LBS Loyalty

Hi all, Long time lurker here :)

How loyal are you to your LBS? I am thinking about buying a new bike, but need to sell/trade in my current one to make it happen. LBS #1 where I bought the bike does not have a buy/trade in program. I generally like this LBS and they have lots of group rides and events that I participate in regularly. There is another LBS on the other side of town that has a trade in program. I would feel strange showing up at LBS #1's events with a new bike purchased from another shop (they both sell the same brand). I suppose I could sell on my own, but it just seems easier to trade in through the shop. Thoughts?

you do what you can. If they don't offer the service you are looking for... what can you do? :cool:

I would talk to the LBS owner of the store you do like... tell them your situation, and say "hey, I'm not crazy about going over there, but they have this service and I need to sell/trade my current bike to help pay for my new bike... if you can think of way to make this work at your place, let me know... otherwise I will probably go their and perform this one business transaction".

Nothing wrong with that.. it's the truth right? ... and there's nothing wrong with showing up at their events with a bike you bought somewhere else? If they don't provide the service... that does not equate to you having to settle for something less than you do deserve. Support them in the ways you can.. and if you can't support them, you've done the best you can do:D

I show up to bike rides all the time with a bike purchased elsewhere. I am from Indiana originally and I bought my bike far east to save money (Chicago prices where I live). I go to these rides at my favorite LBS in MO all the time and I didn't buy my bike there. I didn't buy my bike in Valpo either despite the fact that I do rides there from time to time. I have loyalty to people with good prices and great service. That particular shop in Valpo didn't have the bike in my size and wasn't giving me a reasonable price. Likewise, no one in there seemed to care that I was about 2 grand on a bike. Nothing like crappy service!

I do all my shopping at the local LBS here. I like one better than the other - by far. Generally, the other place is cheaper but the service sucks. Recently, I had to replace my helmet. The good LBS was awesome at trying to make something work, but the helmet they had was too big for my head and the others were no use because they were too expensive for my budget. So, I went to the other store. They had a far better selection of women's helmets.

I always try to support my favorite store first, but it just depends on if they will meet my needs. Recently, I needed a quick fix on my bike and brought it in. The guys there know who I am and have been super in the past about stuff. They asked me if I got a helmet at the other store and I admitted I had and one even said they were trying to bring in another type of women's helmet because people had had trouble with the new style of that model. You might mention to them that they will lose your business. It might make a change.

It seems to me you're not likely to get the best deal on your "trade in," just like you wouldn't with a car dealer. Personally I'm pretty loyal about stuff like this, and if both shops sell the same brand then I don't think I could bring myself to shop at the one that's not *my* shop. But that's just my personal sentiment and not an ethical argument! I think others are right about doing what's best for you in this situation.

If you tried to sell your current bike privately it might take awhile and in the meantime the bike at the shop is just sitting and waiting for you. You might get more selling privately, but you forego the instantaneous trade in opportunity if you do it at the bike shop. I agree with chicago above in that, if you felt you owed an explanation, you could phrase it like she said. If your favorite place can't do anything for you go to the other LBS. Maybe you could buy all your new accessories, etc. at your favorite place so they know you're still a loyal customer.
Let us know what you decide.

Some of the bike shop owners/employees can chime in here, but I think bicis are the same as motos, where the profit margin on complete bikes is very narrow, and the shops' real bread and butter is parts, accessories and service. If that's the case, then where you buy your bike isn't as important as where you shop for the rest of your stuff.

I personally have no loyalty at all to my local LBS. My local LBS sells Trek and Cannondale. However they really push Cannondale, and with females they push only women's gear and do not understand that a woman may prefer men's clothes, or saddles or anything else. So when I decide I can afford a new bike (plan is to get a Madone) I'll either be driving 2 hrs, 5 hrs, or 12 hrs to get it. If it coinsides with a trip to visit my family I'll order from that shop and have it waiting for me when we get there (awesome LBS up there that will sell it to me basically at their cost) that would the one 12 hrs away in Ohio. 5 Hrs away is Charlotte where our LBS for the past 10 yrs is at and we have always liked them and they are awesome. They really work with you to find what you need. They are now 5 hrs away (other side of the state). I've found an LBS in Raleigh that I like and can work with. They are 2 hrs away. All Trek dealers. The one in Charlotte also sells Cervelo and the one in Raleigh also sells Felt.

Thanks for the input. I haven't been to either bike shop yet to discuss, test ride, etc. But I agree with asking my LBS if they can do anything regarding the trade in price. If not, no hard feelings, but I have to do what is best for me. I will just be honest with them. I'd hate to show up on a new bike from another shop without having given them the opportunity to work with me. I'm not sure when I will start shopping around...still researching a bit.

Always get good advice from TE!!

I would definitely talk to your LBS about the situation. They may even know of someone who's looking for a used bike. Also, do they have any deals when you buy a bike (free fitting, accessory discount, tune-ups) that might make it worth buying it from them? I've found that it pays to be loyal (as long as you like them and feel like you're being treated well). My husband and I get (10-20%) discounts at most of our local shops now and free service at some. This comes with time, but buying a new bike at the shop you like might help you get on that short list faster.