How difficult can it be?

[indalo]

Banbury frank continues to promote Xipi bikes both in these pages and via private messages. I'm bound to say, having looked at their website, that if it takes months to re-construct a fairly basic website, I'd think seriously before buying a £1600+ bike from them.

I'm sure I read somewhere on their pages that the new site should be completed by June. I'm afraid to me, that makes the whole operation sound low-budget and a bit mickey mouse, frankly. The fact that they've been around for 4 years or so doesn't necessarily mean that they'll still be around in another 4 years.

Any aspiring company can have a glossy new website online and operational within days if prepared to pay professionals for the work. If Xipi don't have a budget which stretches to good quality advertising online, then they're running their outfit on a shoestring. I'd stay well clear, especially as they're not selling anything which can't be sourced elsewhere.

A new website Frank; come on, how hard can it be?

Indalo

 

[stevebills]

I will stick up for Frank on the website front!
Warren Buffet is worth around 45 billion dollars and his website is basic and cheap

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi Indalo


Thanks for your comments it all helps to improve the site

please look at my posts my advice i hope has helped members

has anybody on this forum any experience a Xipi kit or bike comments would be appreciated

Frank

 

[stevebills]

Hi Indalo


Thanks for your comments it all helps to improve the site

please look at my posts my advice i hope has helped members

has anybody on this forum any experience a Xipi kit or bike comments would be appreciated

Frank

I would like to no what motors u r using?... 1000 watts on the front wheel seems extreme and how does it handle on take off

 

[morphix]

I will stick up for Frank on the website front!
Warren Buffet is worth around 45 billion dollars and his website is basic and cheap

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

Blimey that IS basic. No wonder that guy is so stinkin' rich, he's a penny pincher ;-)

 

[tillson]

I have had a look at their business address on Google Maps / Street View and it seems to be a residential area with no shops. I may be wrong, but it leads me to suspect that these people are selling £1600 bikes out of their living room. That would put me off straight away without any further consideration.

On the up side, their website did make me smile. Especially the bit where they claim, " The Future Today". Very funny. The last time I saw a written statement of similar poignancy, it was inscribed onto a trinket in the jewellery section of the local Argos store.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi Steve

Xipi is the UK distributor for Nine Continents motors

5 year warranty

Good for 30 mph + on 48 volts or 72 volt 45 mph

The motors are good for 24 volt to 72 volt front or rear 6 hole disk mount

speed 10.5 rpm per volt power depends on voltage input

so if you use a 24 volt battery with output 10 amps 240 watts to the motor

72 volts at 60 amps 4300 watts to motor

If that's not enough fit one in front on in rear twin motors

the web site and photos are all done in house

bobsphotos.co.uk capturing memories for tomorrow.

frank

 

[morphix]

Fair do's to anyone getting into this business, nothing wrong with starting small, but if you're going to try asking £1,600 for a bike you have to at least be professional and have the basic business infrastructure in place eh. Giving a false image that you're bigger than you're are is misleading to customers. When people are making such a large purchase it's not just the bike they're buying, it's the support and assurance that the company who sold the bike is going to be around to support it. Why not just be honest and straightforward, customers will respect you more for it. Alien bikes is a good example.

 

[NRG]

I wish all small business good luck in the current climate but what got my goat today is it took a wee bit of investigation to put two and two together. I don't want to do that and find it disrespectful and a bit deceitful to the membership that a 'trades' person is lurking as a normal punter. Be upfront and declare your interests as per the AUP then you will earn some respect. Just my 2p worth.

 

[tillson]

I wish all small business good luck in the current climate but what got my goat today is it took a wee bit of investigation to put two and two together. I don't want to do that and find it disrespectful and a bit deceitful to the membership that a 'trades' person is lurking as a normal punter. Be upfront and declare your interests as per the AUP then you will earn some respect. Just my 2p worth.

I'd not realised that BanburyFrank was a trader and Xipi Bikes until I read this post. I just thought that he was promoting a local retailer with to whom he had no connection.

If true, that's pretty disgraceful behaviour. It's quite clear that anyone with a trade interest should declare it and the topic has often been discussed on here. Again, if true, the fact that they have come on here purporting to be a regular forum member whilst at the same time covertly promoting their commercial product speaks volumes. Do we see David from Wisper, Tim / Scott from 50C, Jucy Bikes or any of the other reputable names doing this? No we don't because they are just that, reputable.

I don't suppose we have seen the last of these, "grotty living room sellers" but at least we have smoked this one out.

 

[eddieo]

I see Franks posts from time to time but no way I associated him with a manufacturer, so I think some of you are being a bit unfair.....he is hardly a blatant commercial interest!

 

[morphix]

I see Franks posts from time to time but no way I associated him with a manufacturer, so I think some of you are being a bit unfair.....he is hardly a blatant commercial interest!

I think like the last two posters said, it was more the fact he posted a recommendation for his own business as though it was an independent recommendation which has annoyed some people. He should of been upfront and said "I do this..if anyone is interested" it's not obvious to many that he's involved in Xipi, perhaps he should put it in his signature tag. I'm sure nobody has a problem with people plugging their own businesses and products as long as they have declared their interests and be up front about it.

 

[tillson]

Agreed. Commercial posting adds to the forum, but they have to be transparent about their commercial activities. Especially so when recommending their own product.

 

[Straylight]

I'd hope we're all clever enough to realise the implicit bias of someone who makes a single product recommendation in response to a query, unless the needs are incredibly specific. Whether these people have a financial stake in a given business is surely a moot point, as it simply means a lack of objectivity.

EG. if someone asks "whats a good make of hub driven bike?", then the impartial response would be to mention several names. Whereas if the question were "I'm looking for a white bike, slightly BMX in style, with a front motor and a black battery, any ideas?", then the answer might be somewhat more singular

I think that the covert marketeers can sometimes think that they're being smarter than they are.

 

[jerrysimon]

Don't most of the declared suppliers also contribute to and help fund the site ?

Regards

Jerry

 

[morphix]

I'd hope we're all clever enough to realise the implicit bias of someone who makes a single product recommendation in response to a query, unless the needs are incredibly specific. Whether these people have a financial stake in a given business is surely a moot point, as it simply means a lack of objectivity.

EG. if someone asks "whats a good make of hub driven bike?", then the impartial response would be to mention several names. Whereas if the question were "I'm looking for a white bike, slightly BMX in style, with a front motor and a black battery, any ideas?", then the answer might be somewhat more singular

I think that the covert marketeers can sometimes think that they're being smarter than they are.

I see what you're saying, but I have to disagree on the part about impartiality or not endorsing one specific make.. often if I ask for a recommendation I'd much prefer someone give me one product if they have personally used it and can recommend it as either reliable/cheapest/best etc, rather than giving me a list of makes.. often I'm already aware of what makes there are, but I want some personal recommendations based on users experiences.. I guess some people might prefer a list and to do their own research though, even if it does take up loads of time.

 

[stevebills]

Frank get it in your signature tab and lets move on please gentlemen

 

[banbury frank]

Hi Everybody

I have asked twice to advertise on the banner adds on the right

No reply

I would love to help support this super site and get sales

The reason for me being covert is I Registered about 6 months ago as xipi frank or xipi man cant remember witch

I did not read the bit about advertising I then sent a mail to the administrator Apologizing and asking about advertising costs
NO reply

I then said who i was and was removed the same day I asked why

NO reply

This will probably be my last post as I will probably be banned But I will use another computer and register and let you know

I hope I have Helped Members





Frank

 

[indalo]

I have to confess to a little surprise that some readers hadn't picked up on the fact that banbury frank is involved, (may even be the main man!) with Xipi bikes in the UK.

There are several dealers and importers who use this site quite openly and I don't have too much of a problem with that. It does trouble me a little however that when opinions are expressed, especially from senior members to new readers seeking advice or guidance regarding electric bikes, some of those opinions may not be exactly fair, factual nor totally unbiased and independent.

Now, I'm not suggesting that this site is awash with corruption but it's important that people know who they're dealing with before parting with loads of cash, based on possibly spurious advice received in this forum. I'm minded to add again at this point the best advice, regularly recommended on here, to try before you buy.

Most traders, even small businesses, recognise the importance of advertising and accept it's a price worth paying. On here, I'd like to see every trader and every person connected to those companies with whom readers here might do business, clearly identified in every post. Some kind of annotation, perhaps as simple as the letter, (T) for trader would suffice. I would expect every one of those firms to pay for advertising on the site without exception.

I have nothing against banbury frank or indeed others operating similarly on here. Those who are sufficiently entrepreneurial to have a go in the ebike market should be applauded, given the history of ebike selling in the UK. Just be up-front, don't mislead or misinform people and PAY YOUR DUES!

Indalo

 

[morphix]

Most traders, even small businesses, recognise the importance of advertising and accept it's a price worth paying. On here, I'd like to see every trader and every person connected to those companies with whom readers here might do business, clearly identified in every post. Some kind of annotation, perhaps as simple as the letter, (T) for trader would suffice. I would expect every one of those firms to pay for advertising on the site without exception.

Indalo

Sounds like a very sensible proposal and way forward to avoid further confusion. Could possibly make the T or trader icon linked to a register showing which business they represent or have interests in? Then people can check easily, or failing that, just make it a requirement for traders to state their full business/trading name on the signature tag. I think the latter may even be a legal requirement (along with place of business) when you're advertising online.