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CloseoutBikes.com Launches Online Platform for New, Unsold Bicycles, Wheels

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CloseoutBikes-com online listing service for unsold bicycle inventory for shops and brandsCloseoutBikes.com is an upstart online listing service for brands and shops to post unsold inventory at a discount to help move it off the floor and out of the warehouse.

Created by Ilan Paltrow, a former owner of multiple bike shops in Charlotte, NC, the site will let riders like you and I search a global inventory of new/old stock and get a deal on new bikes that just didn’t sell before the latest and greatest diverted eyeballs from them.

For shops, it’s a way to unload unsold models before they become too dated, keeping the showroom stock focused on the newest models. The double benefit to the IBD is that brands can list warehouse inventory as well, then move it through the local authorized dealer. Paltrow says his focus is on brands with legitimate retail networks already in place, saying the site is not intended to be another outlet for consumer direct brands to blow out bikes. He’s starting with complete bikes only but told us high end wheels are next on the list.

So far, we’re seeing listings from 23 states for brands like Look, Pinarello, Orbea, Cannondale, Cervelo, Scott, Colnago, Felt, Niner and more. Full PR after the break…

PRESS RELEASE: CloseoutBikes.com, an online marketplace for Bicycle Dealers to list their closeout bicycles is launched nationally for the holiday shopping season. CloseoutBikes.com matches consumers looking for bikes with dealers and manufacturers looking to move inventory. Consumers can now go online and view deals on bikes that they might not otherwise find. Bike dealers and manufacturers can list discounted bikes to reach their local buyers. All sales are made through the bike shops to ensure professional assembly and expert fit.

“CloseoutBikes.com works well for bike buyers. bike shops, and manufacturers. The shops get to expose their slow moving or left over inventory at prices that entice customers into their store. Manufacturers get to expose the inventory hidden in the warehouse and support their dealers. Buyers get a first look at deals they might not otherwise see and they can pick up their new bike at their local bike store, “ say Founder and CEO, Ilan Paltrow.

CloseoutBikes-com online listing service for unsold bicycle inventory for shops and brandsSales in initial markets have been strong enough to push up the timing of the national rollout. Bikes are consistently selling in the $500 to $3,000 price range. Mike Perry, owner of Ultimate Bicycle in Charlotte, NC claims, “CloseoutBikes.com is definitely driving new customers into my store and moving the inventory that I want to sell. I have been surprised at my ability to easily list and move higher end bikes”.

Bike dealers can simply snap a photo of a bike for sale and upload it easily to the website or use a stock photo. With a few minutes effort, bikes on sale can be presented to consumers that the bike stores might not otherwise reach. Listings are free through Spring 2014, then range from $19 to $99 per month depending on the number of bikes being listed. Manufacturer pricing TBD.

Consumers can easily search for deals in their area and if they sign up on the site, they are notified of new hot deals.

CloseoutBikes.com provides consumers a breakout way to find the best deals on bikes and offers bicycle dealers and manufacturers a new and better way to expose the inventory they most want to move. CloseoutBikes is a privately held company founded by 20 year biking veteran Ilan Paltrow and based in the biking capital Durango, Colorado.

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michael
michael
10 years ago

Just check out the site, there is no search option or even alphabetizing for the listings.

Gary
10 years ago

you’re correct. there is no such listing or site

velorider
velorider
10 years ago

Smart idea, but this site has a LONG way to go. I hope the real site is being developed and will fully replace what is there now.

bc
bc
10 years ago

“This bike can be shipped.”
Soooo, you find a bike you want on the site, contact the seller, and then have it shipped to wherever you are?
Sounds like buying online to me.
I wonder if this option violates manufacturers’ dealer agreements prohibiting online sales.

StratG
StratG
10 years ago

That’s what I’m wondering, what with all the ibd’s constant complaints about online retailers.. This sounds like the model that started it all. A small chain, or very large bike shop has trouble moving excess inventory so starts selling it online. Soon with a global audience, their online sales dwarf their retail sales so focus is shifted. Trust me, this is the story behind the biggest online players.

mudrock
mudrock
10 years ago

This is a good way for IBDs to move their old stuff. I like it. Also encourages buyers in the area to come check out the shop to save on shipping ($75 min UPS). Those Salsas in New Haven had me thinking…

CXisfun
CXisfun
10 years ago

Not only does it seem to violate dealer agreements about online sales, it also seems to violate MSRP policies. All of that aside, it’s painful to navigate. No sort of any type (size, brand, etc). And when I put my state in the first 3 pages were bikes more than 2000mi away. What’s the point of asking my location if that doesn’t factor into a sort?

tkeaton
tkeaton
10 years ago

woah….yall fail to remember that this is the cycling industry.

you know, the number one industry for getting everyone’s hopes up before the necessary infrastructure is in place to actually provide what some kook’s dream idea says it will

and yes, this is very likely to go against any respectable manufacturers retailer agreements

a much better option is theproscloset or goodbuycycle

Fisho
Fisho
10 years ago

As much as I like to support my LBS, there needs to be a way to legitimately buy online through your dealer.

I was trying to buy brands X,Y, and Z disc brake CX bikes this spring and was told they were all sold out. Eventually found my size at a very distant shop in stock, but would not ship it to me at full retail per dealer agreement. Eventually they parted it out and sold the frame to me on ebay. Dumb.

haromania
haromania
10 years ago

Any shop participating in this is short sighted.

Shawn Moore
10 years ago

Why are shops participating in this short sighted, @haromania? Full disclosure, our shop has one bike listed on this sight to try it out. As for violating dealer agreements, our understanding is that once the model year is up, pricing constraints no longer apply and provided that we are not shipping the bike, we are not violating online sales restrictions as it is essentially just online advertisement. LBS’s have to be trying a variety of different things in order to remain competitive. I do agree that online sales restrictions need to be changed/lifted in order to allow LBS’s to be more competitive.

Chris
Chris
10 years ago

The people whining about MSRP and dealer agreements should probably try reading an actual agreement before posting comments. Every agreement I’ve ever seen allows a dealer to reduce MSRP either at the end of the model year or after a certain number of months into the year. This IS in the best interest of both the IBD and manufacturer as it gets inventory off the floor thus allowing new inventory to be delivered. As for shipping, again read an actual agreement. This isn’t the same as taking delivery of a new model year bike and then immediately turning around and selling it online at a steep discount.

John
John
10 years ago

A nice idea, but a poor execution. All this site will do is attract the same kind of “bottom feeders” one would find on eBay, and simply direct them to the dealer’s place of business. Also, how does this enterprise make money, since there’s no mentioning of a percentage of the sale that goes back to COB ? Even if COB did require dealers to pay a certain percentage of the sale, think of how easily the process could be circumvented since the site delivers the buyer directly to the seller. Does it monetize itself solely on listing fees ?

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