Originally Posted by BikeWise1
First let me point out that in my shop, buying from me without beating me to death on price gets your bike on the stand immediately or ASAP when you need a tweak, with a coupon for a free cup o' joe from the coffeeshop cuties next door. Straight to the front of the line. What might that be worth? It also gets you no-labor-charge warranty service. Hmmmm...how much there? It gets you free minor repair lessons. And gee, who's that wrenching for free at our local MS150 ride? Not the MO boys, but me.
Seriously, guys....do you know how those mail order houses can afford to send out all those glossy catalogs??? They are rolling in dough! This is because their margins are higher and their costs are lower! They could sell for even less if they weren't so greedy. On the other hand, the average LBS operates on about a 6% gross profit margin. That's right: I get to keep up to $.06 out every dollar.
So yes, if I have a bike that needs a home because it's been around too long, then I deal. But on new stuff, you got the best deal just by being smart enough to walk through my door.
Not every LBS operates the way I do, so find yourself a good one and treat 'em right. Build a relationship.
Good post.
BTW...add to the mail order house "they provide no service, you pay the shipping and if the item's screwed up, broken, or under warranty you get to ship it back and wait. And wait. And wait..." If they did, then people would not "use" the bike shop as the Nashbar showroom, trying on clothes, shoes, and asking the wrenches for free advice.
We laugh about this...most people don't value their time much at all. And we'll order it for the customer, and if they come back and pick it up, we don't charge for shipping. And we'll call you when it's in, and it will typically take 2-3 days.
BTW, those glossy catalogues are great for reading and flipping through when on the can.
It's all about relationships...some customers we see coming through the door and rose petals fall out of the ceiling. Others, everyone runs for the stock room.
All due to the relationship.
Arguing with the bike shop about a price is not negotiating. It's arguing. If I don't get something out of it too, then the conversation's over. Thanks for playing.