Flick of the Elbow
Guru
- Location
- Edinburgh
And I'd much rather have an over attentive sales assistant than one of those shops where you need assistance and none of them can be bothered.
The best shops are those that are happy for you to drop in just for a natter, some have been known to even make you a cup of tea ! (Chapeau the late George Pennel of Peebles).
Mine is like that.The best shops are those that are happy for you to drop in just for a natter, some have been known to even make you a cup of tea ! (Chapeau the late George Pennel of Peebles).
Pies?Mine takes me out for lunch.
Pies?
Now that's the type of assistance I'm talking about - friendly and know they're there if needed!My LBS browse goes like this:
LBS: Hi Laura! How's the bike going?
Me: Good thanks....I've just come in to drool...
LBS: Drool away! Give me a shout if you want anything
Me: Thanks
They are great...nothing's too much trouble. I bought my MTB from them and it's been back in for minor adjustments etc for which I've never been charged. I've bought stuff from them which may have been cheaper elsewhere, but the customer service keeps me going back.Now that's the type of assistance I'm talking about - friendly and know they're there if needed!
I've found that being female tends to protect you from bike shop staff giving you any attention at all...Might sound silly but I never really feel comfortable in bike shops. I guess it's mostly because I just want to go in and have a good look round but feel pressure to buy something (I'm not tight fisted really!). It's even worse when you get pestered as soon as you walk in.
My last venture into the LBS went something like this:
I walk in - "Hi," says the young bloke in the shop.
"Oh, hi!" I reply.
"Can I help?" he asks.
"No thanks. Just having a look round." Don't mind this - just want to be left alone
"But what exactly are you after?" Getting slightly uncomfortable
"Nothing in particular. Just thought I'd have a look at what you've got in."
"What type of riding are you into?" Feeling more uncomfortable
"Road mainly, but I'm just browsing."
"Can i make some suggestions?" Starting to get a bit cross now but holding it together
"Look. I'm not after anything in particular."
"Well, just let me show you..." I walk out - didn't want to be rude but too much hassle