Originally Posted by
event horizon
One of the benefits of working at a LBS is that the sales staff can afford the new bikes on the salaries that they make - via "pro form" or industry pricing that is typically less than wholesale. That's in addition to employee purchase discounts that the shop offers, ex: 40% off.
Some really progressive companies even offer their employee purchase discount on top of their normal sales pricing and pay the race entry fees of their employees.
These benefits make working retail for relatively low wages a bit easier to swallow.
If only the grocer or landlord/mortgage company took bike parts for payment
It's a common joke that to survive long term in this business one needs a smart and financially stable partner. Andy