Online Spares Scheme - Update

[fab]

Online Spares Scheme - Update

We will not be accepting paper orders at Bullers End after 15/08/22.
Any that do arrive after this date may be returned or forwarded to the Helpline team.

The online spares system has now been running successfully for several months and is delivering on the main objectives such as – reduced workload for the volunteers at Bullers End, simplified finances and better stock management.

The vast majority of orders are now online; but the remaining paper orders are taking up a disproportionate amount of time and effort. Hence the need to stop accepting them.

Help for those who cannot go online
A helpline is available for members who cannot place orders online and cannot find a friend or relative to help them. This is managed by John Dodd and Peter Walker.
Contact John at memsecren@virginmedia.com or telephone 07555 102 311.
or Peter membership-sec@le-velo-club.com or 07879 458 381.

Parts that are listed on the Website
These parts can ONLY be ordered online.
They will NOT be available over the counter at Bullers End.
You can, however, order them online in advance of your visit and collect them to save postage.

Please remember that Bullers End is staffed entirely by a small group of volunteers and is only open on one day each week (currently Friday). Hence you should not expect an instant response (or even an acknowledgement) to emails or online orders. Despite all the advantages of an online system; sorting, packing and posting is still a real-world activity which can only take place when the volunteers are present. Likewise postal delays are outside our control.

Enquiring about and purchasing parts NOT listed on the Website
The Club has very large stocks of new-old-stock and second-hand items that are not listed on the regular parts list. These items have not yet been catalogued or even counted; so we cannot let you know whether we have a particular part without searching Bullers End and maybe even dismantling the remains of an engine or bike to find the required item.
The existing paper-based order/enquiry process has been replaced by a very similar system using emails: -

Send an ENQUIRY email to spares@le-velo-club.com explaining what you are looking for. Please make it easier for all concerned by: -
• Putting the correct part number and description in the email subject title.
• Giving your name, address, phone number and membership number
• Clarifying what condition would be acceptable – e.g. new, new-old-stock, worn but usable, borderline landfill etc.
Once the spares team have investigated whether there are any suitable parts at Bullers End, they will reply to your email with a QUOTE listing: -
• Whether we could find anything suitable.
• A brief description of its condition.
• The price including postage.
• Guidance notes for buying it via the online system.
If you are happy with the proposed item and price; you submit an online ORDER.
The order will be processed and dispatched from Bullers End as normal.

Visiting Bullers End
Members are welcome to visit Bullers End to meet the Spares Team, to collect pre-ordered parts or to buy unlisted parts. We are no longer selling parts that are listed on the website to visitors as it is very disruptive and delays work on other orders.
Please remember that the main job of the volunteers is to sort, pack and dispatch the orders received from members throughout the UK and overseas. Try not to distract them unduly or get in their way.

Opening times do vary, so it is recommended that you contact the team on spares@le-velo-club.com before travelling.

Volunteers
The Spares Team currently relies on a very small number of regular volunteers. This means that the service we provide to members is vulnerable to just one or two people having family commitments, being on holiday, off sick etc.

If you are interested in investigating the possibility of becoming a volunteer; please get in touch with spares@le-velo-club.com or just visit us at Bullers End. You are assured of a friendly welcome with tea, coffee and biscuits without obligation or commitment. You don’t necessarily have to volunteer every week, once or twice a month or whatever you can manage would also be extremely welcome. With more of the Club’s organisation and administration online; there may even be roles for more distant volunteers to help by doing work from home.

Bob Williams 19/07/22

[david]

Are Joining fees still via cheque? There is a query in Membership from a prospective member with no cheque book.....