> ATTN: eBay buyers in NW AR, SW MO, NE OK

Mike Jacoubowsky

> "anti-bike shop vitriol"? My intention is to point out that it may be
> possible to get a low price on the hard goods *and* get competent
> service and advice. I think that's a good paradigm for the consumer,
> and a refreshing change from the world of high prices and
> semi-competent (or worse) service and advice.
>
> You may run a wonderful shop. But I think you well know that many
> shops are anything but wonderful. From the snobby, clubby atmosphere
> and attitude to the limited knowledge and skill in the service area,
> they can be a real turn-off to recreational cyclists.
>
> And then there is the matter of price. As you know, the price a
> smallish shop pays for parts is very close to the price a customer can
> buy those parts for at a place like Nashbar, AEBike, etc. The shop
> *has* to mark up the price to keep the doors open, I understand that.
> But is that the customer's problem? Why shouldn't they shop for the
> best price if they can competent service from someone in a "service
> only" business?

You might ask when it does become the "customer's" problem. Is it their
problem when it's no longer convenient to ride because most of the shops
have closed up in their area so there's no easy way to get their bike
repaired? Is it the customer's problem when you start losing trail access
because the shops that used to be involved in the local scene, attending
planning council meetings etc., don't exist anymore? Is it the customer's
problem when cycling is seen as an almost outlaw use of the road, and
dealers are no longer attending the Bicycle Summit lobbying effort in DC to
reverse that trend and make the case that we're a legitimate use of the
roads?

The customer certainly has the right and privilege to spend their money how
they wish. But there's an assumption in your post that they're foolish to
do anything but seek out the lowest-possible price when, in fact, there may
be reasons why it makes sense to spend a bit more and keep the local guy in
business.

I don't argue that many LBSs don't do a great job, but you need to be
careful to not paint all of us with the same brush. I'm not even saying
Chain Reaction is something that you would find worth having in your
particular community. That's a job for our customers to decide. But we do,
and will continue to, try and make our piece of the world a bit better place
for cycling, in a way that would be difficult for an internet or mail-order
company to do.

> > You might also
> > consider including your name, rather than appearing anonymous.
Otherwise,
> > you'll look like one more spammer on the 'net, and that will gain you
> > neither respect nor customers.
> >
> Any potential customer in my intended market area who contacts me can
> have all the information they need to feel comfortable doing business
> with me. I hesitate to put personal info out on the internet when I am
> only seeking a fairly local customer base.

I think that fear is a bit overblown; my name has been "public" for much
longer, and in a much bigger way, than most... and it has yet to cause me
any grief (other than the need for a better anti-spam filter, as I get over
500+ emails/day, of which 400 or so are spam). There's no more issue, in my
opinion, with a public 'net persona than there is with having a phone book
listing.

Trust me, if you believe you're reaching any of your local clientele here,
you'll get a much better response if you include your contact information.
You have little to fear and much to gain (speaking from a great many years
of experience).

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com