Originally Posted by
BikeWise1
It doesn't matter how much you spend at your LBS if they aren't making a profit on each and every sale! At a 3% net margin, there ain't much room for "charity". Shops that match internet prices consistently are usually operating at a loss in order to try and keep you a customer. Then they go out of business! That's why I find out early if price is going to be the focus. I can't afford to spend two hours going back and forth answering questions while spec'ing out a custom group for someone only to be told, "oh, by the way-I'm gonna get that stuff online and bring it to you to install". I'm happy to assemble everything bought elsewhere, but why not spend the time of the guy that's actually going to profit by it? Seems fair to me. Let's be up front from the start.
I actually offer to give my favorite LBS 10-20% above his cost, which often represents about a 30-40% discount from MSRP. But I do agree about the upfront - no point wasting anyone's time. On the other hand, I really dislike bike shops that give me attitude when I politely ask if they'll match prices, whether it be to another bike shop or online.