Trying to build a relationship with my LBS - is it bad that I returned a bike?

[jyyanks]

I bought a bike for my husband as a surprise. Since my son just learned to ride and my daughter already rides with me on weekends, I thought it would be a good idea to get a bike for my DH so that we could all go out together. Unfortunately, although he appreciated the gift, he basically said he would never ride it and wanted me to return it.

I was too embarrassed to return it to the bike shop because I just bought it last week and I'm trying to establish a relationship with this particular place. My husband doesn't understand the whole "build a relationship with your LBS" and he went down to the LBS and returned it. I tried to insist on merchandise credit but he wouldn't hear of it. I have lifetime tune-ups at this place - did I just shoot myself in the foot?

[tulip]

I don't know the folks at your LBS, but I wouldn't worry about it. You are the customer and they want you to be happy. Just as an aside, I've found that buying someone a bike without their interest and desire and involvement never works. A person should buy a bike because he or she wants to ride a bike, not because someone else wants them to. It was a nice thought, don't get me wrong, but it's not the first time this happened.

[Velocivixen]

No. I think you should return it and sooner than later. Did you ask about their return policy prior to purchasing the bike? do you know what the policy is? Don't wait. Things like this happen. I would show up there with the bike and paperwork, etc. and just say that you bought it as a surprise and it will never be ridden and has never been ridden. Say you're sorry and that "next time, I'll bring him in so he can pick out his own bike if he ever decides to get one". I'd maybe even buy something on your way out for the "inconvenience" (not that returning it is an inconvenience, but I hope you know what I mean). It was a good lesson, but it shouldn't be an expensive one. Take it back now. Don't think - just do. You can still build a relationship with them. Did you tell them as you were buying it that it was for your non cycling spouse?

Okay....put on a brave face and do it. No harm, no foul. Let us know what happens.

[tulip]

Her husband already returned it, or so I understood. I'm surprised they took it back, but maybe they had a good return policy.

[indysteel]

Well, what's done is done I suppose. If it were me, I would go to the shop and both apologize and thank them. Then move on. Throw whatever business their way that you can, but I wouldn't treat this as a deal breaker in terms of building a relationship with them.

[Velocivixen]

Thanks Tulip. You obviously read the post better than I did.

Glad you or your spouse returned it. Be a good customer buy going there for product and/or service as it's appropriate. You did the right thing.

[zoom-zoom]

Sounds like a good shop.

Cookies go a long way.

Or pizza.

Or beer.

[Catrin]

I take my LBS guys homemade cookies every once in awhile, and more rare, beer. Both are greatly appreciated!

[jyyanks]

Thanks for the support. My LBS has a great return policy. It is the largest bike shop in the area and they do tons of business. The salesperson knew that it was a surprise for my husband as I had mentioned it several times. The bike was never touched/ridden so they can still sell it as brand new. I'm just embarrassed because I made such a big deal about buying it and picking it up, only to have it returned a week later. Definitely will buy tother stuff from them but I still feel awkward.

Tulip - you are quite right - I really should have known better than to assume that my DH would be interested in something just because I am interested in it.
Oh well. Lesson learned. Thanks all!

[Juiceflight]

That's a different twist to the story. Usually it's the other way around with the husband buying the wife a bike with the hope that she'll ride. That's cool though, because when the husband buys the wife a really expensive bike and she doesn't ride it he then sells it a few months later to chicks like us who will ride it at a big discount. As long as he didn't take it for too many trial rides I'm sure the LBS is ok with and your relationship wont be damaged.