The good and bad of owning an lbs...

[Running Mommy]

The good:
You get invited to a Hincapie sportswear spring 09 launch at the Hincapie headquarters during the US pro cycling championships. Of course along with the fashion show comes VIP seating at the race, an industry group ride on the course, AND a party with the pro's!!!!

I'm thinking gorgeous George will prolly be there..... So that excites me to no end.
Then reality sets in..

The bad:

I have every last dime sunk into the business and can't afford the $$$$ needed to travel back east...
Prolly shouldn't take the time away from the shop anyway... sigh...

This is our "off season" so I have to watch all my pennies.
OY.

I guess it's nice to dream though huh??

[7rider]

Oooo, bummer.
But....My LBS is a Hincapie dealer. I wonder if he's going. Where is the HQ?

[Velobambina]

Business tax deduction!

Check out the ladies bibs---Do they make them in shorts? I loved their winter bib tights. TE sold out so I bought them directly from Hincapie. If they do make bib shorts and you stock them..... you see where I'm going w/this. LOL.

[Irulan]

How can it be your off season? Most of the bike shops in my town are jam packed with folks dusting off old bikes, and selling new ones. The closest one to me has a sign up front that says, "you could have bought a new bike for four fill-ups!" I know things slow down in the fall, but mid summer?

[bmccasland]

How can it be your off season? Most of the bike shops in my town are jam packed with folks dusting off old bikes, and selling new ones. The closest one to me has a sign up front that says, "you could have bought a new bike for four fill-ups!" I know things slow down in the fall, but mid summer?

I can think of about 120 reasons it's the off season in Phoenix right now. Pretty much the same 120 reasons why I really enjoyed moving up to the mountains. It's bloody HOT in the summer!

But I do like your marketing plan for buying a basic bike!

[sundial]

When I see George I'll mention you need him.

[Running Mommy]

yeah Irulan- I'm in PHOENIX! Watch Al Roker in the morning and look at the cactus roasting on the national weather map...
THAT is why it's our off season...

edit to add- DANG YOU SUNDIAL!!!!
So you are going?? ahhh man! Now I'm jealous!!

[Irulan]

Phoenix? 120?

NM......

[sundial]

edit to add- DANG YOU SUNDIAL!!!!
So you are going?? ahhh man! Now I'm jealous!!

Nah, he's coming to our neck of the woods. Likes to hang out in Arkansas on occasion.

[ridebikeme]

Ahhh I completely understand,. Like you, I have been an owner now for the past 7 years. It does indeed seem that it is very difficult at times to juggle finances and seeing new product. I have the same issue with Interbike being in Las Vegas and me living in Maine... have been a couple of times, but most shop owners here don't go. It seems to be a battle of me wanting to go, and whether financially it's a good decision for the business.

I have finally reached the point that if indeed the financial rewards aren't something that I can measure quickly, then perhaps the money is better spent somewhere else.(at least in my case) You could always see the Hincapie collection at Interbike along with lots of other mdse??? Just a thought.

At any rate, good luck with your decision and as always, things always work out for the best in the long run.

[Mr. Bloom]

In business, CASH IS KING!

You're doing the right thing. Sure, you do sell expertise, but you can acquire that a number of ways without traveling across the country. It's clear from 1,000 miles away that you're differentiating yourself on friendly, compassionate service...and this comes from the heart, not the checkbook.

Here's some more "good" to ponder:
- cycling is on the rise!
- a rising tide raises all ships!
- work to get a disproportionate piece of the increasing pie

Like you, I have been an owner now for the past 7 years.

Congrats! - Five years is a key threshold for small business statistically.

[Running Mommy]

Your like my TE SCORE counselor! And I soo appreciate that.
And yes, you are right- cycling is on the rise. I dvr'd a 4 minute piece on the today show about adults learning to ride.