Originally Posted by
Blacktri99
Just for sake of aurgument, I was typically dressed in slacks or jeans, a Polo shirt and nice shoes and about 30lbs overweight when I went into these stores. The Trek dealers seemed to be the worst, I was looking at the 3700 and they kepp pushing a 4xxx something. I asked the guy if they could order me a 3700 and his response was it wasn't worth his time. I guess unless you are buying a $1000 or more bike these shops just don't need you.
No wonder Wallyworld gets so many bike sales
Sorry just had to vent
What you have to realize is that a Trek 3700 is a very low end bike. The profit margin on a $330 bike is probably less then 10%...and the shop will have to pay freight. That's asking a lot for $33! Ordering one special may not even be an option since the run on the 2008 have probably been made and the inventory set.
Additionally, a 4300 is only $420 and is a much better bike for that extra $100. You'll outgrow both bikes but you'll outgrow the 3700 a lot faster. Then, you're going to have to pay more then the extra $100 for a better bike. In the end, you'll probably end up paying $750 because you'll buy the 4300 anyway. I can see the LBS's logic.
I also disagree with the other opinions that shops are out to screw you. Most every shop I've been in is helpful...there are exceptions...and have fair prices on their merchandise. A mom and pop shop can't compete with on-line retailers but often their prices are close enough to make using them a wise choice. After all, you end up paying shipping for those 'deals' on-line and often the shipping is enough to make the 'deal' seem not so good. Paying $8 shipping to save $4 doesn't make much sense, does it?
In the end, a shop that treats its customers poorly won't stay in business for long.