Hubtiger kooperiert mit Project 529 zur Bekämpfung des weltweiten Fahrraddiebstahls

529 Garage equips your shop with a valuable tool that enhances every customer interaction during bike servicing. By checking a bike’s registration status, identifying unregistered bikes, and educating customers on the benefits of bike registration, you’re able to go above and beyond the standard repair process. This extra level of care helps your shop stand out, showcasing your dedication not only to top-quality repairs but also to your customers’ long-term security and peace of mind.

Offering this added service shows that your shop is invested in protecting both bikes and their riders, giving customers more reasons to choose you as their trusted bike service provider. It also builds loyalty and trust, as customers see your commitment to supporting the cycling community, making them more likely to return and recommend your shop to others.

Through Project 529, your shop can be a source of education on best practices for bike security. You’re able to inform customers about the importance of using secure locks, registering their bikes, and reporting theft or suspicious activity. This support helps cyclists make better decisions about protecting their bikes, reinforcing your shop as a trusted resource they can rely on. When customers leave feeling empowered and informed, they’re more likely to return to your shop and recommend it to others.

As a part of 529 Garage, your shop is contributing to a larger network of bike shops, cyclists, and local authorities working to deter theft. By showing customers that you’re actively involved in this effort, you’re helping to build a safer, more connected cycling community. Cyclists know they can turn to your shop not only for products and repairs but also for support and guidance on security. This engagement builds trust and respect within the community, positioning your shop as a leader in protecting local cyclists.

529 Garage offers your shop the unique opportunity to be a community leader in bike security, helping you establish a reputation that goes beyond repairs and sales. By supporting this initiative, your shop plays a vital role in protecting customers, creating a safer cycling community, and inspiring cyclists to ride confidently.

Step 1 – Log in to the Hubtiger Portal: Access your shop’s Hubtiger account to begin setup.

Step 2 – Navigate to Settings: Go to Settings > General > Shop Profile.

Step 3 – Enable 529 Garage: Find the 529 Garage toggle, which is off by default. Toggle it to the on position, and it will change from grey to radish pink, confirming it’s active.

Step 4 – Click ‘Update Profile’: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘Update Profile’. If you don’t save your changes 529 Garage will not be active on your Hubtiger Account. If you accidentally forget to click save, simply go back to your shop profile and enable it again.

Step 5 – Confirm Status Indicators: Once activated, you’ll see status indicators (green, orange, or red) appear next to the serial number field on each job card. These indicators provide real-time updates on each bike’s registration status so your team can quickly identify if a bike is reported as stolen. If you cannot see them, simply refresh your browser and they should appear.

Step 6 – Sign Up for a 529 Garage Account: Follow this link to create a free Project 529 account. This account enables you to contact the owner of a stolen bike through the portal if you come across one in your store.

By enabling Project 529, your team gains access to essential, at-a-glance information on every bike’s security status, empowering them to offer immediate support to customers.

With 529 Garage turned on, your team can check any bike’s serial number status when a customer brings their bike in for service. Here’s how each indicator works:

• Red Emergency Light: The bike has been reported as stolen. This status gives your team the opportunity to discuss the bike’s flagged status with the customer and take action as needed.
• Green Shield: The bike is already registered with 529 Garage, providing peace of mind for both your team and the customer.
• Orange Shield: The bike isn’t registered yet, giving you a chance to introduce customers to 529 Garage’s free registration service.

For bikes with an orange shield, you can let customers know about the free registration and explain the benefits. With their explicit consent, Hubtiger will securely share their email address and bike’s serial number with 529 Garage. Project 529 will then contact them to complete the registration.

• If you hover your cursor over the red emergency light, a pop-up message will appear to alert you that the bicycle is listed as stolen on the 529 database.
• To take action and get more information, click on the red icon. A message will pop up saying ‘Stolen Bike Alert’ and provide a link to the stolen bike’s profile on 529 Garage where you will be able to contact the original owner through the Project 529.
• Click on the link and log in to your Project 529 account, or create one if this is the first time you are logging in.

• By logging in, you’ll be able to view the bike’s registration information, including its last reported location and police case details, as shown in the image.
• Next, click the button labelled ‘contact owner’ and you’ll be able to send a message to the registered owner of the stolen bicycle via the 529 Garage portal.
• We advise informing the registered owner of the bike’s location and recommend they contact the police department where the theft report was initially filed. Law enforcement can then decide on further steps, ensuring the situation is handled securely and professionally.

• The customer who booked the bike for service may also be a victim, as they may have purchased the bike without knowledge of its stolen status. After alerting the original owner and giving them time to speak with the police, kindly inform the customer of the situation and recommend they reach out to the relevant police department handling the case.
• It is essential to avoid taking direct action beyond informing both parties. Always allow law enforcement to handle the situation professionally. This approach protects your shop’s reputation and avoids putting your team in a challenging position.

• Your team should prioritise kindness and understanding, recognising that the customer may be shocked or distressed. Encourage a supportive environment by listening to their concerns and reassuring them that you are facilitating the proper steps to resolve the matter.
• Politely direct any further questions or concerns to the police, ensuring your team is respectful and empathetic while remaining neutral in the interaction.

Through 529 Garage, your shop can guide customers in safeguarding their bikes. Encourage them to follow these three key practices to secure their bikes and support the larger cycling community: