Cycle Shops & Customers

[Overlord]

We as customers always complain about a shop regarding service and price and and and.

 

No this is just my take on it and any comments are welcome.

 

Why do we always stick to this thing about a LBS? Yes its nice to have a shop close to you but I find it is not that bad to have two or even three shops that you frequently visit for any reason what so ever.

 

Maybe just maybe we want more than what we are willing to pay for and then the shop is the one that's bad or gives poor service.We as customers need to go to the the shop and explain what you need done to the bike and ask the relevant people in the shop to make sure its done to warrant the costs.

 

If its a service and you get the bike back from them get on the bike and just take a spin in the parking area or something. If you find that the bike still needs a bit of work or a setting or two that needs to be done go back and ask the guys to have a look at it. Nine out of ten times they will sort it for you there and then.

 

Remember that if you have your bike serviced the mechanic will ride it and find that the job has been done to his satisfaction. The way he rides and you ride and feel the bike is completely different. He might ride 5 to 10 bikes a day and each one will feel different to the other one.

 

Rather than demanding a service or anything else maybe ask and see the difference in attitude and service that you get. We need to get of our high horses and treat the mechanic,salesperson and owner with the same respect we want from them.

 

Then and just then will we enjoy the experience of going to the LBS and paying for that service.

 

As I said: Just my thoughts on this.

 

Now you guys/girls can rip it apart

 

Enjoy

 

[jagwil]

We as customers always complain about a shop regarding service and price and and and.

No this is just my take on it and any comments are welcome.

Why do we always stick to this thing about a LBS? Yes its nice to have a shop close to you but I find it is not that bad to have two or even three shops that you frequently visit for any reason what so ever.

Maybe just maybe we want more than what we are willing to pay for and then the shop is the one that's bad or gives poor service.We as customers need to go to the the shop and explain what you need done to the bike and ask the relevant people in the shop to make sure its done to warrant the costs.

If its a service and you get the bike back from them get on the bike and just take a spin in the parking area or something. If you find that the bike still needs a bit of work or a setting or two that needs to be done go back and ask the guys to have a look at it. Nine out of ten times they will sort it for you there and then.

Remember that if you have your bike serviced the mechanic will ride it and find that the job has been done to his satisfaction. The way he rides and you ride and feel the bike is completely different. He might ride 5 to 10 bikes a day and each one will feel different to the other one.

Rather than demanding a service or anything else maybe ask and see the difference in attitude and service that you get. We need to get of our high horses and treat the mechanic' date='salesperson and owner with the same respect we want from them.

Then and just then will we enjoy the experience of going to the LBS and paying for that service.

As I said: Just my thoughts on this.

Now you guys/girls can rip it apart

Enjoy
[/quote']  

 

Very well said, especially the highlighted portions. 

[grosjoster]

I also have a few shops I visit frequently. After a few years you actually know a few mechanics and a few salesman, who will all be friendly to you and help you, because they know you.

[chuck]

It's a SA thing. Both the customer attitude AND the shop attitude. There is no real competition to ensure service levels and/or prices stay relevant.

 

But this does not give you the right to be an ass

 

I walk into a bikeshop in LA last night. I want to buy brake pads and they have them for $21. I call the guy over and told him I can get the same thing at Jenson for $14. His response? No problem, I'll match it. Anything else I can help you with? In SA the response would be something like - Ja well go and buy it from them then.

 

Ever returned something in SA? You have to have the original slip, the original packaging, speak to the original salesperson and return it during the same time you bought it. It's this kind of thing that breeds sh*tty customer attitude.

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Went to my chemist on Saturday night (Waterstone Village) to buy my chronic medication. When they told me price, my facial expression immediately received a question from them "What does Dischem charge and we will match it!"

 

(They assume everybody compares Dischem prices and it is true)

 

Now I could have lied but I honestly replied that they where cheaper by R20 (about 12%) and I could not believe it.

 

Not everyday you get that and I will continue to support them.

 

[Overlord]

 

Went to my chemist on Saturday night (Waterstone Village) to buy my chronic medication. When they told me price' date=' my facial expression immediately received a question from them "What does Dischem charge and we will match it!"

 

(They assume everybody compares Dischem prices and it is true)

 

Now I could have lied but I honestly replied that they where cheaper by R20 (about 12%) and I could not believe it.

 

Not everyday you get that and I will continue to support them.

[/quote']

 

I did not know that you can get Viagra as chronic medication.

 

[porky]

It's a SA thing. Both the customer attitude AND the shop attitude. There is no real competition to ensure service levels and/or prices stay relevant.

But this does not give you the right to be an ass

I walk into a bikeshop in LA last night. I want to buy brake pads and they have them for $21. I call the guy over and told him I can get the same thing at Jenson for $14. His response? No problem' date=' I'll match it. Anything else I can help you with? In SA the response would be something like - Ja well go and buy it from them then.

Ever returned something in SA? You have to have the original slip, the original packaging, speak to the original salesperson and return it during the same time you bought it. It's this kind of thing that breeds sh*tty customer attitude.
[/quote']

 

Yah, very true, I lived in Cypress Creek in Ft Lauderdale Florida for about 4 years, and am leaving in a few months for a contract in San Francisco, and I concur - the service levels in the USA are so far ahead of here its scary, there is never an issue, its all about ensuring you walk out happy.

 

Not "just satisfied" - completely happy. Unfortunately many / most SA consumers have no idea of what constitutes good service, they are in fact the ideal customer, seldom complain, accept most things and are just overjoyed when they get a small deal and a free cup of coffee.

 

 

Possibly why I am now such a militant consumer, I always compare levels of service - and generally find them dismally wanting.!

 

porky2009-05-30 02:14:34

[_bob_]

For me service isn't always about the money. I am always willing to pay a little extra if I believe I'm getting value for my money.

 

The problem I have experienced is that a lot of sales guys don't really bother trying to get to know a customer and instead take off the most expensive item on the shelf and hope it'll sell.

 

They should rather make the effort to get to know a little about the customer and advise them accordingly - don't just treat them as a walking wallet.

 

I know the sales person/mechanic that takes the time to find out about my riding habits, etc., will definitely see me more than the guy that tries to just pawn off the latest and greatest.

 

I seldom bitch and moan, but if I'm unhappy with the service I'll mention it to the owner/manager. I'll also give the place another chance, but if I have the same bad experience, I won't come back again. I'll rather go somewhere where I feel good about spending my money, no matter the amount.

 

[gummibear]

I also have a few shops I visit frequently. After a few years you actually know a few mechanics and a few salesman' date=' who will all be friendly to you and help you, because they know you. [/quote']

 

 

Untill they get new staff who can ride a bike well but have no idea about anything else.

[Ox_Wagon]

You mean LBS?s actually still have customers!

[Captain Slow]

I use to visit and spread my purchases amongst my two LBS's!

 

Now I only use the one!!

 

you are correct, I do not use a shop in my area, rather use a shop that is great even if it means traveling!!