shundaroni

I suppose I have a different expectation of business. If I'm told "We'll call you if there are any problems" and I don't receive a call when there is, in fact, a problem, that's a bit of a peeve.

I actually agreed to the terms presented to me...I specifically ASKED how long I'd need to wait, and was told very boldly "It'll be done by 4 on Thursday." Why did I ask? Because I had already found the Cannondale (about 5 days prior) and made that clear to the LBS owner (I don't shop around after I make a purchase). Basically the guy made a promise to make the sale that he couldn't guarantee. And I agreed to the terms including the promise.

I can wait. I wasn't privy to the workings of bicycle ordering. I took the word of two individuals in the business and left it at that. I've been in sales, and I know the tendency to overstate in order to sell the product. But I was always smart enough to drop in a caveat--"We SHOULD have it in by Thursday," or "We'll try to have it in before the end of the week."

So far, I haven't been anything but nice to the LBS, though...let me make that clear. When they told me is was late yesterday, I didn't object. I said, "I understand. Don't worry about it. When can I actually expect it?" I really do like the people there and I'm not the kind of customer who keeps buzzing in the ear of the retailer. Of course, this time they said, "Tomorrow, without a doubt." That's why I started this thread. I can forgive one exaggeration to sell. Two is pushing it, though.

I did think about trying to grab an accessory or two for reimbursement, but we'll see. I know that I'm totally coming across as the unrealistic ******* in this thread, but I truly exercise far more tact during my interactions with people than I'm inclined to discuss in a forum thread about what I should do.

I appreciate the input from everyone, though. It's somewhat reassuring that many of you have dealt with long wait times for your bikes from dealers.