LBS vs CRC

[louis0852]

OK this is how I rate CRC vs LBS. Broke a Magura Gustav 2001 brake lever recently. Got a quote from my LBS for a new one, would have set me back a cool R1300. I then started sourcing one from the hub, no luck. My last option was the Magura Forum where one guy told me I can us the Shimano XT M775 lever which are fully adjustable and give more power to the calipers. So here is where the my CRC love comes in. Bought TWO new levers from CRC incl shipment for R300 less than one 2001 Magura lever would have cost me from my LBS.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

Spoke with one of the chaps at William's Bike Shop' date=' and they do have some awesome pricing on their Rockshox Boxxers. Definitely gonna source a Boxxer from them.

 

However, they said the pricing is purely to compete against CRC. 0.o. But he warned it cant last. CRC is champing at everyone's prices. Worldwide. Hell, it might end up that we have a local office here /dreams on...

But seriously, the LBSs might see a consolidation: smaller shops fall away, and the bigger ones fall under one or two roofs. Larger buying power, bigger discounts, more effective competition against CRC et al. Win-win for everyone, except the family owned LBSs. 

Unless some bar-steward decides to whisper into the ears of the local revenue offices to get the import duties hard stamped each time without fail, and at higher rates, just to protect and tolerate greedy bar-stewards who dont understand the concept of competition. Same way Poison Ivy prevented independant internet service providers from laying their own networks, ie hire wire from Telbitch, thus maintaining the monopoly.

CRC is good for the us in ZA. Just remains to be seen who of the local LBSs catches a wake up call first, and forms an effective long term counter offensive.

[/quote']

 

Agree 100% and well said

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

OK this is how I rate CRC vs LBS. Broke a Magura Gustav 2001 brake lever recently. Got a quote from my LBS for a new one' date=' would have set me back a cool R1300. I then started sourcing one from the hub, no luck. My last option was the Magura Forum where one guy told me I can us the Shimano XT M775 lever which are fully adjustable and give more power to the calipers. So here is where the my CRC love comes in. Bought TWO new levers from CRC incl shipment for R300 less than one 2001 Magura lever would have cost me from my LBS.[/quote']

 

I think we need two threads going here:

 

Cape LBS vc CRC

Gauteng LBS vs CRC

 

 

It seems that not a single GP Hubber has made the statement that their LBS was cheaper or similar to CRC. While us Capies are enjoying the fierce competition between out LBS's and CRC

 

[Capricorn]

 

 

that's an interesting observation brunsdon. Might be the overall market is larger up north than down here in the cape. No surprises considering almost 70%, IIRC of ZA's GDP is from the north.

 

 

 

unless the northen folk are "ryk maar dom" /flamebait. I can see the counter flame a mile away

Capricorn2009-07-12 00:38:15

[Iwan Kemp]

Although I do support both my LBS and CRC I won't buy stuff like forks or shocks from them (CRC). If something goes wrong you won't have local warranty and will have to ship it back to the UK to have it looked at.

Unless the saving is MASSIVE i'd rather pay extra locally for the peace of mind.

[Christie]

Some importers rip, others are reasonable.

 

I always compare local and on-line price before buying.

 

Imo, Campy parts go for stupid prices in SA. Can't understand why people still buy these components here. If worried about warranty issues, just by 2 of everything on-line, and keep the second set in the cupboard in case something breaks. Will still be cheaper than buying Campy from LBS. Same goes for a Selle Italia TT saddle I wanted. 

 

I have also bought some Zipp stuff recently. I found the prices to be similar to on-line, so bought from LBS.

 

 

[Overlord]

If I had to show you guys the prices that the shops pay for Campy products you will not be happy. The bike shops in SA is making a lot of money on these products. 

[Icycling]

Guys - I am not sure what industries you are in, but I am in the cycle industry!

 

 

 

Last month I know of 3 bike shops in the Western Cape who closed! Probably about 20 SA people with no income. Their no doubt is a ripple effect as the cycle wholesalers fight for the money that is owed to them by shops closing - and start to retrench people.

 

 

 

Now please consider this - assuming you have a job or are the owner of a company:

 

 

 

The more people who go out of business in SA the sooner it will start affecting you directly - that not just the cycle industry.

 

 

 

For Argument sake in the good time on a personnel level I:

 

 

 

1. Used to eat out quite often - anyone who know me know I was a lot fatter then I am now! So any of you guys in the restaurant and grosser industry - well you loosing out.

 

 

 

2. For the guys in the financial industry well this year I have closed 3 account with bank - the one I have had since I was 12 years old - so my banking fees have drop. This year is the last time I will be using an accountant for income tax.

 

 

 

3. For you guys in the freight industry up until last year I used clearing agents - this year I have been clearing goods myself.

 

 

 

4. For those landlords out their well you guys who are still fully let and getting full rent well done, but I am sure most of you aren't depending on the size of your portfolio - luckily for you interest rates are quite low now - if you have bonds on the properties, but consider this a vacant property is more risky than a tenanted property so maybe cut some slack on the tenants if they long term tenants.

 

 

 

5. For you guys in the motor industry I used to take my car to be serviced and cleaned - now I do it myself.

 

 

 

What I am trying to say is by NOT supporting local in all industries, what ever industry you in, you may just not be required in the future - so you too may be out of a job - so for this topic and not to high jack the tread completely - possibly paying just that little extra for your cycle product by supporting local - may be the reason why and very indirectly - but use your imagination - their is still food on your table.

 

 

 

Please also remember the cycle industry is also one of those industries in South Africa where the marked price is normally not the price you pay! So please ask what your LBS can offer you in terms of a discount before you put food on the table for an overseas website (once again for any industry - not just the cycling industry) - it may end up taking the food off your table!

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Agree with you Icylcing on your points about ripple affect. I'm also on the stop what I can and this does effect the income of other - some off them I are my friends!

 

Times are tough and we need to give our LBS a chance to do business with us. But its up to them to come to the table with a good deal. What LBSs need to realise is they operate in a service industry - there is no customer loyalty in retail!

 

[Capricorn]

 

 

Guys - I am not sure what industries you are in' date=' but I am in the cycle industry!

Last month I know of 3 bike shops in the Western Cape who closed! Probably about 20 SA people with no income. Their no doubt is a ripple effect as the cycle wholesalers fight for the money that is owed to them by shops closing - and start to retrench people.

Now please consider this - assuming you have a job or are the owner of a company:

The more people who go out of business in SA the sooner it will start affecting you directly - that not just the cycle industry.

For Argument sake in the good time on a personnel level I:

1. Used to eat out quite often - anyone who know me know I was a lot fatter then I am now! So any of you guys in the restaurant and grosser industry - well you loosing out.

2. For the guys in the financial industry well this year I have closed 3 account with bank - the one I have had since I was 12 years old - so my banking fees have drop. This year is the last time I will be using an accountant for income tax.

3. For you guys in the freight industry up until last year I used clearing agents - this year I have been clearing goods myself.

4. For those landlords out their well you guys who are still fully let and getting full rent well done, but I am sure most of you aren't depending on the size of your portfolio - luckily for you interest rates are quite low now - if you have bonds on the properties, but consider this a vacant property is more risky than a tenanted property so maybe cut some slack on the tenants if they long term tenants.

5. For you guys in the motor industry I used to take my car to be serviced and cleaned - now I do it myself.

What I am trying to say is by NOT supporting local in all industries, what ever industry you in, you may just not be required in the future - so you too may be out of a job - so for this topic and not to high jack the tread completely - possibly paying just that little extra for your cycle product by supporting local - may be the reason why and very indirectly - but use your imagination - their is still food on your table.

Please also remember the cycle industry is also one of those industries in South Africa where the marked price is normally not the price you pay! So please ask what your LBS can offer you in terms of a discount before you put food on the table for an overseas website (once again for any industry - not just the cycling industry) - it may end up taking the food off your table! [/quote']

quite the emotional argument. But if the LBS', decided to have a select market by jacking up their prices, as Onetime already suggested is a reality, then when the poop hits the fan, come grovelling for support using an emotional argument to those they shunned with their insane pricing, then tough. Granted, some LBS' are at the mercy of the distributors, but honestly, as the ppl that puts food on the distributors table, why didnt they take them to task then already? Instead, they ate from the same plate cos that juicy margin was just too good to pass up on.Again tough cookies.

And dont get us wrong, we who seem to prefer CRC above all things local but not lekker. We go simply where we can get the best bang for our buck. If the LBS is cheaper, I go there. There is no blind allegiance to all things CRC, or any bike shop for that matter. That's just silly. But in general, if CRC is cheaper overally, it's simply going to get more of my business. If the LBS cant help it, then neither can I. My bonuses and salaries get frozen like the rest of all troubled industries, so I spend what I have on that which I really need, with those that offer me the most value for my measly monies.

Sad reality is, we are in a state of survival of the fittest. I bet that if the harsh realities of the credit crunch really hit South africa, some of us wont even buy spares, from CRC or otherwise. So CRCs cookie is also going to crumble. Funny thing is, I bet the reverse might happen, as more opt for cheaper transport.

I'm surprised the LBS' havent jumped on that opportunity to market their wares. I know many folks who have opted to commute via public transport, or bikes and motorbikes. Simply because it's cheaper.

As i said before, I look forward to the LBS that catches that wake up call and goes real savvy. They will get my hard earned bucks.

Capricorn2009-07-12 04:09:28

[Overlord]

 

Guys - I am not sure what industries you are in' date=' but I am in the cycle industry!

 

 

 

Last month I know of 3 bike shops in the Western Cape who closed! Probably about 20 SA people with no income. Their no doubt is a ripple effect as the cycle wholesalers fight for the money that is owed to them by shops closing - and start to retrench people.

 

 

 

Now please consider this - assuming you have a job or are the owner of a company:

 

 

 

The more people who go out of business in SA the sooner it will start affecting you directly - that not just the cycle industry.

 

 

 

For Argument sake in the good time on a personnel level I:

 

 

 

1. Used to eat out quite often - anyone who know me know I was a lot fatter then I am now! So any of you guys in the restaurant and grosser industry - well you loosing out.

 

 

 

2. For the guys in the financial industry well this year I have closed 3 account with bank - the one I have had since I was 12 years old - so my banking fees have drop. This year is the last time I will be using an accountant for income tax.

 

 

 

3. For you guys in the freight industry up until last year I used clearing agents - this year I have been clearing goods myself.

 

 

 

4. For those landlords out their well you guys who are still fully let and getting full rent well done, but I am sure most of you aren't depending on the size of your portfolio - luckily for you interest rates are quite low now - if you have bonds on the properties, but consider this a vacant property is more risky than a tenanted property so maybe cut some slack on the tenants if they long term tenants.

 

 

 

5. For you guys in the motor industry I used to take my car to be serviced and cleaned - now I do it myself.

 

 

 

What I am trying to say is by NOT supporting local in all industries, what ever industry you in, you may just not be required in the future - so you too may be out of a job - so for this topic and not to high jack the tread completely - possibly paying just that little extra for your cycle product by supporting local - may be the reason why and very indirectly - but use your imagination - their is still food on your table.

 

 

 

Please also remember the cycle industry is also one of those industries in South Africa where the marked price is normally not the price you pay! So please ask what your LBS can offer you in terms of a discount before you put food on the table for an overseas website (once again for any industry - not just the cycling industry) - it may end up taking the food off your table! [/quote']

 

 

quite the emotional argument. But if the LBS', decided to have a select market by jacking up their prices, as Onetime already suggested is a reality, then when the poop hits the fan, come grovelling for support using an emotional argument to those they shunned with their insane pricing, then tough. Granted, some LBS' are at the mercy of the distributors, but honestly, as the ppl that puts food on the distributors table, why didnt they take them to task then already? Instead, they ate from the same plate cos that juicy margin was just too good to pass up on.Again tough cookies.

And dont get us wrong, we who seem to prefer CRC above all things local but not lekker. We go simply where we can get the best bang for our buck. If the LBS is cheaper, I go there. There is no blind allegiance to all things CRC. That's just stupid. But in general, if CRC is cheaper overally, it's simply going to get more of my business. If the LBS cant help it, then neither can I. My bonuses and salaries get frozen like the rest of all troubled industries, so I spend what I have when I really needed with that shows more benefit than cost.

Sad reality is, we are in a state of survival of the fittest. I bet that if the harsh realities of the credit crunch really hit South africa, some of us wont even buy spares, from CRC or otherwise. So CRCs cookie is also going to crumble. Funny thing, the reverse might happen, as more opt for cheaper transport.

I'm surprised the LBS' havent jumped on that opportunity to market their wares. I know many folks who have opted to commute via public transport, or bikes and motorbikes. Simply because it's cheaper.

As i said before, I look forward to the LBS that catches that wake up call and goes real savvy. They will get my hard earned bucks.

 

I agree with this 100%

 

[linnega]

 

Guys - I am not sure what industries you are in' date=' but I am in the cycle industry!

 

 

 

Last month I know of 3 bike shops in the Western Cape who closed! Probably about 20 SA people with no income. Their no doubt is a ripple effect as the cycle wholesalers fight for the money that is owed to them by shops closing - and start to retrench people.

 

 

 

Now please consider this - assuming you have a job or are the owner of a company:

 

 

 

The more people who go out of business in SA the sooner it will start affecting you directly - that not just the cycle industry.

 

 

 

For Argument sake in the good time on a personnel level I:

 

 

 

1. Used to eat out quite often - anyone who know me know I was a lot fatter then I am now! So any of you guys in the restaurant and grosser industry - well you loosing out.

 

 

 

2. For the guys in the financial industry well this year I have closed 3 account with bank - the one I have had since I was 12 years old - so my banking fees have drop. This year is the last time I will be using an accountant for income tax.

 

 

 

3. For you guys in the freight industry up until last year I used clearing agents - this year I have been clearing goods myself.

 

 

 

4. For those landlords out their well you guys who are still fully let and getting full rent well done, but I am sure most of you aren't depending on the size of your portfolio - luckily for you interest rates are quite low now - if you have bonds on the properties, but consider this a vacant property is more risky than a tenanted property so maybe cut some slack on the tenants if they long term tenants.

 

 

 

5. For you guys in the motor industry I used to take my car to be serviced and cleaned - now I do it myself.

 

 

 

What I am trying to say is by NOT supporting local in all industries, what ever industry you in, you may just not be required in the future - so you too may be out of a job - so for this topic and not to high jack the tread completely - possibly paying just that little extra for your cycle product by supporting local - may be the reason why and very indirectly - but use your imagination - their is still food on your table.

 

 

 

Please also remember the cycle industry is also one of those industries in South Africa where the marked price is normally not the price you pay! So please ask what your LBS can offer you in terms of a discount before you put food on the table for an overseas website (once again for any industry - not just the cycling industry) - it may end up taking the food off your table! [/quote']

Lovely principles but not very practical.  It is retailers that have to change their tunes to keep local customers.  The modern consumer is not interested in anything but perceived value for money, so as long as the direct import option remains both the perceived and actual best value route, most consumers will go that route.  The only reason most bike shops have lasted as long as they have is the strong middle class, middle aged support base.  Many cyclists and most big spenders are over 30 and have the means to purchase locally.  They would go the direct import route, but perceive it to be too much effort.  Much easier to phone your LBS and get them to bring the stock to your door.  Cost is then secondary.  The younger consumer is far more price sensitive and will move first to overseas suppliers and may never build a relationship with an LBS.  This is the consumer of the future and the LBS best take heed.

 

Martin alluded to the solution earlier - move more volume.  I know it is much more fun to carry high end stuff and sell the best, but to survive the LBS needs to move stock.  Modern retail is about volume and getting to a situation where stock is turned over 10 times a year or more.  I would be surprised if there are more than a handful of bike shops that turn their stock more than once despite the pitiful stock levels in most shops.  Most bike shops have more space than they need and the only concern around stock holding is the amount of cash they can afford to have tied up in inventory.  So the challenge out there to the LBS's everywhere - find a solution to move more stock and retain a level of customer interaction that is somewhere between LBS of 25 years ago and your local grocery store.  Have a look at what Halfords have done in the UK with Bike Hut.

 

[Capricorn]

Bingo Linnega.

[leet22]

I agree we should support our LBS and price is always a factor , but how many bike shops really make you feel welcome and that they want your business. If you going to screw me for my mony then at least do it with a smile plz. Im doing you a favour buying from your shop not you by supplying me. So far I have only found 1 shop that i feel like supporting thats Cycle Teknik In CT. His prices are awsome and he makes you feel relaxed buying and always is willing to help and discuss price.

 One other hassel that the LBS have is range. Not one shop comes close to CRC and i think thats why ppl buy there , so much to choose.

My LBS will get more business from me

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

I agree we should support our LBS and price is always a factor ' date=' but how many bike shops really make you feel welcome and that they want your business. If you going to screw me for my mony then at least do it with a smile plz. Im doing you a favour buying from your shop not you by supplying me. So far I have only found 1 shop that i feel like supporting thats Cycle Teknik In CT. His prices are awsome and he makes you feel relaxed buying and always is willing to help and discuss price.

 One other hassel that the LBS have is range. Not one shop comes close to CRC and i think thats why ppl buy there , so much to choose.

My LBS will get more business from me

 

[/quote']

 

Comment I always make. I'm 10 minutes walk from 3 LBS. When I went shopping for my MTB, I wanted advice as it was my first venture into non-Game stuff.

 

The closest LBS, which happens to be the largest, ignored me twice and on the 3rd visit eventually helped me. Not impressed with them.

 

By chance I discovered my LBS who's shop is in a side street. Walked in awesome service. They even convinced my wife They showed me that my original budget was not enough (R3K LOL) and showed how I could get started for R6K - bike / helmet / goodies !

 

They give me awesome advice and always have time for you. This is a LBS who sells high end merchandise, yet has the patience and time to spend 5 minutes so you can buy the correct glove thats within your budget.

 

[Christie]

In principle, I will support the LBS for purchase of stuff is they are within 10% or so of on-line prices. I am prepared to pay SLIGHTLY more at the LBS. I refuse to get ripped of just because importers want to get rich. If an industry comes under economic pressure, and blatantly refuses to adapt, capitalistic mechanisims of the economy must follow its natural course. What did the bike industry do under the current pressure? They started talks of forming cartels! What next - ask the government for 40 or 50% customs on all private bike imports? 

 

I would like to pose this question directly at hubbers in the bike industry:

 

Why are some components priced in line with on-line prices, and some  are double the price?