View Full Version : Jenson USA interview
Oleanshoebox
03-07-07, 07:32 PM
I have an interview tomorrow to be a customer service rep for Jenson USA. If you all could please teach me everything you know about bikes, I will buy you a beer.
This is only if I get hired, of course.;)
roadfix
03-07-07, 07:37 PM
1) Modern mountain biking originated in Marin County.
2) Never mount bar ends on riser bars.
3) Rapid-rise derailleurs suck.
Mo'Phat
03-07-07, 07:41 PM
It's only by the grace of God that we remain upright on a bicycle. Physics has zilch to do with it.
DaveSANYYZ
03-07-07, 07:46 PM
Relax.
I've ordered from JensonUSA a few times (both online and retail after 2 hrs drive from SD). When I was there, the sales people don't really talk much except for pure product sales type support; but it could just be they figured my anti-social nature. I do get almost weekly MTB ride emails from them though.
They also have some Bianchi road bikes too.
Good luck!
Fixer, why #2?
Indolent58
03-07-07, 07:47 PM
1. More expensive is more better.
2. "All the best riders are using ..(fill in whatever you boss says has the highest markup)"
3. Road wheels - the fewer the spokes the better.
4. MTB wheels - see #2 - "These are bombproof."
5. There is no point of diminishing returns for a weight weenie.
Oleanshoebox
03-07-07, 08:47 PM
there are some real jewels here. I will keep them in mind.
Mr. Beanz
03-07-07, 09:36 PM
Good luck dude! I live only about 6 miles from there, so I'll be stopping in every month for my two free tubes!:D
1) Modern mountain biking originated in Marin County.
2) Never mount bar ends on riser bars.
3) Rapid-rise derailleurs suck.
I rode my bike in the dirt in the 70's
Riser bars and bar ends.. be shure to mount your bar babe in private...
Anywhere we can get a rise works for me...:D
jsigone
03-07-07, 09:57 PM
tear down your bike and rebuild it, you'll learn ALL you NEED to know right then and there.
Good luck!!!
Psydotek
03-07-07, 10:00 PM
Good luck dude! I live only about 6 miles from there, so I'll be stopping in every month for my two free tubes!:D
Same goes for me. ;)
They do seem a bit less aggressive in terms of sales but that can be good or bad. I like walking in and browsing around a bit without being bothered until i need something i can't find. :) But that's just me...
Hmmm, interview tips? Dress professionally. This goes for any job interview really. I know, it's just a bike shop but looking good will never hurt. You might also want to wear your cycling clothes underneath just in case you need to show them what you've got. :lol: And be honest/yourself. :)
Customer service rep = working in the retail store? Or does it mean you'll be in the back dealing with people calling in?
Turtle1
03-07-07, 11:45 PM
Hi there, new to this forum but I just picked up a bike for my daughter from Jenson yesterday. Nice staff there and sweet deals. Good luck on the interview tomorrow.
DaveSANYYZ
03-07-07, 11:52 PM
You might also want to wear your cycling clothes underneath just in case you need to show them what you've got. :lol:
I don't think they have revolving doors. :D
Rapid-rise can't suck too much since they're selling them... at least on the recent Shimano's. Isn't the XT's or even XTR's (i.e. ultegra and da equiv) the cash cow?
JetWave
03-08-07, 12:44 AM
State of the art is what you have in stock for sale.
Blastinbob
03-08-07, 06:45 AM
I've ordered from them a couple of times. Their customers service could stand some improvement as well as their speed on filling and shipping orders that are on "in stock" items.
Oleanshoebox
03-08-07, 07:21 AM
Customer service rep = working in the retail store? Or does it mean you'll be in the back dealing with people calling in?
Dealing with people calling in. The job listing said I should have 'extensive knowledge of components and compatability' so I'm a little worried I don't know enough. Ah, well-I guess I'll just have to give it my best shot.
Mo'Phat
03-08-07, 07:35 AM
If you get a stumper, just post the question here, Road Cycling, or the Mechanics forum...people will be following all over themselves to give you the answer first. You could probably do it when you're on the phone.
Nachoman
03-08-07, 07:47 AM
Two words of advice: UPGRADES;)
roadfix
03-08-07, 10:01 AM
The job listing said I should have 'extensive knowledge of components and compatability' so I'm a little worried I don't know enough.
Ok, here's another: Don't waste money on XTR.
Good luck though......you have good personality, you should do just fine...:)
Mo'Phat
03-08-07, 10:09 AM
Do us a favor and keep a log of all the dumbass things that people-who-think-they-know-but-don't-really-know say to you. I always get a kick out of that. When in doubt, just sell 'em lawyer tab Ti bearing lithium grease.
Neccros
03-08-07, 01:00 PM
1) Modern mountain biking originated in Marin County.
2) Never mount bar ends on riser bars.
3) Rapid-rise derailleurs suck.
Tru dat!
socalcyclist
03-08-07, 03:48 PM
Dealing with people calling in. The job listing said I should have 'extensive knowledge of components and compatability' so I'm a little worried I don't know enough. Ah, well-I guess I'll just have to give it my best shot.
1. Just jam their catalogue into your head right before the interview. During the interview, answer your cell phone and impress them with a some recently memorized product knowledge.
2. Talk to your interviewer as if they are a customer. Use please and thank you in a soft monotone, yet assertive and confident voice.
3. Show up to the interview on your bike. Make sure they see you.
4. take this advise with a word of caution. :D
Psydotek
03-08-07, 05:07 PM
Actually, showing up on your bike might not be such a bad idea. :)
DaveSANYYZ
03-08-07, 05:23 PM
All sweaty and smelly during the ride to the interview? :)
Actually when I was in Japan, many people ride their bike to work. I knew this ahead of time, but I was still surprised when I saw guys in suits and girls in very pretty dresses riding a bike. Nothing weird about it; I'm just not used to it.
All sweaty and smelly during the ride to the interview? :)
Actually when I was in Japan, many people ride their bike to work. I knew this ahead of time, but I was still surprised when I saw guys in suits and girls in very pretty dresses riding a bike. Nothing weird about it; I'm just not used to it.
Just seeing a guy in a suit is unusual in So Cal.
Now, in a suit on a bike.... Just wacked!!:D
Oleanshoebox
03-08-07, 10:06 PM
Interview went pretty well. The guy wants me to come in to the shop on Monday. And its all thanks to your excellent tips.
Many thanks.
DaveSANYYZ
03-08-07, 10:39 PM
Congrats! Hope you'll ace the final part.
So which tip(s) did you follow? :D
Luwin1026
03-08-07, 11:04 PM
Congrats!! What'd they ask?
socalcyclist
03-09-07, 11:13 PM
cool. Let us know what happens.
Oleanshoebox
03-22-07, 09:21 PM
I start next month. woohoo!! I'll be in receiving instead of customer service but I'm actually pretty happy about that. Man, I am stoked. Here is a picture of an Intense frame because this thread needs it and Jenson carries them.http://www.thebackcountry.net/cart/files/images/d_6920.jpg
chimivee
03-22-07, 09:24 PM
Congrats, Billy.
Grumpy Pig
03-22-07, 09:25 PM
Excellent. Congratulations.
Chucklehead
03-22-07, 11:41 PM
I start next month. woohoo!! I'll be in receiving instead of customer service but I'm actually pretty happy about that. Man, I am stoked. Here is a picture of an Intense frame because this thread needs it and Jenson carries them.http://www.thebackcountry.net/cart/files/images/d_6920.jpg
that would look splendid in orange.
*edit*
forgot to say congrats! :beer:
voltman
03-22-07, 11:42 PM
Congrats!
Oleanshoebox
03-23-07, 07:52 AM
Thank you all for your kind words.
Working at my current job is kind of weird now that I've given notice. You know what I mean? I thnk my supervisor is mad at me and seems to be giving me more work.
BTW Dog hair-I believe the Intense 6.6 comes in orange...
BigSean
03-23-07, 08:18 AM
Thank you all for your kind words.
Working at my current job is kind of weird now that I've given notice. You know what I mean? I thnk my supervisor is mad at me and seems to be giving me more work.
BTW Dog hair-I believe the Intense 6.6 comes in orange...
Congrats, and your correct the 6.6 does come in orange.;)
Tiffanie
03-23-07, 08:38 AM
Congrats Billy!!! :D
Congrats! If I was a young guy, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather work than a good bike shop. From my dealings with Jenson, they are a good one.
Jim
Neccros
03-23-07, 12:53 PM
Congrats and one word of advice???
Bury yourself in every known part they sell there.... become as knowledgable about it and how it compares to a similar brand/part, etc...
Bottom line is know more than your boss!!! then you can move up or move to better bike companys such as manufactures.... hell Shimano is in Irvine!!! Ya never know!
LCI_Brian
04-25-07, 11:00 PM
Do the Jenson's stores stock all the same gear as what's on the website? Just want to know if it's worth the drive from the OC. I need to get a Lazer helmet for the little guy - I don't know of any LBS that stocks them. This helmet looks good 'cause it's not pointy in the back, which is annoying in the trailer.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HE401E00-Lazer+Max+Youth+Helmet.aspx
DaveSANYYZ
04-25-07, 11:05 PM
I went there a few times (1.5 hrs drive from my place). The retail shop is relatively small in size, but the warehouse is attached to it. When I bought a set of mtb wheels from them a while ago, one sales guy just went to the back and get me a set.
While they make use of the small space they have by jamming a lot of items in there, I'll say that there's not many things to browse around in-store. If you know what you want, then this won't be a problem.
:)
Psydotek
04-25-07, 11:16 PM
They have a decent selection of stuff in the retail showroom, but not everything you see on the website (all the LBS basics are there in terms of essentials, tools, and accessories). The warehouse is big but they also have a warehouse back east somewhere which they ship alot of internet orders from also. Depends on what you're looking for really.
Mo'Phat
04-26-07, 07:43 AM
Do the Jenson's stores stock all the same gear as what's on the website? Just want to know if it's worth the drive from the OC. I need to get a Lazer helmet for the little guy - I don't know of any LBS that stocks them. This helmet looks good 'cause it's not pointy in the back, which is annoying in the trailer.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HE401E00-Lazer+Max+Youth+Helmet.aspx
How little is your little guy? I just got my oldest (who's almost 4) an XS Skateboarding helmet. It sits on his head better than the cycling-specific helmet, and didn't have any decals, so he could put his cool train stickers on it. It's like THIS ONE (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HE407F00-Sixsixone+Dirt+Lid+Helmets+06.aspx), but I was able to find one in XS.
How little is your little guy? I just got my oldest (who's almost 4) an XS Skateboarding helmet. It sits on his head better than the cycling-specific helmet, and didn't have any decals, so he could put his cool train stickers on it. It's like THIS ONE (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HE407F00-Sixsixone+Dirt+Lid+Helmets+06.aspx), but I was able to find one in XS.
Those are the style that Gavin and Avery wore when they first started riding. Marcellus picked out the Specialized Small Fry Helmet (http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=5619) when we bought his bike at Surf City Cyclery and I love how it fits him.
http://planocycling.com/images/library/large/spec_ht__black_flm_07_m.jpg
Oleanshoebox
04-26-07, 08:23 AM
They have a decent selection of stuff in the retail showroom, but not everything you see on the website (all the LBS basics are there in terms of essentials, tools, and accessories). The warehouse is big but they also have a warehouse back east somewhere which they ship alot of internet orders from also. Depends on what you're looking for really.
I didn't know this until yesterday, but I guess the Minnesota werehouse is only for hard to find items. The Ontario werehouse is where the majority of our stuff is.
In the Ontario store we have a computer set up where you can shop on our site and the guys who work in the store will come back to the werehouse to get what you want. We don't always have everything in stock but the site tells you that.
Psydotek
04-26-07, 08:33 AM
I didn't know this until yesterday, but I guess the Minnesota werehouse is only for hard to find items. The Ontario werehouse is where the majority of our stuff is.
In the Ontario store we have a computer set up where you can shop on our site and the guys who work in the store will come back to the werehouse to get what you want. We don't always have everything in stock but the site tells you that.
Ah, got it. :) I guess that means alot of the stuff i've ordered from them have been hard to find then. :lol:
LCI_Brian
04-26-07, 09:06 AM
I didn't know this until yesterday, but I guess the Minnesota werehouse is only for hard to find items. The Ontario werehouse is where the majority of our stuff is.
In the Ontario store we have a computer set up where you can shop on our site and the guys who work in the store will come back to the werehouse to get what you want. We don't always have everything in stock but the site tells you that.
Good to know. Since I'll be heading out to Vegas sometime, I'll just stop by the Ontario store on the way.
Thanks to the others for the helmet suggestions. My guy is 20 months old.
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