Last Saturday I went to a LBS I had never visited (wanted to try a new store and see if I was missing something) and I needed some new tires for my MtB.

They did not have what I was looking for but they offered to order me some. Nashbar and Performance had what I needed at $18.00 a peice, the store offered them for $20.00. Hoping to save on shipping, having to wait, and wanting to support my LBS, I gave them the go-ahead to order the tires and three tubes. The clerk said it would be in on Thursday, for sure. Until I reminded him about the Monday holiday, then it changed to Friday, and they'd call.

While he was writing up the order he said I would have to pay the shipping the order in on Monday (last monday). I reluctantly agreed because he said mine would be the only order. Along with my purchase I picked $24.00 in other stuff. I paid for the in-store goods, the tires, but not the tubes or shipping...which we agreed to settle when the order came in.

So, a week later (yesterday) I am in the area and stopped at the store to see if they were in. The clerk looked around and told me the order is not in yet and in a sympathetic tone said "Awe yea, we are waiting for stuff to come in with it, let's hope it's in Monday...we will call you".

Here is the problem, I now know they ordered other stuff along with my tires and tubes, and eventhough I doubt the shipping costs would be more than 6 or 7 bucks. If they ask me to pay the shipping, should I?

I don't think I should.

What do you think?

Thanks, ehenz

Did you already know what you wanted or did they give you advice on the right tire for you?

If they gave you the advice and you agreed to pay the shipping, I would pay it.

If you alreay knew what you wanted I would object. Especially since it appears that they held your order up for other things. You could have had it sooner from Nashbar or Performance.

I've never had my LBS charge me the shipping for something I had ordered. I wouldn't pay it, especially since the order is a week late.

I can't believe you actually supported them and lost a lot of money on the deal when you could have saved money and got the same order on time through an online store. I say forget about them and order it online and don't go back there. I'm sure there are better LBS stores in your area you can get to.

Koffee

I wanted some slicks, 26x1.25. I did not really care about a brand, but I let the clerk point out "his favorite", which is what I ended up with.

I'm glad I'm not the only one here who thinks ten bucks is a lot of money

As much as I like to support my local stores, with thier aggressive prices, bitter attitudes, and questionable charges I think I should order online, or stick with my regular store that only screws me a little

I'm just getting tired of big box stores closing down all the little guys. Gone now are my neighborhood hardware store, auto parts store, drug store, sportingoods, gun shop, and now some bike shops are disappearing thanks to the likes of Lowes, Auto Zone, CVS, Dick's, and Gandier Mountain. I used to be able to just walk to these local stores, now I must drive across my side of town, wait in long lines, receive non-notewhorthy customer service, and constantly return to get "the right part".

I did agree to pay, but only to the extent that mine was the only order. If it comes up (I really feel it will) I will pay it, but I will take issue with the clerk/Mgr and let them know I won't be coming back.

If these LBS keep this up, I hope they enjoy putting together bikes at Dick's.

Thanks,

ehenz

I have place special order with my LBS, they never ask me to pay for the shipping, obviously, they would be placing some more order at the same time that I have place my order, so I think that LBS is trying to full a fast one on you, for me Ten Buck is big money, and if they are riding on your shipment and your paying for half of their order (shipment /frieght Fees) that is very unfair

My prices are the same on products whether someone orders one item or fifty customers order 2 items. Just because I place a order for a few specific itmes does not mean my customer suffers because of free freight over a certain amount ordered. I for one cannot afford to order $750 and $1000 dollars worth of product everytime soemone comes in and I do not have what they need in stock. Especially if it is two tires and some tubes!

We usually do not charge shipping, not for tubes and tires that we should have in stock anyway. Some things however, need it next day, we charge. Order a Yakima Rocket box, we charge(Comes motor freight shipping is over a $100) Order something really heavy, say a two arm Park stand which is over a hundred pounds, we charge.
Your shop was unfair, the real deal with paying more in a bike shop, other than the knowlegable and friendly staff, is that the stuff is right there for you to take home.
On the other hand just about all mail order places charge shipping and I have a ups rate book so I can say with some authority they are making nice margin on shipping.

Another day and no call

I was really expecting a big evening. When I went to the store last week it was the same day I ordered a clip less system from Nashbar. I was certain both orders would all be in by today (not to mention the cordless drill off e-bay I'm still waiting for).

I was going to put on the tires (MtB) and test them on a ride to my brother’s house for a weight training session. Upon my return I was going to switch to clip less on the Trek (touring) and get her up on the old wind trainer to practice getting out of the peddles (there seems to be lot of discussion about this, so I hope it sounds harder than it is, but I don't know).

Anyway, thanks for reading this little vent and your input. I'm just impatient when things "slow my roll", so to speak.

Maybe tomorrow,

ehenz

Two shops I've ever had to get to order me something (bike or a shim, whatever) NEVER charged me for shipping. I had to put down a non-refundable deposit, however. If I did not know for sure that I wanted the item, I would not order it through LBS. At least with on-line I can return it. That's worth the shipping cost to me, sometimes.

Still no order...I say order them on line and cut your losses. Sounds like this shop does not have their act together.

Cancel the order and try somewhere else. If you really wanted to pay shipping and wait days on end, you have a computer and could have placed the order yourself.

They had a chance to do what they promised to do. They obviously don't care about you, your tires, or your business.

The LBS in my neighborhood will at least call you to let you know what is going on, even if they can't do much about it.

Dan

What bike shop doesn't stock tubes? That is probably the best selling item in a bike shop. The mere fact they don't have tubes should tell you something.

I have had to order tubes twice, once for a 24"x3" and once for a 26"x2.7", we now stock them, two of each.