Been posting a bit about looking at/for a new "touring" style bicycle. I gave up on the custom aspect given lead time, cost, and other factors and decided just to get myself a run of the mill stock, sub $1K out the door bike. In that hunt I narrowed myself down to a Giant bicycle that was not in stock at the local store.

Just over three weeks ago I asked the salesman to ask the manager/owner if we could have them order in a representative model in one of these bikes for me to see, in my size, or at least near it. They have, as I mentioned in another post, not one single bike in store that I could actually fit and ride out in the class I was looking in. They were both dubious at first, but a couple of follow up visits over the next week to let them know I was serious, and they agreed they would order one. I even asked them to order the cheaper derailleur equipped model so that IF I didn't actually purchase once seeing, they would have better luck selling. We checked stock levels confirming they were in and last I heard they were going to get it and call me. I have not heard from them since.....

So, I go in today as we were riding in the area and drop by to ask about if/when the model I wanted to see had come. Not only did they not have it, but in the time since I was there every version of it in the size I wanted has gone out of stock and unavailable. I now have to wait about three more months to see IF that model will be continued over into the next model year and to find out availability, likely late Oct. They never even ordered it.

This would normally be the kind of thing I would decide not to visit a shop again over. Pretty blatant disregard for customer desire and even worse, simply not keeping their word. I could understand having wanted a deposit or the like just to be sure I follow through with SOME manner of purchase.....the kicker is that this is one of two bike shops left within a two hour drive, and the closest dealer of this brand of bike within a four hour drive. Being pissed will net me zero but more cost to myself...especially considering the next model I am even familiar with having a desire for is double the cost.

I so miss the shop I used to work for.