I'm not against buying something online if its cheaper than at a brick and mortar store.

Most of the stuff we stock is proprietary and can only be purchased through authorized dealers, so when someone says "I can get it cheaper online" I take great pleasure explaining that they actually cannot.

My main issue is when customers bring in the bikes/merchandise they bought online and we have to fix the stuff. Its not even really an issue, its more labor for us (which is the best kinda business for us), but more of a concern or looking out for the best interest of our customers.

Example: We have a customer who comes in on a regular basis with his bike he bought online. He knew what he wanted and had a bottomline that we just couldn't meet. I understand that. But when you sit down and figure out all the ancillary services he's needed over the last year (that would've been no cost to him had he stretched his initial budget and bought a bike from us) he's spent quite a penny. I guess I shouldn't really care since its more service dollars in our door, but in his quest to find the "best deal" this customer has actually shot himself in the foot.

And all these "evangelists" everyone speaks of? They aren't all good. Everyone seems to have a "friend" who is big into cycling telling them that they can get a better deal in some way, shape, or form. For instance, "well, my buddy who is really into cycling says I should just buy this 105 bike and then upgrade the components. I'll get a top level bike at the bottom dollar." Yeah? Who is going to install the new components? Are you? God I hope not, because then you'll be bringing it into us to fix your mistakes. Is your All Knowing Buddy going to do it? I hope he's a mechanic, but I'm pretty sure he's not 'cause I know just about all the bike wrenches in the area. Again, I guess thats really not something I should complain about......