I am considering the purchase of a Brompton but have no local dealer. While I understand that there are many dealers in the US who would be happy to assist me in this matter, a local shop could come in handy dealing with possible future issues. The thought occurs to me that if I were to approach a local established bike shop with cash in hand for an upfront sale, it might make the suggestion of becoming a dealer more attractive. It would also be helpful to know what type of commitment Brompton requires of a new dealer, like opening order. Anyone care to disclose the information? (cough - Hank? - cough)

Thanks.
zimmer

Has It occurred to you to ask at the company website in England ? Brompton Bikes

Living in a Major city with a lot of bike sales probably helps as well as the line of credit to pay for the shipped Lot.


I have 2 dealers I use , one in Palo Alto Cal www.FoldaBikes.com - First US authorized Brompton folding bicycles dealer

, and one in Portland Oregon .. Clever Cycles - Bicycles for transportation

UPS moves the boxes around (the 1st and 2nd Brompton ones I've bought were private 2nd hand bikes)

Where are you located? Brompton's current dealer requirements are available at Become a dealer. IMHO, the requirements are very reasonable - brick and mortar location, current demo bike, initial bike inventory (demo not included), initial parts inventory and trained technician(s). IMHO, the requirements are designed to attract those who are willing to make a commitment to the product. And, again IMHO, that's good for the consumer.

As I have told others, many of us know someone who greatly regrets not grabbing a Toyota franchise in the USA in 1966.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Thanks for the responses. Sorry I didn't realize that I didn't have a location noted on my profile. I do note that there nowse is a dealer about 50 miles to the north of my location with a very small inventory. I suppose they might consider that local enough. The thought even occurs to me that if the Brompton dealership happened to fail in my area, I would hate to be "the jerk who talked them in to it". Perhaps I should just be the guy who rides it around town and suggests that others try to promote the idea locally.
From listings I see on the internet, I get the impression that Brompton has no protection of local dealers?

Well, we have sold Bromptons to customers within ~300 mile radius (and Dahons and Terns in a 700 mile radius). We don't ship. All of our customers pick their purchases up at our shop. And we have sold Brompton accessories to a customer in Buenos Aries, Argentina. His daughter was visiting in Oklahoma City, and he had her pick up the items.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma

Seems there is international protection of US dealers as suggested by SJS cycles UK not selling bikes & Parts to us.

Probably a good thing, especially right now. Seeing Bromptons for sale at UK prices and even 20% holiday discounts would hurt US dealers if they did ship. Certainly would be worth picking one up if one was already planning a trip!

Currency Exchange rates are still not going to help .. it takes more $ than 1 to buy a GBP

as of now 1 GBP = 1.48138 USD varies by the day and minute and this is Bank to Bank, not at the retail shop level.