Is 'bikechain' a legitimate outfit?

[open roader]

Long time time since I purchased brand new bicycle items.

I'm diving back into a new bike build and discover Wiggle/c r c have left Australia so my little rug has been pulled out from underneath me so to speak.

Is www.bikechain.com.au a legitimate thing?

Any BNA members out there with experience using this website?

[Retrobyte]

Yes they are - once you add items to your shopping cart and go to checkout it shows which LBS will be handling the transaction. I've bought from them several times with no issues.

[find_bruce]

BikeChain Australia is a registered business name, with a registered address of 23C Industrial Dr Braeside VIC 3195. It is registered to Bikechain Group Pty Ltd, ABN 65 652 475 388, an Australian Private Company.

[ironhanglider]

Co-Located with Bike Sportz Imports.

Part of the Family perhaps?

Cheers,

Cameron

[Aushiker]

I placed an order on Bike Chain for a pair of Ortlieb Fork Packs on Monday, 20 May 2024, and received them here in the West on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. It was a pretty impressive service, given I got a $10 discount, and postage was free.

[DavidS]

Sounds similar to Bike Exchange, not totally convinced by this business model but would be good if they keep local bike shops going.

DS

[CmdrBiggles]

I have had roadside conversations about this conglomerate. Bike Chain and Bike Sports Imports are said to be part of the Cecil Walker empire, helmed by David Cramer at the Braeside WH/DC facility (the shop in Melbourne CBD being run by brother Anthony; ordering on line at CWC is handled by Braeside unless the item(s) are in stock for collection). They have their fingers in many (very profitable) pies; he has a nice Porsche (!) . I haven't seen David for 40+ years, but Anthony — often enough here and there.

[CmdrBiggles]

I placed an order on Bike Chain for a pair of Ortlieb Fork Packs on Monday, 20 May 2024, and received them here in the West on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. It was a pretty impressive service, given I got a $10 discount, and postage was free.

Postage was free...
No such thing as 'free postage' — this cost is built in to the cost of the goods, a common trick everywhere to reel-in the fish, and it has been seen in Melbourne with retailers keen to move Ortlieb stock. It's on a par with the Woolworths save 4c a litre off petrol offer — you're paying for the "discount" every time you go shopping there.

[Aushiker]

Postage was free...
No such thing as 'free postage' — this cost is built in to the cost of the goods, a common trick everywhere to reel-in the fish, and it has been seen in Melbourne with retailers keen to move Ortlieb stock. It's on a par with the Woolworths save 4c a litre off petrol offer — you're paying for the "discount" every time you go shopping there.

Apparently... Maybe it applies to you, but please do not assume we are all as gullible (nor as stupid for that matter).

[AUbicycles]

Just human nature. As a customer I prefer to see a total, all inclusive price.

Seeing $44.95 incl. shipping (or free shipping) is better than $39.95 plus $5.00 shipping.

For a retailer it is not a trick, rather an awareness how customers behave and providing the right info and reducing hurdle to conplete the purchase.