Shenandoah Bicycle Sprints Ahead with Rackspace

Rackspace Email, Distribution & Retail, 1-10

The Shenandoah Bicycle Company is dedicated to supporting cyclists of all levels by providing the highest quality service, products and experience in a unique, inviting and fun environment.

• Challenge
  Reliable business email service with easy management tools
• Solution
  Rackspace Email with free sync tools and productivity features
• Results
  Reduction in spam and the ability to handle seasonal traffic spikes

Growth Means Finding a New Email Provider

Several years after opening his business, Thomas Jenkins, owner of Shenandoah Bicycle Company, wanted a better product and better service from his email provider. As Shenandoah Bicycle grew and Thomas hired new employees, he needed an email provider that would allow him to add new accounts often and easily. He wanted each company employee to have their own email account.

As the company grew, so did its reputation of providing the most comprehensive cycling information in the area. The company’s location in Harrisonburg, Virginia is situated in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery and favorable biking climate. Additionally, James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, yields a constant influx of new students and visitors seeking bicycles, gear, and repairs. Shenandoah Bicycle’s website is a premier source for cycling enthusiasts to find information on upcoming races, trail rides, group ride schedules, etc.

Thomas added an email link to their website to allow potential customers to email questions regarding equipment and the latest cycling events. For many people, this email link is the first interaction with Shenandoah Bicycle Company. Thomas knows that the best chance of converting an inquiring individual into a customer depends on his ability to respond in a timely manner. His new email provider would have to be reliable and offer easy system management tools.

Rackspace Email is a Perfect Fit

Realizing that the implementation of an in-house operation would cost the company thousands of dollars in equipment and labor, Thomas eliminated the idea of an in-house email system. Thomas asked his most technologically-savvy employee to research and recommend a new email hosting provider.

After analyzing providers online, his employee selected Rackspace Email. Thomas discovered that, for $1 per mailbox, per month, Rackspace delivers everything Shenandoah Bicycle needs, including free sync tools that allow them to access email from the BlackBerry^®, iPhone^™, or Windows^® Mobile device. He signed up with Rackspace promptly and has never regretted that decision.

Thomas describes the transition from the former email provider to Rackspace as “smooth and easy.” He adds, “It was simple to get up to speed with Rackspace.”

Trouble-free Service with Rackspace

Shenandoah Bicycle Company enjoys continued company growth and reliable email service since implementing Rackspace Email several years ago. Although Thomas reports no trouble with Rackspace Email since implementation, he is comforted by the knowledge that the Rackspace Fanatical Support^® team is there for him if any problems arise.

The reliability of Rackspace Email ensures Thomas and his staff at Shenandoah Bicycle can respond quickly to email inquiries from potential customers that come through the company website. Thomas states that the company uses email on a regular basis, answering inquiries, and communicating with potential customers every hour.

During periods of high tourism, such as the summer months when cycling becomes a popular activity in western Virginia, the volume of email inquiries increases. Rackspace Email handles the increased load effortlessly and allows the company to receive and answer all customer emails expeditiously. Additionally, despite having the company email address on their website, there is no spam clogging their inbox and slowing their response time.

With Rackspace Email, Shenandoah Bicycle plows ahead, promoting the cycling sport and making in-roads with the tourism industry in Virginia. Thomas summarizes, “The one word I would use to describe Rackspace Email is reliable. I would definitely recommend Rackspace.”