LBS vs ONLINE

[Mohs]

My loyalty to support my LBS is getting tested and its not there fault...

 

I strongly feel that supporting your Local Bike shop is the right thing to do. Pay that little extra and knowing you will get the service and your usual 10% discount on the next purchase...also after sales help with warranty claims, cool bananas...

 

BUT, its hard when you do spot parts like this, on international online stores. ...with tax and postage it is still nearly R2000 difference....that is a XT DR and Chain, right there...I also would like to save money.

 

Damm-you Mr Middle man!!!

[Dullscalpel]

My loyalty to support my LBS is getting tested and its not there fault...

 

I strongly feel that supporting your Local Bike shop is the right thing to do. Pay that little extra and knowing you will get the service and your usual 10% discount on the next purchase...also after sales help with warranty claims, cool bananas...

 

BUT, its hard when you do spot parts like this, on international online stores. ...with tax and postage it is still nearly R2000 difference....that is a XT DR and Chain, right there...I also would like to save money.

 

Damm-you Mr Middle man!!!

 

It is tough. But I like to think of it as a balance. You buy many things from your LBS, but you buy the occasional item elsewhere. How can you not, with a R2k difference?!

['Dale]

It's possible to do both hey

 

That illustration is a strong case for clicking the mouse ????????

 

If possible, always compare price tags and thus give the LBS a chance

[Butterbean]

The thing is though, that LBS you've screenshotted (CWC) doesn't suffer from the middle man syndrome. Remember they bring in their own Grey items and hence can offer the special deals they do.

 

I've found though, that thier pricing is quite *** unless it's a special offer. They are much loved by the hub but it's a fact.

[Zorro5614]

It is also tempting to look abroad

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/za/en/shimano-xtr-m9000-shadow-11-speed-rear-mech/rp-prod119763

 

Same derailleur for just under R2K

[AlanD]

The thing is though, that LBS you've screenshotted (CWC) doesn't suffer from the middle man syndrome. Remember they bring in their own Grey items and hence can offer the special deals they do.

 

I've found though, that thier pricing is quite *** unless it's a special offer. They are much loved by the hub but it's a fact.

Grey items are genuine goods but sold through other channels than what the manufacturer authorises right? How does that even happend? Does this mean the grey goods have mo warranty?

[AlanD]

The thing is though, that LBS you've screenshotted (CWC) doesn't suffer from the middle man syndrome. Remember they bring in their own Grey items and hence can offer the special deals they do.

 

I've found though, that thier pricing is quite *** unless it's a special offer. They are much loved by the hub but it's a fact.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Uhm, I buy very little from my lbs. He is 120km's away. Very nice person to deal with, but prices dictate where I buy.

 

Nothing beats going to another human being, discussing some bull about bikes and walking out with a little bag filled with bike goodies...

 

But again, if parts, online or the hub. Wiggle had cable sets for R50 that they don't seem to sell anymore, so I'll have to get a new supplier for that, but where it's the cheapest, I will buy.

[Butterbean]

Grey items are genuine goods but sold through other channels than what the manufacturer authorises right? How does that even happend? Does this mean the grey goods have mo warranty?

Correct. They bring in their own stock in huge containers. Not all of their product is sold this way, from what I understand. They bring enough in to basically give you the necessary warranty support anyway, as I'm assuming warrantee type failures probably don't happen all that often.

 

They still don't have the middle man problem though oh most items. I belive they price according to the market on shelf price, and then slash them for specials.

 

The original observation on local pricing vs overseas is valid for almost all the other shops though. We get *** support from cool heat but have to make sure they're a thriving business. Let's not forget their role in the price fixing scandal...

[LeoKnight]

Might have to consider trying out one of the overseas suppliers just to see how smooth the process goes. to date have only supported local with a mixture of LBS and online stores (cwcycles, evobikes and summit), so far it has all been good experiences.

[Zorro5614]

Me too. In recent weeks I have however used Evanscycles and Bike24, both were good experiences.

 

Ordered from Chainreactioncycles today with DHL shipping, so expecting a smooth purchase.

[Mohs]

I have to add that not all work out cheaper... bikeinn.com ....they have some serious low prices on most goods.

[Mopkop]

evanscycles and merlin for the win!!!

 

LBS for cables, brake blocks, lube, tubes and to chat

[BigDL]

Must be tough to be a lbs owner, forced to buy from the middlemen, without the size to be able to import directly. It would be interesting to assess the benefit of some kind of buying group similar to what the cash and carries formed back in the day, to build negotiating power and to maximise the benefit of bulk buying.

[Grease_Monkey]

And I just have to add, some middle men (won't name names) refuse to sell to some local online shops based on the fact that they are online shops and not brick and mortar...

 

There are many conclusions that can be drawn from the above, but I will leave it there.

[LeoKnight]

I think there is still a place for the LBS, but I accept that they may not always have the best price, but more the value added of picking up the stuff in my hand look it over have a chat with the staff, building a relationship for those days when stuff breakdown on the bike and you need assistance.

 

would I consider buying parts from online, yes, when time is not of the essence.