RETAILERS
Any advice for other businesses... Matt Ivory, Mucky Nutz, Cornwall
Cost reduction is crucial - there are always ways to further reduce costs even when you believe you’re running a tight ship. Re-using inbound packaging materials, streamlining processes and shopping around for logistics are areas where we have found savings.
John, e-bike sales and
repairs, Herefordshire Be open minded about lesser known brands and products.
David Bordewisch,
BioWheels, Ohio, USA Do not become a warehouse for your suppliers, hold prices, be mindful of cash flow, cut and control expenses whenever possible.
Adam Bell, Bognor Bike Hub, Bognor Regis
Always engage with people to encourage them to cycle. Just because they might not buy a bike at the time, they’ll appreciate any advice given.
Amos Brumble, Brumble Bikes, Rhode Island, USA
Cristian Tomlinson, Rokitcyclery, Berkshire Put your staff on weekend rotas. Stop looking at every one else, including your local competition. Portray your business as you actually are, not what you dream to be. Treat customers as your mates, even complete strangers - hearts and minds go a long, long way. Don’t overcharge.. in a world where nothing is value for money, at least try to be, or make customers feel like that’s what they get. My best tip: It’s hard from a shop’s point of view, but for a loner like me its easier, and that’s contact. I chat to customers whenever I can.
ABP: always be positive. You could be selling photocopiers. A customer of mine sells photocopiers. He rides bikes to escape, I don’t.
Work with vendors who can supply product on demand vs having to order well in advance. Focus on service over lower margin sales of bikes if you have the capacity. Adjust your pricing both for
worker pay and how goods and services are priced. Marketing to new riders will be more important as many bikes will start to need service but those riders may not have purchased from a bricks and mortar store so they have no loyalties yet.
www.bikebiz.com
July 2023 | 17
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