SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — The newest Interbike podcast looks at how some IBDs are taking a new look at the used bike market, whether they buy and sell used bikes or take them as trade-ins toward new bike sales.
Guests on the fifth episode of "Interbike — The Podcast" include Steve Frothingham, the web editor for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, who has written extensively about the used bike market in recent years (including a new article in the April 15 issue of BRAIN). Also joining is Hill Abell, owner of Bicycle Sport Shop with five stores in the Austin, Texas, market, and Ira Becker, the president of Bicycle Blue Book.
Abell said selling used bikes has become one of the most profitable parts of his operation, and that used bikes sales generate an average margin of about 45 percent.
Retailers who choose not to sell used bikes can still take trade-ins with a third party program, like those offered by Bicycle Blue Book, The Pro's Closet and some regional and local programs. Bicycle Blue Book is the largest trade-in platform, now working with retailers who operate more than 1,400 store fronts across the U.S.
Used gear is a growing retail segment, particularly in sporting goods and outdoor equipment. REI and Patagonia recently launched used gear sales online. And consumers often turn to websites like eBay and Facebook groups to purchase previously used gear for everything from SCUBA to cycling to golf.
Pedego also recently launched a program to sell used e-bikes at its stores. These bikes, which start at $1,499, come from the store’s rental and demo fleets and are part of its “Certified Pre-Loved” program.
The podcast is available through most podcast apps including iTunes and SoundCloud, or you can listen to it directly at interbike.com/podcast.
