Folding Bikes - Folder in City Stores

I know this runs the "beat a dead horse" risk, as a lot has been written about bringing folders into stores. I think this is worth reiterating and sharing:

So much of my success in bringing my folder into stores in my city neighborhood is about attitute. I mean two things by this:
1. Confident and non-chalant---as others have posted, I act like my folder and I belong in the store. IMHO, this is the biggest factor in my success in bringing the bike into stores. Security guards look at me funny, but as soon as I act like a regular shopper (hi, can you tell me where the shampoo is?) there's no fuss and no questioning.

2. Polite and enthusiastic---when asked about the bike by employees I answer all questions and talk about how much I love the bike. Today, I went to an Ace Hardware in my neighborhood. Not only did an employee working the register/till ask me about my bike, but after a cheerful discussion, she offered to let me store it behind the register while I shopped!

I guess I am saying that for me, in my part of D.C., confidence, politeness and enthusiasm work very well. Instead of going in ready to do battle I go in ready to shop.

Very good points. Act like it's normal to bring a folder inside, be courteous and most places won't have a problem.

I've taken my bike into stores even some cafes and restaurants but I try to only do so on off-peak, slow hours when crowding and space isn't an issue or I simply fold up my bike and put it in it's bag. :)

I agree wholeheartedly. I have only ever had a problem entering an office building, and once I bagged the bike, they were even OK with that.

In fact, it was kinda funny. the guards were shocked that the bike fit in a bag, so they gave up their protests that bikes weren't allowed in buildings as it was no longer a bike, but a bag.

--sam

+1. I take mine into stores in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island City, &c. The security guy at one store that I frequent asks me to stow it in the corner near the door where he stands guard. Other stores let me in, no problem. You have to use your judgement; there are stores I wouldn't try, either because they're cramped or because the wares are fragile. No matter what you do, be nice. If someone offers advice, even bad advice, thank them sincerely.

If someone offers advice, even bad advice, thank them sincerely.I thank you sincerely. ;)

not i only do it in stores...i just wheel my folded bike into a business building today...security guards looked confuse and asked me if they can help me. i asked where is so and so and they told me the 15th floor and away i went into the elavator w/o even bagging my bike.

Folders rule! :thumb:

not i only do it in stores...i just wheel my folded bike into a business building today...security guards looked confuse and asked me if they can help me. i asked where is so and so and they told me the 15th floor and away i went into the elavator w/o even bagging my bike.

That's awesome. It's all about attitude and confidence, but security guards are awfully good at these themselves; this is after all a huge part of their job. Well done.