LONG BEACH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Zwift is now offering retailers wholesale prices on membership cards, suggesting that brick-and-mortar retailers can bundle indoor training products and make it easier for new users to get started with the online cycling program.
Zwift, which recently raised its membership fee to $15 per month, calls the new program "ZED" for Zwift Experience Dealer.
"This program aims to help close sales on trainers, both smart and traditional, sensors, exercise mats, water bottles, and other gear vital to indoor training, the company said.
ZED retailers can purchase Zwift membership cards containing either three-month or 12-month subscriptions. The cards will be available wholesale direct from CycleOps and Wahoo, or through distributors Hawley (USA), Cycles Lambert (Canada), and Madison (UK). The company said it expects to add more distributors.
"One of the biggest barriers in indoor cycling is figuring out the gear needed to get started and how much or little a trainer setup can cost," said Mike McCarthy, the VP of business development at Zwift. "By bundling hardgoods with software like Zwift, retailers can create a compelling, easy to understand package that will get customers into a new category, riding their bikes more often, and increasing demand from their local bike shop."
Zwift is offering participating dealers in-store marketing collateral and promotional materials outlining the fitness benefits of indoor cycling and Zwift.
Applications are available at zwift.com/zed/join. A current directory of ZED dealers can be found at zwift.com/zed.
Bkool also announced this summer that it would offer dealers wholesale memberships to its ride software.
