Intense Cycles Scales back Internet/Mail Order Outlets
Monday, October 29th, 2007
Intense Cycles continues to build its dealer and distributor network throughout the U.S. and abroad. In an effort to support the brick and mortar dealers around the globe, Intense has terminated relationships with several online/mail order retailers.
See the rest of the release inside.
“There are still places in the world where you cannot walk into a shop and purchase an Intense frame or bike, so we understand the reason for an online/mail order presence, but as we bring on more dealers, the need for multiple internet retailers is no longer there.
The companies we have chosen to partner with have proven over the years to not only present Intense in a professional manner, hold our MSRP and provide after sales service and support, but have also promoted our brand through demo programs, race teams, open house and other events.
In the short term this move may cost us some sales, but we believe that in the long term we will gain them back, and more, by supporting our dealer and distributor network†Paul Cusick - Intense Cycles Director Sales & Marketing
Previous Coverage
October 29th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
hmm seems quite simple, they have gotten rid of the people who are selling frames cheaper to keep the price up, ” hold our MSRP”, and make their product seem to be more luxurious…
i think that if they are going to eliminate some of their dealers they should diversify as well. It would make sense for them to push a canadian online retailer or even another online retailer in different countries to expand their market
overall good for intense, potentially good for buyers
October 29th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I come from both the brick and mortar and online background, having worked in both. The problem I see is that this kind of move is not what the END customer has asked for. In the end, every industry that can have an online presence will have one and whether or not it becomes the predominant sales channel has little to do with the manufacturers. Just ask the Music and Travel industries. Fighting what is happening in the basis of ‘holding MSRP’ is pretty backward IMO
October 29th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
I think that high-end stuff like Intense, should be bought in shops when is available
Shops provide the mechanical assistance needed by most of the people.
Like the owner of my usual LBS says: I”‘m not afraid of online shops, they can’t do maintenance…”
October 29th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I’m pretty much in agreement with Cooper & Intense’s position to move to a better foundation.
Handling frame warranties and customer service, is hard/impossible from behind a keyboard for a hand built frameset.
The brick/moarter have more invested in preserving the brands pricing and quality control more effectively.
October 30th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I’m glad they finally got the point, its very hard to do business when people go to the dealer, look at the frame, ask questions and then go home and purchase online.
Too many people getting deals and special pricing, its not the way to make money.
Not only the brand gets screw but the customer too when they have a problem with the frame and they dont have someone to turn too because they got a deal online or their friend got it for them.