CloseoutBikes.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.
Sales 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.
