bikeZaar is unveiling its new online marketplace which aims to become the ‘largest single source of cycling products in the UK’. The site features products from a network of marketplace sellers, affiliate networks and premium brand outlets.
According to the company, this ensures that ‘customers can find whatever they are looking for, from a seller of their choice, including local options, at the most competitive prices.’
‘Utilising a unique technology platform, bikeZaar connects supply and demand more precisely, speedily, and easily than ever before.’
bikeZaar offers brands and retailers bespoke solutions for joining the network and showcasing their inventory with no hidden costs and no contracts.
‘Options to add products manually, or using CSV, or API, plus fulfilment solutions and opportunities to buy pre-qualified sales leads, means there are a range of methods for sellers to get quick, easy sales, on their terms.’
With retail outlets such as Sigma Sports, Rutland Cycling, Strype Street Cycles, The Bike Factory, Swinnerton Cycles, PEAK cyclesport, Cycles UK and many more already part of the network, the service is gathering pace.
Kevin Griffiths, bikeZaar CEO, launched the company in 2017 as a marketplace to support independent bike shops. This is still at the core of the business’s DNA. The site offers retailers the chance to get their products seen by a wider audience and compete alongside specialist online businesses on a level playing field.
“bikeZaar helps brands and retailers respond to this rapidly changing environment using its unique technology capabilities and business model, to help to fulfil consumer demands and to deliver a next generation retail service,” said Kevin Griffths, bikeZaar CEO.
“In effect, we make it easier for consumers to do what they would otherwise do by trawling search engines and ringing around dealers. Our aim is to connect, enable and facilitate.”
The company is backed by triathlon legends Alistair Brownlee MBE and Jonny Brownlee who are reported ‘excited by the business’s potential and the company ethos of supporting independent retailers.’
Alistair Brownlee MBE, bikeZaar director & investor, said “bikeZaar helps us to combine two things that we believe strongly about and want to support: ensuring the on-going sustainability of high street bike shops, which in turn helps to promote active lifestyles by making equipment and servicing accessible locally, encouraging more people to exercise, socialise or commute on reliable, comfortable, working bikes.”
More than an online marketplace, the site consists of a number of unique components that offer the user an immersive experience and the seller new ways of attracting and connecting with new customers.
The Bike Finder is a feature that aims to flip the sale on its head helping the customer unearth hidden stock without trawling the internet looking at bikes that are out of stock. The customer tells bikeZaar what they are looking for, brand/model (if known), or bike type, size, colour, & budget. From these details, the site’s network gets the opportunity to quote the customer directly if they have the right product to meet the customer’s demand, generating leads ‘at the fraction of the price of standard marketing channels.’
The clubZone is a free service provided to cycling clubs. This offers a dedicated club microsite with ecommerce capabilities which aims to make it simple for members to place their orders and pay directly for their club kit as well as their club membership fee. bikeZaar can even provide clubs with a fulfilment service.
For clubs, charity teams or corporates looking for ‘off-the-shelf’ branded kit bikeZaar’s semi-custom kit range offers a host of options without the hassle of a custom kit order. Customers can choose from a range of ‘template’ items, and add their logos with a few simple clicks.
bikeZaar is seeking to become the first port of call for cyclists, enabling them to find, compare and choose products, brands and retailers all from within one site, ‘offering the greatest level of convenience and value for money.’
At the same time, the site gives retailers an opportunity to serve their inventory to a wider audience and be more targeted with their offers and lead-generation.
‘It also allows brands and distributors to work smarter, stay agile, and drive connectivity enabling them to stay ahead of consumer expectations and adapt to changing market conditions.’
