Need Bicycle Distributor in Southeast
05-29-08 | 07:29 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Need Bicycle Distributor in Southeast
Hi all,
Starting a new bike shop in the deep south. I am a NEW and GREEN bike retailer, hoping to open my shop be September 1. Any retailers out there with suggestions on distributors in "Dixie"? Which are considered the top US distributors? How many distributors would one bike shop need accounts with?
Thanx!!!!!
Starting a new bike shop in the deep south. I am a NEW and GREEN bike retailer, hoping to open my shop be September 1. Any retailers out there with suggestions on distributors in "Dixie"? Which are considered the top US distributors? How many distributors would one bike shop need accounts with?
Thanx!!!!!
05-29-08 | 07:49 PM
#2
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
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From: Down under down under
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A question ... have you actually opened your shop yet, or is this a dream for the future?
Another question ... do you cycle?
I ask because it seems strange to me that you're asking these sorts of questions if you are in the process of opening the store now or in the immediate future ... and if you are an avid cyclist.
Another question ... do you cycle?
I ask because it seems strange to me that you're asking these sorts of questions if you are in the process of opening the store now or in the immediate future ... and if you are an avid cyclist.
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05-29-08 | 08:02 PM
#3
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12,769
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From: Rocket City, No'ala
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
I agree with Machka. What's your business plan?
Where exactly are you planning to open a store? I'm in Huntsville, Alabama. All the major brands are covered here. I would assume it to be the same in Birmingham. Not sure about Montgomery but Tuscaloosa is a University town and when I was there at least, had two shops that kept students covered.
A bike shop should have all the bases covered and that usually means going with a big name that makes all types of bikes. Like a Trek or Giant or Specialized or Cannondale. Then maybe adding a niche player or two, one that covers your target customers and/or your high-end ones. Cervelo or Titus or Electra, if your customers are high end roadies, mountain bikers, or city street cruisers.
And of course, every shop has a QBP catalog and so can carry Surly products.
Tell us more jmorgan811.
Where exactly are you planning to open a store? I'm in Huntsville, Alabama. All the major brands are covered here. I would assume it to be the same in Birmingham. Not sure about Montgomery but Tuscaloosa is a University town and when I was there at least, had two shops that kept students covered.
A bike shop should have all the bases covered and that usually means going with a big name that makes all types of bikes. Like a Trek or Giant or Specialized or Cannondale. Then maybe adding a niche player or two, one that covers your target customers and/or your high-end ones. Cervelo or Titus or Electra, if your customers are high end roadies, mountain bikers, or city street cruisers.
And of course, every shop has a QBP catalog and so can carry Surly products.
Tell us more jmorgan811.
05-30-08 | 06:35 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 2
From: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
The Hawley Co.
Lexington, SC
www.hawleyusa.com
For bikes, you'll need to find a company that isn't in that market yet. Since your mute on where exactly you will be, we can't be much help.
Lexington, SC
www.hawleyusa.com
For bikes, you'll need to find a company that isn't in that market yet. Since your mute on where exactly you will be, we can't be much help.
06-02-08 | 01:15 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
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Hi Guys,
Guess I really didn't give you all enough information initially. Looking to open shop in Starkville, MS... home of Mississippi State University. Only one other shop in a three county area, and the guy there is an unfriendly sort with a dirty, unorganized shop. All the locals want another choice.
I am the business end... hubby is the avid biker.
I am already in discussions with Specialized, and expect them to be our main line. Know about QBP and Hawley, and will no doubt get set up with them. My initial question arose from a recomendation that I try to locate distributors that were close to minimize freight expenses.
Sorry for bing unclear, and THANX for the info so far.
Guess I really didn't give you all enough information initially. Looking to open shop in Starkville, MS... home of Mississippi State University. Only one other shop in a three county area, and the guy there is an unfriendly sort with a dirty, unorganized shop. All the locals want another choice.
I am the business end... hubby is the avid biker.
I am already in discussions with Specialized, and expect them to be our main line. Know about QBP and Hawley, and will no doubt get set up with them. My initial question arose from a recomendation that I try to locate distributors that were close to minimize freight expenses.
Sorry for bing unclear, and THANX for the info so far.
