Loyal to one bike shop?

[Buzzinonbikes]

Hi guys,

Bit of a random one this but... I have been dealing with a certain bike shop who have always been great with me on various things. Always really helpful and friendly and most importantly not pushy at all. They were even great when my parents went in who didn't have a clue and they didn't push anything on to them or try and upsell them. So I would like to send my business their way. Also, they offer the best fitting service I have seen for free when you buy a bike.

Problem is, out of the two new bikes I am looking at, they are only a stockist of one. Do you think they would order one in from the other brand, or is this not something shops do?

 

[ianrauk]

Just ask.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Just ask.

Good idea! I am going in on saturday to check out the bike they stock, might bring the other one up in conversation. See what they say.

 

[ianrauk]

Good idea! I am going in on saturday to check out the bike they stock, might bring the other one up in conversation. See what they say.

You don't need to 'bring it up in the conversation'.
Just ask outright. "Can you order this brand in?"

If they want your custom then they will do their best to accomodate.

BUT...There are some brands which are exclusive to certain stores.
What brand is it BTW?

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Thanks, I'll do just that. Cannondale - CAAD10 or 8 depending on funds

 

[ianrauk]

nice

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

With the climate we are in loyalty isn't the same as it used to be. People look for the best price these days and quite rightly so.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Thanks, I'll do just that. Cannondale - CAAD10 or 8 depending on funds

Nice & +1 to asking but I tried to get a less popular Cannondale model a few years back via C2W and had trouble. Ended up going to a dealer I'll never use again that are an authorised seller.
Dunno if It's a C'dale thing or I was just not pushy enough with the C2W people.

Your description sounds like BicycleDoctor (Dickenson Rd, Rusholme). If not, you could do worse than go and have a chat with them, they're lovely people.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

With the climate we are in loyalty isn't the same as it used to be. People look for the best price these days and quite rightly so.

Not the case with everyone. I am very loyal to my LBS for the simple reason they are loyal to me... I regularly call them up ask them to get components in for me, which they do without question or request of deposit. We never discuss the how much as they know I am aware of how much these things cost, im not looking for the cheapest price, im looking for a reasonable price and a great service for which I am willing to pay a little bit extra for....... We do so much business based on a hand shake.
They are also kind enough to store my bikes which are not in use at this time. Great Guys

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

We have a strong group of loyal customers but we also have customers who come to us for one product because of the price point then will go to another shop for a different product. Sadly LBS are feeling the pinch at this time and rely on their loyal customers, especially with the other big online stores chucking products out at next to nothing and killing the industry for the smaller businesses.

 

[Hacienda71]

I tend to use the same family run LBS for most of my service work, parts and sometimes shoes, jerseys etc, but have never bought a bike off them. This seems to make no difference to the way I am treated, which is with respect.
However the LBS nearest to my work is totally the opposite, they sell me things but because I don't buy my bikes off them treat me like some sort of second class customer. They refused to fit a headset for me as they were too busy for the forceable future. If I had an alternative near work I wouldn't use them again. It is potentially their loss, as given a choice they will not be my first port of call on a larger purchase.

 

[SportMonkey]

The LBS in the village was friendly but never had any parts in for road bikes, not even normal caliper brake pads. They went out of business recently.

 

[kopikat]

Sorry but I cant afford to be loyal. TBH I have never used a LBS that I would want to feel loyal to. I've used 4-5 over the last decade with very mixed service, advice and prices. One wouldnt even sell parts unless you paid to have them fitted. Needless to say, only one of them is still in business. Nowadays its the internet and DIY

 

[Moodyman]

I use one shop because I know that I'll get good honest advice from them.

 

[derrick]

I mainly use our LBS, but i do use internet and another bike shop that is quite local, but i only get a free tea or coffee at the LBS.