Wendy and Vincent, owners of Peloton de Paris have been loyal customers of DHL Express for years. We share their story today to show entrepreneurs that international success really is just around the corner, you just have to jump. We did just that, with our cycling gear.
Back in 2014, Peloton de Paris began its adventure in a charming house in the heart of Mechelen. It was a small, cosy shop for bicycle repairs where you could get a drink and a self-designed jersey. Wendy and Vincent, two entrepreneurs, soon saw the opportunities. They decided to shift their focus.
“Entrepreneurship is about learning to deal with challenges, you have to reinvent yourself continuously.“
They started a webshop. “That only attracted more people to our shop, so we decided to change our business model and focus on cycling gear”.
Cycling gear made out of PET bottles
Their products sell out very often. They put a lot of effort into sustainable management. Peloton de Paris never oversells and deliberately choose for a slower growth rate. “We buy very small quantities. The bestsellers are often sold out for a while. So we undoubtedly miss out on some sales opportunities, but that is a very conscious choice”, says Wendy. Another conscious choice is their sustainable approach.
One of the Peloton de Paris jerseys is made of 100% polyester, which is made from PET bottles. The timeless design, solid colours and simple branding make them very popular. Not only are their jerseys sustainable. The packaging has also been taken into account. They pack each jumper in a bag made of potato waste and starch. The boxes and bags are made of recycled paper. “The bigger we become, the more plastic we save”.
Walk the talk
Of course, they love cycling. They go for a ride with friends and family every month. Those rides are extremely important. “It’s our monthly us-time with other cyclists, thus our community. We get many ideas from these rides or conversations at the bar. Few clothing brands have such close contact with their customers, those moments of feedback are priceless”.
“The focus and energy we put into our community we get 100% back, even more.”
Cycling gear has international success with Japan as one of their key markets
“Japan is absurd. One of the biggest cycling bloggers discovered us by chance, so sales boomed in Japan. It’s really crazy”. For Japanese customers, social media is extremely important; they need to know who is behind the brand. That is why Wendy and Vincent work very hard on it. “For us it helps to connect with our community, customers get a better idea of who you are and that creates trust”, says Wendy. During a business trip in Japan, people asked almost every time if they had brought Trixie, their super-cute furry colleague, with them.
The partnership between Peloton de Paris and DHL Express
International success requires an international partner. Peloton de Paris chose the GoGreen strategy and the punctuality of DHL Express. Speed of delivery is crucial if you want to sell internationally, and Wendy and Vincent realise that all too well.
“We have been very satisfied with DHL from the start. Everything is punctual”, Wendy says with complete conviction. “DHL also focuses very hard on customer satisfaction, and we appreciate that. Customer satisfaction is also the most important thing for us”.
The close relationship with the account managers is also important to Wendy and Vincent. They are always ready to help and that is just the best. When asked which of the two has had a flat tyre most often, Wendy replies: “Neither of them, it only happens once or twice every three years, but hold on to it”!
Are you crazy about bikes too and are you very curious about what Trixie looks like? Take a look at their website, Facebook or Instagram page and find out what the Japanese are so fond of.
