Tales from the LBS.... When the day starts like this you KNOW your in trouble..

[shootingstar]

No, Tales from the LBS doesn't just entertain. They help us all but pointing out how easy it is to make a mistake, how not to be a consumer, and, well, in this case, why some days your LBS welcomes you with open arms and other days they all run to the back room when you open the door.

+1

I perceive Runningmommy as working hard for her customers/biz and trying to meet diverse needs, no matter how grumpy/rude some customers maybe.

The reality is owning a LBS as biz, will not make one terribly rich. While I understand why certain LBS may refuse to deal with wally bikes, it does repeatedly leave a distinctly negative impression on the customer who cannot be blamed particularily if person does not want/is unable financially to invest in a few extra hundred dollars for a better bike. Building a larger customer base is a long-term proposition if LBS wants to survive. Of course, it depends how LBS staff are trained in terms of customer service. It is something LBS manager should consciously teach their staff.

Cycling world does have a certain amount of jargon, some of it technical. Can I name all the parts of a bike? After all these cycling years, no. I just haven't made the effort (even though we have 1-2 bks.) I just have my dearie look at it or take it to LBS for repair.

Dislosure : One of my partner's business associates for his cycling facility consulting firm, is owner and manager of a local chain of several bike stores in the Vancouver area. They deal with all sorts of bikes.