VanMoof's Bold Move: €1,000 Discount Offer to Previous Customers
VanMoof, the e-bike company that faced bankruptcy last year, is now back in action under new management. They are offering a generous €1,000 discount to customers who had pre-ordered bikes before the company went bust.
Before the bankruptcy, VanMoof had asked customers to pay almost the full amount upfront, resulting in long delivery wait times. The current models, the full-sized S5 and the smaller A5, are priced at €3,298, making the total cost close to €5,600 for those taking advantage of the discount.
VanMoof's co-CEO, Eliott Wertheimer, acknowledges that this discount is not a complete resolution but sees it as a gesture to help loyal customers get back on the road. The company faced challenges with broken parts and unsustainable pricing before being acquired by Lavoie, a division of McLaren Applied.
Lavoie has worked to revamp VanMoof's supply chain, service network, and product quality, offering more reliable and repairable e-bikes. The €1,000 discount is a way to support customers as the bankruptcy process unfolds, as the funds are tied up in legal proceedings.
Customers interested in the discount must apply by December 31, 2027, following a somewhat complex process due to data constraints and regulatory issues. Whether VanMoof's strategy will succeed remains to be seen, but their future depends on rebuilding customer trust and delivering on their promises.
Analysis: VanMoof's decision to offer a significant discount to previous customers is a bold move to regain loyalty and support as they recover from bankruptcy. The company's focus on improving product quality and customer experience shows a commitment to long-term success. Customers must weigh the benefits of the discount against the past issues faced by VanMoof before deciding to take advantage of this offer. Ultimately, VanMoof's ability to deliver on their promises will determine their future success in the competitive e-bike market.