Support your LBS! or don`t.

[SwissVan]

Clearly it’s a dog eat dog world out there....

Good arguments for both sides of the story

 

I still think it’s unreasonable for customers to get upset about paying a reasonable handling fee in certain situations.

 

Perhaps when every customer starts doing this then the LBS’s will all stick together and charge a handling fee, otherwise what’s the point of dealers and agents keeping stock if they cannot sell it at the RRP less customer applicable discount?

[Paul Ruinaard]

Why does everyone compare bicycles to cars? Bicycles are stupid simple things and are really easy to service. I mean come on. Cars are major complex things and have all sorts of consumer protection laws controlling them. There is just no parallel to owning and servicing cars.

 

If you go down to the guy and he gives you gears about fitting tyres or clusters or stuff that you got online, are you seriously going to go back to him when you are buying a new bike? Chances are you will remember he was trying to gouge you. But if he helps you, then you will naturally be willIng to go and make your big purchases there? The Supa quick next to FPC in Paulshof fixed a puncture for me for nothing one day. I have bought all my tyres there ever since. If they are willing to rip you off on small purchase chances are the leopard will not change his spots and he will try to retire on the deal he does on your big purchase. I mean this is so plain and obvious to any retailer.

 

I have so many stories about my experiences and my mates experiences with LBS's that I could write a book. Some of these guys should just take up pick pocketing as they would at least have the right job on their business cards.

 

The cycling and LBS industry is populated by ex cyclists who, to a tee, are not likely to emulate Donald Trump or Bill Gates soon. Let natural selection take it's normal course. Those that offer great service survive and thrive. Those that snuck in to the gene pool whilst the life guard was sleeping will naturally close their doors. Vote with your feet

It's you right. But also vote for the good guys as well. I truly try to build a great relationship with a shop and the stick with them. They do whatever I ask or want and I pay them handsomely as well as ensure that all my mates in the area support them so they survive.

[SwissVan]

Why does everyone compare bicycles to cars? Bicycles are stupid simple things and are really easy to service. I mean come on. Cars are major complex things and have all sorts of consumer protection laws controlling them. There is just no parallel to owning and servicing cars.

 

If you go down to the guy and he gives you gears about fitting tyres or clusters or stuff that you got online, are you seriously going to go back to him when you are buying a new bike? Chances are you will remember he was trying to gouge you. But if he helps you, then you will naturally be willIng to go and make your big purchases there? The Supa quick next to FPC in Paulshof fixed a puncture for me for nothing one day. I have bought all my tyres there ever since. If they are willing to rip you off on small purchase chances are the leopard will not change his spots and he will try to retire on the deal he does on your big purchase. I mean this is so plain and obvious to any retailer.

 

I have so many stories about my experiences and my mates experiences with LBS's that I could write a book. Some of these guys should just take up pick pocketing as they would at least have the right job on their business cards.

 

The cycling and LBS industry is populated by ex cyclists who, to a tee, are not likely to emulate Donald Trump or Bill Gates soon. Let natural selection take it's normal course. Those that offer great service survive and thrive. Those that snuck in to the gene pool whilst the life guard was sleeping will naturally close their doors. Vote with your feet

It's you right. But also vote for the good guys as well. I truly try to build a great relationship with a shop and the stick with them. They do whatever I ask or want and I pay them handsomely as well as ensure that all my mates in the area support them so they survive.

 

 

But its ok to compare bike shop owners (ex cyclists) to Bill Gates / Donald Trump

LOL

 

Ok so why do you take your bike to the shop for repairs if its so easy? I'll wager its because its your to trying to earn a living like the rest of us.....including the LBS

 

Its not about gouging anyone, its about selling parts and service. If some LBS rips you off by charging to much for parts and service then hell yes avoid / black list them...

 

But to expect a LBS to pay for and keep stock with no possible chance to sell it again is not really fair

 

Dont be suprised one day when the friendly LBS does not stock any parts and you HAVE to supply them all yourself, bang goes that unplanned for emergency repair on Friday arvie...

 

Anyway i'm off to see if i can find a LBS to fit the new BB i just bought online, or wait maybe i should just buy the tools and do it myself...hell who needs the LBS