Quote Originally Posted by Catriona View Post
Lots of people choose not to do business with friends because when things go wrong, they might no longer be friends. We also don't know if her friend at the LBS is a new friend or not.

My LBS shops are very expensive - and I'm not in a salary range where that's affordable to me, I can get things cheaper online or buying them used.
I'm a teacher, and a single mother, so I have to think about my purchases and even save for them. I sometimes find things used but I usually support my local lbs. They understand when you can't afford top of the line, and I've yet to see a shop that can't get bikes under $2,000, $1000 or even $500. If you order from a chain, purchase used, you need to factor in labor, parts and other stuff that you will have to pay eventually. Local lbs means better bikes, better service. The shop will also provide support on the bikes you purchase. Sometimes he throws in free labor, sometimes he gives me a great deal, and if I have a question about anything bikes, he responds to emails within the hour. Not sure what I would do if he went out of business due to lack of customer support. I really don't think I've saved anything any time I've purchased used and tried to do it myself. I usually wind up at a shop anyway. As it turns out, Dan is always right (and if you tell him Pyannyplayer, I'll deny it!) and knows what is best for ME. No trial and error.
You can't build a relationship with Craigslist.


As for doing business with friends, I agree it's not a good policy, but I wouldn't take my friend to help me with a purchase at a competing shop either.