We attended Interbike this week… www.interbike.com
Fantastic show….Exciting show….lots of flashy carbon fiber racing bikes….new lighter versions of our favorite mountain bikes…tremendous electric bike selections…..hosts of other versions of things on wheels….most noticeably to me besides the e-bikes was the attention to the women’s market. This industry seems to have taken notice and is spending a lot of money to relate and serve the female industry…Smart.
What was missing was a focus on customer service programs and warranty programs…There is a huge opportunity here….I did not see booths with warranties, service center advisors, software for service, pretty much nothing in this regard. When I ask myself why, the only answer I can come up with is that the industry is focused mostly on the independents and they make their money doing service and repair…..Even some big boys like Sports Authority and REI do their own service, but nevertheless, why has this not been developed and marketed in a big way? Maybe everyone assumes that bikes can be fixed by consumers? This can’t be.
Why are there no replacement plans for the big retailers that do not do service?
Why are there no service plans for people that are traveling with their bikes and need a reputable service center? Who manages this network?
Why are there no maintenance agreements for people out there to offer or buy?
I think I may take this bike opportunity for a ride…anyone want to tandem with me?
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