Originally Posted by
roccobike
I've purchased used parts from CF and from ebay and brought them to my #1 shop for installation. Frequently, the installation will involve additional parts such as cable, housing or some other part that I didn't think of. I buy those from the shop that's doing the installation. They've never complained. Hey, I'm still paying their standard labor rate for all the work they perform and I still buy some parts and accessories from them. Also, I never ask for a discount and never complain about their prices, although I do ask for an estimate before they start the work. I can understand what the OP is saying about someone who just abuses the bike shop, but some shops won't work on a bike if you don't buy the parts from them, especially used parts. Others, like the shop I frequent, understand that when a major installation occurs, there will be accessories or associated parts that must be purchased, plus the job pays for salaries.
Of course not all shops are the same and not all of them deserve your business just because they sell bikes. I would support the ones that support your needs. It is a market after all.
Now for those of you that will jump on my next comment based on my statement above that it is a market after all I'd like to point out one thing to keep in mind, yes it is a market, but you may not like the results by going exclusively on-line. To those that think they are saving X number of dollars by getting things mail-order/on-line you are not saving as much as you think. What I'm referring to is brick-and-morter stores (e.g., your LBS) vs. internet mail order businesses. I'll just touch on it, but the general point will be made. Local sales taxes, property taxes, building improvements, employee wages, shop profits (my gosh, they make a profit? - how dare they!) and more help to support your town in so many ways. Your money spent locally will return to your town (and partially to you through lowered residential taxes, fees, etc.) many-fold. Send that same $$ out of your town to X-internet house and you just don't see it again (or any return) locally.
Also, next time you need something fast to get out and ride that day you can buzz on over to your LBS - - - - and it might be gone because you didn't support it. However, you can order overnight instead or wait for shipping a few days later to save costs - that will get you going out that day won't it?