Robin Tippkötter leads the company in the fourth generationPhoto: Tippkötter Bikes
Robin Tippkötter leads the company in the fourth generation

Smartfit Makes the Sales Experience More Personal

Tippkötter Bikes is a fourth-generation family business. Founded in 1933 as a metalworking shop with a small selection of bicycles, it has grown into a modern bike shop with around 50 employees and a distinctive, design-forward atmosphere.

Smartfit has been an integral part of the sales process for several years. In this interview, Managing Director Robin Tippkötter explains how the sizing session helps create a genuine connection with customers—and why data-driven recommendations further strengthen trust and improve the quality of advice.

Bright lighting, clean design, and an exceptional amount of space—the Tippkötter Bikes store elevates the customer experience to a whole new level.Photo: Tippkötter Bikes
Bright lighting, clean design, and an exceptional amount of space—the Tippkötter Bikes store elevates the customer experience to a whole new level.

How do you use Smartfit during the sales consultation, and for which types of bikes?

Robin: We use Smartfit specifically in areas where in-depth, high-quality guidance is especially important — primarily in the performance bike segment. Whenever a customer is looking for a gravel bike, road bike, or e-MTB, we take their measurements as part of the consultation. It makes the sales process much easier for us while also providing valuable support in recommending the right bike.

Tippkötter uses Smartfit to do bike fittings for road, gravel, and mountain bikes.Photo: Tippkötter Bikes
Tippkötter uses Smartfit to do bike fittings for road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

What does Smartfit specifically add to your sales process?

Robin: Smartfit significantly raises the quality of our sales consultations. We already bring plenty of experience and expertise to the table, but the sizing data allows us to support our recommendations with objective measurements. That builds trust and makes our guidance more tangible for customers.

Of course, our sales success is not driven by sizing alone. It is the complete package that makes the difference: the new shop, the product presentation, the selection of bikes, and the consultation supported by Smartfit. Together, all of these elements create a highly convincing customer experience.

Smartfit helps the workers at Tippkötter Bikes to bulid a relationship with the customers during the sales process.Photo: Tippkötter Bikes
Smartfit helps the workers at Tippkötter Bikes to bulid a relationship with the customers during the sales process.

What role does Smartfit play in the customer experience?

Robin: The sizing session is a very personal moment. At first, customers are not always sure what to expect. But going through the process together creates an immediate sense of connection. It builds trust and strengthens the relationship throughout the consultation.

What benefits does Smartfit offer your sales staff?

Robin: It is especially valuable for new team members because it helps them quickly narrow down which bikes and models are a good fit for the customer. That makes onboarding much easier and brings more structure to the sales consultation.

At the same time, an objective, data-based result supports and enhances the salesperson’s expertise, giving them greater confidence in their recommendations.

Since 2024, the tagline “Bike as you are” has been part of Tippkötter’s brand identity, reflecting the ongoing evolution of this family business with more than 90 years of history.Photo: Tippkötter Bikes
Since 2024, the tagline “Bike as you are” has been part of Tippkötter’s brand identity, reflecting the ongoing evolution of this family business with more than 90 years of history.

What happens to the data collected during the sizing session?

Robin: That is a major advantage for us: the data stays with the customer throughout the entire process. If they decide to purchase a bike after the test ride, we can use those measurements again during the final setup. This allows us to deliver the bike with the same position and settings that felt right during the test ride. It significantly improves the quality and consistency of the final bike setup.

At Tippkötter Bikes, bikes aren’t simply put on display—they’re showcased in a modern, premium setting with plenty of room to shine.Photo: Tippkötter Bikes
At Tippkötter Bikes, bikes aren’t simply put on display—they’re showcased in a modern, premium setting with plenty of room to shine.

What does Smartfit mean for your overall market positioning?

Robin: Smartfit is more than just a tool for us. It is an integral part of our overall brand experience. Especially in the performance segment, it supports the way we advise customers, communicate quality, and present our products. Combined with our store, our team, and our commitment to high-quality service, Smartfit has become a key driver of our success.

Smartfit sizing solutions for your business as well?!