Commuting - F Radio Shack

Just got back from a trip to Radio Shack to use my FCC-provided $40-off coupons on two DTV converters. I forgot my lock, and so rolled the bike into a corner of the store. The RS "Manager" told me to take the bike outside. I told him I would take my business elsewhere then, and rolled on.

RatShack seams to be a place where one ends up after exhausting all other source possibilities, and now I think I know why. They're the Denny's of electronics.

F Radio Shack. Just an opinion.

If anybody's curious, it was the RatShack at a strip mall off of Old Dominion Dr (Chesterbrook, it may be called) in otherwise lovely McLean, Virginia.

It's your responsibilty to remember your lock. Their busniness store is a business place, not a garage. You forgot your lock, that's not their fault. Maybe the manager was a jerk anyway, but should you drive your motorcycle in there too?

It wasn't Radio Shack that forgot your lock.

I went to Costco the other day on my bike to pick up a contact lens order. No bike racks anywhere. I asked the door person if there was anywhere I could lock my bike. She said I could bring it inside and leave it, but don't do it again. I thought that was stupid, not having a bike rack in Seattle, where so many people ride, then I thought about it... Who in the hell rides a bike to Costco? Normally people that go there buy mass quantities of stuff in bulk! People fill cars and minivans with bulk products when they go there! What was I thinking, expecting a bike rack! Damned presumtuous of me.

There is a small bike rack at the Costco near my neighborhood. There is usually one or two bikes in it. I wonder if the bikes belong to employees or actual customers.

I thought about that. The Costco in North Seattle/Shoreline is right on the Interurban Bike trail. I would guess that if the employees ride, they must have plenty of space inside for bikes, I mean, it is a warehouse, but I'm just guessing.

There isn't a darned thing available at radio shack that I wouldn't rather buy somewhere else. I hate that place with a passion.

Yeah, don't get me wrong - I'm not fond of them myself. They are not helpful, sell junk, have surley employees, overcharge (all in my personal opinion, of course). I just go there on the rare occasion as a last resort or when I'm in a hurry. The only purchase I've made there in years was for zip ties to mount my SuperFlash on my bike fender.

:eek:

Go ahead and hate RadioSkank, just hate them for the right reasons!

If you're looking for one of the few electronic components that they stock anymore, it's a convenient place to get them. Other than that, they're the worst option.

It's your responsibilty to remember your lock. Their busniness store is a business place, not a garage. You forgot your lock, that's not their fault. Maybe the manager was a jerk anyway, but should you drive your motorcycle in there too?

It wasn't Radio Shack that forgot your lock.

I went to Costco the other day on my bike to pick up a contact lens order. No bike racks anywhere. I asked the door person if there was anywhere I could lock my bike. She said I could bring it inside and leave it, but don't do it again. I thought that was stupid, not having a bike rack in Seattle, where so many people ride, then I thought about it... Who in the hell rides a bike to Costco? Normally people that go there buy mass quantities of stuff in bulk! People fill cars and minivans with bulk products when they go there! What was I thinking, expecting a bike rack! Damned presumtuous of me.
You're just uptight, that's all.

Lol, I worked at a Radiosmack for one of my first jobs out of highschool. That is the sleaziest company I have ever worked for, let alone shopped at.

I have only been into a radioshack a few times since, and that is because I knew EXACTLY what I needed, and how much it was going to cost, before I went in.

The point of this thread is that bicycles are neither poisonous nor radioactive.

No place of business has a responsibility to allow bicycles inside, and for some retailers, it is and understandably bad idea. My policy is to avoid shops whose management get their undies in a bunch over someone rolling a bicycle into a safe and unobtrusive corner.

(That said, I don't think many would be unhappy if Radio Shack went away tomorrow. They don't deserve my business, even removing bicycle-unfriendliness from the equation.)

Many bikes do tend to be covered in dirt and grease.
Just sayin...

Anyhow, I do not understand why radioshack is still in business. Worthless place and from what a few friends have told me over the years... a horrible work environment.

I had a similar problem when I took my bike into the RS to buy a battery for my BLINKIE !!

I wrote a letter to the regional manager about the treatment by the manager with regard to the bike situation and they apologized and educated the manager on how to treat their customers.

I always go in there with a big a s s smile !! HAHAA

Many bikes do tend to be covered in dirt and grease.
Just sayin...

Anyhow, I do not understand why radioshack is still in business. Worthless place and from what a few friends have told me over the years... a horrible work environment.

i've asked myself that question hundreds of times.

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/even_ceo_cant_figure_out_how

:rolleyes:

Many bikes do tend to be covered in dirt and grease.
Just sayin...

Right, and they block access to stuff; and what if there was a temporarily utopian moment and five or six cyclists show up and want to bring their bikes in?


Anyhow, I do not understand why radioshack is still in business. Worthless place and from what a few friends have told me over the years... a horrible work environment.

Radio Shack is where I go if I need some chunk of cable or a connector or something. That's the only holdover from the era of hobbyist electronic experiment kits. But, since other large stores (Best Buy, etc) tend to have most cables and adapters and connectors anyway, Radio Shack is really losing its relevance.

I live in a rather urban area outside of the downtown core. Our Radio Shacks (RS) are now called The Source by Circuit City (TS) but use the same RS sku codes for thier items when ordering. Most of the RS's here are inside malls but up north they have it in a cluster strip mall setup.

For the malls around here there ae bike racks around. I often lock up the bike where the security cameras are pointed for the parking lots. I figure if anyone is willing to lock up in front of a camera they're not one to rob an area from a security guards point of view. Also for my protection if I lock up in front of the camera if you are attacked for any reason you'll be on the camera and also if the bike is stolen you may have a better chance of someone finding the bike/crook.

When I was out in the Woodbridge (north-west of the city) area strip cluster mall where the TS was located I did not see any bike racks around. However there are posts and such on the other side of the parking lot which you could lock up and walk a long way to the store.

On a note on the TS/RS stores I totally agree half of the time the people inside don't know jack what you want. I was at the store in Woodbridge just looking for some wiring for my LED bike light and the guy did not understand why I would want to use a multi-mode driver to dim the lights then using resistors thinking I was building a bomb. I just said 'where are the wires and connectors. Thank you' and walked over to see what they had and while I was there the guys all almost touching me behind me looking at whatI was doing. I just left the store pissed at the treatment. That was more the employee then the store as I've been to a number of RS/TS's before and have gotten good treatment but just not happen to be around that area as I was working and wanted to stop by to see if one store had better stock then the other.

You do from time to find someone at RS/TS that knows thier stuff related to what you want to build in detail as they have experience building such an item before or have looked into it and genuinely wanting to offer suggestions to improve or make your design better to see you succeed. I agree RS/TS's prices are WAY overpriced. I mean the same switch is $1.00-1.50 CDN at my local electronics store while RS/TS wants $4.99 CDN.

However RS/TS is open later then all other electronic supplier stores here by 3-4hrs as most electronics stores here close at 18:00 ET and RS/TS closes at 21:00 ET. I figure if RS/TS is open that much later they can raise the pricing some to cover the more lighitng/employee costs and the retail space. Also because of the convience cost for the customer who missed out thier local electronics store cut off time they can still get some parts to keep them going.

You do from time to find someone at RS/TS that knows thier stuff related to what you want to build in detail as they have experience building such an item before or have looked into it and genuinely wanting to offer suggestions to improve or make your design better to see you succeed.

The last time I ran into somebody like that at RS, it was an old white guy (picture a shop teacher/engineering professor/crazy uncle ;) ).

Just got back from a trip to Radio Shack to use my FCC-provided $40-off coupons on two DTV converters. I forgot my lock, and so rolled the bike into a corner of the store. The RS "Manager" told me to take the bike outside. I told him I would take my business elsewhere then, and rolled on.

RatShack seams to be a place where one ends up after exhausting all other source possibilities, and now I think I know why. They're the Denny's of electronics.

F Radio Shack. Just an opinion.

Did you ask before you wheeled your bike in? The few times I've taken my bike into a store I've always asked, and have always been told 'no problem'.

The last time I ran into somebody like that at RS, it was an old white guy (picture a shop teacher/engineering professor/crazy uncle ;) ).

You know what? I'm going to walk in and ask one day (as a matter a fact I think we should ALL do this and see who gets the joke right away) to any CSR in RS/TS asking 'where are the flux capacitors?'.

I'd be interested how many people give the 'huh? What? I don't know.' reply. ;):p:mad::rolleyes::D

You know what? I'm going to walk in and ask one day (as a matter a fact I think we should ALL do this and see who gets the joke right away) to any CSR in RS/TS asking 'where are the flux capacitors?'.

I'd be interested how many people give the 'huh? What? I don't know.' reply. ;):p:mad::rolleyes::D

They're in the back, next to the ceramic ones, duh. :p

Radio shack used to be the place to go to get components... Now they just sell cell phones and cheap schloky crap....

Still should have rememberd your lock

One reason I ride crapo bikes.... no one would steal em'! :p

Billy

Did you ask before you wheeled your bike in? The few times I've taken my bike into a store I've always asked, and have always been told 'no problem'. I do the same, but I don't live in Latvia. My guess is that there may be some cultural differences.

Still should have rememberd your lock Thanks.

Sorry, Have a thing for stating the obvious :p

I worked at two RS stores, but they were both independent franchises. They were great places to work. Every company store I've been in has been a complete hole.
I don't even know if there are any franchise stores left anymore.

The first place I worked for, in high school, required all employees to have an amateur radio license to work there! The second place was in a college town, and everyone who worked there was working on computer, electrical engineering or civil engineering degrees.

Clearly, not representative.

It's your responsibilty to remember your lock. Their busniness store is a business place, not a garage...

... Who in the hell rides a bike to Costco? Normally people that go there buy mass quantities of stuff in bulk! People fill cars and minivans with bulk products when they go there! What was I thinking, expecting a bike rack! Damned presumtuous of me.
Expecting people to let bikes in the shop is a bit much since they take up space and can mess things up. Even when taking a bike into a bike shop, you should be considerate about not getting grime on the floor and elsewhere.

I ride everywhere, but when I see bike racks at the places of the likes of Ikea and Home Depot, I always laugh. The whole point of the store is to sell in bulk and people on bikes can hardly carry anything. You can lock to nothing, a cart, or a sign. Bikes attract enough attention at these places that people will tend to leave it alone anyway.

Just a thought....what if someone trips over the bike...the store could be held responsible in this litigious country we live in!

Lessons Learned:

Radio Skank/Smack/Shack sucks & ain't what they used to be!

and

Always bring a lock when you ride your bike!

Just a thought....what if someone trips over the bike...the store could be held responsible in this litigious country we live in!

Ugh... the store, and the bike owner, and the bike company, and the mall owners, and the lease holders for the property, and the bike lock company (for making a lock that's easy to forget), and...

I still like RS for the various plugs, adapters, electrical tools, and components that they stock. Granted I could get better stuff for a lower price from a mail order supplier like DigiKey, Jameco or Mouser, but then I would pay shipping and wait for it to arrive.

I have to say it would never occur to me to take my bike into a store, other than a bike shop. I expect any store would tell me to get the bike out of there.

If you want to talk about a store to hate, my vote is Best Buy. They sell cheap imported crap, mark it up ridiculously, and then refuse to accept return when their crap doesn't work. I hate Best Buy (only my opinion, of course). Their customer service is the worst I ever seen.

Just a thought....what if someone trips over the bike...the store could be held responsible in this litigious country we live in!

+1
IF the OP has such a low opinion of RS, why did he go there in the first place?
I was in my local RS a couple days ago for the same reason. I didn't have a lot of choice since the next nearest store that had the "coupon eligible" converters is a Wal Mart about 20 miles away.
I had to walk a whole 1/2 block from the bike rack to the store.

radio shack has sucked as long as i can remember... but you should have a lock...

but i understand your point... one time i was on the way home from work and didn't have a lock...i needed some dracula teeth for a costume party ... i rolled my bike in and asked if i could leave it by the door... the manager said no bikes and some worker watching the door was like "hey its a really expensive bike and it looks cool... i;ll watch it!" i got my $2 teeth and left

did it ever occur to you to ask if it was cool to bring your bike in? it's a place of business... not your living room.

I ride everywhere, but when I see bike racks at the places of the likes of Ikea and Home Depot, I always laugh. The whole point of the store is to sell in bulk and people on bikes can hardly carry anything. You can lock to nothing, a cart, or a sign. Bikes attract enough attention at these places that people will tend to leave it alone anyway.

Hmmm..... :) Something to change the mind, no? Hehe http://www.flickr.com/photos/mickey1/2000722367/in/pool-xtracycle

I'd say that's some what of a respectable load compared to what can be fully crammed inot the back of say a Honda Civic. Obviously it does not compare to something like a mini-van's psace but still....

Radioshack:

You've got questions?
We've got confused looks on our faces.

radio shack has sucked as long as i can remember... but you should have a lock...

but i understand your point... one time i was on the way home from work and didn't have a lock...i needed some dracula teeth for a costume party ... i rolled my bike in and asked if i could leave it by the door... the manager said no bikes and some worker watching the door was like "hey its a really expensive bike and it looks cool... i;ll watch it!" i got my $2 teeth and left

I'mnot sure how the OP or the bike looked like but at the back of the head I was thinking also the appearance also possibly put off the store person. True everyone is stating the obvious tot he OP to bring a lock. I thinkt he OP might want to go and buy the cheapest lock he can find and coil thatup on the seat so if ever this happens again you've got your butt covered for the lock.

I'm thinking if the bike is not bummish looking (not attacking the OP here) and looking rather expensive and you're not really bummed out looking on the dress (sad but appearences count sometimes) then the store person may have changed thier mind for a moment and probably said something like "ok, if it's real quick get the item you need and put it on the counter and I'll keep the bike here and cash the sale then you can take your bike and leave. Next time don't forget the lock'.

I ride everywhere, but when I see bike racks at the places of the likes of Ikea and Home Depot, I always laugh. The whole point of the store is to sell in bulk and people on bikes can hardly carry anything. You can lock to nothing, a cart, or a sign. Bikes attract enough attention at these places that people will tend to leave it alone anyway.

I go and buy stuff at Lowes once in a while. Generally I'm just picking up a box of nails or something. Biggest thing I've picked up on the bike was a couple of small wood shelves, about 30" long each. I do take the van and trailer if I'm going to pick up bigger stuff, like a half ton of drywall or a dozen sheets of plywood.

I don't usually lock my bike. I'm not even worried about it at Lowes. There's zero foot traffic there; anyone that's there got there by driving so I don't think there's a lot to worry about. People would have to grab the bike and put it in a pickup or something, and hope the owner wasn't watching. Usually when I go in to Lowes on my bike I'm just there to grab something quick and I'm out in no more than 10 minutes.

When you get off the bike, do you stow the chip on your shoulder with the helmet.

Geez. I own a business. I bike to work every single day. I support biking and bike commuting as much as I can. But if someone brought a bike into my business, I would ask them to take it out.

If he was a butt, that's one thing. But bringing a bike into a business without asking is frankly rude.

Talking about Lowe's. I pick up lots of things at Lowe's by bike. They won't install a bike rack, I've asked.

Ours has one. The grills are chained to it.

I thought about that. The Costco in North Seattle/Shoreline is right on the Interurban Bike trail. I would guess that if the employees ride, they must have plenty of space inside for bikes, I mean, it is a warehouse, but I'm just guessing.

The warehouse where I work has a 365,000 s.f. warehouse but they don't want me to leave my bike inside. I'm trying to at least get a bike rack installed outside. It's a great company but I guess no one imagined someone cycling to work when the building was built.

Regarding the OP, there are some stores which I wouldn't presume they would allow me to bring in my bike. Radio Shack is one of them. The stores I see around here are small and somewhat cluttered. I'd go back another time if I forgot my lock.

did it ever occur to you to ask if it was cool to bring your bike in? it's a place of business... not your living room.

+1

Did you just bring it in or ask? I would be willing to bet if you had come to the front door and immediately asked "hey I just need to pick up a couple of things but I forgot my lock. Do you mind if i just put this here near the door for a minute? you would have gotten a yes.

Works for me.

-D

I do the same, but I don't live in Latvia. My guess is that there may be some cultural differences.

I did the exact same thing when I lived in the States without problems.

Did you actually ask the RS manager first or not? From the OP it sounds as if you didn't.

RS employes people who don't give a crap about the customer. Yes, I am stereotying here but I've been in electronics long enough to know Radio Shack spelled backwards is Wal-Mart. :mad:

I always take my bike in with me. Occasionally someone objects. I cease to be their customer.

To those who object, the conversation goes like this:

You can't bring your bike in here!

Why not?

It's not allowed!

Could you point me to the bike rack please?

There is no bike rack here.

I turn away into the store with my bike and begin shopping.

You have to take your bike outside!

If there is no place to lock my bike I am keeping it with me. Where are your batteries please?

Look, you have to remove the bike from the store! We cannot sell you anything until that happens.

Gee! What a great business you have! You are doing so well, you can turn paying customers away! Say, what other things can't paying customers bring into your store? Is there a list somewhere? Can I see it?

There's no list.

So you admit you just made up the rule that bicycles aren't allowed! Maybe it's racial discrimination!

I'm telling you, we do not allow bicycles in the store!

Could you make a list for me of all the things paying customers are not allowed to bring into your store so that I can be sure not to bring them with me inadvertently next time?

Get out of my store!

Basically I just make a scene and try to waste as much of the clerks time as can. It is fun to see how long I can make it last.

It's a place of business... not your living room.

When my bikes are at home, they are in my living room. Why wouldn't my bicycle be welcome in a place of business?

I can't take my car into the same businesses. Thus, for me it is a non issue.

I had a good experience in a Radio Shack recently. My new PDA/phone can play music but only takes those small headphone jacks. I took it to a Radio Shack and showed them my phone and they were able to find an adapter for the regular headphone jacks. The CSR was very helpful and actually let me open the packages to test out this particular adapter. I thought that was going the extra mile.

When my bikes are at home, they are in my living room. Why wouldn't my bicycle be welcome in a place of business?

i also take my shirt off and eat fried chicken in front of the TV in my living room. should that be welcome at RS as well? :)