Bikesoup.com launches game-changing online bicycle marketplace
Posted on in Cycles News
High-street retailers provided with a cost effective way to advertise stock online, reach new customers and compete with industry giants
Bikesoup, a leading marketplace for new and used bicycles, has transformed its website, following significant investment from fashion entrepreneur Touker Suleyman, to give retailers the opportunity to compete with online retail giants.
Established in 2010, Bikesoup has become an effective route for an increasing number of bicycle dealers to sell their stock and connect with new customers. Its vision is to be the online partner for retailers and dealers, helping them with brand awareness, driving sales and increasing footfall to the bricks and mortar shops, providing additional opportunity for cross-sales and helping keep the high-street alive.
Bike shop owners and staff are pressed for time. Signing up to Bikesoup makes the online world effortless, relieving retailers of the need to navigate their way through the complexities of delivering and maintaining their own websites. It offers a mobile and tablet-ready site that will continue to stay up to date with online technology.
With over 4500 pre-loaded bike specs and images across 70 brands, dealers can upload their stock to a fully customised page within seconds. The Bikesoup Magazine and Cyclopedia tool deliver consumer content linked directly to dealer adverts and shop websites. Other benefits include a dedicated dealer ‘Homepage' showing services, facilities, brands and their Bikesoup stock listings.
Further services coming soon on Bikesoup.com include ‘Click & Collect' - delivering sales and driving store traffic - and a Store Finder with a fully searchable brand database that connects consumers with their local shops.
Founder and MD, Antony Auty, said: "Our goal at Bikesoup is to level the online playing field with an easy to use, low maintenance, cost effective solution that maximizes visibility of dealer stock. We can help dealers achieve increased sales - leaving them free to build a loyal customer base via in-store engagement and social networks".
Bikesoup work in partnership with ActSmart - the business support organisation for specialist retailers, their supply partners and trade associations - to help drive consumers directly to IBDs and promote in-shop bike purchases in line with major bike brands' selling policies.
Subscription prices with Bikesoup start from £75 per month, for ActSmart subscribers, and £89 for non-ActSmart affiliated dealers, and this includes unlimited advertising on Bikesoup.com.