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
Four elements of success many Workstand merchants use to grow sales in a competitive market
Two of the more common questions, especially from stores that are new to the Workstand platform, are ‘what are the keys to selling more?’ and ‘what are the really successful stores doing to grow?’. Generally speaking, a shop needs to have four elements to generate revenue. These four elements work together, and missing just one can kill growth.
- Products that are in demand - Shops need to have products that customers are searching for. That can be 'the next cool gadget', the hot color way of a bike or helmet, or simply the right size. Supplier Sync items are great, but having products in stock will lead to more sales. I would encourage stores to have a strong representation of a brand instead of 4 headlights from 4 different brands.
- Watch our recent inventory tips episode for more details on stocking and merchandising strategies and tactics
- Competitive pricing - To have competitive pricing doesn't necessarily mean to have to beat the lowest price on the market, but at least match the lowest price. Online shoppers are inherently looking for deals, so by not being competitive, you are removing your shop from a sales opportunity.
- Understand when/where you have pricing power and when you don’t
- Competitive shipping - Nobody wants to pay for shipping. If your shipping rates are not competitive, especially for an item that can be generally purchased from 20 other shops, then you will most likely lose that opportunity. Shipping rates and rules can easily be changed, so take some risk and get a good feel of what works.
- Leverage Supplier Fulfillment
- Listen to the recent episode where we discuss shipping as a marketing tool
- Google Ads - You can have the above 3 elements covered, but without ads, your products are less likely to be seen. However, without all 3 elements mentioned above, your ads can be ineffective.
- Bonus - have all of the payment options for customers, Stripe/CCs, PayPal, Financing
Finally, don’t forget the basics. Merchandising matters in the store and on the website. Keep it updated, keep it fresh, keep it seasonally relevant. Most of all, keep it accurate. Provide clear calls to action, focus on providing value and actionable information to your customers/the customers you want.
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.
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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.