Canyon switches from dollar to rand in SA

Online brand Canyon Bicycles has simplified its model for South African customers by adapting its purchasing platform from US dollar to rand.

“On the South African Canyon website, prices will now be displayed at the higher rand value and not in dollars anymore,” says Erik Kleinhans, market manager in South Africa.

“This will greatly simplify the purchase process from the comfort of your own home with a fixed price that will not fluctuate on a daily basis, eliminating complicated calculations.”

He says the rand pricing will provide a more user-friendly experience for South African customers when accessing the web shop of the world’s leading direct-to-consumer bicycle brand.

With a fixed amount now to be paid to Canyon, as well as when it comes to import duties and VAT before bikes are cleared by customs, it removes the guesswork for local customers.

Canyon products have been available locally for more than a year and the company is pleased to announce this change, according to Kleinhans.

“It is another important step to towards being even more professional in SA.”

Canyon bicycles are exclusively available through the website and shipped all over the world from the company’s base in Koblenz, Germany.

How to purchase

Kleinhans says customers can access Canyon’s South African site at www.canyon.com/en-za/.

“They must select the bike they would like to purchase and make payment for the bicycle only. At checkout, the shipping fees (R3 999) will be added.

“Once the bike arrives in SA, the courier service (UPS) will contact the customer to pay the import duties and VAT before the bike gets cleared and delivered.”

“If the bike is in stock in the warehouse it takes one to two weeks from the time of order till it gets to your door,” says Kleinhans.

Delivery takes place at the address specified when ordering the bicycle.

“It can be at your home, office or even one of our service centres.”

Warranty and back-up

Canyon offers a six-year warranty supported by a comprehensive back-up service.

He says for customer-related queries – including warranties, crash replacements and spare parts – the global service centre can be reached via email at southafrica@canyon.com.

“There are also service centre partners in Stellenbosch and Johannesburg who deal directly with customers.”

To assist customers as quickly as possible, comprehensive stock of standard spare parts is available at these service centres.

One-stop-shop

Kleinhans says the website is truly a one-stop-shop.

“For example, it offers plenty of detail and you can source all the information you need to make an educated decision and smart choice about your bike.

“If you have issues, you can discuss these with a service agent in the Canyon head office or with technicians who are available.

“Warranty situations are also handled through the website, where you can upload images or videos for the technicians who will then assist you directly from head office.”

Frequently asked questions

He says the most frequently asked questions of potential customers relate to the safety of bikes while being shipped, costs involved in case of warranty issues and import duties.

“Bikes are fully insured through the courier company, so there is no risk for customers.”

And, with the local Canyon Service Centres, he says there is no need to send a complete bike back to Germany for the Canyon technicians to inspect components or the frame as it all gets managed locally.

“In most cases, warranties are completely handled through the website.”

Import duties and VAT are both 15 per cent and Kleinhans points out that although it requires a second payment, these costs are standard for all imports of full bikes.

Demos

In terms of evaluating Canyon equipment, Kleinhans says demo bikes are available in SA.

“We take them to various events where customers can test the bikes. During the rest of the year they are available to test from the service centre in Stellenbosch after making an appointment.”

The Canyon product range includes road, triathlon and mountain bikes and caters for entry-level to high-end users.

Canyon has recently launched its new Lux models – made famous by Mathieu van der Poel and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot – for 2020.

This article is published in partnership with Canyon Bicycles.