A Kiwi Biker Card?

**kerryg** · 22nd September 2005, 15:15

When I started lurking tound here about a year ago I seem to remember the number of members was a bit over a thousand, so it's grown a lot in a short time.

Also I've noticed on this site and many other bike sites that tyres are always a big topic, and for some riders (e.g. big sprotsbike riders) one of their biggest expenses.

I know from some past business I had in the car tyre area that retail margins on car tyres are generally 100% (yes, that's right, unless it has changed significantly in the past few years). I wonder if bike tyres have similar margins in them? Wouldn't surprise me, in fact I would expect it.

A couple of thousand KBers represents a pretty decent market, I would have thought, and I just wonder if there could be a commercial benefit to those good people who run this site, if we were to patronise those retailers who were prepared to hurl a few dollars SpankMe et al's way for each tyre purchased (we would have to produce a KB membership card or something). Those retailers might even give a discount too for KBers if their margins are big enough to stand it .

Is it a thought?

**bugjuice** · 22nd September 2005, 15:16

already been discussed a while ago.. I'd like to say I remember what was said, but I don't. However, the outcome is somewhat obvious..

**Sparky Bills** · 22nd September 2005, 15:20

I give discount to KBers.
The mark up on tyres are that large. Saying that.. Business is eactly that. We are all here to make money, same as anyone else.

I think a KB card may be an idea. Helps identify us from the others.

**White trash** · 22nd September 2005, 15:27

You want cheap tyres, get 'em from Welly Motorcycles. Next to no mark up on em.

**kerryg** · 22nd September 2005, 15:32

Originally Posted by bugjuice

already been discussed a while ago.. I'd like to say I remember what was said, but I don't. However, the outcome is somewhat obvious..

Bugger, it's the story of my life. Whenever I get a good idea someone else has already thought of it, and whenever I get an idea first it's no bloody good

**kerryg** · 22nd September 2005, 15:33

Originally Posted by Sparky Bills

I give discount to KBers.
The mark up on tyres are that large. Saying that.. Business is eactly that. We are all here to make money, same as anyone else.

I think a KB card may be an idea. Helps identify us from the others.

Sparky Bill: I probably expressed myself really badly. I absolutely don't have ANY issue with the profit margins. I don't see too many tyre shop owners driving around in Ferraris and even if I did it wouldn't alter my view. The market finally dictates what is fair. Long live capitalism!

The only reason I mentioned the margin is because it is big enough to leave room for a retailer to give away a few dollars, especially if he will gain business he'd otherwise not get.

**Lou Girardin** · 22nd September 2005, 15:36

Originally Posted by kerryg

I know from some past business I had in the car tyre area that retail margins on car tyres are generally 100% (yes, that's right, unless it has changed significantly in the past few years). I wonder if bike tyres have similar margins in them? Wouldn't surprise me, in fact I would expect it.

Not even close to 100% on normal retail and the specials are way less. Plus we have to buy on indent to get special deals, so that means holding 10 sets of tyres in addition to normal stock levels.

**kerryg** · 22nd September 2005, 15:37

Originally Posted by White trash

You want cheap tyres, get 'em from Welly Motorcycles. Next to no mark up on em.

Yeah..but...they're in WELLINGTON.

:slap:

**bugjuice** · 22nd September 2005, 15:38

Originally Posted by kerryg

Bugger, it's the story of my life. Whenever I get a good idea someone else has already thought of it, and whenever I get an idea first it's no bloody good

happens to the best of us mate.. I get it all the time

**Storm** · 22nd September 2005, 15:47

Originally Posted by bugjuice

happens to the best of us mate.. I get it all the time

I'll second that (bugger it all)

**Sniper** · 22nd September 2005, 16:03

Its an idea but Im sure that most money ideas have been put forward already.
If I need tyres, I usually just buy a new bike

**Storm** · 22nd September 2005, 16:07

Originally Posted by Sniper

If I need tyres, I usually just buy a new bike

Wouldnt we all like to be able to say that

**Motu** · 22nd September 2005, 16:16

I sell car tyres,they give me a 40% discount on retail,we are offered specials on a continual basis,depending on what's in supply.That 40% has to pay for the labour to remove and fit the wheel on the car,tyre fitting and balance,so real world mark up is more likely 20%,so the more we can make on a tyre the better.Bike tyres are more expensive because suppliers buy in the 100s,not 1000 or 10,000s...the more you buy,the cheaper they get.

**pyrocam** · 22nd September 2005, 16:19

something similar to what Ive been thinking off and thought someone had had the same idea as me but no. dont mean to hijack but its not worty of its own thread and can be just an -extension- of the original idea

I like to tell people about kiwibiker, alot. almost everyone I meet (bikers) I ask them if they have heard about it.

What I was thinking business card type cards with black and the logo on front with orange website address on it and the username printed either on the front or back.

dunno if spankme is up for such an idea but its free publicity and it means I dont have to give out my business card with the kiwibiker address scribbled on it badly. and he can even make money of selling them to us.

senior members only I reckon though

just a thought