New bike and LBS dilemma--advice needed

[limewave]

Background:
Last spring I started shopping for a new 29er bike. My LBS was really great in letting me demo bikes. But when I went to buy one . . . they had none in stock and were unable to order one! And they weren't sure when the 2012's were coming out. It could be November, December . . .

So, I went to a neighboring BS (NBS). They didn't have any either, but they said they would have some in July. I asked if they had demo's, no they didn't. All in all, they were nice and helpful, but not nearly as accommodating as LBS. But, they were going to have bikes! So, after much debate, I ordered a bike from NBS.

Every week I call to see if the bike is in. No, it isn't. They aren't sure when they are going to get shipped . . . .

I already gave NBS $500 down. I am not happy at all with NBS at this point and am really regretting going with them. LBS was SO helpful, I'd rather wait until November and buy one from them. LBS would certainly make sure I had a demo to race until the new bike comes.

Question:
Would it be okay (not great, I know, but okay) to buy DD a new bike from NBS with some of the money I gave them down get my change whilst canceling my bike order?

[Roadtrip]

I'd say yes... If the bike hasn't shipped yet, I bet they could simply cancel the order through the manufacture if they didn't want it for store stock. Best to call and discuss with the NBS tho to be sure. Most deposits are refundable.

Shannon

[jessmarimba]

I'd say yes?

But I'll also throw out there that the missing bike isn't really their fault. Seems Salsa is notorious for not getting stuff made in time, or when other people get their bikes made, and for only having one model ready when they expected the entire next year's stock to be done. The shop may be trying to pacify you as best as they can (and cover for Salsa) when they really have no idea when they'll get it in.

Not saying you should keep the deposit on your bike and stick around waiting for a bike that won't show up. Definitely ok, at this point, to change your mind. They won't have any problem selling that bike once it ever shows up. And edit - yes, they should be able to do SOMETHING for you in the meantime, not just feign ignorance.

But as an analogy, you're dealing with a server covering for a disorganized kitchen, with no manager to step in and make things right.

[limewave]

But as an analogy, you're dealing with a server covering for a disorganized kitchen, with no manager to step in and make things right.

I kind of figured. That's why I thought I would like to buy DD's buy bike from them at least. And maybe even spend the rest of the deposit there on other bike stuff we need.

[limewave]

The call is made. I feel so much better. And dd will get her new bike!

[Bike Writer]

I believe that you are being gracious to spend money at a place where the service or communication is not as good as it should be. Request to cancel the order then follow your conscience about where/how to spend it.

[indysteel]

But I'll also throw out there that the missing bike isn't really their fault. Seems Salsa is notorious for not getting stuff made in time, or when other people get their bikes made, and for only having one model ready when they expected the entire next year's stock to be done. The shop may be trying to pacify you as best as they can (and cover for Salsa) when they really have no idea when they'll get it in.

I don't think it's just Salsa. I think most of the smaller manufacturers simply cannot afford to maintain a big inventory of bikes they may never be able to sell. As a result, customers end up having to wait a long time for their bikes to get delivered. When you factor in overseas production and shipment, it adds a lot of variables that are difficult to control.

That said, it sounded like your favorite shop was more forthright about that, while the second one arguably played dumb with the hope of getting the sale. Given the economy, I don't totally blame them, but I tend to think it's better to just be honest in an effort to manage customer expectations.

[zoom-zoom]

I don't think it's just Salsa. I think most of the smaller manufacturers simply cannot afford to maintain a big inventory of bikes they may never be able to sell. As a result, customers end up having to wait a long time for their bikes to get delivered. When you factor in overseas production and shipment, it adds a lot of variables that are difficult to control.

It's not even just the small manufacturers or the overseas component. After a 6 week wait for my Cannondale Synapse w/compact double our LBS asked if it were OK to switch to the triple, since Cdale actually had one in the warehouse ready to go (and they couldn't get a straight answer from Cdale re: ETA on the double). This was in Oct. or Nov., so it wasn't right at that sketchy time when model years are overlapping a bit. And it was one of the last Cdales still made in the US, too.

My wait for my SuperSix was almost nothing, since a 48 in a men's frame wasn't a hot-seller and Cdale had one ready to ship, so I think we had that in <1 week. Had it been the women's version of the same bike I'm guessing the wait would have been longer.

[limewave]

Just called the LBS, they have a 2012 Trek Superfly Elite (same as 2011 Paragon, the original bike I wanted) in stock in MY SIZE! RIGHT NOW!