Stop Flats Selling Tips Flat tires take all the fun out of cycling! If the threat of this negative experience can be eliminated, recreational and commuter bicycling will become more and more popular. Frustrated bicyclists the world over are spending millions dollars for all kinds of products that promise "flat-free" cycling. We feel the very best of these is STOP Flats2 Tire Liners. We offer the following sales tips to help you get your share of the growing Flat-Free products market. Qualify Your Customers - Flat-Free Products Are Not For Everyone. As with other bike products, professional dealers have the responsibility of correctly identifying customer's needs, and selling products that meet those needs. The flat-free customer needs to be qualified by price (can they afford it?) , and by usage. Price - If your customer is a young kid who barely has enough money in his jeans for a patch kit, he is NOT a prospect (although you should certainly mention that such products are available someday he may have money). Usage - If your customer rides a very expensive, super lightweight bike and is into high- performance or racing, he is NOT a prospect. Who Are Flat-Free Prospects? Commuters - never late to work or school again        because of a flat tire. Tourists - imagine not having to carry extra        tubes, tires, patch kits, etc. Weekend cyclists - no more frustrating delays        that can spoil a family outing. Parents - tired of the almost weekly intrusion        into leisure time necessary to repair "Captain        Destructo's" flat bicycle tires.      You probably have several regular customers whose      family flat tire repair business has become a nuisance - to      you and a source of discouragement to them. Perhaps      their interest in cycling is waning due to their flat tire      problems.      • Would they appreciate your solution to their          problems?*      • Would they" spread the word" to neighbors,          relatives, friends?*      • Would your overall business Increase?*      (*NOTE: The answer to all of the above is YES!) Bicycle Dealers - Yes, even bicycle dealers get flat tires. Experience these products for yourself arid be better equipped to properly analyze your customer's needs. General - If your customer is fed up with the inconvenience of flat tires enough to accept the "trade offs" of using flat-free products, he is a prospect! Trade Offs? As in most things, you must give up a little to get a little. Most users of flat-free products feel they give up very little and gain a great deal. The "Trade Off" for NOT using flat-free products, IS FLAT TIRES! The "Flat-Free Product Comparison" Chart illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of various types of flat-free products on the market. You will find, the greater the protection from flats, the greater the trade-offs. But for many serious and casual cyclists alike, freedom from flats, is worth it. When Is The Customer A Prospect? Your customers are interested In flat-free products when: They have a flat - most likely from puncture by a thorn or broken glass. Your suggestion to prevent this from happening on a regular basis would be well-received. They are buying a new tube or tire. Now is the ideal time for them to "step-up" to a better idea - a flat- free product. "We can flat-proof' your bike while we install your new tire!" You have sold a new bike. This is the perfect opportunity to sell accessories of all kinds: grips, baskets, rims, lock and cable sets, and especially flat free products. "By installing these new flat-free products now, your new bicycle will have fewer flat tire problems". The customer is planning a long ride .. ovemight or a week's tour or longer. STOP Flats should be considered an essential for a long trip. There should be a sign posted at the beginning of every trip saying, 'Danger, Flat Tires Ahead - STOP FIats2 Required Beyond This Point!" Your customer has just purchased a bicycle accessory. He is in a buying frame of mind. Why not suggest something new and exciting... a flat-free product! Why is all this important? Flat tires take all the fun out of cycling! No Fun, No Riding. No Riding, No Riders. No Riders....