Welcome to the new home of Scott

Scott Bikes coming, Specialized going…

With the Scott bikes coming and Specialized bikes changing distributors, many customers have raised questions – here are the answers…

Q) What is happening?

A) The current distribution agreement between Sheppard Industries (Avanti bikes and Avanti Plus stores) and Specialized is ending and Specialized have taken up their right to set up and distribute themselves in both New Zealand and Australia. With this in mind, Sheppard’s have secured the distribution rights of Europe’s biggest bicycle brand, Scott, for both New Zealand and Australia.

Q) Does this mean that AvantiPlus stores will no longer be selling Specialized bikes?

A) All Avanti stores are still Specialized dealers until the end of 2011 and there is no end date stores have to stop selling Specialized bikes. But when they sell out, they are sold out.

Q) When will Scott bikes be available at AvantiPlus stores?

A) The new 2011 Scott range will be available in stores from July onwards. Sheppard’s are distributing 95% of Scott’s entire global range in New Zealand and 100% in Australia. The new range features new graphics, Scott’s new global Logo and will be much better value than previously available.

Q) Why are Specialized bikes so cheap at the moment?

A) Sheppard’s have heavily discounted all remaining Specialized bikes and product to clear as there is a final end date they can no longer distribute Specialized. This means very good value for money buying at unprecedented prices that will never be repeated again.

Q) What if I buy, or have just bought a new Specialized bike from an Avanti Plus store – how will this affect my warranty and service?

A) Under New Zealand consumer law, when a product needs to be assessed for warranty, the original consumer has the option to go to the original store they purchased from or the distributor direct. No warranty policy can override this right of the consumer. AvantiPlus stores are committed to standing behind their warranty obligations.

Q) But wont Specialized probably prefer consumers deal with their new preferred stores?

A) As at 18th June 2010 Specialized have come out and openly stated “We will provide warranty support to all dealers who have or are selling Specialized branded product in New Zealand.”

This clears the air and provides assurance to not just AvantiPlus dealers still selling Specialized bikes but to end consumers who can rest assured there is no change to them as far as service goes.

Q) Can a consumer expect the same level of service excellence as with the previous distributor to those customers that have purchased their bicycles?

A) Yes. In fact Specialized have openly stated that one of the benefits of them distributing themselves will be the ability to offer continued class leading service to those that sell them/have bought them.