Originally posted by RainmanP
Next time you think your LBS or any small business is expensive stop and think a minute about the fixed costs of running a business. Rent, utilities, loan payments on inventory, salaries, expensive specialized tools, etc., all have to paid every month whether you sell anything or not. Believe me, your LBS owner is probably not driving around in a Mercedes or BMW, and bicycle mechanics are as chronically undervalued and underpaid as teachers.
And...... advertising, health insurance, taxes, support to that local cycling club, chamber of commerce, little league team and giving you that discount you always want because the LBS is sooooo rich
