New Bike Clothing Website Opening Up Have Your Say

[bikegear]

Hi Guys & Girls,

Ive just stumbled across your website & had a quick look around (it looks good )
I know this is my first post & im already asking for your help
Im thinking of opening my own clothing & parts company (im currently in talks with different companies Alpine Stars. Richa etc.)

Im a biker with a lot of time on his hands right now after quite a bad off which got me thinking the only thing that saved my life was having the correct gear on.

So im looking for some feedback on what you guys look for when buying gear from the internet

Please if you could spare 2 minutes of your time to let me know i would be grateful.

Of course once its all set up ill be offering a discount to all BCF members

Many Thanks In Adavance

[Bendy]

I don't buy gear on the internet cos I need to try it on to be sure it fits. Not even replacement items - I had two helmets which were the same size on paper but one was way tighter than the other.

[G]

As above - I always advise people NOT to buy gear they can't try on first.
I'm continually amazed by the number of people that will suggest 'you get what you pay for' in terms of protection, so decide they'll buy the most expensive helmet with the fanciest paintwork they can afford without trying it on at all.

I WOULD advice people to go to a shop that offered a 'made to measure' service for leathers. I would advise people to buy second hand leathers because they offer much better value for money (I have seen some shops offering these, though that takes away some of the value as they tend to be more expensive.)

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I can only echo what the other two have said really.

I've never bought protective gear without trying it on first.
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My Flickr

[chris-red]

I tend not to buy kit online either. 2 brand new bits I have bought online Gloves which where too small, and trousers which where crap.

I do buy second hand stuff mind.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[c_dug]

If the price is right i will buy my gear online, exception being helmets.

I figure if it doesnt fit e(vil)bay is your friend Obviously with the bigger brands a trip to HG or your local bike place means you can try out different bits and see what size you need.

The thing is that there are already alot of motorcycle parts and gear places on the internet, what have you got to offer that is different to them? Especialy with a new company you will need to make yourself stand out a little to compete with the others, untill you get a good name/reputation for yourself

Also might sound a bit obvious but customer service is key, there have been several incidents on this forum where companies have been wankers and BCF have royaly arse raped them, good customer service will mean that the next time a "where can i get ..." thread comes up, your website may well be recommended

Stated alot of the obvious, hope it helps though.

c_dug
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[mooserx]

I bought my lid off the net, tried one on in the shop, found one on the net then bought it, simple.
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TL1000r-handful.

[c_dug]

[Poseidon]

I never buy gear online...

I like to be able to park my bike up outside a shop, next to fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, help myself to the "free vend" tea and coffee machine, try the gear on, have some banter with the shop assistants, haggle over the price, know that I have somewhere with the best after sales service possible if I have a problem and walk away in the knowledge that I've supported a local business.

I don't mind paying a couple quid more if necessary, even if it's just for the returns side of things!

Drew
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1977 Honda CG125
2002 Ducati Monster S4 (currently restoring)

[G]

[c_dug]

True, but its reducing the chances of something happening.

Dont get me wrong, i understand that the likelyhood of something damaging the helmet but leaving the box intact, so that i/the delivery man didnt notice, is virtualy none, but i just wouldnt feel comfortable i guess

Each to their own.

c_dug
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[yuri2085]

I've only ever bought boots online, and it woulda been nice to have tried them on before anyway.


Parts on the other hand if you have a good stock you could be a good place to buy from.

[Clarkee09]

well personally, i think it would be a good idea mate
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Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr my dna is soo annoying

[Bendy]

If you could come up with some really slick and simple returns system, it would make a big difference IMO.

Look at Amazon - labels can be printed, courier booked to collect, everything sorted out really easily on line and trackable by both parties. What I don't want to be doing is standing in a queue at the post office with a big heavy parcel. What you don't want to be doing is dealing with returns where people haven't packaged them well or they've been 'lost' cos they haven't sent them tracked.

I would also want to see really extensive details of measurements. I don't care what size the label says, measure the stuff and give me as much detail as you can - it'll make me feel more like buying and should reduce the number of returns you get.

Be descriptive. Take extensive photos of products (don't just rely on manufacturer-supplied shots, I want to see detail). Be available to answer questions.

[map]

I have no problem buying parts and accessories off the internet as I can pretty much guarantee what they'll be like.

BTW I'd only buy from a place that has a bricks and mortar address (something that doesn't look like a housing estate on google maps) and one with landline telephone number(s).

Clothing on the other hand is a different matter. Tried it when first started to get cheap eBay stuff and it didn't work.

Trouble is one manufacturers sizes (L, XL, XXL, etc) are not guaranteed to be the same as another. From experience stuff made/imported from the Far East is a lot smaller than stuff made by Hein Gericke which I've found fit Europeans better. So that's why I try on.

The only item you may consider clothing I've consistently bought over the internet is boots. That's only because I've found it hard finding a stockist locally for what I like.

Ok, if it's an item I can try and then buy over the internet I'd think about it. In practice by the time you add P&P I've found any savings only a couple of quid. For that money I'd rather give it to the local shop so it'll hopefully stay in business for the next time I need gear.


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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[calyx]

Ok,
It says "size 32"
So, does it mean "if you wear 32 jeans under this product, it will fit you" or "if you wear nothing it will fit you" ?

Sizes are always a problem. Never clear.

So I go to every single shop around city and try dozens of products, write them down and go online.. Such a headache...

You can simply open the box and measure it to bits and tell it to us. Then we will love you
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Boris - London

[chris-red]

I guess we killed his dream.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[wmccull]

Probably a bit late jumping on the thread but heres my 2p's worth

I would buy cleaning products, or spares that i know part numbers for .

when it comes to clothing i find like everyone else they prefer to buy in the shop where you can try it on.


Regards
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Go on my son.

[miguel_costello]