QBP raises order minimum to $175.

QBP positives:
1. A beautiful Manual that now must be ordered by each store individually.
2. The widest selection of parts from all categories.
3. Suspension and Brake Tuning Center.

To us, QBP is a valued partner. But today they've raised their minimum dollar amount by $25. 

Let's think of the positives of KHS/Raleigh-DB/SBS:
1. They are located closer to our stores, so your order gets delivered quicker and at lower cost.
2. All of them are competing for our business, so we get better prices.
3. Their order minimums are MUCH less than QBP's.

We appreciate all our business partners. However, we'd suggest that when you form a customer Special Order you balance these factors, and order from QBP only if the other vendors don't have what you need. It's better for the customer, and it's better for us.

It's a buffet of answers!

Special Orders- Special orders for customers now go direct to the vendor or distributor, without involving the buying team. A special order is usually a single item order, and is different than a parts order or employee purchase.

QBP Parts Manual- No manuals are available thru Corporate, or the training staff. The only way to get this leviathan manual is to use a STORE EXPENSE PO, and call the order in to QBP. The cost for the manual is about $10, and is definitely worth it. We are NOT currently having stores order parts for repairs or for their showcases.

Chain Lube, Grease, Degreaser- Available thru Execusystems, ordered via a Manager. Please do not 100% out your floor stock, as it increases the "shrink" numbers for your store.

Pictures of problem parts to Vendors- So you're handling a bike part issue, and the vendor requests a digital picture as proof of the problem. You may have noticed that manager computers cannot email outside our company. Solution: email the picture to me with exceptionally clear directive of to whom I should forward that message to. Having the target email in the subject line is a decent idea.

Post Mount Disc Brakes- Disc brake calipers mount to forks by the "International Standard" or by a "Post Mount". "Post Mounts" require the bolt length to be longer for required thread engagement, and are becoming more widely used. If you or a customer have stripped out a "post mount" it is not a warranty issue, and the responsible party gets to pay for the replacement lower leg assembly and installation.

"Rack Install class is focused on Yakima, but my store also sells Thule"- Our Rack Install class IS based on Yakima systems, as both systems have comparable parts. A Q-tower and 400XT Aero Foot tower both do the same thing, but all of our stores stock Yakima parts. If you feel you need more info on Thule systems and training please navigate over to www.RackItScience.com and you'll have all your questions answered.