FWIW, we don't sell new items (aside from cables), and the local bike
shops seem to like us just fine. Our bikes start at $20 for an out-
of-the-pile beater, to at most $150 for a fully-overhauled machine.
For most shops the new bikes start at $300.
Heck, even the nearby for-profit used bike shop supports us because,
as the owner says, "as long as people are on bikes it's a good thing,
wherever the bikes come from". With our move last year we ended up
only being about four blocks from him, which he liked, because he has
a much larger inventory than we do, so we send folks over there if
they can't find what they're looking for. And in turn, if the bike
they buy has issues he doesn't want to deal with he tells them to go
to us and we'll help them make it right. :)
Mark
On 21-Jan-09, at 8:52 AM, Bruce Lien wrote:
The problem with this sell,sell,sell approach is that it can put
you in clear "competition" with bike shops. We want/must be
friendly with the local bike shops. Additionally, unless you have a
large account with the wholesalers, your account will be shut down.
(I know, mine was under this sell philosphy.)--- On Tue, 1/20/09, BovineOaks@aol.com BovineOaks@aol.com wrote:
From: BovineOaks@aol.com BovineOaks@aol.com Subject: [TheThinkTank] sales out of control. To: thethinktank@bikecollectives.org Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 4:45 PM
Mechanics will fight this note tooth and nail. They do not believe
that the knowledge they have earned makes them worthy of
professional benefits.Sell sell sell if you are afraid of selling hire a sales person,
Sell bikes, sell classes, sell parts, so you can afford rent,
healthcare, salaries, and afford to give back to the community more
than you take from it.You are not in business to get broke, you are there to give the
community a resource. Earning a Bike is different than undervaluing
your bike building/ repair services. If someone is give you their
time you can give them a discount on your professional services.Sell your service for top dollar, give back to your volunteers and
pay your employees. YOU ARE IN BUSINESS Non for Profit is not a go
broke fast scheme.If you are broke all the time how can you give to the community
when you are sick or injured? How can you afford to get the tools
or the training you need for your staff? How can you afford to take
your youth or adults on events or programs outside the shop? You
are Worth a lot, charge for it, respect those that volunteer and
promote volunteerism for its discounts if you feel the need to give
away cheap bikes.SELL SELL SELL you are worth it.
Christopher Wallace Chicago
P.S. I love selling classes, it is a great way to find inspired
volunteers. Adult students can become Mechanics, educators,
promoters, lawyers, mentors, shippers, government liaisons, and
more than you can even dream of. SELL ClassesInauguration '09: Get complete coverage from the nation's capital.
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