Should IBDs accept Halfords Cycle2Work vouchers?
Posted on in Cycles News
Halfords reported a 21.3% increase in like for like sales in its first quarter this year, including a 35% increase in premium bike sales. It's unclear how much of this is attributable to their Cycle2Work scheme, but in a debate currently raging on the industry forum, a view was expressed that: Halfords are years ahead in terms of marketing Cycle to Work!
The theme of the industry trade forum debate is whether IBDs should accept Halfords Cycle2Work vouchers, obviously a big and sensitive subject, with the thread rated number 3 for the highest contributions ever on the forum.
It's been a long debated question whether IBD's should accept Halfords vouchers and not miss a (low margin) sale or whether by doing so they are fuelling a perceived position of strength, which will be used by Halfords to win future employer tenders away from the much larger and more extensive IBD network offering.
Halfords promote their "Nationwide Independent Bike Shop Network" providing "Unique access to ALL the UK's top bike brands - GUARANTEED" from a "Choice of over 800 Halfords and Independent Bike Shops".
A wide range of opinions have been expressed on the industry forum, including those questioning the value of C2W to the IBD sector and suppliers commenting on the low margins that IBDs are happy to work on with Halfords. Outside of the forum we have also witnessed emotional discussion on this subject from suppliers and subscribers, so please take some time to have your say.