Hows about individual dealers offering a battery hire service for their customers for when they wish to complete longer distance tours? A reasonable refundable deposit and daily hire could be charged and a battery prebooked in advance. Those dealers with multiple sites could offer a variety of pick up and drop off places. This would also increase showroom visits where the latest models are on show and some may be tempted to upgrade. So is there any mileage in this idea or is it a non starter?
Battery hire?
- Thread starter Robbieg
- Start date
D
Deleted member 4366
Guest
Yeah, that would be a good way to get a new battery for your bike.
Deposit = the cost of the battery new + fee for recovery in case the client doesn't come back. If the clients credit card refuses the deposit for insufficient funds then no rental.
Otherwise as d8veh said you are on the road to ruin. Think also about the stock of charged batteries you would need to have on hand, especially if the idea took off.
A better idea, exchange a charged battery for the clients empty one. After controlling the state of the battery with the Bosch diagnostic software and giving it the once over for damage. Have your batteries marked in such a way that the client will bring it back and get his own battery back (which you will have recharged of course).
D
Deleted member 4366
Guest
I was thinking more about swapping your own battery for thr hired one when yours is worn out. Even if the case was marked, you could open it and swap the contents.
Why not take your charger with you and charge whilst having a coffee etc.
Yup. I can't remember who said it but one suggestion for tourers was find local bike shops at interesting intervals en route, offer them a couple (?) of quid to charge the battery while you explore the local area.
Yes, all interesting points guys. Recharging on route can be a bit hit and miss if out in the sticks and sitting around in pubs and cafes waiting for recharges can be a bit of a pain. And of course need to look at it from the dealer's point of view, not a lot of incentive for them financially. Probably an extender or spare battery is the answer. Or maybe a Riesse and Muller with dual batteries.
I think we will see more places pop up that will change up your battery for you, a bit like the things you see about that will change up your phone.
Hows about another idea? I've read somewhere that there is quite a mark up when buying a new or spare battery, so maybe a dealer could offer the customer a chance to purchase a spare battery at a reduced cost when buying a new bike from them? Sharing the profit margin could benefit both parties and possibly create more sales for the dealer.
D
Deleted member 4366
Guest
All these things are down to your own bargaining power. The dealer stands to make a hefty profit on the bike. You negotiate a best price for the bike first, then ask how much the new battery is. Whatever they say, tell them that you'll buy the bike, but only if they sell the additional battery at half the price. Tell them also about the bike from somewhere else that you're considering. If he says no, walk away, but leave your phone number in case he changes his mind. Don't listen to any other comments he makes about why he can't reduce the price of the battery.
Sounds like a good approach, will try that next time. Just thought that some dealer's may take the initiative and advertise a deal up front considering the amount of competition as e bikes become more popular
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