price fixing hey...now what? does it actually help us?

[Mojoman]

Aah, the mechanic set from CRC.... R55k if I'm not mistaken. Always spend my imaginary lotto money on things like that

I can't believe that is R55k? I have 2 Gedore tool kits, some specialised tools for my vehicles and motor bike such as big spanners and power bars and some electronic tuning kit and all that was welllllllllll below R55k! Are those things gold plated! What else does that stool do!! No wonder bike services cost so much!

[Caerus]

Im not opposed to anyone making money at all - It must just be relative - We know what things cost overseas, so why, oh why, can they not be more inline with these prices . Im sure its must be bad for your business knowing that a lot of people are going to online shops & overseas for their goods?

 

 

Oh hang on, you have I a 2000 square meter house with 5 swimming pools and have 2 Porsche 911's and numerous Diablo's and Ferrari's. So I guess it hasnt affected business for you

 

So bike shop owners in South Africa are the new investment bankers?

 

Where is your shop if you dont mind me asking?

[Tumbleweed]

Im not opposed to anyone making money at all - It must just be relative - We know what things cost overseas, so why, oh why, can they not be more inline with these prices . Im sure its must be bad for your business knowing that a lot of people are going to online shops & overseas for their goods?

 

You know what things cost on sites like CRC, not what they cost in overseas bike shops. Do a search for prices of many cycling parts, and you'll see a lot are close if not equal. A search on Conti Gatorskins, for instance, this morning returned an average of about $40 (store-bought). That's what, about R3OO? I can get them here from a bike shop at R320.

[Caerus]

You know what things cost on sites like CRC, not what they cost in overseas bike shops. Do a search for prices of many cycling parts, and you'll see a lot are close if not equal. A search on Conti Gatorskins, for instance, this morning returned an average of about $40 (store-bought). That's what, about R3OO? I can get them here from a bike shop at R320.

 

 

No, In fact my very close friends own a bike shop, if the needed anything they would phone Shimano agents direct(no middleman) I still ask them for prices Thats why Im saying it. Im also talking about new bikes and bike parts. Did you see my reply from before - Is that what you do for R350 for a service.

 

As Ive also said some things are fine, and I dont mind paying for them at my LBS. I will also support CWC more then CRC as well

[Caerus]

I can't believe that is R55k? I have 2 Gedore tool kits, some specialised tools for my vehicles and motor bike such as big spanners and power bars and some electronic tuning kit and all that was welllllllllll below R55k! Are those things gold plated! What else does that stool do!! No wonder bike services cost so much!

 

Thats how they justify the prices they charge - Its mental( I feel sorry for bike mechanics if thats what they have to spend) Im sure a Geodore tool kit wouldnt be half that, then again I could be wrong

[GrumpyOldGuy]

 

Reason for asking was what Grumpy suggested, yes let's get rid of the middle man, no problem.

Let's then apply that to industries across the board, not just the cycle trade.

Let's close all retail down and go wholesale, we will all be much happier and pay cheaper prices not just in this hobby, but any and every hobby, sport or interest available to man.

I say let's do it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I come from engineering where I was earning a livable wage, I am now in retail and I fess up, I am tired of milking the general public, I can't stand the sight of my live-in chef any more, I wear out the gold on the soles of my shoes too often, please someone take this business from me, it's easy, very easy to make money.

Come and see how I live and that should make your decision to take this off my hands so much easier.

 

The middleman is already been removed Dangle, and not just in small industries.

 

Look around you, and see how many manufacturers / Importers from various industries go direct to the consumer now. You will be surprised.

 

I cant understand people whining about their job / business. If its not profitable, get out, who is holding a gun to your head and keeping you there,?

 

Cycle shop owners must be the only shop keepers who take as much time to tell you how tough their industry is, how they struggle and how they make so little money, as they do to sell you something.

 

I am not interested in the cycle shop drama, if its so bad, leave, make changes, I know I would.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Aah, the mechanic set from CRC.... R55k if I'm not mistaken. Always spend my imaginary lotto money on things like that

 

- Yeah, theres a sucker born every minute - and they obviously know it. Hmmm, I recon I could have had one of my toolmakers knock up every tool on that pic and still not touch R5K in material and labour - R55k - Hmmm nice profit there I would say.

 

Okay, Okay, almost every tool, I cant make the seat.

[Caerus]

The middleman is already been removed Dangle, and not just in small industries.

 

Look around you, and see how many manufacturers / Importers from various industries go direct to the consumer now. You will be surprised.

 

I cant understand people whining about their job / business. If its not profitable, get out, who is holding a gun to your head and keeping you there,?

 

Cycle shop owners must be the only shop keepers who take as much time to tell you how tough their industry is, how they struggle and how they make so little money, as they do to sell you something.

 

I am not interested in the cycle shop drama, if its so bad, leave, make changes, I know I would.

 

Where did it all go so wrong?

[Caerus]

- Yeah, theres a sucker born every minute - and they obviously know it. Hmmm, I recon I could have had one of my toolmakers knock up every tool on that pic and still not touch R5K in material and labour - R55k - Hmmm nice profit there I would say.

 

Okay, Okay, almost every tool, I cant make the seat.

 

 

You make so much of sense - I think im growing up to be just like you, lol

[Tumbleweed]

Look around you, and see how many manufacturers / Importers from various industries go direct to the consumer now. You will be surprised.

 

 

So, what you'd like to see is Omnico, Pro Bikes or Dragons open retail outlets? That wouldn't do a hell of a lot for competition.

 

Cycle shop owners must be the only shop keepers who take as much time to tell you how tough their industry is, how they struggle and how they make so little money, as they do to sell you something.

 

You should hear the woman at Snappy Snax! She moans a lot!

[Shebeen]

That is the biggest load of bollocks Ive ever heard I will always ask - If I hadnt I would have paid a grand more for my wifes bike - Im not complaining, the bike shop didnt complain either. I asked and I shopped around, they competed for my business, didnt ask for the 15% discount off a helmet,they offered again(they wanted my business, not me wanting their business, thats what retail industry is all about if Im not mistaken) They will get my business from now on, they can service all my bikes as well, any parts/consumables I know where Ill be going?

there are two ways to shop at bike stores.

 

you either go by price or by service.

 

when you say

They will get my business from now on, they can service all my bikes as well, any parts/consumables I know where Ill be going?

i'm not convinced. you seem to be a guy who will shop around. that's fine.

 

but don't go to bike shop B and say bike shop A will sell it to me for X, so drop your price from Y to X and expect him to do it. the reason for this is that whilst the bike industry is retail, it is slightly different in that it's important to develop a relationship with your LBS. Because if you shop at 10 places always discriminating on price, none of them will open the shop at 9pm on a friday night to get you a widget that you need for the race early the next morning.

 

sure there are plenty of problems with the industry, and i think price fixing better shake them up. I actually support two stores that were anti the whole debacle from the start(and raised their concerns before it even hit thehub). they don't get much money from me(i'm a cheapskate), but i sure send people their way. but like i said, you either go by price or by service. Develop a relationship with your LBS and you could get both.

[Wyatt Earp]

 

(1)I am not interested in the cycle shop drama,2. if its so bad, leave, make changes, I know I would.

1.My advice, then stop getting involved in discussions regarding it.(I am not interested in your life either)

2.Thanks for that advice, teach me how.

 

Most cycle shop owners are in it for the passion, you also give the impression that all industries make big money and you also give the impression that life is pretty easy.

It becomes a little hard to "make changes" when you have been tied down to something for that long.

Perhaps Dorbyl will offer me a buy out as well and I can then sit on my cushion and offer arrogant advice on forums contradicting myself.

You will notice,actually I encourage you to maybe take a deeper look, I am on this forum to chat, I get involved in regular discussions, I don't use the forum to "punt" my business, I don't do bush marketing on here, I act as a regular guy and also don't feel the need to share my problems with the members here.

My previous response was not a "feel sorry for me" post either.

 

Grumpy or not, it clearly shows that you are living very comfortably, I am very happy for you and may you have many more blessings bestowed upon you.

 

Crack

Sorry mate if I came across as harsh towards you, I have no personal issue from my side.

[Wyatt Earp]

[quote name='GrumpyOldGuy' date='22 September 2010 - 11:42 AM' timestamp='1285148543'

 

Okay, Okay, almost every tool, I cant make the seat.

Perhaps then you should, I know I would.

[Caerus]

there are two ways to shop at bike stores.

 

you either go by price or by service.

 

when you say i'm not convinced. you seem to be a guy who will shop around. that's fine.

 

but don't go to bike shop B and say bike shop A will sell it to me for X, so drop your price from Y to X and expect him to do it. the reason for this is that whilst the bike industry is retail, it is slightly different in that it's important to develop a relationship with your LBS. Because if you shop at 10 places always discriminating on price, none of them will open the shop at 9pm on a friday night to get you a widget that you need for the race early the next morning.

 

sure there are plenty of problems with the industry, and i think price fixing better shake them up. I actually support two stores that were anti the whole debacle from the start(and raised their concerns before it even hit thehub). they don't get much money from me(i'm a cheapskate), but i sure send people their way. but like i said, you either go by price or by service. Develop a relationship with your LBS and you could get both.

 

Damn skippy, I'll tell a bike shop what another shop is offering me. Thats retail business(cycling or not) - Match it plus 5-10% discount. I dont expect anyone to loose money or not make any maoney out of a sale. They shop that gave me the best price, I told them I would give all my further business too.I will, its taken me ages to find a shop like that.

 

Its should be both from the start - Price & service(again thats the retailers should be offering from the start.) They shouldnt want me too take my business else where from the moment I walk into a shop(thats why they have margins)Ive just managed to save a thousand rand on a bicycle from saying shop A was selling it for X amount, the matched it and bettered the price I never forced anyone to do that, I mearly asked and stated something to them, I made myself clear from the moment I walked in there

[GrumpyOldGuy]

1.My advice, then stop getting involved in discussions regarding it.(I am not interested in your life either)

2.Thanks for that advice, teach me how.

 

Most cycle shop owners are in it for the passion, you also give the impression that all industries make big money and you also give the impression that life is pretty easy.

 

Its never hard to make changes, maybe you dont want to.

 

You also appear to read a lot of info into a post which is not there and make assumptions based on a subliminal interpretation.

 

But, yeah, its enough now, best I leave it.

[Caerus]

1.My advice, then stop getting involved in discussions regarding it.(I am not interested in your life either)

2.Thanks for that advice, teach me how.

 

Most cycle shop owners are in it for the passion, you also give the impression that all industries make big money and you also give the impression that life is pretty easy.

It becomes a little hard to "make changes" when you have been tied down to something for that long.

Perhaps Dorbyl will offer me a buy out as well and I can then sit on my cushion and offer arrogant advice on forums contradicting myself.

You will notice,actually I encourage you to maybe take a deeper look, I am on this forum to chat, I get involved in regular discussions, I don't use the forum to "punt" my business, I don't do bush marketing on here, I act as a regular guy and also don't feel the need to share my problems with the members here.

My previous response was not a "feel sorry for me" post either.

 

Grumpy or not, it clearly shows that you are living very comfortably, I am very happy for you and may you have many more blessings bestowed upon you.

 

Crack

Sorry mate if I came across as harsh towards you, I have no personal issue from my side.

 

 

All good It healthy debate as far as I see it. Im just waiting on a reply to the PM I sent you?

 

Further to this I must add some great customer service - See I dont always moan

 

Classic Eyes - Pavillion Shopping Centre(Durban) Corey Naidoo.

 

What a pleasure dealing with a sales person like her, many quetions, emails and phone calls later. Me trying to save as much money as possible(as usual ) Bringing in the same frames that they had in stock that I sourced from overseas myself at a third of their price, She still gives me discount when I didnt even ask for it.

 

This is someone that went completly the extra mile, granted I hope she gets more business for herself by me telling you of my experience. I got my Adidas Adizero Rx Ready with full prescription lenses. anti scratch, anti glare and transition lenses for only R1000(frame not included) this is after Rudy Project quoted me R5000 for just the lenses. So ive ended up only paying R2000 for the complete setup for me

 

So anyone wanting to get full prescrption riding glasses/sunnies please see her. She also told me that they are doing an offer of full precription polarisd lenses for your sunglasses for +_R500(introductry offer)This will depend on your current lenses shape & frame shape too.

 

See I dont always moan Credit due when its deserved I say