Experience at MEC Bike Shop
#1
Canadian eh?
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Toronto
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Experience at MEC Bike Shop
I must say I'm surprised. I'd never gone to MEC to get some work done on my bike but I was in a pinch. I needed a couple minor things that I wasn't comfortable doing myself completed. My own bike shop, despite me having bout a $3000 bike, still had to have me wait 1 week for an appointment to get the work done (about 20 minutes of work). I won't say I deserve better service than the rest..I'm just upset is all.
I saw on MEC's website that they advertise "most minor repairs / work done while you shop". So I tried my luck on a very busy Saturday (busy enough that they had a cop acting as security at the front).
Took my bike to the back, said I needed a couple parts installed (which I bought else where). The mechanic started off with "wow, sweet bike dude" and we just started chit chatting etc...He invited me to the back, performed the labour with me without me even having to ask if it could be done right away...even allowed me to stay in the back so he could show me how the work that he was performing was done.
At the end, he did not even charge me what he should have charged me...
All in all, great experience today at the Toronto MEC.
I saw on MEC's website that they advertise "most minor repairs / work done while you shop". So I tried my luck on a very busy Saturday (busy enough that they had a cop acting as security at the front).
Took my bike to the back, said I needed a couple parts installed (which I bought else where). The mechanic started off with "wow, sweet bike dude" and we just started chit chatting etc...He invited me to the back, performed the labour with me without me even having to ask if it could be done right away...even allowed me to stay in the back so he could show me how the work that he was performing was done.
At the end, he did not even charge me what he should have charged me...
All in all, great experience today at the Toronto MEC.
#2
Bikesman
Join Date: Apr 2009
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The trick is to go on a Saturday when the regular weekday zombies are not at work. Better yet - avoid the place like the plague when it comes to bike related issues.
#5
Single-serving poster
#6
weights are heavy
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I haven't had any work done there but their sales staff knows next to nothing about the bike parts they sell. They're super nice and will do whatever they can to get you any info they can find, but base bike knowledge is usually less than mine
If they have it, it's usually my go to spot for parts though.
I did buy some cable housing from the shop guys. Gave me a deal too
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
If they have it, it's usually my go to spot for parts though.
I did buy some cable housing from the shop guys. Gave me a deal too
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#8
Single-serving poster
#9
Bikesman
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The MEC store in Toronto is a pustule. MEC has no business selling bikes. None at all - bikes are a thousand kilometers from the mandate of the cooperative.
The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.
The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.
#10
Single-serving poster
The MEC store in Toronto is a pustule. MEC has no business selling bikes. None at all - bikes are a thousand kilometers from the mandate of the cooperative.
The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.
The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.
![Big Grin](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
As per selling bikes, it has been on their todo list for a while... The co-op doesn't need permission from the bicycle selling union to start their own bicycle store. lol.. what is next throwing bottom brackets through the front window with naughty notes attached? hehe
What i don't like is how they're moving to a Canadian REI position... Sorry but, REI sucks.
#11
Grateful Tread
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The MEC store in Toronto is a pustule. MEC has no business selling bikes. None at all - bikes are a thousand kilometers from the mandate of the cooperative.
The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.
The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.
![EEK!](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/eek.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I've been a happy MEC member for over 10 years, and have never found any staff to be anything but helpful. I'm not sure I'd buy any of the bikes they're selling at the moment, (although the folder looks interesting) but more power to them!
BTW - what does someone's coffee choice have to do with customer service?
#12
Senior Member
I've always had a good experience with MEC, been buying stuff from them since they opened (I think that was back in the '70's or early '80s). Sure you may run into a grumpy sales person or two but 99% of the time they're friendly and helpful even when I have no clue about what i'm talking about. I find the sales people pretty good technically too, and the mechanics are great!
Also, what's wrong with them selling bikes?
Also, what's wrong with them selling bikes?
#13
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Location: Toronto, Ontario
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I've always had a good experience with MEC, been buying stuff from them since they opened (I think that was back in the '70's or early '80s). Sure you may run into a grumpy sales person or two but 99% of the time they're friendly and helpful even when I have no clue about what i'm talking about. I find the sales people pretty good technically too, and the mechanics are great!
Also, what's wrong with them selling bikes?
Also, what's wrong with them selling bikes?
#14
Bikesman
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Selling bikes is not part of the co-op mandate of mec. There are a hundred better paces to buy a better bike.
All that aside - the horrid midweek antics at the Toronto MEC store ought to stop.
All that aside - the horrid midweek antics at the Toronto MEC store ought to stop.
#15
Prefers Cicero
#16
Single-serving poster
There are a few other places to buy a bike, but a lot of them aren't any better and some are worse.
#17
Grateful Tread
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Our Purpose
Directed by the members, MEC fulfills its core purpose – to help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. We do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services.
Directed by the members, MEC fulfills its core purpose – to help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. We do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services.
Not sure what sort of horrid mid-week antics you're talking about...
You sound angry. Perhaps you should get out on your bike for a ride.
![lol](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/lol.gif)
#19
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Yes and no - the current Wal-martized MEC is disturbing to people who were in on the grass roots. One day we will get our beer and smokes there as well.
I have been a member since a good while - shopped at most stores. The Toronto location midweek is beyond the pale.
This is not a rant - this is a dispassionate observation based on many many experiences and interviews with staffmembers - downright scientific.
#20
Prefers Cicero
It often happens that people who were in early on some venture have a sense of ownership and community and can feel pushed aside or resent the changes and crowds that new people bring. You can even see it on BF where some oldtimers of my vintage might see you as some noob interloper. Not that I feel that way - I'm just giving an example.
#21
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MEC has consistently given me the best customer service in the city. Most staff are fairly knowledgable throughout the store, and if not, they go out of their way to help you in whatever way they can. Never seen anything else give that kind of time and commitment to customers. These guys spend buttloads of time with customers to help them decide on purchases, and most of the customer's that go there are completely clueless.
That said, I usually don't ask them too many questions as I do usually know more depth and breadth on bike issues, but the sales staff know their own products pretty well.
#22
I think the biggest thing that MEC is doing right is customer service and bang for your buck.
I've noticed that so many local bike shops have become clique-ish. Catering only to road/bmx/mountain or whatever riders. Sales staff can range from helpful to uninterested to downright rude.
I haven't once had a rude or unhelpful staff experience at MEC. Their gear isn't top of the line, but it's usually durable and affordable, and they have a stellar return and replacement policy.
Their prices are pretty good as well. Distributors in Canada generally overcharge, and if MEC can jiggle the system, maybe it might spur other shops to lower their prices, and stock better gear.
I think the key point we have to remember is that all this appeals to people who don't want to drop huge amounts on bikes and bike parts, and need guidance.
I've noticed that so many local bike shops have become clique-ish. Catering only to road/bmx/mountain or whatever riders. Sales staff can range from helpful to uninterested to downright rude.
I haven't once had a rude or unhelpful staff experience at MEC. Their gear isn't top of the line, but it's usually durable and affordable, and they have a stellar return and replacement policy.
Their prices are pretty good as well. Distributors in Canada generally overcharge, and if MEC can jiggle the system, maybe it might spur other shops to lower their prices, and stock better gear.
I think the key point we have to remember is that all this appeals to people who don't want to drop huge amounts on bikes and bike parts, and need guidance.
#23
Single-serving poster
I think the biggest thing that MEC is doing right is customer service and bang for your buck.
...
Their gear isn't top of the line, but it's usually durable and affordable, and they have a stellar return and replacement policy.
Their prices are pretty good as well. Distributors in Canada generally overcharge, and if MEC can jiggle the system, maybe it might spur other shops to lower their prices, and stock better gear.
I think the key point we have to remember is that all this appeals to people who don't want to drop huge amounts on bikes and bike parts, and need guidance.
...
Their gear isn't top of the line, but it's usually durable and affordable, and they have a stellar return and replacement policy.
Their prices are pretty good as well. Distributors in Canada generally overcharge, and if MEC can jiggle the system, maybe it might spur other shops to lower their prices, and stock better gear.
I think the key point we have to remember is that all this appeals to people who don't want to drop huge amounts on bikes and bike parts, and need guidance.
#24
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Join Date: Aug 2005
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MEC Service
I haven't had any work done there but their sales staff knows next to nothing about the bike parts they sell. They're super nice and will do whatever they can to get you any info they can find, but base bike knowledge is usually less than mine
If they have it, it's usually my go to spot for parts though.
I did buy some cable housing from the shop guys. Gave me a deal too![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
If they have it, it's usually my go to spot for parts though.
I did buy some cable housing from the shop guys. Gave me a deal too
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Bob
#25
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Location: Dundas Ont
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I LOVE MEC!
MEC Burlington is where it is at! I was in a pinch and walked in with my bike on a Sunday and it was put up on the stand and the install was done as I waited.
Now I am able to ride on a holiday Monday! Go MEC Go.
MEC Burlington is where it is at! I was in a pinch and walked in with my bike on a Sunday and it was put up on the stand and the install was done as I waited.
Now I am able to ride on a holiday Monday! Go MEC Go.