CHICAGO (BRAIN) — Industry suppliers are offering new fulfillment programs helping retailers maintain some revenue and connections with their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SRAM is promoting drop ship services offered by multiple distributors, including QBP, JBI and HLC on the program. Other distributors, including Highway Two, have launched similar programs, shipping products directly to consumers on behalf of retailers. JBI said it's offering a $5 fulfillment program to its dealers.
The SRAM promotion launched Friday.
"Quarantine status varies dramatically from region to region and this program allows for a consistent mechanism to support the U.S marketplace," the company said. "Globally, there are multiple methods and policies in place for SRAM to transact with retailers. It is important to note, that this program is currently limited to the U.S. market."
Highway Two launched its program on March 20.
"We immediately had concerns that small business would be hit the hardest as COVID-19 takes its toll on the economy,” said Ryan Borders, the president of Highway Two. “We are quickly adapting by adding services and implementing changes in Highway Two’s policies to better support our independent bicycle dealers during this volatile period."
Highway Two also be providing free freight to the continental U.S.
Highway Two emphasized that this was a short-term solution during the pandemic. "Long term implementation has not been discussed at this time," the company said.
Besides its participation in the SRAM program, QBP has changed its sales policy for its house bike brands Salsa, Surly, All-City and Civia.
"We’re temporarily allowing qualifying retailers to sell and ship these bikes to consumers, rather than requiring that consumers pick them up at stores. This is a temporary change to allow retailers to continue to sell bikes without requiring person-to-person contact at their stores," a QBP spokesman said.
HLC has had its "Door Step" delivery program in place for months. In response to the pandemic, the distributor is now offering free freight on all orders.
