Originally Posted by
velociraptor
I think that the term "professional" is what trips most people up.
In a lot of cases, a "professional" bike mechanic is someone who has merely demonstrated a general competency to the satisfaction of the shop owner.
I trust my CPA, my attorney and my doctor without question - because in order for them to practice professionally, they have to go through years of formal schooling and standardized certifications.
While there are certainly 'certifications' for other vocations, like bike mechanics, possessing them isn't always a prerequisite for employment as such.
True- but in this case, what I meant by "professional" was merely someone who is being paid/earns their living providing a specific service for pay. i.e. it's different if you call yourself a bike mechanic and take payment for adjusting someone's derailer, than if you simply help your friend out.