stapfam

I have a very good relationship with my LBS and the amount I spend with them- I should have. On my normal purchases- Like around $200 per month- I always get a discount. On top of that I always get advice on suitability of parts, whether there is a cheaper alternative that is just as good or that I should really be looking at a better quality than I am contemplating cos the bit I have my wallet set on is Crap.

When it comes to major purchases- I do look on the net for the parts I want- Compare the writeups and then I look around for the price. I always give the LBS the chance to compete on price. They most often do, but Look at an item for $100. on the net I can get it for $80 plus postage of $6. I go back to the LBS and the best they can do is $90. I buy from the LBS. Even on more expensive items. A few years ago I bought a set of wheels from my wheel builder for $500. They had to go back because I was not happy with the spokes and No charge for putting the correct ones in but I lost the wheels for 10 days. Did not even think about the LBS but the next pair I asked the LBS to quote and it was $550. But this was for a stronger rim- prices had gone up and I knew they had a good wheelbuilder. The LBS got the 2nd set of wheels. That was 2 years ago and they have just gone in for a check of the hubs and retrue and tension. Bad news as they did not have the Pawls in stock so I cannot pick the wheels up till Thursday. I needed 4 new spokes and the rim tapes should be replaced.
If I were to send the wheels back to my wheel builder then it would cost $25 carriage and I would lose them for 14 days. Rebuild fee would not be any different but then there is return packing aswell.

I am a competent mechanic so I should be able to buy cheaper on the net, I should be able to get the parts quickly, but I would lose out on that personal service that I rate so highly. Unfortunately my LBS is struggling so I may be forced to buy my parts mail order. Hope it doesn't happen but until then- My LBS Rules.