Originally Posted by
Bald Paul
Okay, let's take your idea and run with it, shall we?
You can already order a car online, pay for it, and have it delivered to your door. Now, let's just consolidate all the new and used vehicles in a giant, Amazon-like warehouse, and let the dealerships close. I mean, who needs them to get a car now, right?
That is, until something happens and you need to have your car fixed.
It's one thing to be able to order your bike online, but there are people who are not mechanically inclined enough to repair a flat on a ride, let alone assemble a bike and properly adjust the brakes and shifting mechs. When all the LBS close, what are those people going to do? Adapt with the times and move on?
This isn't my idea, this is what is happening, whether you want it to or not. Look around you.
By adapt I mean change how they make income. If you can't make enough money to stay in business selling bikes then need to find a different angle. Like you say there will always be a demand for bike service, thus a market will exist. who knows what that format will be
Your car sales analogy isn't too far from reality right now. When was the last time you were at a carmax? Information is power, knowing what models with what options are available at which dealership cuts through a lot of the sales BS. It has been good for consumers.
Can't say I follow your logic on warranty repair. If manufactures want to entice buyers with warranties then they need to provide some means to implement that, whether through their own dealerships or independent garages.