Around the Workstand
Around the Workstand is our podcast where we discuss the work done here at Workstand. Workstand is the only all-in-one commerce solution built exclusively for local bike shops. Our technology powered the ecommerce revolution for the IBD channel and is trusted by one out of four shops. Every subscription includes an optional point of sale at no extra cost. Workstand helps local bicycle retailers leverage the power of our bicycle industry-leading data network to run a more efficient business and expand sales opportunities.
We offer the most complete catalog of product data, including images and descriptions, expanded sales potential, and improved efficiency for both retailers and suppliers. Included drop shipping and brand marketing partnerships to build powerful relationships.
To complement our software services, Workstand is also a complete digital marketing partner. We work with over 400 bike shops, including many of the nation’s largest, offering website maintenance, Google Ads, SEO, graphic design, custom websites, and more.
Contact us anytime for more information: podcast@workstand.com
Around the Workstand
In-store and online inventory strategy and tactics from Key Accounts Advisor, David Martinez
Key Accounts Advisor, David Martinez, works with Workstand merchants to improve many aspects of in-store and online sales execution to grow sales while increasing margin. Inventory management is an important part of David's work with bike shops.
As we’ve brought on more dealers to the Digital Advisor Services program, some trends have emerged, offering useful tips for other stores. Obvious, you say? If they are obvious to you, that’s great, but they come up often enough that we think they are worth covering. What may not be obvious is that we’re talking about both in-store and online sales.
- Curating your product assortment
- Listen and learn from your customers, staff, and community
- What are customers asking for that you don’t have?
- Bonus tip: Supplier Sync as an indicator of interest
- Products your staff actually use - Your staff will enjoy selling items they actually use
- Consider ancillary products - Are you in a beach town and do lots of rentals? Offer beverages, towels, sunscreen, etc.
- What are customers asking for that you don’t have?
- Curate around your brand/focused categories (MTB, road, e-bike, family) - it’s easy to be a roadie store that also sells MTB and not take the extra step for what isn’t your primary focus, but it matters
- MTB’ers need gloves, helmets, tires, sealant, and colored pedals
- Roadies love nutrition, sunglasses, and computers
- E-bikes: mirrors, bells, baskets, battery chargers, phone mounts
- Family: fun helmets, bells, horns, burley trailers,
- Buying is important, but sell-through is what matters most
- Monitor your aged inventory and strategize a plan for markdowns
- Take notes on what is working and what’s not working. Don’t make the same mistakes season after season.
- How many different brands of black shorts/bibs do you need?
- Does your assortment/levels align with your floorspace
- Maintain as little backstock
- Minimizes shrinkage, theft, and aged inventory
- How many of ‘X’ fit on a hook on your floor
- Maintain as little backstock
- Listen and learn from your customers, staff, and community
Bonus Topic
- 2nd tier e-bike brands
- The market is FLOODED with these brands.
- Margins can look attractive, but brand recognition is low, so you and your staff really need to believe in the product
- Online sales can be difficult because of low brand awareness
- Service parts can be difficult to get, causing a bad customer experience
Be sure to email your questions to podcast@workstand.com. We read all emails sent and we look forward to hearing from you.
If you're a Workstand client with questions about your subscription, email support@workstand.com or call 303-527-0676 x 1. If you are not currently a Workstand client with questions about how our programs work, email info@workstand.com.
Find Us on LinkedIn
Ryan Atkinson, President + Co-Owner
Mark Still, Business Development
We also publish Around the Workstand on our YouTube channel if you'd like to watch while you listen. Here is our Around the Workstand playlist.
If you have any questions about the topics discussed in this episode of Around the Workstand or if you have ideas for new topics we can cover, schedule a time to meet with Mark Still here or email mark.s@workstand.com.