tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950281679163772560.post7370974543626014920..comments2023-09-17T04:29:59.752-07:00Comments on mikespokes: Bike shop labor... fair or foul?Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03825454524437359677noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950281679163772560.post-12266213816029082512010-12-12T15:44:16.842-08:002010-12-12T15:44:16.842-08:00that should have been "customer interests.&qu...that should have been "customer interests."Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03825454524437359677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950281679163772560.post-10578286942660220822010-12-12T15:27:11.888-08:002010-12-12T15:27:11.888-08:00I've heard other accounts of LBS employees loo...I've heard other accounts of LBS employees looking down their noses at bikes that don't fit their preferred image. That would be an instant deal-breaker for me. <br /><br />I was recently on a hiring panel for the new manager of my LBS, representing customer issues, I guess. Several of my questions were designed to weed out just the attitude you describe.<br /><br />You're lucky you have one shop that works for you!Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03825454524437359677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950281679163772560.post-42967637081291038832010-12-12T07:18:25.938-08:002010-12-12T07:18:25.938-08:00Devil's Advocate here...
What if the seat pos...Devil's Advocate here...<br /><br />What if the seat post turns out to be one of those ones that was the wrong size and wedged in? Or they find that the seat tube is cracked? Etc, etc.<br /><br />Like I said each shop makes their own choices and decisions on what to charge for and who to charge. As long as they are consistent I don't have a problem with it. We choose to shop where we do based on our experiences and preferences.<br /><br />That is why I shop at the ones I do. I know good and well my main LBS doesn't have the lowest prices, but they have helped me out in the past and I have spent enough there in the past 30+ years to have bought a couple of cars. The other shop in town chose to make fun of my bikes and be condescending, so no business even though they are closer to my home and easier to get to.<br /><br />Aaron2whls3spdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954543886269776858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950281679163772560.post-11990541477646366192010-12-11T20:28:07.404-08:002010-12-11T20:28:07.404-08:00Agreed on all points, Aaron. But I do think that ...Agreed on all points, Aaron. But I do think that when someone purchases a part and the installation is as near-effortless as grips or a seat post, it's an easy opportunity for the LBS to buy some lasting goodwill. <br /><br />When I buy my saddles from my LBS, they wouldn't dream of letting me out without making sure it's positioned correctly and they wouldn't dream of charging for that. That's why I pay the extra $$ between their price and the online price.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03825454524437359677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950281679163772560.post-67022944954173307032010-12-11T10:16:12.306-08:002010-12-11T10:16:12.306-08:00Judgment call..
Every shop has their own way of d...Judgment call..<br /><br />Every shop has their own way of doing business. I have a grand total of 2 LBS's in my area. One I do business with, the other I do not. I also have another favorite shop, but it is 90 miles away. :-(<br /><br />Unfortunately no one in the LBS side of the business is going to retire a millionaire any time soon. If they installed the saddle post for free, then it is going to be fixing flats, installing grips, handle bars, lights, etc.<br /><br />Most shops that I am aware of make most of their money on accessory sales and service, the bike sales barely cover the overhead, if at all. <br /><br />I have been in the small retail business in the past and it is a hard way to earn a living.<br /><br />Aaron2whls3spdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954543886269776858noreply@blogger.com