Hi all,
I and some other folks are starting a bike collective-esque organization here in Southwest Florida. We're working with existing nonprofits to distribute the bikes we collect and refurbish, and it seems that demand for our bikes will far outpace supply.
We consider it necessary to include a basic u-lock and lights on every bike we distribute, but we also wish to keep our expenses down, so we can focus more on collecting/distributing bikes and less on selling them as a fundraiser.
Even at wholesale cost through J&B (with quantity discounts), it'll cost us around $16 to equip each bike. We would like to test the waters a bit and see if any recipient organizations would be able to cover some or all of these costs. Perhaps it's a stretch, as these organizations are just as cash-strapped as we are, but have any other bike collectives had success with this?
Also, is there any cheaper place to find u-locks and lights (perhaps some supplier sells them cheaper or offers super-high-quantity discounts)?
Many thanks!
--
Ryan Feller
Director
5800 Bay Shore Road, Box 275
Sarasota, FL 34243
(954) 232-3790
ryan@suncoastcommunitybikes.org
www.suncoastcommunitybikes.org