If you're selling bicycle helmets at your sporting goods or bicycle shop, choose a prominent place in your bicycle or accessories section to stock and display them. Stock a selection of brand-name bicycle helmets that will appeal to riders at all levels to meet the needs of your clients and avoid sending them to your competition. To cover all of your bases, consider more than just traditional helmets and find bicycle helmets in unusual designs for your inventory.

Set yourself apart from the competition with your inventory of bicycle helmets and with exceptional customer service. Train your employees so they're knowledgeable in bicycle helmets information so they can help customers find properly sized bicycle helmets that provide the maximum protection to your customers.

1. Make sure your bicycle helmets list includes a full selection of bicycle helmets for adults.

2. Stock children's bicycle helmets as a part of your inventory.

3. Choose a bicycle helmets provider that offers good sales terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Include adult bicycle helmets in your inventory

Stock plenty of bicycle helmets for adults that include several sizes and styles. Select choices for men and women in a variety of colors and styles so you can outfit all of the customers who come in your door.

I recommend: eTrek makes a variety of adult bicycle helmets designed and sized for men and women. Email or call them to find out about retailing opportunities. Lexco manufactures about a dozen adult helmets; browse their offerings and click on "Unregistered Dealers Credit Application" if you're interested in their products.

Negotiate your best deal with bicycle helmets providers

Take into account the smaller members of your clients' families and provide the kids with a good selection of sizes and colors so they can find their own bicycle helmets. Keep the quality high and the prices reasonable, since kids outgrow helmets and will need them replaced occasionally. Keeping a diverse helmet selection at reasonable prices ensures customer loyalty.

I recommend: Bell Bike Helmets can outfit the smallest of your customers with bike helmets they'll be happy to wear; contact them for retailing information. Take steps to buy wholesale from J & B Importers, which distributes bicycle helmets and other bicycling gear.

Work with a bicycle helmets provider that offers good terms

Create long term partnerships with bicycle helmets providers to negotiate the best terms possible. Discuss bulk rate shipping discounts and ask about how you can become recognized as a preferred customer to qualify for more discounts.

I recommend: Contact Giro, a well known helmet maker, to inquire about wholesale terms and conditions. Or try Vigor, another manufacturer, and compare products and terms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create a catalog or a bicycle helmets directory so you can offer custom-ordered personalized or designer bicycle helmets for your customers without spending your money stocking and storing these more unusual helmets.