Originally Posted by
shoota
You don't think the small shops aren't going to be pissed when they find out Raleigh is charging them more than their customers for the same bike? At the very least it should be the same price for both, then at least the shop can charge more to their customers for the support they will provide. If I was a shop owner and I found out my bike supplier was charging me more than than my customers I'd be livid.
As I posted-
Now, i totally understand why local shops would not want to carry the brand. Makes total sense and why not instead carry a smaller brand like Jamis which is bringing some really cool bikes to the market.
It would be great if they sold to the dealers for the same price, agreed.
The reality of the cycling industry and retail in general is that direct marketing is here to stay. How local retailers adjust will be interesting to watch from afar and from within.