SANTA FE, NM (BRAIN)—Bicycle Technologies International has launched a new freight program designed to provide relief to bike shops feeling the squeeze of soaring shipping costs.
BTI now offers free UPS delivery for orders over $600. Shipments will be delivered in 1-3 days anywhere in the contiguous United States, according to a press release. Dealers located 1-3 days away from BTI will receive orders by Ground. Shops in 4-5 day zones (Northeast, Mid Atlantic, upper Midwest and Northwest) will automatically be upgraded to by 3Day Air. Orders below $600 destined for these areas can still benefit from BTI's automatic 3Day at Ground shipping incentive.
At the start of 2011 rate changes went into effect for each of the three major U.S. package delivery services. UPS raised its pricing an average of 5.9 percent on ground shipments and 6.9 percent on air shipments. FedEx hiked its rates by 5.9 percent. And USPS priority rates rose 3.9 percent. With shipping costs and fuel surcharges combining to reach 10-20 percent of the value of a typical order, BTI's free shipping incentive takes the guesswork out of placing orders. Shops are guaranteed to make the margin they envision when they place an order, with no hidden fees and no handling charges.
While analyzing strategies for regional warehouses, BTI owners Preston Martin and Andrew Wright reached the conclusion that the most sustainable approach was to subsidize freight rather than construct and staff new locations. Using UPS as its primary carrier, BTI is capable of offering dealers fast, affordable delivery from a single, centrally located warehouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
"We are seeing significant increases in shipping costs from most carriers, so we felt compelled to take bold action," Martin said. "Dealers have been asking for free shipping for years. Now more than ever, free shipping compliments the just-in-time ordering model of those shops that run a lean inventory."
For a full breakdown of BTI's 2011 shipping program, click on above link (dealers must have valid login to view). Shops outside the contiguous U.S. can contact BTI customer service at (800)558-8324 for details on shipping credits and available discounts.
