Welcome To ScooterMaxi
Ambitious Shad-Kymco luggage alliance announced
The announced alliance between Kymco USA and Shad presents a big challenge with high potential for a lucrative return. Based in Spain, Shad manufactures all of its high-quality cases in Europe. The agreement calls for Shad to develop a full line of top cases with built-in backrests that will cover every Kymc
o model, creating a match for every color in the KYMCO scooter palette, as well as special mounting brackets to fit each model.
Many Kymco dealers already carry the Shad line of cases, but typically only stock the matte-black version of any particular model. The big challenge for Shad and Kymco will be coordination – ensuring dealers and their customers can expect to receive matching product in a timely manner. Based on the strength of U.S. performance exhibited by both companies in recent years, the prospects for success appear strong.
Shad SH-50 with snap-on color system
Coordination is not always easy, even when matching only one scooter model to an accessory. A good example is Honda with its new SH150i just now arriving in the USA. The optional tall windshield marketed by Honda will not be available for several months, frustrating the best efforts of dealers who depend on add-ons for achieving a decent margin. If Shad and Kymco can manage to avoid that kind of all-too-frequent problem, the alliance should be a boon for all involved.
Most readers here are familiar with Kymco (full disclosure - Kymco is a regular sponsor of this site). Shad might not be so well known. Shad arrived on the scene sourcing OEM top and side cases to motorcycle and scooter manufacturers, as well as marketing motorcases under its own brand name. Behind the Shad trademark, the closely associated NAD s.a. company has long provided OEM saddles to European motorcycle manufacturers - including BMW. Shad also partners with the privately held powersports accessories manufacturer and distributor Binetto Group.
Look good on the Internet - essential
Not much new under the sun can be said about how essential it is to have an Internet presence when you’re trying to sell stuff. When it comes to scooters, you have mega-retailers and Internet-only retailers working hard on their flashy appearance – literally.
But what about the smaller-scale operation specializing in repairs and carrying a few lesser-known scooter brands? Retailers like Blue Cat Motors in Saint Paul, Minn. typically will put up a bare-bones website just to let folks know they really exist. But more and more now, yo
u see them working harder on the website in a more-concerted effort to draw in customers.
Indeed, that’s exactly what has happened at Blue Cat Motors where widely traveled co-owner Ryan Scott not only wanted his business known for its rapidly scaling scooter sales in 2007-08, but for motorcycle repairs and restoration of vintage rides. The website went from bare bones to broad and alluring. Teaming up with web developer Reid Peifer of Giant Squid Industries located nearby in Saint Paul, Blue Cat Motors has created an artful site that captures the spirit and essence of the business, its owners and employees. It’s a fun place to visit – both virtually and in reality.
As is often the case, not everything on the website is just right from the start. A few bios remained to be added at re-launch. Helmets on the website weren’t actually free – they needed a price tag added. It will take quite a bit to keep up this ambitious website – and that’s always going to be a bit challenging for a smaller operation with workers who wear more than one hat. In the long run, though, the time and money spent likely will prove a wise investment.
