Working in my LBS

[stacie]

Years ago I took my hobby of spinning and made it a job. For the last 10 years I have been teaching and then running a very successful spin program. I teach a national certifcation as well. I've done about all I can do in spinning and I'm bored honestly. So, I have an opportunity to work a couple of days a week in my LBS. I'm a little worried because it is such a joy to go in there. I really don't want to end up not loving my LBS as much.
I think I would do great with beginners and moderate cyclists. I don't expect hard core racers to buy from me, but do you have any thoughts on how they might respond to a woman working in their shop. I'm not worried about getting my feelings hurt. I just don't want this not to be fun. Anyone have experience or thoughts?
This shop is very well respected and all the guys have alot of experience. I would definitely bring a softer side to the shop.

[spokewench]

Remember all of your customers are not all men! The shop I always go to makes sure they hire at least one woman all the time so that the ladies coming in have someone they can relate to (especially if they are uncomfortable talking to guys).

You will be a great addition to the store for that reason and if you make yourself knowledgeable about the merchandise you cannot go wrong with the guys either. Your a natural fit!

spoke

[mimitabby]

Remember, everyone isn't coming into the shop for something really technical. they might just want to know where the bike bells are!
I think you can do a lot for your community as a woman working in a bike shop!

[stella]

Stacy,

I've worked for 3 shops over the years and recieved a job offer from a 4th.

here's my experience (for what it is worth) 2 of the shop experiences were excellent! I had a lot of fun doing my job and I learned a lot. The guys I worked with were great--the women customers felt more comfortable talking to me about certain things (i.e.: saddle issues). Sometimes the other guys would call me over if there was woman looking at a bike and she wanted a different opinion. Neither shop was into the "hard sell." Both were focussed on customer service and not pressuring sales of certain bikes.
One shop has since closed (not because of bad business but because the owner wanted to go back to a 9-5 existence to be with his family), the other shop is still around and I still shop in the other store.

One shop was a negative experience...but, I never shopped there all that much before and I haven't since. It was one of those "trust your gut" situations. Instead: I ignored my gut. Oh well, lesson learned.

With your experience and enthusiasm...you sound like a good fit. Work hard and have fun!

[sbctwin]

I think you would be a valuable asset to your LBS. I would much prefer to talk to a woman about purchasing bikes, bike accessories, etc from a woman than a man. As far as burnout, most jobs can become "routine" and can become "boring". I don't have an answer for that. But I hope you do take the opportunity and inspire other women about the joy of riding.

[Deanna]

Not only would it be more comfortable for some women to shop with you, I can tell you from experience in retail, if a man is shopping for a female significant others, he's going to go straight to you for opinions and advice. You'll find you are "about the same size" as a lot of the women these men are shopping for.

[stacie]

thanks everyone. I stopped by and talked to them again yesterday and I think it will be fun. They are willing to be so flexible with my schedule that I can really just ease into this. I really like these guys and don't want to lose the fun of stopping by the shop.

[bike4ever]

It is definitely a joy to work in a bike shop. I have been in three over the years. Right now, I am actually the floor manager. One issue to keep in mind is male customers dealing with a female. I still have men that come into our shop and directly ask me is there someone that can answer a question about my bike. As they ask me this, they are looking around for another employee.

I had my women's cycling seminar this past Friday. I had a terrific turnout. One woman came up to me and said that she now only shops in St. Louis bike shops where a woman is employed. Even though we have many shops here, only three have women working in them.

Good luck with the job - it is definitely a joy to go off to work when you enjoy what you are doing!