Employee Fund

We are fundraising to support our first employee, and we need $25,000 to get them on board. Please click the donation button below to donate directly to this fund.

Why An Employee?

The addition of an employee to the Bikery team will add much-needed stability and dependability to the shop operations, and also increase the capacity for bike building. Refurbished bikes create affordable options for the Seattle community to access safe and reliable transportation, and bike sales represent the large majority of the Bikery’s revenue. The Bikery sells 80 to 120 refurbished bikes per year at an average of $200, well below the average retail price of even a low-end bike. We have determined that with the support and reliability of an employee, the Bikery can:

  • Sustain a reputation for a reliable and accessible shop

  • Focus lead volunteer energy on improving and developing programs and classes

  • Focus volunteer energy on leading programs and classes

  • Increase the number of refurbished bikes by 150%

  • Generate 200% more revenue through the increase in bike sales

Why Should I Donate?

Since the Bikery’s inception as a volunteer-run and donation-based organization over fifteen years ago, it has struggled to find consistent volunteers for our open shop time. While the Bikery offers several incentives such as ongoing training, deep discounts on bike parts and accessories, and volunteer appreciation events, our volunteers are active and interesting folks who have full lives and other obligations. We cannot open when we do not have volunteers to run the shop, which results in a loss of income, loss of trust in the community, and a real effect on our patrons’ ability to secure safe and affordable transportation. We see the addition of paid staff to the Bikery generative and sustainable means of the organization’s continued success. As a historically donation-based organization we are seeking your support to kick-start this new chapter. Hiring an employee will give us the capacity to:

  • Develop in the way our community needs

  • Support the employee on an ongoing basis through increased bike sales and pay-what-you-can program fees

  • Refocus volunteer energy to much-needed programs and classes