Originally Posted by
Grimlock
+1
You might be a little more likely to get deals from an LBS once you make it YOUR bike shop. The more they see you, the more you buy, the more likely you are to get deals on things. Someone buying one tube a year doesn't make me want to give the same "loyalty discount" that someone who has their service work done and buys multiple accessories does.
The reverse can also be said, as "customer loyalty" is worth earning as well. I was given a 10% discount (without asking for any) on the purchase of my new Scott CR1, and I took that as sign of good faith from an LBS I had not previously dealt with. I have since purchased new shoes, pedals, carbon bottle cages, and most recently a Garmin Edge 500 from that same LBS. I'm not perfectly loyal though. I did just buy a pair of bibshorts from Performance as the price was just too good to pass up. I'd say it's safe to say, my bike will go to the LBS when it needs serviced, and I will continue to shop there.