (831) 469-3369 >> > >> > >> > The Bicycle Church Collective >> > Community Self-Service Cycle Repair >> > 3pm to 7pm everyday except Sunday >> > 703 Pacific Ave (enter on Spruce St) >> > Santa Cruz, CA 95060 >> > (831) 425-2453 >> > >> > ____________________________________ >> > >> > The ThinkTank mailing List >> > <a >> > href=" >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >> ">Unsubscribe >> > from this list</a> >> > >> > >> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> <a href=" >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe >> from this list</a> >> >> > > > -- > Kevin Dwyer > > IMPORTANT: This communication is intended solely for the use of the > individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain information > that is confidential and/or protected by the attorney-client or other > applicable privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, or if you are > not responsible for delivering this communication to the intended > recipient, you are hereby notified that the disclosure of this > communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this > communication in error, please notify me immediately by telephone at (801) > 647-0797, and return the original message to me at the above address via > email. Thank you. > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops
by Leslie Peteya 28 Mar '14

28 Mar '14

Hi all, Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? Thanks, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op

15 20

Shop Manager / Mechanic Position in Detroit
by J Paul Krystyniak 27 Mar '14

27 Mar '14

Hello Good People- Please see the attached job description. Please feel free to let me know if anyone has questions. Paul

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 33
by Adam Nguyen 27 Mar '14

27 Mar '14

I'm not sure about the relative pricing of these lights to others, but we use them at the bike advocacy org I work at. They are very reliable, and decently bright. http://swagaliciouspromos.espwebsite.com/ProductDetails/?productId=7197216&… Adam Nguyen Volunteer Coordinator Sopo Bicycle Cooperative On Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 1:12 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Sources for inexpensive bike lights? > (DCoppley(a)intercitytransit.com) > 2. Re: Sources for inexpensive bike lights? (Ryne Emory) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:59:11 +0000 > From: <DCoppley(a)intercitytransit.com> > To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Sources for inexpensive bike lights? > Message-ID: > < > F7FAC45846709F4CAC1185D2BC29090335CCA96F(a)Mailbox2.intercitytransit.com> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hello fellow bicycle do-gooders, > > I need to order a large quantity of inexpensive bike lights to use as > giveaways with bicycle we provide to youth as part of our program. Does > anyone have suggestions for a good source of inexpensive lights? There seem > to be a million suppliers on the internet, and I don't want to end up with > something dodgy. Thanks for reading! > > David > > David Coppley > Walk n' Roll Program Assistant > Intercity Transit > 360-705-5817 > PO Box 659 Olympia, WA 98501 > dcoppley(a)intercitytransit.com<mailto:dcoppley@intercitytransit.com> > Find us on Facebook!<https://www.facebook.com/BicycleCommuterContest> > > [WalkNRoll_HZ_RGB] > >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 29
by Roedl, James M 26 Mar '14

26 Mar '14

As far as J&B goes it's regional and the contracted account rep is the key. I have worked with them previously at a LBS and found that the rep's attitude towards your shop and their job in general will dictate a lot of what happens good bad or otherwise. I haven't pushed our shop to use J&B because of my experience with our regions rep. We are currently using Lexco and have decided to apply with cyclone as Lexco not working out. We have been denied by other suppliers in the past for not having a store front or being too small. Does anyone have experience applying to accounts like QBP? Any hints for making a co-op sound more appealing to different suppliers. We would like to have more options and have grown to two locations and can sign for packages during business hours! James Roedl The Bike Project (manages the Campus Bike Shop TBP's second location) ________________________________________ From: thethinktank-bounces+jmroedl=illinois.edu(a)lists.bikecollectives.org [thethinktank-bounces+jmroedl=illinois.edu(a)lists.bikecollectives.org] on behalf of thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org [thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org] Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 7:52 PM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 29 Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org You can reach the person managing the list at thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (Doug Cutter) 2. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (Doug Cutter) 3. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (james bledsoe) 4. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (Tom Bulten) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:19:26 -0600 From: Doug Cutter <cuttercrew(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Cc: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops Message-ID: <8203F17A-B2D5-4CF1-9F58-62698339FFD8(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii For similar reasons and unpredictable drivers from UPS, a few years ago we arranged for our QBP shipments to be sent to a nearby UPS store. We have to pay a small handling fee at the store, but it solved our delivery challenges from QBP. We worked with our regional sales rep at QBP to set it up. Regarding J&B, we also have to use the UPS store address as their delivery driver was not able to call in advance to allow a volunteer to meet them at the shop. Regards, Doug Cutter Fort Collins Bike Co-op Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 25, 2014, at 12:08 PM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > > After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, > we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > > Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. > > I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. > > This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > > We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > > Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? > > Thanks, > Leslie > Durham Bike Co-op > > > > ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:19:26 -0600 From: Doug Cutter <cuttercrew(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Cc: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops Message-ID: <8203F17A-B2D5-4CF1-9F58-62698339FFD8(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii For similar reasons and unpredictable drivers from UPS, a few years ago we arranged for our QBP shipments to be sent to a nearby UPS store. We have to pay a small handling fee at the store, but it solved our delivery challenges from QBP. We worked with our regional sales rep at QBP to set it up. Regarding J&B, we also have to use the UPS store address as their delivery driver was not able to call in advance to allow a volunteer to meet them at the shop. Regards, Doug Cutter Fort Collins Bike Co-op Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 25, 2014, at 12:08 PM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > > After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, > we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > > Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. > > I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. > > This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > > We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > > Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? > > Thanks, > Leslie > Durham Bike Co-op > > > > ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:19:41 -0700 (PDT) From: james bledsoe <jamesbleds0e(a)yahoo.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops Message-ID: <1395793181.22488.YahooMailNeo(a)web141505.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" it would be good to forward this tread to QBP On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 11:25 AM, Wm Dakota Callaschai <mylifeinthenow(a)gmail.com> wrote: J&B Importers inc!! They have a warehouse like 30 miles from you!! 919-877-1002 give them a call. Troy Bike Rescue has been gettin our stuff from them for almost 10 years!! Its been great! On Mar 25, 2014 2:08 PM, "Leslie Peteya" <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi all, > >Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > >After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, >we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location.? I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and >necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > > >Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. > > >I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. > > >This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > > > >We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > > >Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? > > >Thanks, > >Leslie > >Durham Bike Co-op > > > > > > > >____________________________________ > >The ThinkTank mailing List ><a href="http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe from this list</a> > > > ____________________________________ The ThinkTank mailing List <a href="http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe from this list</a>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 27
by Jason Tanzman 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

I just want to give props to QBP for being an incredible ally over the years, to the bike advocacy movement in general, and to community bike shops in particular. While I don't doubt the validity of other people's issues regarding ordering, in my experience QBP has been a truly incredible ally and partner in our work. They've provided tens of thousands of dollars of unrestricted, general operations donations to community bike shops (with primary focuses on investing where they have warehouses in MN, PA, and UT). And they've donated surplus product to us when they can't sell it. Anyways. Just wanted to give them props for being awesome (and they have always accommodated our eccentricities in ordering and such). We order stuff from J&B too - but QBP rocks. On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 4:25 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (Leslie Peteya) > 2. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (wormsign(a)gmail.com) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:14:03 -0400 > From: Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their > inflexibility with co-ops > Message-ID: > < > CAAAZz6NBbAe_mL-Ck6D+h_fOZFH5NQLxapRRgocsp5ZuMTP8PA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > "They will take action to shut down accounts that are abused to protect > their products, even for seemingly minor PR offenses" > > Yeah, I know that's been happening lately in the third party supplier > industry, but unfortunately we're taking the hit for it. > > We're not open during normal business hours because we're volunteer run, so > our hours are precisely opposite of that > (most volunteers are 9-5 types, hospital workers or grad students). > > Best, > Leslie > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 4:33 PM, Bobby Brown <bobby(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: > > > Sopo has been using Hawley forever but I've never been in charge of > > dealing with them directly. Being in Atlanta, we tend to receive > shipments > > next day from them to our PO box offsite with no problems. > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 2:33 PM, Luke Box <lukebox(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> One more for J&B. I'm not sure of their stance on supporting non-profits > >> but they've worked for us. We've ordered a couple of thousand dollars > worth > >> of parts from them over three years and as far as I know there haven't > been > >> hiccups. > >> > >> theBrokeSpoke > >> Lexington, KY > >> > >> > >> On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 2:24 PM, Wm Dakota Callaschai < > >> mylifeinthenow(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> J&B Importers inc!! They have a warehouse like 30 miles from you!! > >>> 919-877-1002 give them a call. > >>> Troy Bike Rescue has been gettin our stuff from them for almost 10 > >>> years!! Its been great! > >>> On Mar 25, 2014 2:08 PM, "Leslie Peteya" <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >>> > >>>> Hi all, > >>>> Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > >>>> > >>>> After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic > >>>> small potatoes shop stuff, > >>>> we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability > >>>> to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature > of > >>>> our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > >>>> necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf > >>>> ears. > >>>> > >>>> Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good > >>>> financial management. > >>>> > >>>> I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an > >>>> account based on similar issues. > >>>> > >>>> This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third > party > >>>> suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. > Ironically, > >>>> we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our > area > >>>> have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt > by > >>>> the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > >>>> > >>>> We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring > >>>> new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > >>>> > >>>> Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with > >>>> community missions? > >>>> > >>>> Thanks, > >>>> Leslie > >>>> Durham Bike Co-op > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> ____________________________________ > >>>> > >>>> The ThinkTank mailing List > >>>> <a href=" > >>>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >>>> from this list</a> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>> ____________________________________ > >>> > >>> The ThinkTank mailing List > >>> <a href=" > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >>> from this list</a> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >> > >> ____________________________________ > >> > >> The ThinkTank mailing List > >> <a href=" > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >> from this list</a> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > Bobby Brown > > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative > > > > Cell: 770 851 0965 > > bobby(a)sopobikes.org > > http://www.sopobikes.org > > > > Hours: > > Tuesday 7pm - 10pm > > Wednesday 7pm - 10pm > > Thursday 7pm - 10pm > > Saturday 2pm - 6pm > > > > ____________________________________ > > > > The ThinkTank mailing List > > <a href=" > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > > from this list</a> > > > > > > >

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Austin Yellow Bike's Volunteer/patron logging software
by Christopher Chan 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

Hello, We're trying to find software to manage sign-in for volunteers and patrons. I know that Austin Yellow Bike has something, and various other shops use modified versions. Is there some place where it can be downloaded? (Don't suppose there's an online version control repository of it, for us software developers?) I'm also starting work on a rental database if anyone is interested. In addition to other projects, we run a bike rental program, as well as loan out bikes for special needs kids. This software will be web-based, mobile-friendly (through a browser, not an app) barcode-scanner friendly, and will be integrated with Google Calendar and to allow online bookings and Paypal for deposits/payments, if anyone is interested. Thanks, Christopher Chan *Executive Director* Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society edmontonbikes.ca *BikeWorks North ** 9305 111 Ave * T5G 0A2 * 780-757-9100 *BikeWorks South ** 8001 102 St * T6E 4A2 * 780-433-2453 *Cell ** privatecellchan Edmonton, Alberta, Canada @edmontonbicycle <https://twitter.com/edmontonbicycle> facebook.com/EdmontonBicycleCommuters<https://www.facebook.com/EdmontonBicycleCommuters>

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Think Tank Google or Yahoo Group?
by Bayley Vanderpoel 23 Mar '14

23 Mar '14

Hi all, Is there a think tank google or yahoo group back end to this distribution list so I can search prior threads? I have a lot of questions, but I'll bet they've already been answered before I joined the list. If not, would there be any consideration to begin one? Who from the think tank would I have to ask? Bayley

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RBP is Hiring: Mechanic/Educator Wanted
by Reno Bike Project 20 Mar '14

20 Mar '14

Use this area to offer a short teaser of your email's content. Text here will show in the preview area of some email clients. ------------------------------------------------------------ http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1d03&id=a17865c53c… ** Mechanic/Educator Wanted ------------------------------------------------------------ Status: full time (30-40 h/wk) Application Deadline April 1, 2014 Submit Resume's to: noah(a)renobikeprojet.com or at 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 Reno Bike Project is seeking an experienced mechanic who can teach as well as repair bikes. RBP is a non-profit community bike shop dedicated to creating an affordable resource for the community to learn, buy and repair bicycles. Our team works one-on-one with the public to educate and assist them in bike repair, as well as offering a full repair shop. PROFILE This is not your typical Mechanic position in your typical shop. This job consists of two major roles; fixing bikes and teaching others to fix bikes, but you may be asked to assist with a wide scope of activities and you will be required to wear many different hats. We serve a wide range of people from bicycle hobbyist to college students to Reno's homeless population in repairing their bicycles, answering questions and other general customer service duties. You will be required to conduct repairs to the highest quality on a wide range of bicycles since we work on bikes of all varieties and ages. We feel that the repairs we carry out on our customers' bikes represent us as a shop; therefore any repair should be completed to the best of your ability. Besides operating a full service repair shop our organization is committed to helping people learn about bicycle repair/maintenance and offers 6 public workstations that are available during open hours for the public to utilize our tools and the knowledge of our staff to repair their own bike. People from all walks of life and skill levels use our shop to fix their bikes and sometimes that can be a challenge so patience and a good attitude are mandatory attributes for this job. If you enjoy helping people one to one and wish to help provide our community with a valuable resource then this might be the job for you. Job Description: Mechanic/Educator The Mechanic/Educator’s primary duty is to work with the Shop Manager to handle service and builds but may be asked to assist customers in all aspects of customer service. The Mechanic/Educator is the main resource for customers checked into the public workstations. The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. 1. Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customers' bicycles as needed. 2. Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base. 3. Support daily bike shop operations. 4. Responsible for properly taking in service work including correctly filling out service work orders, scheduling an appropriate amount of repairs and completing those repairs in a timely manner. 5. Advises and assists customers with their product selection without bias. 6. Develops and maintains knowledge expertise of all merchandise in department to effectively assist customers with accurate information. 7. Assists with bike sales and any other bike floor duties as needed. 8. Maintains a clean and safe workstation. 9. Performs other duties as assigned by the bike shop manager. 10. Help with shop maintenance and construction projects. 11. Work with the Volunteer Coordinator on a weekly basis to manage shop volunteers. ** COMPENSATION: Negotiable depending on skill level and experience. ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Heading 4 ------------------------------------------------------------ Variable content blocks: Variable content sections (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be04…) are noted with plus and minus signs so that you can add and subtract content blocks and also a drop-down selector that allows you to choose which type of content block to display. ============================================================ About Us Reno Bike Project (RBP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community bicycle shop and advocacy group committed to creating a nationally recognized, cycling-friendly community through advocacy, education, and cooperation in the Truckee Meadows. Reno Bike Project achieves its mission by: * Making cycling more accessible through recycling and recirculation of used bikes into the community at affordable prices. * Holding bike mechanics workshops and encouraging self-sufficiency by providing a space for community members to repair their own bicycles rather than incur maintenance costs. * Promoting and holding events to encourage bicycle activism. * Working with public officials and other organizations to advocate for cycling rights and growth in the Truckee Meadows. * Complementing other local groups to encourage youth safety and cycling-related arts and culture, and contributing to Reno's continual growth as a diverse and vibrant community. * Keeping an open mind to all cycling needs and ideas and helping to facilitate positive growth. 541 E. 4th St, Reno, NV 89512 | Wed. - Fri. 10am - 6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm | 775-323-4488 ** Like us on Facebook (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) ** Follow us on Twitter (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) ** View our photos on flickr (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be04…) ** unsubscribe from this list (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) | ** update subscription preferences (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1…) This email was sent to thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org why did I get this? (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/about?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1d0…) unsubscribe from this list (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) update subscription preferences (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1…) Reno Bike Project · 541 E 4th St, Reno, NV, United States · Reno, NV 89512 · USA Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…

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Job Posting - Mecahnic / Collective Member at OCB VANCOUVER
by allison karow 18 Mar '14

18 Mar '14

Hi old friends!! Here is a job posting for a mechanic / collective member position at Our Community Bikes in Vancouver, BC. Please consider applying if you are Canadian or can obtain a Canadian work visa! Our shop is really fun and great, we get super busy in the summer, so we are hiring for May 1st. Feel free to send me a private message if you have questions about work visas.

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