LeaseGemak worked for years with periodic product data, but sometimes encountered error-prone imports and outdated information. With the switch to current product data via DST, the company now always has reliable product information at its disposal, which has significantly improved the product range.
“Data is of great importance to us. Personally, I have also always found its role and utility very interesting,” says Wesley van Wermeskerken, director of LeaseGemak. Until a few years ago, the company built and maintained their platform themselves, but they increasingly reached their limits. The growth of the bicycle leasing company meant that their workability and security had become increasingly important. Consequently, they decided to have a completely new platform built, this time by an external party.
Role of product data
The importance of current and reliable product data played a significant role in this. For example, in their collaboration with the Dynamo Retail Group, they periodically received data from their core collection. “We used to run that import once every two months. Due to new or discontinued models, this data was sometimes outdated,” says Van Wermeskerken. “An example of this was the more frequent price increases, or when we submitted an order to one of our retailers for a bicycle that could no longer be delivered. That can be resolved, of course, but it cost time and sometimes frustration.”
Good timing
Van Wermeskerken came into contact with DST after reading an article about the platform. “That came at a good time, because we were just working on the setup of our new platform. We then looked into how DST works. From the summer of 2025, we switched to our new platform and simultaneously started using the DST platform. Now, all product data is synchronized every night, ensuring our offering is up-to-date always and everywhere.”
Satisfied, but still opportunities
Asked about his experiences, he says he is satisfied with DST. “The database is well-filled and communication is steadily improving. What we still encounter is that a small number of the affiliated manufacturers do not yet have their data completely in order. As a result, products are not displayed. Examples include an e-bike missing its battery or no image being available. Or not using the correct category: for instance, one exists for longtails, but these bicycles are sometimes classified as an electric cargo bike.”
Van Wermeskerken understands that these adjustments are not quick or simple. “DST is one of the systems that manufacturers have to deal with, but you also have the ordering systems, for example. The same applies there. Because correct product data is so important to us, we keep a close eye on it. We therefore regularly point out matters to brands and manufacturers that do not seem to be correct.”
Because correct product data is so important to us, we keep a close eye on it.
He sees that this is having an effect, as he sees more and more reliable and less erroneous product data in their system. “Of course, there are still gains to be made; for example, a bicycle brand that does not have its data in DST cannot currently be offered as a lease product on our website. It is therefore in our interest that as many bicycle manufacturers as possible put their data into DST. Visibility there also ensures that more commercial opportunities can be utilized for them.”
LeaseGemak has been offering private bicycle leasing since 2014, and corporate leasing was added in 2020. The company is completely brand-independent and works with nearly a thousand retailers in the Netherlands. Their mission is to make bicycle leasing as attractive as possible by offering competitive prices, simple processes, and a high level of service.