Marcus Edwards Posted December 8, 2005 Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 Why don't Flexi have an online shop? (selling kites) I have often wondered why flexi don't offer this for customers who don't have a kite shop nearby. I know kite shops sell flexi stuff on their web sites but it seems a bit backwards to me. As long as the price was the same RRP etc what's the diff? http://www.a-q-u-i-l-o.com/images/thumb.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim186 Posted December 8, 2005 Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 Because they are the manufacturer, and they source all there stuff out to distibutors who then sell it onto shops. its the same with all manufacturers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Edwards Posted December 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 Because they are the manufacturer, and they source all there stuff out to distibutors who then sell it onto shops. its the same with all manufacturers But why? Don't you think in this online world if you want a flexi you go to the flexi site and buy one. It would also make sence of hosting "possibly" the biggest kite forum in the universe, to make use of it in a business way. http://www.a-q-u-i-l-o.com/images/thumb.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB Posted December 8, 2005 Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 The do to a point http://www.flexifoildirect.com/ I work in purchasing and its a huge cost to sell, there is advertising, transport, packaging, insurance, admin to sort invoice queries lost deliveries etc etc etc, people to pick and pack deliveries, poeple to source and price match (benchmarking), warehouse for stock, then you need warehouse staff. Suddenly the cost of a kite doubles! so they get other gimps to do it ie. kite shops! Job done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Edwards Posted December 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 The do to a point http://www.flexifoildirect.com/ I work in purchasing and its a huge cost to sell, there is advertising, transport, packaging, insurance, admin to sort invoice queries lost deliveries etc etc etc, people to pick and pack deliveries, poeple to source and price match (benchmarking), warehouse for stock, then you need warehouse staff. Suddenly the cost of a kite doubles! so they get other gimps to do it ie. kite shops! Job done! But don't they do that to send stuff out to kiteshops anyway!!! So the kites come in from China, flexi warehouse them. A kiteshop orders some kites, they get sent out to the kiteshop then they get sent on to the customer who ordered from the kiteshops website. phew. seems a bit around the houses!! and I skipped the other possible middleman the wholesaler. Don't see how the kite price would double if you cut some of that process out. Plus buying direct you would get the latest model sooner. http://www.a-q-u-i-l-o.com/images/thumb.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB Posted December 8, 2005 Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 ................................. But don't they do that to send stuff out to kiteshops anyway!!! NO it will no doubt be the kite shops responsibility (would be if I did the contract)!............... So the kites come in from China, flexi warehouse them. A kiteshop orders some kites, they get sent out to the kiteshop then they get sent on to the customer who ordered from the kiteshops website. phew. seems a bit around the houses! and I skipped the other possible middleman the wholesaler. Don't see how the kite price would double if you cut some of that process out. Plus buying direct you would get the latest model sooner. The kite shop could get it straingt from China once produced! the kite shop would be charged per item that would include the item / delivery inc insurance, packaging and deliver etc either that or flexi would have to pay all those costs and then post again to the kite shop! hence paying post and insurance twice! easy far cheaper to let some other bugger pay the prices, do you really think a blade cost £300+ to make???? no more like £60 the rest is all the extras to get it to the kite shop and advertise etc, the kite shops pay for this in the purchase price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Edwards Posted December 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2005 Well I didn't start this thread as another why are kites so expensive type of thread. I just thought it would be more convienient and direct to order online from flexi. I think they are dropping the ball a bit. and I know the argument goes that buying from a kiteshop means you get help etc. but not if you buy online from a kiteshop (unless this is a new service the postman is offering that I haven't heard about) http://www.a-q-u-i-l-o.com/images/thumb.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassiewoofer Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 well what's that flashing 'online store' thingy at the top of this page......i never clicked it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Edwards Posted December 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 well what's that flashing 'online store' thingy at the top of this page......i never clicked it? Well if you do click it you will find this message.... We do not sell our core products such as kites, landboards, buggies and boards on this site. This is because we believe in supporting our dealers who can provide you with advice on products, flying hints and tips and after sales service. You will often find that your local dealer will organise or will know of kiting communities in your area, enabling you to join up with other flyers. This is a great way to improve your flying skills and get the most out of your kiting experience. If you are interested in buying one of our core products, please click here to find your nearest dealer. If you have time, pay them a visit as they will be more than happy to talk kites with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiteboyza Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Because they will only sell to dealers who are willing to take a large quantity of kit at a time. the dealer in turn sharks the shop to take a flexi stand and he must take x amount of gear a month. Then the shop shafts us. So Flexi keep pushing gear out regardless if its selling or not..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrbuggy Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Well an online shop would be good but would it help. A couple of months ago I thought Id upgrade my buggy wheels on my Flexi to the wider small ones they now do. Contact my local dealer no problem, pay the money, and cool have them within a week. Next day phone call from local dealer, no go Flexi have a backlog no idea when they would be in. So cancelled my order and had a look on the web instead. Found Lift Mate ask for Peter. Told them the specs and they had some wheels with barring, no idea what these were going to look like but figured they would fit. Well they came within the week (because they had them in stock lesson here Flexi) and would you know it there EXACTLY the same as the Flexi ones (mate had a new buggy with them that's how I know). So online buying works but not necessarily from where you think. PS Cost me the same as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrbuggy Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Well an online shop would be good but would it help. A couple of months ago I thought Id upgrade my buggy wheels on my Flexi to the wider small ones they now do. Contact my local dealer no problem, pay the money, and cool have them within a week. Next day phone call from local dealer, no go Flexi have a backlog no idea when they would be in. So cancelled my order and had a look on the web instead. Found Lift Mate (www.liftmate.co.uk) ask for Peter. Told them the specs and they had some wheels with bearing, no idea what these were going to look like but figured they would fit. Well they came within the week (because they had them in stock lesson here Flexi) and would you know it there EXACTLY the same as the Flexi ones (mate had a new buggy with them that's how I know). So online buying works but not necessarily from where you think. PS Cost me the same as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Edwards Posted December 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 So online buying works but not necessarily from where you think. See - everyone shops online now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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