Expanded Hubtiger Builds Stronger Customer Connections

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Imagine a software platform and app that keeps track of your customers’ bikes and how much work key parts have done.

What if that app could then automatically notify a rider when a part has reached a certain number of working hours or mileage, and alerts the cyclists to bring the bike to your store for a service?

Contemplate how much that would help riders take better care of their bikes, and provide a better experience for your store, the mechanics and the bike owner because of regular servicing – avoiding interrupted rides because of part failure and directing traffic to your business.

The Hubtiger online business management software is already making that a reality for hundreds of bike stores around the world.

Hubtiger’s launch in 2018 finally provided online business management software specifically designed for bike shops. It streamlines the administration of bike servicing – from service reminders, to booking and through the whole process to payments.

“Mechanics can use Hubtiger to send an itemised list of suggested parts for a service, which customers access when they’re available and simply check the items they want,” Hubtiger co-founder and CEO Stuart Blyth said.

“Stores no longer have to phone customers to discuss those details and mechanics are halving the time they’re spending on the phone.

“The system sends customers an invoice at the end, so they know what they’re paying before they come to the store. It avoids surprises and builds greater transparency and trust between the shop and its customers.

“We are constantly working on helping bike shops improve their business, with a focus on the efficiency of their business, driving new income and improving customer experience.”

New Additions

Hubtiger recently added a number of updates to further enhance that experience and relationships between bike stores and their customers.

“One of the most important benefits of Hubtiger is it allows shop staff to quickly retrieve a customer’s full service history, so stores can communicate more quickly and conveniently with customers.”

In May, it launched an updated version of the app, making it simpler to navigate and find the features cyclists use most. It also introduced an option for customers to book bike fittings at their local store through the app.

A new shop ride feature was incorporated into the app last month, helping stores better promote shop rides that are so valuable in boosting customer loyalty and attracting newcomers.

“Many of our stores have shop rides but their promotion was static – a simple mention on their website or a sign in the store – without details on where the next ride is going and who’s coming along,” Stuart said.

“Shop rides are fun and their promotion should reflect that. Hubtiger provides templates so stores can easily set up and update shop ride promotions that are more colourful, fun and inviting. People can see pictures of participants at previous rides, where the next ride is going and who’s coming along. It helps to get them interested and committed, particularly newcomers.”

Hubtiger recently introduced a bike sales function to assist owners after their purchase and forge an instant relationship with the store.

“The store sends the new owner a message linking to a webpage with information about their bike. It then books their first service, bringing them back into the shop and starting that relationship.

“One of the most important benefits of Hubtiger is it allows shop staff to quickly retrieve a customer’s full service history, so stores can communicate more quickly and conveniently with customers.

“Hubtiger has streamlined our workshop operations. Allowing our customers to be in control of booking their services that fit in with their schedules is brilliant.”

“Hubtiger allows stores to check a bike’s service record within seconds, so they can show the owner, gain their trust and improve the relationship.”

US Giant Adopts Hubtiger

Hubtiger’s steady growth received a major boost last October when the largest bike store chain on the US east coast, Conte’s Bike Stores, signed up to the service. Conte’s then recently partnered with Hubtiger to develop a white-labelled version of the Hubtiger app.

Conte’s Bike Shop owner David Conte said: “We partnered with Hubtiger because of its international reputation to deliver a bespoke, curated technology for the riding communities we serve.

“As evidenced from our new app, Hubtiger fulfilled our goal of once again bringing a uniquely enhanced customer experience to every cyclists we meet.”

Stuart said when a big retailer like Conti, which has been around since 1957 and has 18 stores, gets onboard with Hubtiger, “everyone in the States starts to look into our service”.

Interest is also growing in Australasia, with Hubtiger providing more than 100 bike stores in Australia and NZ with the software to improve their workshop operations and customer relationships:

• “Hubtiger has streamlined our workshop operations. Allowing our customers to be in control of booking their services that fit in with their schedules is brilliant. We highly recommend Hubtiger to any bicycle store for their day-to-day planning.” – Antonio at Velocipede Australia.
• “I can’t rate these guys highly enough, they definitely saved our workshop. Before Hubtiger we used Google Calendar to run the bookings. Easy-to-use system packed full of features. But the thing I love the most about them is their support. Thanks, legends!” – Dan Kron at Just Ride Nerang.
• “We are all super stoked on your product, it’s really made a difference!” – Andy at Village Cycles.

Hubtiger’s bike store software is available in three levels:

• Lite ($59) for sole operators – including point-of-sale integration, customer and bike history, unlimited services, users and service reminders, in-app messaging and job card management.
• Professional ($95) – accommodates up to four technicians and adds bike shop analytics and an online booking widget.
• Premium ($129) – caters for five or more technicians and offers a loyalty scheme for specific point-of-sale providers.

To see Hubtiger in action, watch its on-demand demo or visit www.hubtiger.com for more information.