TheManShow

Having sold printing supplies for a few years until the company I work for went belly because of poor management, the owner son in law spending away all the profits, and because the cheaper was cheaper, had items in stock, and provided fast delivery.

I soon learned my customer base had NO loyalty to me or GBW the company I worked for. They would buy from the competation over a 1/2 cent difference on a box of 100 print plates. We would big equiptmet to the State, Counties, Cities, School Districts. Many time loosing or getting a big over pocket change.

The one thing we offered was Letter Press Supplies, and most of Northern CA call us as we were had the larges supply.

I hear these words about support the LBS, and honestly most of my LBS's sell at list. Wal-Mart, Nashbar, Colorado Cyclist Performance have things I need. Plus their prices are better, I only have to wait a few day, and the item come to my PO Box.

Point is my customer when I was selling priniting supplies only cared about price, service, deliver time, and many use to call my boss for technicial advice. That he offered very freely, and many of these places gave us pennies of the dollar they spent on supplies.

Honestly if the LBS's wish to survive in 2015 with the internet, dealer in the UK. They better fighure out how to compete, or they will be gone like GBW, or a bike shop down the road from me that closed 4 months ago or so.

GP

The shops I go to match or are close to internet stores. I don't pay for shipping and if there's a problem with the part or shipment, they handle it for me.

Fastfingaz

Hate to say but one of the only two LBS in my area has now closed! this one had the high end bikes , the one left not so much, but they say they'll order any bike you want, don't know if they'll make it much longer , only two people work it, owner / manager and mechanic

caloso

Because local bike shops support the teams that we race for. Because my favorite rides start from their parking lots. Because if I need a part or small service I can likely get it done today, rather than next week. Because the sales tax I pay on those parts go to the general fund which pays the lion's share of road construction and maintenance costs.

Doctor Morbius

My local bike shop recently cut the steerer tube and installed a star nut on a new frame for $15. Nashbar can't do that. Hell, for $15 I can't do that!

Dave Cutter

I disagree.

If it's important to support a local business... should the wife and I go to the bingo place tonight? We've never been gamblers. How about the strip bar out by the truck stop? How about that pool hall that keeps getting busted by the police for "drug related" activity? Should I support the new car dealership and buy a new car I don't need or want? Should I support those nice people that operate that greasy-spoon restaurant downtown?

Bicycle are (what is called) a mature technology. That isn't bad. But as a result many of the LBS are still operating under a 1940's business model. And big surprise... for many of them it isn't working anymore.

Sooner or later... some smart enterprising person will develop a bicycle shop business model that flourishes. Until then... I hope most can [at least] hang in there.

Fastfingaz

Dave I don't know about supporting all those places you mentioned but I do try to support the LBS and I take a little further, I support the local Hardware store, when I go in there those people really know about what they do and sell , they help you ,not like walking into Hdepot or Lowes where the people just work there,,,so I buy from the little guy I know I pay more, but what goes around comes around,,,,

CliffordK

I don't think we've had any major bike shops close around here since the mid 80's with the demise of Schwinn, and perhaps a couple of other shops (one now sells wonderful Italian Gelato). Or, if any did close, they were taken over by a new shop in the same facility under the same name. And, a few new ones have opened.

I don't buy a lot from the local bike shops, but sometimes something. I'm not one to test-drive in the shop, then head to the internet to save 50¢, and wait a week for delivery.

However, if I do the research online, I'll also do the purchase online rather than spending hours chasing white unicorns around town.

I did look at the prices of a few tires at a LBS (and purchased a new cuff strap). It wasn't as much to see the prices then go find better prices, but rather knowing approximately what the online prices were, and seeing how close the shop was (which was at least +$10 per tire). They did, however, have a fairly god range of tires.

I did have a critical failure about 1 block away from Dick's Sporting Goods. I was a bit disappointed that the store didn't sell major components for the bikes they sold. They said they could order a part, but I really just needed it to get home, and I can order it myself.

Perhaps that is a benefit to the small shops, as few of the "box stores" also include any amount of service. Apparently the dept stores rely on a disposable bike model rather than a lifetime bike model. REI may be the one exception that has some depth in their spares and service.

ShortLegCyclist

Because UPS can't be trusted to deliver merchandise safely?

CliffordK

Our local "little hardware store" is bigger than Home Depot.

But I have started going into the local fastener store. She doesn't have everything, but is always around to greet me with a smile when I buy a couple of single obscure bolts.

avidone1

I support the lbs because I need their expertise.
But I don't get everything I need from them. After all, a Pearl Izumi attack jersey
is the same from Nashbar or Amazon as it is from my lbs. The online retailers will have
a wider selection and these two I mentioned have great customer service.
But ........I don't buy bikes online even though it looks like the majors are going that route.
and I don't do any service beyond cleaning, tightening cables and spokes.
My lbs are friendly and helpful. I like them and respect their opinions. So if I ask them about a tool
or process, I show my gratitude by buying the item in question from them. Even if they have to order it for me.
I hate it when people "bleed" a knowledgeable source, be it bikes, electronics, etc. and then go hunting the internet for
a cheaper price. It's rude, unethical, and bad karma.

bbbean 

I support the LBS because I enjoy the opportunity to actually look at and touch the merchandise before I buy it. I support them because my money supports local salaries and generates revenue for the local economy. I support teh LBS because 90% of them are staffed with riders who can offer advice and perspective on equipment, riding technique, local routes, and other things relevant to riding a bike. I support the LBS because they support me.

Grillparzer

I support my LBS because I want to help keep them in business. They're a small shop, not much selection, but their excellent customer service and attention to detail puts them in the forefront of every other bike shop I've encountered in the D.C. metro area and a couple of other areas as well.

Fastfingaz

Clifford that sounds as bad as homedepot , around here we have ACE hardware and Truevalue small stores that can't possibly comepete with HDPot or Loews,,,,

Shuffleman

The LBS is just like any other brand or product. If they are good and I like them, than they get my loyalty. I am extremely loyal to the brands that I like and I will pay more for them because of my experience. I am loyal to Mizuno running shoes because I have worn them for years and they have been awesome. I am loyal to Under Armour because they are great quality and a great product. I used to be loyal to GT because back in the 90's they were awesome. They changed, so my loyalty changed. We all have our favorite pizza shops and etc. that have earned our repeat business. We do not pay triple for their product though. The loyalty is not that blind, it is within reason. I am loyal to my car mechanic like I am my LBS. The same does not go for a boat mechanic. I have not found one that I like and trust.
Thus, my opinion is simple. If you find a LBS that is trust worthy and fair than be the same back to them. It's called a mutually beneficial relationship.

fietsbob

Part of your Community, making a few jobs, not enough?

enjoy the Downward spiral ..

delcrossv

This and one of my kids works there.

dksix

I will gladly do business with a local shop (bikes or otherwise) if they provide value for the extra money I could have saved buying online. I'm ready to buy a new bike, I want the brand my local shop shops sells, I went in today to inquire about the bike. I'm a tall guy and I THINK I'll need a 61CM but would love to ride one first. If I take up a merchants time I do feel obligated to do business with them. I asked about a 61CM and was told "I don't stock them because no one buys bikes that big. I can order you one if you want" as he turns and walks away. I can order it and judging from the prices he had on the 58CM, I can order it for about 35% less (749 shipped vs 949 + 9.75% sales tax). I am glad to pay more if I'm getting something for the extra; great service, after sale support, advice on products, actually being treated like my business is important are all premium items and I will gladly pay a premium for these services. I would LOVE to have a LBS where I wanted to spend my money and I would do all I could to keep them in business but loyalty is something that has to be earned. I earn my money and I'll not give it away to keep a local business open but like today, I'll give a local business a chance to earn it...........the rest is up to them and I guess I'll get whatever advice I can here and research the best I can and hope my sizing comes in right when I order from Performance Bicycle.

VegasTriker

There are a couple of reasons why I don't bother with any of the local bike shops and I once worked in one so I do have a fondness for them. I ride recumbents. No shop in my town of over 2 million people sells recumbent bikes or trikes, regularly repairs them, or carries some of the parts that are common (e.g., 20" 406 tires and tubes). Their main interest is selling high-end DF bikes. The few times I have tried buying parts locally I ended up wasting a lot of time and miles on my car. I can go online and within minutes order exactly what I want and know it will be delivered to my door within days. I buy most of my bike parts from Niagara Cycle. I just received an order that included 8 presta tubes, a Kenda 700C tire, a set of Avenir ATB pedals, and mini strapless toe clips. Total cost was $74.20 including $10 shipping. I doubt I could find the particular Kenda tire anywhere in town. It's not one of the high priced, high margin tires so bike stores don't stock it. It works for me and it is what I want. I have never had a problem with a Niagara Cycle parts order. Had I ordered the tubes locally (if they even stocked them) just buying the 8 tubes would have been close to the price of the entire Niagara Cycle order.

When I inquired about buying my latest trike (Catrike 700 costing $3K) at a local bike shop where I noticed they had just assembled a Terratrike Rover trike, the store owner didn't even know of the brand. I guess the buyer of the TT Rover had contracted the bike shop to assemble the trike. So, I ordered it from Utah Trikes, the largest Catrike dealer and where I knew they had the ability to assemble the trike properly and had it shipped.

I used to have simple repairs like truing wheels on bikes I refurbish done by a small LBS that I have supported for years. It was out of my way to do so but I liked the service and his prices for labor were reasonable. The last time I stopped in, he was downright nasty. It ended that relationship once and for all. There are closer shops that can perform the same service and even if they cost more, the convenience is worth it.

PepeM

I don't buy many parts from the local shops, most of them I get online due to better availability and prices (not that I buy that many items.) If the price is similar I'll buy locally because I rather not wait. Stuff like tubes I buy local because I don't care for saving two bucks. What I do get locally are services. Want to test ride a few bikes to see which one to buy? Can't do that online. Need to get fitted? Can't do that online. Need a tuneup for my bicycle? Can't do that online.

PepeM

Also, bike shops are essential to having a strong local cycling community. For those who ride solo this might not matter but to those who enjoy group rides, races, etc. bike shops are crucial.

Dave Cutter

Well I also contribute to the support many local business... as they contribute to my well being and convenience. It's a mutual exchange of money for service... that benefits us BOTH. If your LBS is providing a benefit to enough people... they're doing fine.

But... just MHO... I think far too many LBS are having troubles. And it isn't JUST bicycle shops. Internet shopping is a game changer.

Motolegs

I support them because they supported me. As a noob in there, buying a new bike for the first time, they made it a comfortable experience.

Later, as confidence set in, I outgrew them somewhat. Discovered how easy it was to change a flat, lube a chain, ect- and how bargains on parts and goodies could be found on the net.

Have turned on friends to this store. Good customer experience is paramount. These guys welcome a box from Bikes Direct with no attitude included. Labor rate is labor rate. My buddy bought a shiny new Specialized bike from them, which still makes me mad with envy.

The other reason is I can step inside their corporate funded store, and enjoy awesome AC. And new bike smell. Purty gurls at counter.

And of course, they can be counted on to set things right when there is an issue I can't deal with mechanically.

Frreed

I patronize the shop where I bought my bike for service and occasional small items. They are a Specialized dealer and the only helmets, shoes, tires saddles... sold are Specialized. They are overpriced (IMO) and I like other brands better. Their clothing is really high and the selection is limited. The service department is outstanding. I dropped a wheel for truing and was asked if I was in a hurry, I wasn't so he told me it would be a week. He called me today, two days later, and said it was ready. They have been great in getting my new Giant Defy dialed in after purchase. The fitter spent well past the normal time dedicated to the "free fitting" on the new bike. They are friendly and know who I am when I walk through the door. When they have what I need at a competitive price, I'll by from them.

The funny thing is that they have an extensive online store. Pricing, online, is still 10-20% higher than I can get from Nashbar/Performance/Amazon. Parts are another 5-10% higher still. It is an impressive selection, but most of it is not available in the store. It ships from the warehouse. In a way they are discouraging visiting the shop.

TheManShow

The local bike shop that keep up with the competation, provided good customers service, and have competative prices might make it 10 more years. We are in 2015 and if you run your business like 1958 you will not make it.

BTW to the person that mention UPS they USPS & Federal Express are in a shipping war. Yes I slammed UPS, but I also slamed the dumb A** employee who names I do not know who pack my frame & fork for crap.

It bugs me to go to some LBS seeing they are a deler for some say line of products, and they do not event stock one item from that line. That is not a dealer, and you might as well buy from Nashbar or Performance.

BTW speaking of Performance they have 6 brick & mortor operations in AZ, and if I buy somerthing via mail order. It is the wrong size, wrong color, not good, dies or ?? I can return it 15 minute from my home. That shop has good wrenches (mechanics)b and would charge you like 10 bucks to install that headset, but 15 was fair.

When I live in Sacramento we had one good LBS, it was run by Bob Johnson. The Bicycle Business was the name, new owner have the place, I hear it is as it was. Still number one bike shop in Sacramento, CA.