.RIDES, an extended service program for bike retailers, is sponsoring next week's Bicycle Leadership Conference and exhibiting at the Interbike IBD Summit.
RIDES, which is an acronym for Ride It Daily Extended Service, allows retailers to offer extended service programs to customers, providing guaranteed repair, replacement and maintenance, for bikes at all prices. The program was introduced at last fall's Interbike. The company is focusing initial sales efforts on?California, Nevada, Arizona and Minnesota.
"Organizers of the BLC, Sea Otter and IBD Summit have developed the third week of April into an 'official' spring launch for the bike industry," said RIDES Founder Frank McMillan. "Obviously, retailers and manufacturers are the key to our success, so being at the BLC and IBD Summit makes sense for us."
RIDES' program is backed by?Starr Indemnity & Liability Co. and administered by?Global Warranty Group.
"RIDES creates an environment where customers know their investment is protected, and shops are able to increase retention and revenue because their customers will come back through their door for service, new purchases and maintenance," McMillan said.
Plans are available for one- or two-year periods, offer repair or replacement on all frames and components — except consumables like tires and tubes — and begin at the end of the manufacturer's warranty. Depending on the chosen plan, fees range from $7.49 to $2,200, and consumers can purchase a plan up to 30 days before their manufacturer's warranty expires.
