Evening
I have decided we will be donating 5% of all our Shimano sales value during March.
We appreciate it won't be mega bucks (we are only small) but it will help people who need a hand.
If you would consider us for any purchases to help aid this then that would be spiffy.
Mark
(p.s Mods, please delete if not appropriate)
Good on you
(p.s Mods, please delete if not appropriate)
Far more appropriate than many other threads on here.
Hats off to you BTW.
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I would wager that Shimano is a large part of your business and 5% is pretty much all the profit you make on it, so well done in my book.
Sticky?
I am now that you've posted.
SPLURGE
It might be a small gesture but I take my hat off to you sir!
Generous as ever. Well done.
well done, very commendable!
Blatant publicity stunt. Just donate some money and keep your mouth shut.
Microsoft were very unpopular for doing something similar: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/14/microsoft_apologises_about_bing_japan_quake_tweet/
respect to you sir.
How could we possibly delete this thread?
The rules state that you can't start a thread to promote your own business but you can respond to genuine posts from users.
It seems the majority on this thread would probably prefer that we leave this thread alone. We try very hard to protect this forum from direct commercial exploitation. This thread doesn't sit well with me but I'll leave it alone for now.
If folks think it is for publicity then dont buy anything - simples!
Personally think it is a nice thing to do and by promoting it the donation should be bigger. Now what do I 'need'!
Ignore the haters Mark , Nice gesture .
Agreed.
Good work guys!
Mark (TBC) - You've got mail.
I'm loving the comparison between Microsoft and The Bike Chain btw. 😆
Does this make Mark D now Steve Jobs. ? 😀
If this is/was a truly altruistic act then surly saying in April "We sold loads of Shimano stuff in March and are giving all our profits from this to an appeal." would have been the way to do it?
Additionally, assuming the link to the Earthquake is that Shimano are a Japanese company, is it worth mentioning to potential buyers that Shimano also has factories in Malaysia, China and Taiwan?
This does seem a cynical ploy to get more sales.
This does seem a cynical ploy to get more sales.
well if not more sales then certainly good publicity.
A note in the shop window would do the trick just as well, oh wait, [i]this[/i] is the shop window...........
Nice gesture I think. Time for that new Mech I've been waiting for...
doug_basqueMTB.com - Member
Time for that new Mech I've been waiting for...
so it [i]is[/i] working as an advert then, nice job......
Well done guys nice gesture regardless of what others (who I bet dont put their wallet where their mouth is) may say and besides it's better than Crc giving 100% your account to others 😉
having met Mark, i can say that in doing this he would have the Japanese people foremost in his mind rather than promoting his business
doug_basqueMTB.com - Member
Nice gesture I think. Time for that new Mech I've been waiting for...
Or alternativly you could buy your mech from your LBS who will be glad of the business (and you'll be supporting your local economy) and donate here: [url= http://www.redcross.org.uk/japantsunami/ ]Red Cross Tsunami appeal[/url]
who I bet dont put their wallet where their mouth is
I replaced my rear mech and chain yesterday, and additionally donated what works out as around 41% of this sale directly to the red cross.
rOcKeTdOg - Member
having met Mark, i can say that in doing this he would have the Japanese people foremost in his mind rather than promoting his business
I'm sure he's an absolutely splendid chap with the most benevolent of motives.
But the posts not aimed at those who "know him personally" or already use his shop is it, it's aimed at diverting trade form other retailers on the back of a charity appeal.
As poster above says, why not just promote the red X or set up a 'just giving' page........
Shurrup all the fannies, or I shall have to go into cock mode! everyone know's it's the best option for dealing with you lot.
I have no doubt judging by the kind of person mark is and the stuff he does all the time to help out riders, that doesn't make him any money ❓ that he is doing this for the right reasons.
Well done mate!
Nowt wrong with posting that if the bike Chain sell more Shimano as a direct result from this thread then more money goes to the cause simples, shame I bought a new Shimano Shifters and rear Mech last month or I would of gone to the bike chain.
But the posts not aimed at those who "know him personally" or already use his shop is it, it's aimed at diverting trade form other retailers on the back of a charity appeal.
yeah I agree, this thread should be pulled.
if the bike Chain sell more Shimano as a direct result from this thread then more money goes to the cause simples
its 5% of the retail cost so he's still making a tidy profit on the extra sales no?
Hilldodger, go away and do something to help these people! surely that would be a better use for your time ❓
I have no doubt judging by the kind of person mark is and the stuff he does all the time to help out riders, that doesn't make him any money that he is doing this for the right reasons.
I neither know the chap nor use his retail establishment, he has done nothing for me or anyone I know so I judge his posts purely on their content.
If that makes me a 'fanny' (nice remark btw) then feel free to 'cock off' all you like.........
yossarian, are you arguing that it would be better if people buy their shimano products else where and that the money doesn't go to Japan?
I doubt people will rush out and buy from TBC simply bacause 5% is going to this charity, the prices would still need to be close to the asking price anyway.
How do you propose the TBC ensures as many people get involved and help them contribute to the efforts in japan without telling them?
Arguing for arguments sake is pointless, however I will say it again, what are you and all of the others who seem to have so much time on their hands doing to help these people ❓
How does it make sense to waste time, when there is so much that needs to be done ❓
kaesae - Member
Hilldodger, go away and do something to help these people! surely that would be a better use for your time
Considerable % of my income already gets donated to several global charity organisations, and half my annual leave is spent volunteering for local causes/events.
I haven't criticised your 'mate' personally just so perhaps you might show me the same courtesy 😀
If this is/was a truly altruistic act then surly saying in April "We sold loads of Shimano stuff in March and are giving all our profits from this to an appeal." would have been the way to do it?
If it was truly opportunistic, saying "we will be donating 5% of our profits for the next month" would have been the better way to do it, rather than donating some of the profits from the 2 weeks before the announcement. Have to admit to being a bit cynical though - whatever the motives, given that "5% is pretty much all the profit you make on it" is surely a long way from the truth, and that it seems some people will be deciding to buy there on the back of this, I doubt he's actually going to be giving up much if any of his profits.
what are you and all of the others who seem to have so much time on their hands doing to help these people
So much time that they can post on STW? 😯
You start kaesae - what are you doing when [b]you're[/b] not posting on here?
hilldodger, you judge his post on your own biast and cynicism, you're a self righteous, self important over opinionated charmer.
Before I go back to work, my question still stands, this guy is doing something to help these people, his time is being spend in an activity that will alleviate suffering and help to save lives.
For all your talk and bluster, can you show us what you are doing? and also explain to me what you hope to accomplish from your posts ❓
Time for that new Mech I've been waiting for...
Good luck with that, given they don't sell any Shimano rear mechs - though I suppose you could always donate 5% of the cost of wherever you do get one from.
kaesae - Member
Arguing for arguments sake is pointless, however I will say it again, what are you and all of the others who seem to have so much time on their hands doing to help these people
You seem to have fallen foul of your own argument there.
Mark (OP) posted on an open forum, several people replied expressing their opinions. No personal attacks were made upon this most noble of men, just a little light sarcasm and a sprinkling of cynicism.
You however seem to be set on being abusive, argumentative and offensive...
..nice mates this Mark has 🙄
I don't doubt the intention is honourable but it's ended up looking like a promotion. Promotions off the back of disasters don't look good.
Some people need their heads looked at.
Knowing Mark reasonably well I can assure you that the people of Japan are indeed his first priority in this. I'd be surprised if the thought of getting extra sales had even entered his head.
If you don't agree with it then move on, he is a business and entitled to make a profit as well as doing something good with some of the profits he makes from a Japanese product its quite common place nowadays, lots of companies do it so don't be so cynical it how the world works how else is he meant to make money to donate don't see what is there to criticise.
hilldodger, you say insult I say tellin it as it is, I am not friends with mark nor have I ever met him, you have a truly warped perspective on things.
First you try to put people of buying from TBC, now you are trying to put the owner in a bad light. I am a straight forward guy, I have no time for being polite to individuals like you.
People are dying and you want to argue, waste time, then take the moral high ground.
I don't care about talk or silly arguments, actions speak louder than words. Any money going to these people is a good thing, anyone getting in the way of that, for their own selfish reasons, needs to take a long hard look in the mirror.
how else is he meant to make money to donate don't see what is there to criticise
The same way that most people make money to donate, by working hard and doing without so they can give some of what they've made to those less fortunate.
Profiteering off the back of a disaster is just not cricket as far as I'm concerned.
i think it's rather good that the op thought of doing something in the first place as there appears to be rather a dearth of response in that respect in the rest of the thread.
me, i'm looking at publishing something to raise money and damn my black capitalist heart if it won't have our logo on it. maybe i'll even ask the bike chain to stock it just for a lark.
The same way that most people make money to donate, by working hard and doing without so they can give some of what they've made to those less fortunate.
Agree with the above. I would imagine reality lies somewhere in between the guy being a living saint and him being a cynical shop owner trying to boost sales and get free publicity off a massive disaster - doesn't it?
the fact is that by saying he'll donate 5% of all shimano 'profit' (define profit), although meant as a good gesture comes across as someone trying to make a bit more money. 5% will not be all the profit he makes on shimano kit. so although it is a good gesture, and more than I will be doing it comes across as a bit callous IMO.
ourkidsam - MemberI don't doubt the intention is honourable but it's ended up looking like a promotion. Promotions off the back of disasters don't look good.
dan1980 - MemberIf this is/was a truly altruistic act then surly saying in April "We sold loads of Shimano stuff in March and are giving all our profits from this to an appeal." would have been the way to do it?
Agreed. If the OP wanted to give money to the quake victims he could have done it in a way that didn't 'encourage' extra sales for his business.
Not cool man, not cool...
kaesae - you still wasting time on here rather than stopping people dying? How can you be so callous?
People you are being a bit harsh criticizing these guys. There are a couple of people from TBC who make an effort to contribute to the forum, answer peoples questions, discuss products, organise group rides, and so on.
If you think they are "profiteering off a tragedy" you don't have to buy, I'm sure Merlin or CRC will still take your money. This is a small business which takes an active role in the forum, trying to do something nice. Take it at face value or ignore the thread.
Any money going to these people is a good thing, , anyone getting in the way of that, for their own selfish reasons, needs to take a long hard look in the mirror.
I totally agree, so therefore it would be best to donate to the red cross, who will use the money INSTANTLY, rather than TBC waiting till the end of the month to donate.
so, if i'm reading this right you can only give/donate to charity if you don't make a fuss about it and certainly if, in any way, you might be making some sort of money. and better yet if you take this position and don't make any effort on the charitable front in the first place (with specific reference to the op's post)
that's going to make corporate sponsorship of charity a bit tricky then isn't it. http://www.redcross.org.uk/Get-involved/Corporate-support/How-your-company-can-get-involved/Marketing-initiatives
although meant as a good gesture comes across as someone trying to make a bit more money
Only if that is how you perceive the gesture. As has been pointed out above (I don't know Mark or anyone connected with TBC personally) it appears to have been done with the best of intentions and it says a lot more about those questioning the motives than it does the OP.
There really are some wanchors on here.
Does anyone on here really buy their Shimano parts from an LBS at RRP?
pretty sure all shimano parts will be available with at least 5% discount online. Personally if I want to donate to anything I do it directly and quietly.
nice gesture but as someone else said, how about making a donation from last months profit to get the money where it's needed sooner?
<EDIT> actually it's half way through the month so maybe you already have donated 2 weeks profit, appologies if you have.
obviously in between the posting opprobium about business getting involved in the dirty business of charity donation people's fingers will be getting weary from clicking on the red cross linky dinky. so here's the save the children one instead. fear not my precious flowers you can do it all anonymously (but you realise that save the children is a business right?)
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-appeal.htm
me, i'm not donating to them because kids just grow up and make money and stuff. damn them!
OP was making a gesture, hes going to sell Shimano anyway, why are people getting on their high horse and making inflammatory comments like profiteering off a disaster and such like its not meant to be callous or anything. People really have a warped view of things at times :roll:.
(but you realise that save the children is a business right?)
I thought it was a charity?
i applaud marks gesture...how he worded it,right or wrong doesnt matter...profiteering is a bit over-dramatic based on the scale of his and most bike shops
shandy,you put it better than most on here...
the problem here is the vast majority on here doesnt use/respect/like/understand the lbs( i think this was illustrated by the length of the crc security thread)
true we're all business's but not in the enormous turnover/profit league of most of the companies that you lot buy off...
i try and get involved in all sorts of local community intiatives,donate far too much to charitable causes(local ones mainly) chair the local trails association,take cycling proffiency...i dont do all these things just with the mind that it will increase business.(it generally doesnt!) i do it because im self-employed and have the time/inclination...
ive read all the japan threads and theyre seems to be a lot of selfish attitudes...at least mark is doing something active/altruistic whilst some are worried about possible price rises of shimano??
I'm going to close this thread now. It's not being deleted but the subject will be moved to our front page as a news story for better and more appropriate coverage there. I'm not censoring the debate and you are free to continue the issues surrounding it on the forum but we (including Mark) feel this thread is best brought to an end while we work on presenting it in a better way elsewhere on the site.