Originally Posted by
modernjess
+1 - I am one of those guys that gets the deal that you missed out on. Why? Because I've spent years developing a friendship and a relationship with the owners of my favorite LBS. I gladly pay them to do work for me. I bring them presents (mostly booze, which they like) when they do. I go to their events and they have become my friends. When I walk in the door and I need an emergency fix they do it for me on the spot. I let them know what I'm looking for and when deals come up they let me know and I refer a lot of business to them. A loyal customer is worth a lot, and so is a friend. So good business owners take care of them. They aren't out to screw you. You make your own luck.
+ 1 on this. I have been a regular at a shop where I always get good (not great) deals because I have spent time and money there. I am also a regular on the monthly "dinner rides" where we all just ride around and then find somewhere to eat. I have purchased my my wife's and kids' bikes there and let them order stuff for me (that they can get . . . otherwise, I buy online). My current commuter and all associated parts were also purchased there.
The shop owner was disappointed once
that I bought a bike from a competitor, but it was a brand that he couldn't get.
Anyway, here's my point:
I have been wanting a touring bike and had settled on a Raleigh Sojourn but I needed to wait until the end of the year. I really liked this years color and since it has been the same for two years, it is time for Raleigh to change. On his own, the owner called the Raleigh rep and my size was gone for the year. Oh well, you snooze you lose. The next day the rep called back and found one in the warehouse that was designated for another shop but they had more than they wanted so he ordered it.
Yesterday, I walked in . . . there it was (Que the Hallelujah Chorus)
. He said he got it for me but I was not committed. He was willing to put it on layaway for the remainder of the year if I wanted it.
It is now in the back waiting for me. That is LBS service.
In my brief 44 years I have found that personally, professionally and in business'
"Life is about relationships".