Merchandise on CommuteByBike

Dec 2, 2009 By Arleigh Jenkins Posted in The Archives Tagged with Commute by Bike

I’m tentatively going to expand into merchandise and small product sales on Commute By Bike and Bike Shop Girl. But I would like your feedback. What type of things would you purchase through us vs Amazon. Would it be enough to know you are supporting a great resource to purchase that light or bag through us?

Let me know what you think and what you would be interested in!

0 thoughts on “Merchandise on CommuteByBike”

Deborah Merriam says:

December 2, 2009 at 11:42 am

It might be worthwhile for you to look into carrying items that are nearly impossible to find in North America but commonplace in European commuter-cycling cultures, like cup holders, chainguards & mudguards that are easily installed on bikes that don’t come with them standard, and skirt guard / coat protector / jasbeschermers. Please say you’ll be shipping to Canada too!

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Tom Bach says:

December 2, 2009 at 12:29 pm

Axa Basta ring locks and a second for chainguards, especially Hebie’s.
Best of luck.

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John says:

December 2, 2009 at 1:24 pm

A timely source of sales or deals on bikes accessories & bike parts would be great.

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john busteed says:

December 2, 2009 at 2:15 pm

For items that Amazon does sell, why not be an associate where you point to them and get monies for people who buy from them? Then stock the other stuff (count me 3 on chain guards) that Amazon, etc do not ordinarily sell and ship direct.

Make it easy. Let me either use Paypal or create an account so I don’t have to enter information repeatedly.

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Tinker says:

December 2, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Amazon makes it easy and fast, too, which is why I buy most tools and such from them. I suggest you become a closer associate of amazon and sell things “Service by Amazon”, so that you are selling things through Amazon, and Amazon delivers it.

It would take something extraordinary to convince me to buy from another company. But the thing I don’t like about Amazon, is that several things I have seen on there and like, are not in stock, for months on end. “Just order and we will get them SOON!” Bullpucky!

And there is an alarming tendency when I add things to my wish list, for them to be repriced in the next day or two (almost always UPWARD).

I do watch Orange Velo, and Rivendell for items, so its not impossible to break into the market, just very difficult. You have to be cheaper and faster than Amazon, that’s clear, or offer personalized items, at the regular cost, with great turn-around time, or sell unique items, as does Velo Orange.

Good luck!

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Bike Shop Girl says:

December 2, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Unfortunately North Carolina residents can’t do Amazon Associates program..

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John Romeo Alpha says:

December 2, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Stickers, t-shirts, riding apparel, bike accessories, bandannas, bumper stickers, reflective items.

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BluesCat says:

December 3, 2009 at 9:48 am

I second the idea of offering products easy-to-get in Europe but not in the States.

First on the list would be European Trekking Handlebars, also known as “Butterfly Bars.” Nashbar makes a great one of these, but they take them off their site … then put them on for a while … then take them off again.

BBB and, I think, Raleigh make Trekking Bars, too, but it’s tough to find a dealer in the U.S.

Modolo, out of Italy, makes a gorgeous (and expensive) set called the Yuma Traveller and another called the Dumbo on which you can change the geometry.

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Casey Anderson says:

December 3, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Realistically you have got to offer items that are either (1) cheaper or at least no more expensive than Amazon or internet-based bike retailers like Nashbar or (2) are not readily available in the U.S. via brick and mortar bike shops or internet sites. I think the chances are low of getting many people to buy just based on the idea that they are supporting the site and its content.

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k says:

December 6, 2009 at 2:37 pm

I think you should offer things arranged as sections, like:
beginning bike commuter: includes ‘best value’ (as determined by you) lights, ‘best’ fenders, ‘best’ panniers, etc. You can buy them separately, or together for a small discount.

Then you alleviate some of the constant searching for compatible stuff that we all do.

Also, you should carry those spoke lights that make patterns– they’re great for night commuting and hard to find!

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John J Wilde says:

January 23, 2010 at 9:50 am

Selling things that aren’t easily or normally available in the U.S. would be a winning ticket.

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