Riv request for store credits

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Chris Birkenmaier

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Feb 21, 2018, 7:38:03 PM2/21/18
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I was just in Ri s website and saw their request for their loyal supporters to purchase store credits of $10 units to help through a cash flow jump. I promptly purchased some credits. I love this company and am happy to help them out. Goodness knows I always find things I want to buy from them. While I was doing this I also got an email with the request. I’d encourage you all to read your email or visit their website for complete details
Chris
Who is getting a Roadini to add to the collection

Chris

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Feb 21, 2018, 7:44:52 PM2/21/18
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yep, just saw the email and did my "Hail Mary" deed...  

Christopher Murray

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Feb 21, 2018, 7:46:04 PM2/21/18
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Bought some credits. Hmmm.... what can I spend them on?

“YOPP!”

Cheers!
Chris

Chris Birkenmaier

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Feb 21, 2018, 7:49:41 PM2/21/18
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Apologies for my typos. I’m shopping now too

MartyG

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Feb 21, 2018, 7:55:55 PM2/21/18
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Bought a handful of credits, but honestly would rather donate them back. I get way more value from Rivendell than I return anyway. A printed catalog will be cool though. That alone is worth five Hail Marys to me. Probably more.

reynoldslugs

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Feb 21, 2018, 7:56:59 PM2/21/18
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yep, I'm in.

Team Rivendell has materially made my life better since 1999.  No brainer here.

I might not have returned to cycling (back in 1999) but for Rivendell.  The cardiologist says it's more or less kept me from checking out, so I think this is a good investment for me.

thanks G and Co

Max

Jennings

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:00:55 PM2/21/18
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Just bought one too. Anything to help out.

BSWP

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:08:05 PM2/21/18
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I just bought a bunch (and got email confirmation for each individual $10 store credit). It's an easy call - RBW needs the cash, and they have what I'll be needing, down the road.

While I'm here, let me also just say how GREAT the new MUSA Can-Tuck-It shirts are - fit, looks, feel, coolness. The green, especially, has a shimmering color quality that shifts as you look at it from different angles. I already have two, but need to get a couple more, for the long haul. The sizing however, on the website, is all whack... those instruction would have had me in a M, where the XL is the right size (I went there in person to try on).

- Andrew, Berkeley

DadDadDaddio

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:10:35 PM2/21/18
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Just bought some as well. It must be hard to make an ask like this. I was glad to help.

Brian Campbell

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:12:30 PM2/21/18
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Just bought 5. I hope they make it.

Ed Carolipio

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:21:19 PM2/21/18
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Picked some up as soon as I read the e-mail. Followed the link and bought them like regular gift cards, and now they're ready to get spent - so easy. The hard part is resisting the urge to burn them on a fourth Riv order this month...

--Ed C.

Chris Birkenmaier

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:29:13 PM2/21/18
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Oh go ahead Ed! You have our permission!

Scott McLain

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:34:19 PM2/21/18
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I bought some hail mary planning to purchase one of the blue Riv ball caps that are out of stock.  They are also low on a lot of inventory of consumables.  Not a good sign.  I have come addicted to their yokozuma cable packs. They look great on every bike.  

Kenneth Cote

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:37:04 PM2/21/18
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$200 later


On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 4:38:03 PM UTC-8, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:

drew

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:39:51 PM2/21/18
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I bought a mtn mixte, that they just found, earlier today. I wasn’t intending to buy a bike today and I don’t really neeed it and I can’t reallllly afford it, so i was having a bit of buyers remorse. Now I’m happy I did and I can buy parts for it now and feel good about it!

Bob B

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Feb 21, 2018, 8:40:24 PM2/21/18
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Did it!

Chris Birkenmaier

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:11:40 PM2/21/18
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I noticed the same thing. A lot are sold out. Was hoping they will restock

Tim Butterfield

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:11:42 PM2/21/18
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Did it.  Got tempted by the blue 54 Roadini demo; manage to resist it.  That's another thread, though.

Tim


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Mark in Beacon

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:13:01 PM2/21/18
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I'm forwarding the email on to a few folks who are not on the mailing list but know about the company. Not a chain letter, exactly, but can't hurt.


On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 7:38:03 PM UTC-5, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:

Michael Morrissey

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:36:05 PM2/21/18
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What will the catalog look like? Rivendell should skip the catalog and go straight to a Taschen-style coffee table book.

Richard Rios

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:41:20 PM2/21/18
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Got mine hope it helps. Been a Riv fan and supporter for some time. Noticed they have a 53, 55, and 57 senior Frank Jones on web special might be a good time to grab one.

Ed Fausto

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:42:33 PM2/21/18
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More than happy to support this company who made riding bikes a joy!
Ed Fausto

On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 10:41 AM, Richard Rios <richard...@gmail.com> wrote:
Got mine hope it helps. Been a Riv fan and supporter for some time. Noticed they have a 53, 55, and 57 senior Frank Jones on web special might be a good time to grab one.

Birdman

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Feb 21, 2018, 9:52:16 PM2/21/18
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Bought the credit....and a bunch of other stuff.  More than happy to help my favorite company.

Lum Gim Fong

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Feb 21, 2018, 10:23:22 PM2/21/18
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"...have created a threat we might not be able to ride out..."

I hope that don't mean what I think it means.


Wayne Naha

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Feb 21, 2018, 10:32:44 PM2/21/18
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Welp, I just bought a couple.  They said that all they needed was for a third of 15,000 people to buy one $10 credit.  They are off to a good start here, so I am completely optimistic that Riv can ride out the storm.  This kind of thing builds character, don't you know.

.

Leslie

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Feb 21, 2018, 10:33:35 PM2/21/18
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I'm in. 

I'd just ordered some parts the other day, are still enroute; there were a few things they didn't have in stock, I had to order from elsewhere.  But I'm suddenly wishing I'd been able to have been patient and waited until they restocked and bought from them instead of elsewhere.  

I need to revisit, see if there's anything else I need to have sent my way now, even if I don't need it yet, I can just sit on it until I do....

-L
      

Jim M.

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Feb 21, 2018, 10:37:02 PM2/21/18
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On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 7:23:22 PM UTC-8, Lum Gim Fong wrote:
"...have created a threat we might not be able to ride out..."

I hope that don't mean what I think it means.

It means the existence of the business is threatened. Not for the first time. Did you buy credits? I did.

jim m
walnut creek ca 

Bob B

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Feb 21, 2018, 10:42:10 PM2/21/18
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It means GP started using puns!

Bob B.
Brooklyn NY

Leslie

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Feb 21, 2018, 10:51:36 PM2/21/18
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Actually, it said two-thirds....   ie, they're needing a liquid $100k instantly...  I think we're the low-hanging fruit here, and the ones willing to pick up more than one $10 credit.  But how many folks are active here?  They need a lot more than just us.

Hopefully we can get them through this.   

Rod Holland

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Feb 21, 2018, 11:14:19 PM2/21/18
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I'm in for some credits. Also bit on the Clem-L pre-sale. Hope that helps with the cash flow, too, but my accounting crystal is cloudy...

rod

Ray Varella

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Feb 21, 2018, 11:20:10 PM2/21/18
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I sent them a note with my credits purchase.

Their emails have been getting routed to my spam folder in spite of me labeling them “not spam”.

If that happens a lot then many people on their list don’t get their emails.

Not sure how we can help with that.

Ray

Jonathan D.

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Feb 21, 2018, 11:24:06 PM2/21/18
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I purchased a gift certificate and ordered some stuff earlier in the month. I hope this helps them through the push to get past whatever financial situation they are in.

tc

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Feb 21, 2018, 11:44:56 PM2/21/18
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Thanks for the tip - buried in a sea of email and mighta missed it! Getting several with a plan to keep one for my son so that one day he can see what real bikes used to look like, and the thought that went into them!

Christopher Murray

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:17:48 AM2/22/18
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I wonder if instead of 10,000 people spending $10 in credit we couldn’t organize a smaller group of people (100, 200, 500) to all get a larger amount. There are thousands of people on this list, right? 200 people getting a $500 credit would get Riv there quickly. I’d be willing. Would it be possible? Would 200 people do it?

Just a thought.

Chris

dougP

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:29:00 AM2/22/18
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That was an easy call.  I figured I've pre-paid for the upcoming Silver thumb shifters I've been lusting after. 

dougP

Reid

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:51:05 AM2/22/18
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I'm also a big fan of Rivendells and of Grant's philosophy about bike riding. However ...

It seems to me that the base of cyclists who are tapped into Riv is very small. We (all of us on this list) buy as much as we can manage (two bikes last year for myself and my wife).  I tend to buy well made stuff, then keep it and use it for a looong time, which means that I'll need another new bike in about 25 years. When I have everything I need, I quit spending.  I don't buy and then trade/sell as a hobby, just to try out the latest models. Nothing wrong with that, but I think that the Riv customer base, in general, spends to its limits and then drops off to a quieter level.

Unlike the wanna-be racer crowd, we just don't need the latest "New! Improved!" carbon fiber, spandex goodie every season. I know that I am actually not going to get any faster by buying a titanium bolt that weighs 1.243 grams less than the steel bolt. Rivs are not made with planned obsolescence in mind, the traditional way to keep up sales.

Riv needs a bigger customer base. We on this list do what we can, but I doubt we can save the company. So seriously, does anyone out there have the kind of marketing background needed to expand the customer base? What Riv needs in the long term is more buzz and more paying customers. Who can help?

Reid




 

Wayne Naha

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:55:15 AM2/22/18
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Damn, that could be a tough nut to crack.  We are the low hanging fruit here.  35 posts by 29 authors at the time of this writing.  Well short of $100,000.00.  Still, anyone who has done business with them, come on, a ten dollar credit to get them over a hump?  It's not a difficult choice.

Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!

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Feb 22, 2018, 1:49:42 AM2/22/18
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Done. I didn’t want to post because there’s going to be a zillion emails in my inbox as all the replies come in. I’m posting now because I think people want to gauge the Hail Mary success.

islaysteve

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Feb 22, 2018, 6:29:01 AM2/22/18
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 Bought some.  Hope they get the boost they need.

William R.

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Feb 22, 2018, 7:08:52 AM2/22/18
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Bought a few Hail Mary credits. Any time for Riv.

Bill in Westchester, NY

Mark in Beacon

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Feb 22, 2018, 8:30:40 AM2/22/18
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The company has done that scenario before, too. I think they are trying for a more populist approach. But I tend to think that the more concentrated higher dollar credit buy that you propose has a better chance of success than a thousand points of light. Still, every bit counts!

Max S

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Feb 22, 2018, 8:49:23 AM2/22/18
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Everyone has their opinion / reasons... I saw the email and bought 10 of them, plus some stuff within 2 minutes. But, but, but...

Last summer we visited the “World Headquarters”, as we do about once a year, test rode the tandem (in small) around the parking lot, and decided to buy it — for the whole family. Biggest impulse purchase ever, but such an easy riding bike, and fun for the whole family! Wanted the sage colorway in size small. Alas, they ran out, so we settled on orange in medium — less good, because it’s more difficult for me (captain) to get on with a kid on the back, and a bit too big for two of the kid “stokers”, but workable. Especially since this was “the only run of tandems they would ever do, never again.” More good than bad....

Got the tandem shipped, built it up, great. Really fun!

Then, not long after, Riv sends out an email saying more tandems have arrived, including a few size small in sage. Ugh. For a company that basically survives on fan following, this is a bit of a d*ck move. Maybe not intentional on their part (?), but hard to believe that they didn’t know the second batch was being made / on the boat as we were discussing the sizing & color and making the purchase. And if they didn’t, that’s just craptacular planning, which we (are happy to) bail out again and again.

Anyhow, I’ll most probably buy from Riv again, but there it is.

- Max in A2

Steve Butcher

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:11:11 AM2/22/18
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Me, too! 

Jon Dukeman,central Colorado

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:13:03 AM2/22/18
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I'm in. Also need some parts for my new Canti Sam. Some things are out of stock.
Jon

David Hays

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:25:06 AM2/22/18
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I’m a big fan. Couldn’t help but buy four.

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Bill Lindsay

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:29:26 AM2/22/18
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That’s good advice to all of us. If your intent is to buy a $1000 credit, don’t buy 100 $10 credits, because you will receive 100 emails and you will have 100 separate credits. If you have 100 friends and want to hand them out, then by all means go that route, but if you want a $1000 credit, buy yourself a $1000 gift certificate.

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito Ca

REC

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:34:37 AM2/22/18
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I just bought 5 credits.  I'll be visiting them next week, so I expect to use up all my credits and then some.

Roberta


On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 7:38:03 PM UTC-5, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:

Deacon Patrick

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Feb 22, 2018, 10:18:43 AM2/22/18
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Listen to the wisdom of Bill and buy for the total amount. My knuckleheaded brain didn’t register I was buying individual gift cards, but just saw it as store credit. I now have a lot of individual gift cards.

Laughing at myself with abandon,
Patrick
Message has been deleted

Belopsky

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Feb 22, 2018, 10:26:38 AM2/22/18
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great time for someone to buy a Frank Jones or something else big. The Frank is a fun ride

VeloVert

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:04:26 AM2/22/18
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Purchase a few credits myself and it’s the least I could do. Because of Rivendell, I rediscovered cycling after a long hiatus and met a lot of wonderful people along the way.

Charlie R

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:04:26 AM2/22/18
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I'm looking at this payment more like a Costco membership fee rather than an excuse to buy another set of handlebars..........

As a aside, one of my other favorite companies Really Right Stuff (Camera accessories), just announced that they were moving from California to Utah because of the high cost of doing business in California and so their employees could afford to buy homes where they work.  Rivendell's issues are not isolated.  That said, the cost of moving has to be enormous so that is probably not an option for Rivendell.  

I wish Rivendell well..............

Charlie

Harald Kliems

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:04:26 AM2/22/18
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Just as a PSA: If you buy multiple Hail Mary credits, you will get a whole bunch of emails with individual redemption codes for each $10 credit. Had I realized that, I'd have bought a single gift card instead -- I had assumed that the credit would somehow be applied to my account directly.

Oh well.

 Harald.

Harald Kliems

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:04:27 AM2/22/18
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I hope it works out for them. I quickly bought $100 of credits -- as you said, there's always something that only Riv will sell.
 Harald in Madison (WI)

Rusty Click

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:07:10 AM2/22/18
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Bought some, and now need to go shopping!

Cyclofiend Jim

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:15:26 AM2/22/18
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As a few members have already noted in this thread, those of us in this group are definitely fans. It's heartening to see so many of us grab multiple Hail Mary cards.  It certainly was an easy and quick decision for me. 

The next step is to spread the word, so whether that's personal emails to 5-10 or 20 friends, posting to your Facebook or blog or twitter or instagram feed, or all of the above and more.  

Ten bucks is a burrito and a drink, ferheavinsakes... Ask around and share the email with some friends and coworkers. Maybe there's an angel investor in the wings somewhere, who needs a run of matching Clems for their office staff. 

Let folks know.  

- Jim

Cyclofiend Jim

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:17:30 AM2/22/18
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Oh - here's a "stripped" version of the link to the online version of the email ask:


short link



Joe Bernard

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:23:19 AM2/22/18
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Max, I understand your frustration that you were led to believe there were no more smalls in the pipeline and that changed, but I don't think it's reasonable to infer that folks there knew more were and didn't tell you. They could have easily taken your money as a pre-order for one like I did with the Cheviot that I waited 3 months for. I also don't think they would have advised to buy a different size that wouldn't be good for you. It sounds to me like you got the information they had on hand that day, then made a purchase decision on a different size on your own.

Jonathan Poor

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Feb 22, 2018, 11:38:48 AM2/22/18
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In for a hail mary, plus a hatchet I've been thinking about...

Max S

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:07:08 PM2/22/18
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Joe, the sizing decision was made at the shop, at the time of the visit, as a sub-optimal but workable, pros outweighing the cons, given the options on hand. I paid for it as a full bike at that time.

To the other point about them not knowing more tandems were en route — kind of part of the issue / symptom of causes underlying the periodic need for bailouts. But they’re doing creative stuff in a very tough business, and they’re good people, so they’re getting my support. Both my money and my word-of-mouth recommendations.

Anyhow, I’m quite happy with the tandem, but if anyone has a Sage size Small to trade for my Orange size Medium, let me know! :-)

- Max in A2

iamkeith

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:12:10 PM2/22/18
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Max, I didn't read your message properly at first.   Don't know if you noticed, but there are still small sage Hubba Hubba frames available, while the mediums are long gone.  I know its a hassle but I'd bet you could find someone who wants that orange medium, since its the most needed size, and work out some sort of trade.  Hopefully someone nearby to you and/or Riv.  Maybe you still have a chance to get what you wanted!

What I started to say earlier was that I just take this as an example of how hard such a business must be to run.   NOT as a sign of reckless business decisions.  Just like the MUSA clothing and 59cm Frank Jones Sr. frames, clients and and retailers like Rivendell can't weight their purchases toward the sizes that they know will sell.   Manufacturers expect them to buy a full run of each size that they want to carry, even though much of it will languish on a shelf. 

I think those people who shop at the small and large ends of the spectrum, and who are uniquely served by Rivendell,  should be required to buy double hail mary points.  (Kidding.)

Max S

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:34:16 PM2/22/18
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Joe, good idea! I mentioned at the end of my previous reply that I’d be interested in a trade, so maybe I’ll make a separate message...

Jeff Lesperance

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:34:36 PM2/22/18
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On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 10:21 AM, iamkeith  wrote:


On Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 6:49:23 AM UTC-7, Max S wrote:

 Biggest impulse purchase ever, but such an easy riding bike, and fun for the whole family! Wanted the sage colorway in size small. Alas, they ran out, so we settled on orange in medium — less good, because it’s more difficult for me (captain) to get on with a kid on the back, and a bit too big for two of the kid “stokers”, but workable. Especially since this was “the only run of tandems they would ever do, never again.” ...


Then, not long after, Riv sends out an email saying more tandems have arrived, including a few size small in sage. Ugh. For a company that basically survives on fan following, this is a bit of a d*ck move. Maybe not intentional on their part (?), but hard to believe that they didn’t know the second batch was being made / on the boat as we were discussing the sizing & color and making the purchase. And if they didn’t, that’s just craptacular planning, which we (are happy to) bail out again and again.

Anyhow, I’ll most probably buy from Riv again, but there it is.

I COMPLETELY get the frustration of a bike not being available in a color you like, but that's kind of silly.   Aside from the fact that orange is clearly superior to sage, I remember them saying all along that they MIGHT do a second run if the demand is there.  

I'm pretty sure Max had an issue with the size, more so than the color, considering that the problem statement involves difficulty in mounting the bike and it being too big for a couple of the kids.

cyclot...@gmail.com

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Feb 22, 2018, 12:52:38 PM2/22/18
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Done! 

I only knew about it from Esteban posting on IG as the email went to my spam folder. I bet that is the case for many of those 15,000 unopened messages. 

I also posted it on some other forums I frequent, and recommended doing the same!

Evan E.

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Feb 22, 2018, 1:01:43 PM2/22/18
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Last night I purchased one Hail Mary credit and one $100 gift certificate. I'm more than happy to give Rivendell $110. I see it as a cash advance to them. (I would have bought some merchandise, too, but I need nothing now. Will think of something in summer or fall.)



Austin

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Feb 22, 2018, 1:04:58 PM2/22/18
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Just pulled the trigger on an Albastache from Riv after seeing their need for cash. I've been mulling over the Albastache for some time anyway and this was enough motivation to just go for it.

And I'm SO glad one of you picked up the 61cm Roadini demo special already! Else, I might have some 'splainin to do to my wife....

Good luck to Grant & Riv--keep going!

Austin

Nancy Seibel

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Feb 22, 2018, 1:14:57 PM2/22/18
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We're in too! Bought some credits. Now the planning begins....what to purchase later? 

Ryan Merrill

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Feb 22, 2018, 2:32:24 PM2/22/18
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Well, I just bought a hundred bucks worth...I know I will use it. I might do more later after pay day.

This also got me off my butt to purchase the remaining parts I need for my Appaloosa build. Looks like I'm going to be doing the two speed single speed thing that the Cheviot on the blug had. It's going to work well for the gravel roads I ride, especially the 24 tooth lower on the Silver crank. I went with the chaco moose bar that was in the web specials.

I almost...almost bought that 53cm Frank Jones frame too but I would seriously be living in the garage for the year, sent there by the wife, if I did that. It's a great looking frame and would make a killer single speed fasty bike, but I don't need it and I got too much wrapped up in bikes now. If I could sell one of the many mountain bikes I got, I might be able to do it but....dude, I got an Appaloosa coming!!!!

I remember back in the day Riv doing a similar thing by asking people to purchase gift cards. I'm happy to help them out.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 6:38:03 PM UTC-6, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:

Max S

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Feb 22, 2018, 3:08:05 PM2/22/18
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OK, Riv is on the case, so something may work out here with the tandem after all. 

It's too bad I really can't swing a new Rivendell bike at this time, but give me about a year to save up and purge, and I may put down for a 650b Hunqa or Atlantis. Hopefully those certificates will come in handy. 

- Max in A2

Joe Bernard

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Feb 22, 2018, 4:21:01 PM2/22/18
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'twas actually Keith's idea, but I'm glad to hear Riv is talking to you about your tandem situation. Good luck!

Joe Bernard

dougP

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Feb 22, 2018, 5:07:56 PM2/22/18
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There's still the 56 cm Atlantis for sale for $2,700.  Complete bike, less seatpost & seat, for the price of the frame alone.  Someone NEEDS this bike.

dougP (already have my Atlantis, but an active enabler on such matters)

Aaron Russell

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Feb 22, 2018, 5:18:53 PM2/22/18
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I just bought a $10 credit too. I had actually also ordered the on-sale "Grant Special 3-speed" Clem L last week to be my wife's new commuter bike, but felt a little bad about that since it was such a great bargain.

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Michael Holloway

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Feb 22, 2018, 5:19:00 PM2/22/18
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Since folks are interested, I chipped in.

Also, I wasn't planning on buying n+1 anytime soon, but that 56 Atlantis sure looks like a deal.  Just need to get the wife on board...

dougP

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Feb 22, 2018, 5:38:59 PM2/22/18
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CORRECTION:  INCLUDES SEATPOST

Tim Butterfield

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Feb 22, 2018, 5:42:52 PM2/22/18
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Don't worry about that Atlantis demo.   It's already gone.


I should be receiving it soon.  I guess I can end my discussion of what to add to my Homer.

Tim

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dougP

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Feb 22, 2018, 5:43:17 PM2/22/18
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Michael:

Complete bike for the price of the frame?  How could she object?  This truly is the deal I've ever seen. 

When we got my wife's Atlantis, she wasn't even shopping for a bike.  Five minutes around a parking lot & she said "I have to have this bike!"  And she's not a bike person.  The magic of the Atlantis.  BTW, that's only a little more than I paid for mine 15 years ago. 

dougP

Eric Douglas

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Feb 22, 2018, 7:28:31 PM2/22/18
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Don't need any parts but just bought a $50 certificate to support Grant.

Eric

cyclotourist

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Feb 22, 2018, 7:40:03 PM2/22/18
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Good call on that one, Tim!!!

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Doug H.

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Feb 22, 2018, 8:58:01 PM2/22/18
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Wow Tim. Way to take advantage of a good deal. I wish I had that much disposable cash on hand. Let us know how you like the Atlantis.
Doug

Tim Butterfield

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:15:09 PM2/22/18
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Doug, I wish I had that much disposable cash also.  But, alas, it went on plastic.  Had to; I'm not local.  ;)  Actually, the cash for it will be disposed of over the next couple of months.  Still, even with that avenue of purchase, it was too good of a deal to pass up for a Waterford frame that's different enough from my Homer.  And, it will have been paid for and being ridden in far less time and money than it would take to order it.  I'm still having a hard time believing I managed to get a Waterford bike for my +1 for not much more than the Taiwan bikes I had been considering.  Wow is right.

Tim

Doug H.

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Feb 22, 2018, 9:19:42 PM2/22/18
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I look forward to hearing your ride report. Smart purchase and great deal Tim!
Doug

Bob Lovejoy

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Feb 23, 2018, 9:18:29 AM2/23/18
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Maybe it has been mentioned but...

The "Hail Mary" option now includes $10/50/100 options, making >$10 purchases all the more easy... 


And highly recommended!

Bob Lovejoy
Galesburg, IL 

mlpessar

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Feb 23, 2018, 9:22:37 AM2/23/18
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I've been a little reluctant to post but it seems folks are interested in the response to Grant's email. I bought a fist full shortly after the email appeared. I plan on giving certificates to people I know who might be interested in what Riv has to offer. My hope is that by doing so the customer base will grow.
Can't help but feel that the my world would be a poorer place without RBW in it. If that sounds over-stated, hey so be it. I know I'm preaching directly to the choir by posting here but I will say that if you value an enterprise you should strongly consider supporting it. 


Jonathan D.

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Feb 23, 2018, 12:17:41 PM2/23/18
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Anyone know if the Hail Mary is having an impact or how much more they need? Are there other options to support them? I bought stuff from both rivendell and Rivelo this past month along with a few gift cards.

Bill Lindsay

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Feb 23, 2018, 1:27:04 PM2/23/18
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On Friday, February 23, 2018 at 9:17:41 AM UTC-8, Jonathan D. wrote:
Anyone know if the Hail Mary is having an impact or how much more they need? Are there other options to support them?  I bought stuff from both rivendell and Rivelo this past month along with a few gift cards.

Dave S is the GM at Riv.  I emailed Dave after I screwed up and generated a bunch of $10 gift cards when I'd rather have one big one.  Dave arranged to consolidate my many credits into one for me.  While I "had his ear", I asked how HailMary was going, and he said "better than expected".  I told him that I could potentially help additionally if it was necessary, and he thanked me for that, but said it was not at the moment. 

So, if you are well-heeled and want to loan Rivendell $10k - $50k at lower interest than a line of credit, reach out to Dave.  Maybe they'd want it, but my guess is they won't.  If you don't want to enter that kind of arrangement with Rivendell Bicycle Works, then buying things they have in stock and buying store credit are the best two things you can do.  Giving away those $10 gift certs to your friends, triggering them to spend $100 each would be even better. 

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito, CA

Jonathan D.

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Feb 23, 2018, 1:29:54 PM2/23/18
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Thanks Bill for the update. I’ll keep my fingers crossed this works and buys them time to course correct. I wonder what business decisions they made that a Grant now regrets.

Doug H.

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Feb 23, 2018, 1:55:44 PM2/23/18
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I’ve been thinking maybe stocking too may Clem H style bikes may have strained the budget? They didn’t sell as well as the L style and have been discounted.
Doug in Athens, GA

Kainalu V.

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Feb 23, 2018, 1:58:07 PM2/23/18
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I hope the bad decision[s] isn't/don't include the 360° super silver shifter project, because that's what my poor credit's all in on...
-Kai 
BK NY

Patrick Moore

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Feb 23, 2018, 2:10:52 PM2/23/18
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I hope the Hail Mary request has generated as much cash as comment.

I called and talked to Will, 'cause I hate signing in to things, and donated $20 (I said "donate" but apparently I get something out of it. Oh well). I told him I wanted Rivendell to be around until I die. Let's hope it is.

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Jonathan D.

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Feb 23, 2018, 2:31:56 PM2/23/18
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I know RIv is not a non profit but I would donate as well or consider it a subscription to all their writings. I see Roadini’s are still in stock in all sizes. I assume most of the models are selling well but I am guessing slight changes in demand can have big cash flow implications. I also don’t know what the profit margin is and with the price increases, maybe the margins decreased as well.

Patrick Moore

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Feb 23, 2018, 2:35:28 PM2/23/18
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Perhaps we ought to charge annual reading and posting fees for this list, proceeds to go to Rivendell. What should the tariffs be?

Or perhaps, pay per post? I'd have to cut back!

Or, perhaps a fine for silly posts like this.

On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 12:31 PM, Jonathan D. <jdone...@gmail.com> wrote:
I know  RIv is not a non profit but I would donate as well or consider it a subscription to all their writings. I see Roadini’s are still in stock in all sizes. I assume most of the models are selling well but I am guessing slight changes in demand can have big cash flow implications. I also don’t know what the profit margin is and with the price increases, maybe the margins decreased as well.
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Bill Lindsay

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Feb 23, 2018, 2:37:45 PM2/23/18
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From my perspective it's 100% inventory issues.  In order to sell the bikes they want to sell for a price that it "reasonable", they have to buy them in batches from Taiwan, cash up front.  They just got Sams, and Roadinis, and Appaloosas and have a Clem order coming really soon.  That's a lot of cash they have to tie up in inventory so they have bikes to sell this Spring.  They have to pay the bill now and they get it back as their inventory gets sold.

Bill

dougP

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Feb 23, 2018, 2:51:25 PM2/23/18
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In a small business, there are numerous opportunities for poor decisions.  Often it's the first time a particular decision has been required, and it's made with not enough information and unknown risk.  But that's all you've got to go on.  NOT doing something can be as poor a decision as pursuing something that goes sideways.

Good to hear that the gift card program is well received. 

dougP 

tc

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Feb 23, 2018, 3:17:07 PM2/23/18
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You could be right. 26 H frames and 32 H completes in stock at the moment.

D0CEB9EB-7B81-4392-A5E3-2932A02AAABC.jpeg

Ash

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Feb 23, 2018, 6:17:00 PM2/23/18
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When I saw this dropped everything and bought couple of things I always wanted  needed for my continued handlebar experiments.

A Bosco 58cm (already have 55) and a Tallux to go with.

And a 100 Hail Marys as an investment :)


On Wednesday, 21 February 2018 16:38:03 UTC-8, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:
I was just in Ri s website and saw their request for their loyal supporters to purchase store credits of $10 units to help through a cash flow jump. I promptly purchased some credits. I love this company and am happy to help them out. Goodness knows I always find things I want to buy from them. While I was doing this I also got an email with the request.  I’d encourage you all to read your email or visit their website for complete details
Chris
Who is getting a Roadini to add to the collection

Bob K.

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Feb 23, 2018, 9:59:09 PM2/23/18
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Bought a $10 credit and some other stuff. Hope there has been a big response.

Bob K. in Baltimore

Dave Johnston

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Feb 23, 2018, 10:17:28 PM2/23/18
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Well I did one $100 Hail Mary and one $250 gift certificate. And then I put in some "notify when back in stock" on some items I am interested that are out of stock. I also contacted Rich about some wheels, but I'm not sure if custom wheels helps Rivendell the company.

-Dave J

Marc Irwin

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Feb 24, 2018, 9:25:54 AM2/24/18
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I spent the last few years of my business career consulting small business owners, cash flow is a constant problem for any privately held business.  Too much overhead, too much inventory, slumping seasonal sales, who knows.  Probably all the above.  I bought a few things I needed and a $50 credit.  I'll bet they come out alright.

Marc


On Friday, February 23, 2018 at 1:29:54 PM UTC-5, Jonathan D. wrote:

Terry Scott

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Feb 24, 2018, 11:02:03 AM2/24/18
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I bought one Hail Mary for each Rivendell I own

Sounds like they're getting lots of uptake , which is great

Ryan Fleming in Winnipeg

Diego J. Garza

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Feb 24, 2018, 11:02:39 AM2/24/18
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Just chipped in for the Hail Mary. I just received some stuff from them earlier in the week - some fenders, newbaums tape, a pump holder, etc. I emailed them after the shipping confirmation to see if I could add on some Nitto p-clamps and they threw in two extras. These folks go above and being to make sure you're a happy pedaling customer. I have started to notice a lot of stuff out of stock. 

I'm assuming the cashflow issues are related to the previous ones a few months ago where they were asking for folks to buy $5k in credit and it would be worth more in 2018? Forgot the exact details. 

Sending them and all of you good vibes,

diego
los angeles, ca
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