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@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@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
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-- Joshua Muir muirjoshua@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
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