- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

BICAS in Tucson, AZ is hiring!
by Kylie Walzak 04 May '12

04 May '12

BICAS is seeking to hire a Staff/Collective Member. Date Posted: 05/04/12 Position: Staff Collective Member Organization: BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art & Salvage) Start Date: June 1st, 2012 Duration: We are looking for a long-term collective member. Location: Tucson, AZ BICAS is a non-profit bicycle recycling an education center that teaches people from all walks of life how to fix and maintain bicycles. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the bicycle as a viable, sustainable and healthy form of transportation and eager to share that enthusiasm with our visitors both in and out of the shop. BICAS is dedicated to serving everyone, regardless of background, and frequently works with youth, homeless, refugee, Spanish-speaking, and low-income populations. Experience working with these populations in any non-profit capacity is a plus, as is being bi or multilingual. Bicycle mechanical knowledge is not required but is desired. The ability to teach in a caring, compassionate, and hands-off approach is necessary. This position includes outreach and expansion of organizational presence in the surrounding community.   Minimum Qualifications 1. Out going and self-motivated personality who can work efficiently and effectively in both a chaotic environment and individually. 2. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences. 3. Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation. 4. Strong communication skills including: interpersonal, electronic, and group setting. 5. Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community members. 6. Ability to multi-task and serve several customers at a time. 7. Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation. Desired Qualifications 1. Experience organizing volunteers or staff. 2. Experience coordinating events. 3. Experience working in a leadership role of a non-profit organization, collective or equivalent. 4. Excellent written and verbal communication and public relations skills. 5. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of bike repair and bike mechanics. 6. Experience teaching one-on-one or in class settings. 7. Familiarity with related sustainability, safety and health issues. 8. Experience in sustainable business practices. 9. Ability to set measurable goals and see them through to their completion. 10. Computer literacy, Familiarity with Quick Books, and Google Office programs. 11. Spanish-speaking bilingual or multilingual. 12. Commitment to the use of the bicycle as a legitimate form of transportation. Job Tasks: 1. At least 2 scheduled shifts (15 hours) in the community tools area where your primary duties will be to support visitors in bicycle repair, assist work-trade and community service visitors, coordinate volunteers, record sales and services using the cash register and other systems in place, and represent BICAS in a pleasant and professional manner. 2. Attend and participate in mandatory, twice monthly collective and staff meetings on Wednesday nights (4 paid hours per month) 3. Participate in occasional sub committees to further the organization 4. Willingness to participate in educational activities including Basic Maintenance, Build-a-Bike programs, volunteer training, and advanced classes if technical skills allow. 5. Participate in off-site events including promotional events, mobile bike repair, bike drives, and monthly outreach events. (at least 4 hours per month) 6. Participate in the annual Art Auction and other fundraising activities 7. Build used bikes for resale and to gain mechanical experience. (4 hours a week) 8. Support the development, promotion and implementation of BICAS programs by selecting an area of expertise from the following aspects of the organization: Education, Outreach, Art, Volunteer Coordination, Shop Organization, Accounting, Grant Writing, Fund Raising. 9. This is a part-time position. Base rate is $9 per hour or based on experience. Accepted applicant will be guaranteed 15 hours of scheduled shifts, 4 hours per month of meetings, 4 hours per week of building floor bikes on off hours and 4 hours of off-site outreach opportunities per month. It is expected that the applicant will participate in these activities bringing the total hours to an average of 21 hours a week. There is ample opportunity for growth at BICAS. We are looking for a highly motivated person that will be able to help develop an area of expertise from the following aspects of the organization: Education, Outreach, Art, Volunteer Coordination, Shop Organization, Accounting, Grant Writing, Fund Raising. To Apply: Please submit the following to bicas(a)bicas.org with "Staff Collective Member" in subject line by May 15, 2012. 1. A cover letter: In your cover letter, address the following: · How does your experience relate to actively advancing the BICAS mission of Do-It-Yourself, empowerment, inclusivity and cooperation. · Please address “Job Tasks #8 specifically and what area of BICAS you are attracted to advancing. What are your goals in this position? 2. A resume 3. At least three work-related references (required) including the names, current addresses and telephone numbers. Additional Information for job applicants: BICAS is a non-for profit community bike shop established in 1989 as Bootstraps to Share, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless. After many peoples efforts it was realized that the bicycle and being able to provide your own mechanical support was vital to getting people to food, shelter, and work. Thus BICAS was formed in 1994 with a focus on the bicycle but expanding the vision to youth, students and anyone that has the will and desire to learn about the bicycle as a legitimate and sustainable form of transportation. We continue to serve this mission with a commitment of our resources to the community to learn about bicycle repair and offer those without means the opportunity to work for trade of community tool use, used parts and used bicycles. BICAS provides inclusive and open shop space, knowledge sharing, educational classes and affordable refurbished bicycles to the community as a service and to generate funds for the organization. Revenue from the sales of recycled bicycles currently funds overhead to maintain shop operations with additional grants for supplemental projects. BICAS has over 3500 people utilize Community Tools every year, over 700 people using our work-trade program for over 3800 hours of work-trade per year, and over 200 people (100 being 18 years or under) doing over 1500 hours of community service per year on a shoe string operating budget of approximately $200,000 per year. You bet what we are doing is important. BICAS is a highly rewarding responsibility for those that work as staff but is often a very demanding job. A successful candidate will be familiar with BICAS bylaws, policies and procedures; have an understanding of and desire to implement the mission and vision and long-term goals of the organization; openness to learning and trying new approaches; ability to work unconventional hours when necessary; ability to work in various locations in greater Tucson and attend various committee meetings throughout the year. Please look through the rest of our website for additional information about us. www.bicas.org BICAS currently employs 12 part-time staff members. All staff and the volunteer board of directors form the BICAS collective. The collective is the base for all major decisions regarding the organizations structure and policies. For this reason it is of the utmost importance that all members participate in the collective process. Staff is held accountable to the collective. The BICAS collective strives to provide its employees with a living wage based on its current annual budget which is why we need all collective members to be involved with advancing the organization and involved in fundraising activities. The BICAS staff member has opportunity to grow in the organization based on personal motivation to be involved. The current policy for raise is $.50 raise for 500 hours worked in an attempt to reward experience, long-term commitment and increased participation in the organization. BICAS staff are allowed up to 6 weeks unpaid leave per year as long as leave does not impede shop operations. Staff is required to find their own substitutes for long or short leave of absence. Longer leave is possible with collective approval but will not be acceptable for 2 consecutive years. Leave overlap is based on seniority. New hires will not be eligible for extended leave within 6 months of hire date. This position requires awareness and passion about social and environmental sustainability, local economics and bicycle mechanics, cooperative involvement and collective decision-making. Operating a bike project to these standards in an institutional environment and larger community takes tenacity and passion. Successful candidates will be experienced organizers who are interested in working hard and being flexible in order to get things done. This position requires representing and advocating for BICAS in the greater Tucson area. We look forward to reading your application! Kylie Walzak Education and Outreach Coordinator BICAS (520) 628-7950 education(a)bicas.org www.bicas.org Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world. ~Grant Petersen

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new Brownsville Bike Barn
by charle roberts 03 May '12

03 May '12

There is a new community bicycle shope kindof like the austin yellow bike project they are in need of tools parts and stands, and some finachel funding to get it of the ground and in full swing. It is the only one of there kind they will be teaching bike mechanics, bike safety, ect... The guy to contact is Joe Boswell his phone # is (404)729-2644

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video/streaming of bike!bike! discussion
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 29 Apr '12

29 Apr '12

it's been brought up on facebook, and there is a separate google group for if/once things get rolling, but i know some of you aren't on either of those, so i'm asking here. is anyone who's going to bike!bike! this year interested in helping facilitate either filming of workshops and events, or helping with getting some kind of live streaming going? it looks like we've got a group of 4 or 5 people who are very interested in this happening, and willing to help, but so far none of us are going. so, we've got some ideas of things that could happen, but it all requires having someone on the ground in Vancouver to facilitate recording or streaming... if you are going, or even if you're not, and are interested in helping make this happen, please get at me off of this list, and we can go into some more details... thanks! josh.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Help Neighborhood Bike Works win $25, 000 for Earn-a-Bike classes
by james bledsoe 28 Apr '12

28 Apr '12

hey this is cool, the tag in the list sez "earn a bike education" with a outline of Pennsylvania no NBW is that the program you are hoping we will help with?? jim --- On Sat, 4/28/12, Neighborhood Bike Works <info(a)neighborhoodbikeworks.org> wrote: From: Neighborhood Bike Works <info(a)neighborhoodbikeworks.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Help Neighborhood Bike Works win $25, 000 for Earn-a-Bike classes To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 8:42 AM Hi ThinkTank-ers -- Neighborhood Bike Works has been selected as a finalist in the Cause An Effect program on Facebook. We have the potential to receive a $25,000 grant to fund Earn-a-Bike classes for youth, which would allow us to provide free classes to 60 youth and would go a long way to increasing opportunities for youth through bicycling in Philly. Our submission, along with the other finalists, are live on Facebook and anyone with a Facebook account can log on and vote for our Cause. To vote, visit: http://www.facebook.com/statefarm/app_376288832400015?app_data=Earn-a-Bike-… and click on the “Vote” button 10 times to show your support for Earn-a-Bike Education at NBW. You can vote 10 times per day between today and May 17. The 40 Causes that receive the most votes will all receive $25,000 - right now we are #11, so we're well on our way, but we need your help to get there. Please feel free to forward this note on to friends, family, and neighbors! Neighborhood Bike Works http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org 215-386-0316 -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Help Neighborhood Bike Works win $25, 000 for Earn-a-Bike classes
by Neighborhood Bike Works 28 Apr '12

28 Apr '12

Hi ThinkTank-ers -- Neighborhood Bike Works has been selected as a finalist in the Cause An Effect program on Facebook. We have the potential to receive a $25,000 grant to fund Earn-a-Bike classes for youth, which would allow us to provide free classes to 60 youth and would go a long way to increasing opportunities for youth through bicycling in Philly. Our submission, along with the other finalists, are live on Facebook and anyone with a Facebook account can log on and vote for our Cause. *To vote, visit: http://www.facebook.com/statefarm/app_376288832400015?app_data=Earn-a-Bike-… and click on the “Vote” button 10 times to show your support for Earn-a-Bike Education at NBW. *You can vote 10 times per day between today and May 17. The 40 Causes that receive the most votes will all receive $25,000 - right now we are #11, so we're well on our way, but we need your help to get there. *Please feel free to forward this note on to friends, family, and neighbors! * Neighborhood Bike Works http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org 215-386-0316

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bicycle Kitchen/ La Bici Cocina (Los Angeles) is buying a building
by momoko saunders 27 Apr '12

27 Apr '12

Let's talk at bike bike! yellow bike was proposing something sort of similar as well and i'd love to hear more about it. Maybe we could make it a workshop so anyone interesting in coming could just come and discuss. I'd host it if you want to support me. -momoko On Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 9:42 PM, james bledsoe <jamesbleds0e(a)yahoo.com>wrote: > hi Anibal, > > we are closing on the 15th of May. the thirty grand we are raising is > only a down payment. Anything you send our way will help > thanks is advance > > > jim > > > P.S. what I would like is to establish a fund that helps shops buy > buildings > > if we all placed $5000 a year into a fund that is sent to one of us each > year then we could get a lot of property funded over time. > > i see something like a contest or award presented at Bike Bike each year. > > of course we will need to work out details and procedures concerning this > sort of arrangement. > > > > --- On *Thu, 4/26/12, Anibal Davila <info(a)bikesauce.org>* wrote: > > > From: Anibal Davila <info(a)bikesauce.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bicycle Kitchen/ La Bici Cocina (Los Angeles) > is buying a building > To: "james blesdoe" <jamesbleds0e(a)yahoo.com> > Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 2:03 PM > > hi james, i had a closer look at your website and realized that you are > still raising funds, how important is the two day time line you've posted > on your website? I ask because I would like to have 'Sauce raise $500 for > you guys. The bicy cocina was a big inspiration for me when i set out to > start bikeSauce two years ago, and owning our own building is one of my > biggest ambitions for the organization. I want to point to bike kitchen and > say that if they can do it, we can do it too. > > So... how pressing is the timeline? > > Anibal > 'sauce treasurer > > > On Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 2:13 PM, james bledsoe <jamesbleds0e(a)yahoo.com<http://mc/compose?to=jamesbleds0e@yahoo.com> > > wrote: > > We are closing escrow in mid May. This event will allow us to expand our > mission and ensure our long term presents in the burgeoning Post Petroleum > Paradigm. Reading other Think Tank post i have become aware of a few > other shops who have secured permanent homes. I am wondering if we might > at Bike Bike start a discussion leading towards establishing a fund or > funding system that will empower more of our shops to become similarly > stabilized. > click here to see our fund raising effort www.bicyclekitchen.com > > > roll on > > jim > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org<http://mc/compose?to=Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org> > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org<http://mc/compose?to=TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org> > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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New Cargo Bike Network
by Jan VanderTuin 26 Apr '12

26 Apr '12

April 26, 2012 Hello Cargo Bike Enthusiasts, We are currently reaching out to other people in the bike world to increase awareness of the Human Powered Network <https://catoregon.org/?page_id=534> (HPN). Our aim in contacting you is to reach someone in your community who is interested in being a part of an intensive Apprenticeship Program <http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=329>.This program focuses on preparing individuals to create their own local, bicycle-based business/social enterprise. Based on Human Powered Machines (HPM <http://hpm.catoregon.org/>) 20 years of experience with cargo bike design and philosophy, the Network seeks to create an association of fabricators who will build a strong, decentralized alternative to the standard, centralized non-local production of bikes. Our dream? To have many smaller scale frame builders cooperating and acting as an entity that is comparable to a large bike manufacturer. A diverse group of apprentices has been through the program in the last three years. The HPN is designed to give them support that will come in many forms. At the outset, the Tiered Kit System <http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=553> (TKS) will enable them to kick-start their new initiative. The TKSis a process whereby HPN associates may order to sell any of HPM's product line, built to varying levels of completion. When they have developed their own fabrication facilities capable of building complete bikes they will have the right to the designs (think open source hardware). Please print the attached PDF and freely distribute the information on the Apprenticeship Program to anyone in your community who may be interested. For the Network Jan VanderTuin Derek Thomas

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Community Cycles is hiring a shop manager in Boulder Colorado
by Rich 25 Apr '12

25 Apr '12

http://communitycycles.org/component/content/article/49-events/507-shop-man… *Position Title: Community Bike Shop Manager * *Responsibility Statement * The Community Cycles Shop Manager oversees the day-to-day logistics and quality control of the community bike shop. The position is responsible for volunteer, customer and client management, retail sales and inventory. *Reports To*: Executive Director *Essential Functions* *Shop Operations* * Manage, train and develop team of facilitators (high level volunteers). * Support the EAB program with bikes and other shop resources * Along with volunteers, ensure the shop is maintained in a clean, safe manner at all times. * Ensure adequate coverage of all shop positions and shifts to ensure consistent service throughout stated shop hours. * Recruit and help train dedicated volunteers as shop leads and front desk volunteers. * Oversee initial store construction and ongoing maintenance of retail space * Ensure completion and quality of work done; ensure that all phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. *Administration* * Maintain, organize, and update office files and records. * File invoices, statements, timesheets, and fiscal reports in an organized fashion. * Maintain Operations Metrics Report. * Prepare and submit monthly reports and problems/suggestions to the Executive Director. * Implements procedures to protect the shop's assets. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. * Ensure shop van is in running order at all times. *Retail* * Responsible for achieving Retail Sales and Gross Margin targets. * Conduct price surveys to keep price book and service menu up-to-date and maintain pricing inventory knowledge. * Responsible for Retail merchandising and marketing. * Ensure parts and materials are stocked at all times. * Work with Head Mechanic to place orders with vendors for both stock and special orders. * Develop and maintain strict inventory control; inventory to be taken once per quarter. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. *Experience/Education* * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum two years retail experience required * Minimum one year management experience preferred * Minimum one year formal supervision of staff and/or volunteers * Bike shop experience preferred * Experience with marketing and retail merchandising preferred * Current knowledge of a wide variety of bike types, accessories, tools, etc. *Supervision *Daily supervision of paid mechanics and other employees Daily supervision of clients, volunteers and interns *Knowledge, Skills, Abilities* * Advanced supervisory and management skills * Strong understanding of bike mechanics * Basic understanding of volunteer coordination * Proficiency in windows-based computer software programs * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Experience with budget tracking, cash handling and inventory control * Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement classes and workshops * English/Spanish bilingual preferred *Equipment* * Personal Computer * Cell Phone *Physical Effort Required* * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds * Ability to climb ladders and stairs. *Compensation *The Community Cycles bike shop manager is a full time position, compensation is $28K-$30K based on experience and qulifications. Benefits - Eco Pass, no other benefits, at this time. *TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION* If you would like to apply for this position please copy and paste your resume into the body of an email /and/ attach it as a pdf to an email to resume "at" communitycycles.org *Resumes will be accepted through April 29* -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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Job Opening- People Power: Hiring New Executive Director- Apps due May 2nd
by Tawn Kennedy 24 Apr '12

24 Apr '12

Please help spread the word! People Power of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Position Announcement People Power Mission Statement We promote the use of bicycles, utility tricycles, bike-trailers, skateboards, walking, and other non-motorized transit. We are committed to helping government, citizens, and businesses overcome their dependence on the automobile. Our goal is to demonstrate that better alternatives to the car exist, while improving conditions for bicyclists in Santa Cruz County. Who We Are People Power is Santa Cruz County's advocate for human-powered transportation. We imagine a human-scale world and work to make it a reality through educational efforts, community outreach, and grassroots political lobbying. Our 300 members come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of complementary concerns and issues: quieter neighborhoods, safer routes to schools, short- and long-distance bike lanes and paths, auto-free public space, smart public planning, and reduction of pollution, global warming, and wars over oil. These seemingly diverse concerns are all addressed by the movement towards human-powered transportation and away from fossil fuels. We started in 1991 as a response to the first oil war. Our founders, Jim and Jessica Denevan, organized several bike ride demonstrations including one from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. We developed a ten-year plan for the city and county of Santa Cruz. Since then, much of our vision has become reality, especially in Santa Cruz city including bikes on buses, bike lanes on major streets, contra-flow bike lanes on one-way bottlenecks, and bike parking. We are currently focused on county-wide issues and projects, particularly the rail trail between Davenport, Felton, and Watsonville, and the containment of a movement to widen Highway 1. Position Title: Executive Director Reports to: Steering Committee Desired Qualifications - Proven ability to lead an organization - Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and increasing and retaining group membership - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Extensive knowledge of social movements - Ability to work collaboratively with others - Experience managing volunteers - Ability to work effectively with elected officials and public-sector employees - Commitment to using a bicycle for transportation while working - Knowledge of and experience with financial management, budgeting and reporting - Ability to use computer software, including Office suite, email, web browsers, messaging, and conferencing applications - Availability to work occasional nights and weekends Compensation $18-22/hour, 25-40 hours weekly. Hours and pay dependent on qualifications and ability to do successful fundraising. How to Apply: Applications must be received by May 2, 2012, 5:00 PM. Send the following items to director(a)peoplepowersc.org. No phone calls please. - Résumé - List of three professional references with contact information - A written description of why you wish to become a leader in the bicycle advocacy movement (minimum one page). Description of Duties and Responsibilities Management and Administration Financial - Work with the People Power bookkeeper to oversee the organization’s finances. - Make day-to-day financial decisions in consultation with bookkeeper, based on policies set by the Steering Committee. - Ensure sound financial planning, management, reporting and organizational accountability. Coordinate Volunteers - Recruit volunteers (including college interns) for People Power and for the bicycle movement as a whole. - Match volunteers with meaningful work for which they are qualified. - Cultivate and train leaders both within People Power and within the bicycle movement. - Support leaders in their work, subject to projects and campaigns being approved by the Steering Committee. Coordinate paid staff - Supervise 1 to 2 high school Interns with an emphasis on their education and personal development. - Supervise adult paid staff. - Supervise the Greenways to School program. - Coordinate hiring for all of the above positions. Working with the Steering Committee - Attend monthly Steering Committee meetings. - Recruit and screen Steering Committee members. - Work with the Chair of the Steering Committee to prepare for and coordinate monthly meetings. - Inform Steering Committee policy decisions regarding specific campaigns and general operations. - Make interim decisions (between Steering Meetings) as needed and in accordance with policy. Fundraising and Public Relations Fundraising - Increase revenue (including grants) to ensure funding for operations and the Executive Director position. - Recruit new members as an integral part of all other activities with the goal of adding 100 members annually. - Grow and support merchandise sales, valet parking, and other in-kind revenue sources. Public Relations - Act as a voice for People Power and for cyclists with the press and the public at large. Membership - Coordinate the publication of the Update (with the Update editor), issue press releases, email action alerts, and announcements through social media including Facebook and Twitter. Update website content. - Work with membership coordinator on member retention efforts. - Coordinate volunteers serving at events. Advocacy - Coordinate campaigns for specific projects, including maintaining relationships with, and directly lobbying, elected officials. - Coordinate endorsements of candidates for elected office and ballot measures and propositions. - Maintain and improve relationships with relevant staff members and partners (Friends of the Rail Trail, Santa Cruz County Cycling Club, etc.). - Do research on policy and process related to campaigns. Events - Create and/or collaborate with other groups to organize and publicize events that support People Power’s mission. --- Tawn Kennedy Director, Green Ways to School A project of People Power The Hub for Sustainable Transportation greenways(a)peoplepowersc.org www.greenways2school.org (831) 425 0667 Cell: 428-5109

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Re: [TheThinkTank] No suggested donation
by troy neiman 23 Apr '12

23 Apr '12

At BICAS in Tucson we have a set hourly rate of $4 per hour for shop rental (or $12 per day) it divides up well with our work-trade wage of $8 per hour. As many people do work-trade for shop time we generate a very small amount of money from shop rental but it does cover consumable expenses for the shop and keeps it affordable for all. I have often thought about moving to sliding scale system say $4-$20 per hour or something but it seems like a real hassle to explain to people all day long and we dont want people to feel bad if they only can pay the minimum amount. Its really important to keep our prices low and affordable for our users but Its also true that we many times undercharge for a very valuable service to those that could afford to kick down more. Lets say you help someone fix something on their bike that no other bike shop would touch for under $100. It only takes an hour, so for us we would say $4. I find if I tell them the the price is $4 for shop rent then they will most likely pay $4. If I instead just say "well it took us just under an hour, if you want you can just put something in the donation bin"...I find its usually worth $10-20 to that person. On the other hand a majority of our users are spending 2 hours fixing a huffy and in that case the hourly suggested rate seems to be fair and works well. On that same subject, We have started taking note when selling small used parts as well. We will get people coming in for a hand full of nuts/bolts/washers, etc. I used to always suggest a dollar or some change. Now I just say "toss something in the donation bin" and I have found for those that can afford it will almost always leave at least $5+. Also, I many times let people choose there own price by asking "what it worth to you" on small items that we may usually only ask a dollar for its usually worth $2-5 to them. For these kinds of situations and like your situation of pumping up tires I totally agree with your volunteer. If you ask for an amount you will always get it but rarely more. If you dont ask for a specific amount you will often be surprised that the service has a much hire value to most. I think it really only works consistently on these smaller items that you dont mind giving away for free. Once you start letting people chose from nicer parts or spending a whole day in the shop it can be be a real bummer to find they dont find the service as valuable as you do. Anyway, Our system of more or less set prices on tool use and used parts works pretty well but being flexible to ask for donations in a situation that does not pressure the donor usually ends up good for both parties. A couple of $ here and few there adds up at the end of the year. ----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Nagel Sent: 04/13/12 08:41 AM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] No suggested donation At our volunteer meeting last night, someone shared an anecdote where a group offering to pump up people's bike tires raised far more money when they asked only that people pay what they thought the service was worth, rather than asking for $1 per pumping (this was something he heard in a business class of some sort). This volunteer went on to suggest we not post our current $5 suggested donation per hour for DIY repair, but rather use language along the lines of "donate what you think the service is worth". This is in a context where, even on a busier day, with about 12 visitors, we usually receive less than $60, even though many of those people will stay for two hours or more. Also, being more firm about payment is not of interest to us. As with most of you, we serve a wide variety of people. I can see "donate what you think the service is worth" being fine for people of even modest income, but I'm concerned about how that concept can be communicated without causing bad feelings in people who can't pay what they think the service is worth. In the past, when we were just getting started, we advertised our services as being "free", but accepted donations. That is somewhat different from the idea presented here, as "free" implies people need not/ought not to pay. Does anyone here have experience with having no suggested donation? If so, have you utilized both methods in a similar context, and how did the income compare? Also, how did you word your pricing policy? Thank you, Paul

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