Am I right or am I wrong??
06-01-10, 08:23 AM
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Am I right or am I wrong??
So, along my ride Saturday and yesterday I crossed paths with an LBS owner. I recognized his stature, as he is a larger gentelman and has a very recognizable face (that and the fact he was decked out in his shop's kit and I have spoken to him numerous times). So...I was out and passed by him on a two lane street... gave the obligitory wave and nod...he saw me, made eye contact and turned his head and kept riding. 
I thought "Ohh well". Just kept riding. On the way back in from my ride...same thing, saw him again...same response. I just kind of chalked it up as maybe he was just having a "rough morning".
So...I am out yesterday and we cross paths again.. this time it was a different road... I got the same result.
I thought to myself "Dude...people know who you are, you own one of the larger shops around town... it probably would be a wise idea if you at least gave a head nod to your fellow cyclists... at least if you want people to continue coming to your shop". Its like..you didnt buy a bike from me so I wont acknowledge you. Yet, I have probably spent just as much getting service, tubes, tires, etc...
I am at the point where I think I want to swing my biz elsewhere. There are a couple of smaller shops in the area....that dont think they are "elitists".
Am I right or wrong to think this? Thoughts? I would think that if you own a biz you want to be friendly to consumers.
I thought "Ohh well". Just kept riding. On the way back in from my ride...same thing, saw him again...same response. I just kind of chalked it up as maybe he was just having a "rough morning".So...I am out yesterday and we cross paths again.. this time it was a different road... I got the same result.
I thought to myself "Dude...people know who you are, you own one of the larger shops around town... it probably would be a wise idea if you at least gave a head nod to your fellow cyclists... at least if you want people to continue coming to your shop". Its like..you didnt buy a bike from me so I wont acknowledge you. Yet, I have probably spent just as much getting service, tubes, tires, etc...
I am at the point where I think I want to swing my biz elsewhere. There are a couple of smaller shops in the area....that dont think they are "elitists".
Am I right or wrong to think this? Thoughts? I would think that if you own a biz you want to be friendly to consumers.
06-01-10, 08:27 AM
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It may be that when he rides, he wants to get away from the business of cycling, and wants to keep to himself while riding. Nothing wrong with that, other than it would appear to be a poor business strategy. And you would think if he's not going to be frinedly, he might not want to wear his shop's kit.
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06-01-10, 08:36 AM
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It may be that when he rides, he wants to get away from the business of cycling, and wants to keep to himself while riding. Nothing wrong with that, other than it would appear to be a poor business strategy. And you would think if he's not going to be frinedly, he might not want to wear his shop's kit.
06-01-10, 08:36 AM
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Do you get good service at his shop?
06-01-10, 08:42 AM
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06-01-10, 08:43 AM
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i always acknowledge riders who wave or nod their head at me, it does not matter if i know them or not, i don't want to offend the other person extending his/her courtesy and friendship.
since you mentioned he talks to you while in his shop, he appears to prefer keeping the relationship purely business.
yes it is bad business practice since his core customers are the people he run in on the streets, and with competition LBS stores in the area, makes it worse.
if it was me, i would go to his shop and mention "hey, i passed and waved at you last sunday", his reply would decide if i would still patronize his shop.
since you mentioned he talks to you while in his shop, he appears to prefer keeping the relationship purely business.
yes it is bad business practice since his core customers are the people he run in on the streets, and with competition LBS stores in the area, makes it worse.
if it was me, i would go to his shop and mention "hey, i passed and waved at you last sunday", his reply would decide if i would still patronize his shop.
06-01-10, 08:45 AM
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maybe he's a Michigan grad and prefers not to associate with Ohio State folks. Just kidding.
I acknowledge fellow riders with a nod, but not everyone does. Don't take offense especially if his shop serves you well.
I acknowledge fellow riders with a nod, but not everyone does. Don't take offense especially if his shop serves you well.
06-01-10, 09:11 AM
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Sometimes I get a reponse, which is nice, and sometimes I dont, but I dont let it bother me, as often I dont respond. When driving the car I never wave at other drivers.
06-01-10, 09:32 AM
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Lost
why do these threads keep popping up. there are various reasons why people waver or dont wave. thats just the way it is, bike shop guy or not.
06-01-10, 09:33 AM
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Some folks wave or nod, some don't.
Not worth worrying about it.
I would use (or not use) his shop based on quality and service, not based on this behavior.
Not worth worrying about it.
I would use (or not use) his shop based on quality and service, not based on this behavior.
06-01-10, 09:33 AM
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It's not so much the not responding...it doesnt bother me when I dont get a wave.... its just that if you own a shop...and are that recognizable....wouldnt you want to represent your shop well?
06-01-10, 09:34 AM
#12
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Maybe he doesn't know you. He may not remember all the people who come into his place. You just have to remember a single face while he would have to remember many.
06-01-10, 09:36 AM
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06-01-10, 09:40 AM
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i always acknowledge riders who wave or nod their head at me, it does not matter if i know them or not, i don't want to offend the other person extending his/her courtesy and friendship.
since you mentioned he talks to you while in his shop, he appears to prefer keeping the relationship purely business.
yes it is bad business practice since his core customers are the people he run in on the streets, and with competition LBS stores in the area, makes it worse.
if it was me, i would go to his shop and mention "hey, i passed and waved at you last sunday", his reply would decide if i would still patronize his shop.
since you mentioned he talks to you while in his shop, he appears to prefer keeping the relationship purely business.
yes it is bad business practice since his core customers are the people he run in on the streets, and with competition LBS stores in the area, makes it worse.
if it was me, i would go to his shop and mention "hey, i passed and waved at you last sunday", his reply would decide if i would still patronize his shop.
06-01-10, 09:40 AM
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-01-10, 10:37 AM
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You are wrong.
So you recognize someone as that guy that owns a local business.
You wave/nod/blow a kiss and do not get a similar response.
The guy probably has no idea who you are or what you want, doesn't recognize you as "that guy/gal that comes into my shop once a quarter to buy a tube".
And now you want to take your business elswhere?
Nut up Nancy, neither of you are that important to each other to get your fragile ego bruised over.
Enjoy
So you recognize someone as that guy that owns a local business.
You wave/nod/blow a kiss and do not get a similar response.
The guy probably has no idea who you are or what you want, doesn't recognize you as "that guy/gal that comes into my shop once a quarter to buy a tube".
And now you want to take your business elswhere?
Nut up Nancy, neither of you are that important to each other to get your fragile ego bruised over.
Enjoy
06-01-10, 10:39 AM
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Its not getting my "panties" in a bunch... which I think you might need to dig down and pull the string out "NANCY"... it was the point that if you are a shop owner...would you not be "friendly" to your consumers? Once....not a big deal... twice....not a big deal... three times... worth bringing up in here.
06-01-10, 10:41 AM
#18
grilled cheesus
Its not getting my "panties" in a bunch... which I think you might need to dig down and pull the string out "NANCY"... it was the point that if you are a shop owner...would you not be "friendly" to your consumers? Once....not a big deal... twice....not a big deal... three times... worth bringing up in here.
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06-01-10, 11:08 AM
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Its not getting my "panties" in a bunch... which I think you might need to dig down and pull the string out "NANCY"... it was the point that if you are a shop owner...would you not be "friendly" to your consumers? Once....not a big deal... twice....not a big deal... three times... worth bringing up in here.
"HEY LOOK AT ME, I'M ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS...PAY ATTENTION TO ME, STROKE MY EGO!"
The fact that you think it is "worth bringing up" just proves out how pitiful and needy you are. Grow up and quit depending on the attentions of others to make you feel good about yourself. Geesh, does your mommy still have to take you to the bathroom too?
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-01-10, 11:08 AM
#21
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How are his prices?
Lowest price wins for anyone who can wrench. I couldn't care less if a fat guy on a bike waves to me.
Lowest price wins for anyone who can wrench. I couldn't care less if a fat guy on a bike waves to me.
06-01-10, 11:12 AM
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It sounds like chip hasn't been getting any lately.
OP, just let it go.
OP, just let it go.
06-01-10, 11:14 AM
#24
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What does one's occupation have to do with wanting to enjoy a bike ride in relative peace without being bothered by needy nancies looking for attention and validation?
"HEY LOOK AT ME, I'M ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS...PAY ATTENTION TO ME, STROKE MY EGO!"
The fact that you think it is "worth bringing up" just proves out how pitiful and needy you are. Grow up and quit depending on the attentions of others to make you feel good about yourself. Geesh, does your mommy still have to take you to the bathroom too?
"HEY LOOK AT ME, I'M ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS...PAY ATTENTION TO ME, STROKE MY EGO!"
The fact that you think it is "worth bringing up" just proves out how pitiful and needy you are. Grow up and quit depending on the attentions of others to make you feel good about yourself. Geesh, does your mommy still have to take you to the bathroom too?
Actually yeah...she does, and riding with a diaper on really prevents saddle sores...... I think maybe he didnt wave because I still had my training wheels on
06-01-10, 01:53 PM
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i always acknowledge riders who wave or nod their head at me, it does not matter if i know them or not, i don't want to offend the other person extending his/her courtesy and friendship.
since you mentioned he talks to you while in his shop, he appears to prefer keeping the relationship purely business.
yes it is bad business practice since his core customers are the people he run in on the streets, and with competition LBS stores in the area, makes it worse.
if it was me, i would go to his shop and mention "hey, i passed and waved at you last sunday", his reply would decide if i would still patronize his shop.
since you mentioned he talks to you while in his shop, he appears to prefer keeping the relationship purely business.
yes it is bad business practice since his core customers are the people he run in on the streets, and with competition LBS stores in the area, makes it worse.
if it was me, i would go to his shop and mention "hey, i passed and waved at you last sunday", his reply would decide if i would still patronize his shop.
to the OP, i'd say cut the guy some slack, if he was rude to you in the store as well as not acknowledging you when you cross paths, then there's reason to take your business elsewhere, otherwise, if he's a good shop owner, gives good service and such, i wouldn't read too much into it. not saying you're wrong, or right... but who really knows how many people he encounters and has chats with in a given day. he just might have not remembered or might have not been paying attention. i space out on rides sometimes too.