General Cycling Discussion - benefits and drawbacks of running a bike shop?

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steve2k
03-25-09, 03:33 AM
Does anyone on this board run or work in a bike shop? If so, what are the benefits and drawbacks of running a shop? If you could do it all again would you still run a bike shop?

I'm guessing there isn't much mark up on bikes and accesories, it seems to me that it'd be hard to make a living running a bike shop. Is this true?

I'm just wondering what would be involved if I decided on a complete career change and would appreciate people's thoughts.

Little Darwin
03-25-09, 07:57 AM
As I recall, there are several people that hang out here that work in shops, and some that have owned or ran shops (and may still). The late Sheldon Brown even used to post here prety regularly.

I have read the following several times:

The best way to make a small fortune in the bicycle business is to start with a large fortune.
bikinfool
03-25-09, 08:42 AM
Having done it in 07, it was generally a wonderful experience hanging out with my fellow cycling fans on both sides of the counter but when it comes to the $ side of things, that is one tough business to make a living in...why I'm not in it anymore.

CastIron
03-25-09, 08:44 AM
My LBS owner never tires of this joke:

"Wana know the secret to making a million dollars owning a bike shop?"
"Sure, Dan."
"Start with two."
bikinfool
03-25-09, 10:39 AM
My LBS owner never tires of this joke:

"Wana know the secret to making a million dollars owning a bike shop?"
"Sure, Dan."
"Start with two."

Yeah that starts out as a joke...but didn't stop me from citing it frequently as well :lol:
zowie
03-25-09, 10:57 AM
Most mom and pop retail means long hours and no real vacations.
Wordbiker
03-25-09, 11:07 AM
Benefit: Walmart creates plenty of repair work.

Drawback: The customers think it should cost the same as Walmart.