Chromeburner is bankrupt

Just got off the phone with them. The site has been down for a few days now so I decided to call. They are going through bankruptcy and are unable to process any new sales or returns.



Just a heads up.

 

Bummer. I ordered a couple of things from them before because it was cheaper than buying here.

 

Never heard of them. Seems they were an internet retailer of motorcycle riding gear based in the Netherlands. Seems many of their customers were people living abroad taking advantage of arbitrage due to forex and certain manufacturers who set different prices in different regions.

The biggest risks of shopping this way are the general hassles of international shipping (delays, duty/ taxes, risk of damage or loss in transit, returns are cost prohibitive) and the general risks associated with buying any gray market goods (no manufacturer support). There is also the possibility of receiving counterfeit goods since you’re buying outside of the authorized distribution network. Supply chain integrity is a growing risk that affects every retailer from Amazon down to your local mom and pop motorcycle shop.

When you say bankruptcy, I wonder if they’re liquidating (assuming they had any assets at all and weren’t just drop shipping everything) or if they’re simply reorganizing. Either way, makes me wonder why they weren’t successful considering the relatively low overhead costs of internet retailers vs. traditional brick and mortar stores. Is it something unique to Chromeburner or is there a general trend in the motorcycle apparel industry to be concerned about?

 

I bought my RST 'Roo airbag suit from them because they were several hundred less than anywhere in the US. Glad I didn't have any issues.

 

Got my sweet X-Lite Ultra-Carbon WSBK edition there. One of the best helmets I ever owned. Prices were good but service was hit and miss.

 

Bought several Airoh MX helmets from them. Always great service, shipping was fast, and price was awesome. Ski

 

Bought my Shark helmet from them without issue.

 

I guess the prices were too awesomey

 

Sure, NOW I hear about them.

 

In a race to the bottom, it's hard to win.

That's why.

Turns out that couple hundred dollar margin is what's keeping the lights on at those other places.

You bought the cheapest option, not the option with the best customer service. You got what you paid for.

 

I bought a new Alpinestars suit and Sidi boots from Chromeburner, both at a time earlier this year when no one in the States had them, for prices comparable to dealer cost in the US. Delivery was prompt (about a week to the east coast) and I got what I ordered. Fed Ex paid the duty (about a $100) and I then paid Fed Ex I got an email from them earlier this week about their bankruptcy. They were very critical of some manufacturers undercutting their prices and selling direct to consumers.

 

This is Cycle Gear playing the world's smallest ironic violin.

 

Rumblings from yonder shores is that ChromeBurner is being absorbed by / into a larger "group".

 

The overheard isn’t relatively low, I can assure you.

 

They actually did have a storefront in the Netherlands.

 

is that to the sound of Bilt or Sedeci widgets in the background...

 

Story reminds me of MCA Licester back in the day. Got some amazingly priced Dainese stuff from them..

 

I ordered from them twice. Bell Race Star and TCX boots. Both items arrived in 3 days. And were hundreds cheaper. Sad to see them go...

 

Who's buying Bilt or Serdeci? Trackday nobs?