Ryeguy

Has anyone had experience with this? I bought a new bike ($700) and accessories ($250) from my LBS 2 weeks ago. I paid MRSP for everything and appreciated their time spent fitting me to the bike and recommending safety gear (commuter bike).

The problem is the shop just announced they are closing! My bike is now $100 less and the accessories are all 20%+ off. I've also just lost the 1 year no-cost adjustments promised with my new bike (local cost is about $50). They are still providing the fitting service for new purchases, so my decision to buy 2 weeks ago instead of today has cost me at least $150.

I've been extremely polite with the LBS, but I'm thinking they should at least try to make some accomodations for the discounts and loss of service. This is not to mention the loss of their advocacy for me in the event I need warrentee assistance. They state that the decision to close was sudden and there is nothing they can do.

I'm happy with my bike, but this experience has really given LBS's in general a bad name. This is one example of where you may be better going to an online vendor or chain store.

tekknoschtev

In my honest opinion, the only thing you're really owed is perhaps something for the 1-year service that you thought you'd be able to get. Companies lower their prices all of the time, and some of them do have guarantees for a certain period of time, but otherwise you're SOL unless you can return and re-purchase the item. It hasn't cost you $150, because at the time you were perfectly satisfied with the money spent. I'm not trying to be negative but getting something for the service that was stated when you purchased the bike is about as good as you can hope for. Some shops set the bar high and will help you out further but as I see it, that's the only thing you've lost by their closing.

Online shops are just as likely to go out of business if you pick a small vendor. If you find a big time LBS, a closer equivalent to the big online shops, they're less likely to close up shop and leave you hanging.

EDIT: I realize that all came off a bit harsh. Trust me I can relate to your situation, and it does suck.

Ryeguy

I hear you regarding the maintenance / tune up issue being my main point of contention. I guess it is more of a rant - but I'm certain most of us would feel the same way if we just bought a TV for $1000 and saw it at the same shop 2 weeks later for $700.

I thought I was dealing with a reputible dealer - they've been in business since 1971. I'd like to suggest to them that they should offer something to those of us who have recently purchased a bike from them - maybe an extra one-time 20% off anything in the shop (and I've already bought my accessories so I don't know what I'd even do with the additional discount). Really just a gesture or acknowledgement.

The frustrating thing is that I have no leverage at this point. They are going out of business so there is really nothing left to do.

Kimmitt 

I think that's the way to look at it -- they're not precisely happy about what happened either, so it's not like they're getting much out of it.

You definitely are owed recompense for the year of support they can't give you. Just don't be surprised if they offer it to you in store credit . . .

Little Darwin

I think this is the key...

This bike shop didn't make the decision to go out of business after over 35 years to screw customers out of some maintenance...

While it is true that it is poor timing for a small number of consumers who happened to buy recently, I would have to say it is reasonable that there was no intent ot defraud the OP, so it should be treated it as a well intended change of situation.

After all, who knows what forced the sudden closure, illness, other family issues... I am sure if it is something troubling you don't want to add to the burden.

Feldman

Check other shops in the area to see if anyone is offering to "adopt" your LBS's customers for warranty work or contracted checkups. This happens.

StephenH

Visit by there a time or two and see if you can pick up any other goodies at much reduced prices. Maybe even some spare parts or upgrade parts for your bike? It's a bummer that the place is closing, but there can be some benefit to the consumer in store-closing situations, especially if you're on good terms with them.

You might ask them for recommendations on other shops in the area as well.

womble

They owe you nothing. Legally, and I'd venture to say even ethically.

If you think that this one, single example gives LBSes in general a bad name, then that's more a reflection on a 'victim' mentality than on the bricks and mortar business model. Get over it. Or as StephenH suggests, go there and make the most of the closing sale.

Takabrash

Think of it like this. Computers upgrade constantly (especially Macs). If you buy an awesome computer for $1,500, and then, a month later, a slightly awesomer one comes out for $1,400, you still have an awesome computer. In a year you won't even remember the extra $150, but you'll remember how much fun your bike is

nymtber

Maybe you will learn to tune your own bike now? its a useful skill So you picked a bad time to buy it. Ive done that on lots of stuff. But You wanted it 2 weeks ago, so you got it. Dont even think of blaming them, you got it when you did, case closed.

although a bike shop closing, with gas prices the way they are...goes to show how dumb america really is. I actually see more suv's and trucks on the road than any small cars on weekends. during the week, of course its smaller cars, everyone is commuting to work! I would ride my bike to work, but NO WAY am I riding 16 miles then trying to make optics. bad idea... haha not to mention i work till 11:30 pm, and I dont bike at night...

rallykid

Any dealer of your particular manufacturer can handle warranty work for broken parts. Just make sure you take them the receipt to prove that you are in the warranty period. The only thing you may have a problem with is your free adjustments for the first year unless your dealer made other arrangements with another local shop. The best thing would be to check with them and see. As far as money back, unless they have some kind of 30 day price match guarantee then you are out of luck.

Wordbiker

Wow, just wow...

To the OP: Have some empathy. No doubt their losses in going out of business are far greater than yours in purchasing a bicycle that you're entirely happy with.

bkaapcke

See if you can get a deal from them on a mid level tool set. Then you can learn to do the tune ups and maintenance yourself. You will be way ahead.

A few years ago I walked into the local Performance bike shop in the middle of a going out of business sale. I picked up a $225.00 tool set for $69.00 out the door. Bought a manual at the local bookstore and haven't paid a dime above parts price for maintenance & upgrades ever since. No regrets here. bk

Ryeguy

I agree with the responses that suggest buying a good set of tools and doing my own maintenance. I am mechanically inclined and somewhat experienced with building / tuning bikes (built my MT bike myself but that was 15 years ago). I just needed to comment on the above statement.

As a business person myself, I believe there is a "right" way and a "wrong" way to engage. If I were in the LBS's position I would've posted a list of local bike shops who also carry my brands and could assist in warrentee claims (if required). I probably would've offered a special coupon to anyone who had recently purchased a bike from my shop as a "sorry we won't be there to help you" gesture.

I truly more upset with myself for naively thinking I'd be supporting a local small business and not negotiating the price of the bike and accessories. My advice to anyone else will be 1)become self sufficient on maintenance and repair 2)negotiate your best deal - remember the purchase is a business decision, not an emotional one.

InTheTrenches

Don't you read the forum? This is a deliberate attempt to screw the customer. The numerous reasons that a business has for closing have NOTHING to do with it. They have shut down, layed off employees, sold out inventory at a huge loss, just to screw over Ryeguy. That is how the LBS works. We shut down hundreds of times a year just to screw over customers. Even with all the expense of moving to another location, selling off at a loss, firing people, losing out on unemployment payments, searching for new people(easy because we just hire 14 year old idiots, again according to BF) setting up a new shop. ALL WORTH IT, just to stick it to Ryeguy.
We have finally been found out. Time for a new scheme.

rustguard

business is business charity is charity, Murphy's law- you always find a cheaper price after you purchase no matter how hard you look.

perhaps you can lobby to have their business closed down?

linux_author

my suggestion? go into the shop and bargain for really good deals on accessories (better than 20 percent off) before the shop closes down... you may be able to make up the price differential, especially on a good safety light system, pannier bags, etc. - especially if you spend more than $100?

nothing to be done about the 'free service,' IMO...

CommuterRun

You were satisfied with the terms of the sale when you made the purchase, right? Sounds to me like the only thing you're missing out on is the free adjustments, and you win there too because now they've given you incentive to learn to do your own. It isn't hard.

I'd go back and see about stocking up on sale items that you know you'll eventually use. Tubes, shorts, tools, etc.

operator

The lesson here is that just because a bike shop has been in business for a long time doesn't necessarily mean they are good.

Ryeguy

You guys are correct. The best thing to do is negotiate a killer discount on tools so I can do the tune ups myself.

The whole point of me posting my experience is it seems when someone posts a message about an on-line bike purchase there are people who jump on their back about how important it is to have the bike properly assembled and then re-tuned after 50 or 100 miles due to cables and spokes stretching / changing. They say the on-lines retailers don't consider this requirement and are therefore inferior to the LBS.

I just wanted to see the reaction of these same folks when someone buys from a (at least I thought) reputable LBS and they shut their doors immediately after the (full MSRP bike and accessories) sale. At least the on-line buyers saved some money that they can later spend on the required adjustments. My adjustments will come from me and my newly purchased tools.

I don't mean to paint with a broad brush here. I'm certain most LBS's work hard at providing great customer service and at making their margins. I empathize that consumers are getting smarter and competition from on-line retailers and chain stores with major buying power is cutting profits. The difference, at least to me, is customer service, both during the sale and after. That's why I went the LBS route, I just picked the wrong shop. I remember speaking with another bike shop owner after he sold his shop years ago. He told me "if you really love to bike, open a ski shop."

bab2000

No, I believe you went to the right shop for the right reasons, unfortunately at the wrong time in their business life. It is sad when local stores close, it may provide another an opportunity to grow or start a shop to fill the void.

Have friend who does own a ski shop, he does love to bike, yet he is open weird hours, organizes ski trips around the world and close the shop while they are away. Now also sells bikes, same crazy hours, and he is in business and loved for what service he provides.


I am certain you will master much of your own maintenance, and to be safe, vist a couple other LBS and check with the wrenches there about products and services, will create a refreshing backup in case a need arises.

Today never comes with a guarantee, that is good tomorrow.

dynaryder

I'm sorry,but I call whining on the OP. You 'lost' some money,the folks at the shop are losing their jobs. I got a good deal on my Pt Reyes because it was a leftover. Guess what? A month later I find it on a website closeout priced $200 less. Was I pissed? Yep. Did I spray venom on the internet? No. I went on with my life.

This shop did not close down to screw you over. It's not commonplace for bike shops to go out of business at the drop of a hat. What happened does not reflect poorly on LBS's,it's just a bad break. It does reflect badly on you. Did you bother to ask them what happened? The owner could be in a real bind,and here yo are trash talking him and trying to get something from him.

Ryeguy

How off base can you be? Did you actually read any of my above posts? Did I hammer the LBS on price? No, paid full retail on both the bike and accessories - $1,000. Did they promise a year's worth of service? Yes, "all new bikes come with a years worth of no cost maintenance service - plus we stand by our customers in the event of a warrantee issue". M posting my experiences is hardly "spraying venom" - BTW, to what purpose would I spray venom? They are already going out of business, can't kill them again, can I?

My only gripe is the method they choose to deliver the knews, which was sorry, yeah it's too bad. What I would've liked was at least a note of other local shops who are willing to help out (not for free mind you, just authorized dealers they might have already spoken to) in case I had any issues. I tend to go out of my way to spend my hard earned money locally whenever I can. This has typically been good for both me and my local shop. This is just one instance where it didn't work out.

By the way, I do think it sucks for all the shop's employees. The reason for the closure was the terms of the business sale couldn't be negotiated so the owner pulled the plug. I'm not saying the closure wasn't the right business decision, it just left a lot of folks out in the cold.

Oh yeah, I think my opening post posed the question "has this happened to anyone?" Hardly spewing venom considering I haven't mentioned the shop's name or the brand of bike I own (which I am happy with).

I can't believe I got sucked in to post a reply to such a nitwit.

dynaryder

You claimed it cost you $150.

"but this experience has really given LBS's in general a bad name."


And yet,you just had to hit the reply button.

Ryeguy

Dynaryder - when you bought your Pt Reyes at the shop did they provide a fitting service? Did you test ride the bike and possibly compare it to competitive models? Did they offer tune-ups / maintenance free of charge for a period of time? If yes, then I can't see why you would be pissed at seeing the bike for $200 less on a web-based retailer.

I figure you will have to get any new bike tuned at least once during its break in period, probably a couple of times. That's $50 per visit at my local shops. Also, your LBS probably provided a fitting service to ensure the frame you purchased was correct for you. That service takes time and is worth $. So the $200 saved by going on-line is pretty well spent on tune-ups and the risk of buying the wrong sized bike.

As an aside, I disagree with anyone who takes the time from a LBS to be fitted knowing they will be buying the same bike elsewhere. If I ran a LBS I would charge $20 (or whatever is reasonable) for a professional fitting service which would be deducted from the price of the bike you purchased.

My disappointment with my experience is limited to: same shop, same product, 336 hours later $200 less cost. No price adjustment, no gesture to acknowledge the lack of promised service or information provided on who I can work with locally to service my brand of bike. Just a "sorry, that's the way it is". I am very aware that my hardship is completely inconsequencial to that of the employees impacted. I'll buy tools and work on my own ride, they'll be looking for jobs and I wish them all the best of luck.