The Ultimate Guide: Shopping for bicycles and cycling gear online

Shopping for bicycles and cycling gear online

The 86 page report (May 2010) provides a insight into the Australian online bicycling retail market.

For cycling consumers there is a comprehensive guide to purchasing online.

For bicycling trade, including importers, local bike shops and online retailers there is an overview of the current market status (including statistics). There are strategies for operating a successful online shop and also tips for traditional bicycle shops to better understand and adapt as the markets change.

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The follow excerpt is the Introduction from The Ultimate Guide: Shopping for bicycles and cycling gear online.

Introduction

From the BNA survey of 261 Australian cyclists conducted for this report, 50% of
the entire spending on cycling related items in 2009 was online. This represents a
significant change when compared with consumer spending ten years ago, though
is hardly surprising considering the influence of the internet in today’s society.
The internet is challenging the traditional retail practices of the LBS (Local Bicycle
Shop) as consumers have access to more information and competitively priced
products from across the globe.

The results from the online BNA survey of 261 Australian cyclists are the
foundation for this report and conclusions. The survey is not a representation of
all Australian cycling consumers; however the results do represent a cross section
of the consumer market who are confident using the internet. In addition to the
survey, selected cycling retailers participated in a questionnaire to gather industry
input.

There are two parts in this report, the first, Best Practices for Buying Online is a
guide for consumers and outlines the online purchase process plus advantages and
risks associated with shopping for bicycles, parts and gear online. LBS’s with little
internet experience or who are struggling with their online shop will also find
useful information to assist in better satisfying the needs of online customers.
The second part, Australian Online Bicycling Market, highlights the motivations
and factors influencing consumer buying decisions, online and offline. It offers
an analysis of the survey results and is of particular interest for the Australian
bicycling trade as well as international brands and retailers.

The BNA survey results are also provided in conclusion as a reference.