For taking bike service to the people
Velofix and Beeline Bikes are to the bike-service industry what food trucks are to the restaurant business. Founded in 2013, they sell franchises for $75,000 to $125,000 that include vans equipped with everything an entrepreneur needs to take appointments, manage inventory and assemble, service and deliver bicycles. The two companies have sold about 100 franchises, but face resistance from Trek, Specialized and Giant, which control an estimated 80 percent of U.S. independent bike dealer (IBD) sales.
Yet Velofix and Beeline are growing thanks to entrepreneurs who believe in their value proposition — providing consumers a way to purchase and schedule service plans online at a place and time of their choosing using their smartphone. San Francisco-based Beeline went from zero to 31 franchises in the year leading up to Interbike 2016, where it announced it had partnered with Accell North America to begin fulfilling online sales for RaleighUSA.com. Velofix, based in Vancouver, B.C., has sold 70 franchises, including one a week during the 13 weeks leading up to Interbike 2016. 11 IBD bike brands, including BH, Ellsworth and Yeti, now offer fulfillment through Velofix Direct. “Unless you are a Trek or Specialized dealer you better find another way to get your bike to market,” Velofix CEO & Founder Chris Guillemet told SGB at Interbike. “People want things when they want them and where they want them.”
SGB Magazine Fall Innovators Issue celebrates the ideas changing the way we run, hike or play the game. For the full story please click here.
Photos courtesy Velofix & Beeline Bikes
