After being turned away from several bike shops while looking for service, avid rider Pete Buhl decided to create a more convenient system for cyclists in need of repairs. Joining with cycling industry veterans Andy Jeffrey and Neil Macc, the three created Beeline Bikes, a mobile bike shop service that comes to your home or workplace when it’s most convenient for you.
Beeline bikes has seen strong growth over the last two years and now has six mobile shops operating in the San Francisco Bay Area. Building upon this success Beeline is now offering franchise opportunities in the U.S., and they’re initially focusing on the bicycle-loving city of Portland, Oregon. Their company objective is to “make it easy for more folks to get out and ride more often on a safe, well tuned and well equipped bike.”
Click below the break to get the buzz on Beeline’s operation…
Customer convenience is the biggest selling point behind Beeline Bikes. Customers can arrange a time and place for an appointment by phone or online, and the mobile shop comes to your home or workplace fully stocked with tools and spare parts. The mechanic and customer can then interact one on one for a level of personalized service that’s often unavailable in traditional shops where you may never exchange a word with the person who’s fixing your bike.
Beeline’s mechanics are all skill-certified and background checked. After an assessment of your bicycle the mechanic provides a repair estimate on the spot. The company claims their services are often cheaper than a typical shop, and multi-bike discounts are offered for families or those with a full stable of steeds. While the wrenches are turning customers can also purchase tools, accessories and components from Beeline’s service truck.
Beeline will work on all types of bikes including road, MTB, commuter, kid’s bikes and even electric bicycles. They offer any repairs from flat fixes to full tune-ups, but a service minimum of $29.99 is required to make an appointment. Beeline also assembles new bikes, boxes bikes for travel, and offers a ‘Pro Service’ for high end road and mountain bikes.
The Pro Service includes concierge pickup, repair and delivery of the bike, and is intended for more complex tuning or if special order parts are required. All service is performed at Beeline’s headquarters under the supervision of fully trained and experienced mechanics. Bikes are typically turned over in 2-3 days, depending on parts availability.
Beeline also sells compete bikes, and their ‘Rightbike’ service allows customers to select a bike from Beeline’s catalogue with helpful advice from staff. Once you’ve chosen your new ride a delivery date is scheduled, the bike is professionally assembled and any final adjustments are made upon delivery.
Here’s a few things potential franchisees might want to know: Many bike friendly companies around San Francisco have utilized Beeline’s Corporate Program to bring a mobile shop to their workplace, allowing employees to conveniently get service and providing the mechanic a large group of customers in one location. The company also says house calls often result in multiple bike services (they’ve serviced as many as eight bikes in one house) which is time-efficient for the mechanic and saves the customer the hassle of making several trips to and from a shop.
Beeline says their fully developed supply chain with over 60 suppliers combined with a low overhead cost model enables mechanics to earn a decent living at their trade. If you’re interested in becoming a franchisee, click here, or for more info on Beeline Bikes check out their website.
