The Bike Retailer’s Guide to Text Campaigns: Sell More & Stay Top of Mind
Most bike shops put a lot of effort into getting that first sale—whether it’s a brand-new road bike, a set of tubeless tires, or a full tune-up.
But what happens after?
Without a strong follow-up strategy, customers can easily forget about your shop until they desperately need something again.
That’s where Ikeono Text Campaigns come in.
Instead of blasting generic discounts, you can send targeted, personalized text messages based on what customers have actually bought.
Need to remind a rider about their next service? Or want to recommend an upgrade perfect for their last purchase? A simple text can bring them back. Here are 4 ways to make text campaigns work for your bike shop.
Not only that, but SMS campaigns see response rates of up to 45%, far higher than email’s 6%.
If you’re already using Ikeono and Lightspeed POS, you have everything you need to drive repeat business with strategic text messaging. Let’s break down exactly how to use text campaigns to grow your bike shop’s revenue.
Completely new to texting? We’ve got you covered with an industry specific guide: A Step-By-Step Guide to Transforming Your Business With Text Messaging: Bike Shops.
# 1 Turn First-Time Buyers into Lifelong Customers
That first sale? It’s just the beginning.
Whether someone walked out with a brand-new mountain bike or simply picked up a set of high-quality tires, you have a golden opportunity to bring them back.
The key is sending relevant, timely messages that show you’re thinking about their needs.
And Why Focus on Repeat Customers?
Repeat customers are the lifeblood of any business (not only bike shops).
They not only bring in consistent revenue but are also more likely to refer others.
According to research, increasing customer retention rates by 5% can increase profits by 25% to 95%.
Personalized communication, like text campaigns, play a crucial role in achieving this.
Text Example: Post- Purchase Follow-Ups
🚲 Post-Bike Purchase:
📢 Post- Accessory Purchase:
🔧 First Tune-Up Reminder:
Why it works: These messages feel personal, relevant, and not pushy. They show customers you’re thinking about their needs—without spamming them with random discounts.
#2 Leverage Service Appointments to Keep Customers Engaged
Service revenue is the backbone of many bike shops, but let’s be honest—customers don’t always think about maintenance until something starts creaking, squeaking, or (worst case) breaking down.
With automated text campaigns, you can nudge riders before they run into issues.
Using Ikeono’s integration with Lightspeed R-Series, you can use your sales data to send reminders based on a customer’s past purchases whether at the category/brand level, or get specific with SKU level campaigns.
The Importance of Proactive Service Reminders
Proactive maintenance reminders not only ensure the longevity of the bikes but also position your shop as a business that cares and has professionals that can be trusted
Customers appreciate businesses that look out for their best interests, leading to increased loyalty and trust.
We have resources to further help you run a smooth service department covering the specific use-cases that are unique to bike shops in this post: How to Improve Your Service Department.
Text Example: Seasonal Tune-Up Reminder
🔧 General Tune-Up Reminder:
Why it works: These texts feel helpful, not salesy. They act as gentle nudges that keep customers engaged while reinforcing your shop as the go-to place for expert service.
PRO TIP: Take the educational approach — you’ll be surprised how often it leads to a sale and, more importantly, positions you and your business as a trusted resource. Here are some bonus text examples.
Text Example: Building Trust Through Education
🪨 Gravel Bike Education
⚡ E-Bike Education
🚴🏻♀️ Group Ride Invitation
#3 Upsell and Cross-Sell the Right Way
Generic promotions don’t cut it anymore. A “10% off everything” text is forgettable and doesn’t feel personal.
Instead, using past purchase data to offer something that actually makes sense for each customer is the way to go.
Buying a bike can almost feel like purchasing a car these days. Customers will have sticker shock and might not be keen on spending more money on accessories during that initial purchase.
However,once they have fallen in love with their new bike, reaching out via text to give them a small nudge and a few ideas on what will go well with their bike will be the key to have them keep your shop top of mind.
Text Example: Cross-Sell Products & Services
🚲 Bike Fit Offer (Category or brand level campaign):
⚡ E-Bike Maintenance Offer (Category or brand level campaign):
🔧 Replacement Brake Pads Offer (SKU-specific)
Why it works: It’s targeted, value-driven, and speaks to the customer’s specific needs based on their past purchase.
PRO TIP: A call to action like “text us to learn more” keeps the text short enough to be digested quickly and allows you to give attention to customers that would be genuinely interested in the offer!
#4 Seasonal Reminders to Keep Your Shop Top of Mind
Bike shops often see seasonal spikes and dips in traffic. But just because a customer isn’t riding right now doesn’t mean they should forget about you.
A well-timed text can remind them to get ready for the next season.
Whether it’s a winter indoor trainer sale, a summer bikepacking gear promo, or a fall tire swap special, these little nudges keep your shop relevant year-round.
Text Example: Winter Storage Prep
❄️ Winter Prep:
🌞 Seasonal Service Reminder:
Why it works: It positions your shop as a resource, not just a retailer, keeping customers engaged even in the off-season.
Track What’s Working and Improve Your Strategy
One of the biggest challenges with traditional marketing is not knowing if it actually worked.
Did that email campaign drive any sales? Was that social media post worth it?
With Ikeono’s deep Lightspeed POS integration, you can see exactly how much revenue each campaign generates. You’ll have real numbers, not just guesses.
Key Metrics You Can Track with Ikeono Text Campaigns:
📊 Revenue Generated – See exactly how much each campaign brings in.
🛍️ Total Sales – Track how many customers actually made a purchase.
📲 Messages Sent – Understand response rates and optimize messaging.
By keeping an eye on these numbers, you can refine your approach, test new campaigns, and maximize results.
Time to Put Text Campaigns to Work
If you’re already using Ikeono and Lightspeed POS, why not put that customer data to work?
Try running a campaign today and see firsthand how a simple, well-placed text can drive sales and keep your shop top of mind.
Running a bike shop isn’t just about selling bikes—it’s about building lasting relationships with your customers. With Ikeono Text Campaigns, you’re not just sending promotions—you’re delivering timely, relevant nudges that bring riders back to your shop.