LBS etiquette, commissions etc...

[goldfinch]

My bet is on the 44cm too and I think salesman #2 is doing a better job for you. No need for guilt. You might have even dodged a bullet.

[indysteel]

My bet is on the 44cm too and I think salesman #2 is doing a better job for you. No need for guilt. You might have even dodged a bullet.

+1. I'm 5'4 and ride a 48/50.

[jobob]

I agree with Indy, goldfinch & zoom-zoom. You did fine, no worries.

Here's hoping that the Ruby turns out to be The One!

(ETA: but if it isn't, don't guilt-trip yourself into buying it!)

[Koronin]

I didn't know LBS's can commission based. The one we had where we used to live wasn't, the two local ones aren't, and the one in Wilmington and the three in Raleigh we go to aren't (although two of the three in the Raleigh area are Preformance).

It also sounds to me like the 2nd salesperson was the better sales person.

I'm 5'0 as well (shorter inseam) and would ride a 44cm Specialized.

[jyyanks]

Thanks All! You're right - I really feel like Salesperson 2 was more concerned about how I felt on the bike than Salesperson 1 and I like him better.

Nevertheless, out of courtesy, I emailed Salesperson 1 and told him that I placed an order with Salesperson 2. He did spend some time with me and had been following up and I felt like I should let him know. I'll let them decide who wants to call me when the bikes arrive. What matters is that I will now have 2 bikes to test out.

Thanks for easing my mind.

[Kiwi Stoker]

It would be pretty rare for commissions in bike stores. That said my sister worked part time for a homewares store and yes, sales people were judged by the sales rung up under their code (check for this on the receipt).

The manager and full time staff member would often "jump in" on my sister's sales when she was on the till just to imput her code, esepcially if it was a large sale.

I'd say getting a bike in to try no obligation is a very good thing.

[Artista]

I have very strong feelings on this subject as an employer who pays commission to the sales people in my store. Customers should never be concerned about commission. That's an internal thing. The bottom line is that customers are buying merchandise from the store, not the sales person. If the employees value their jobs, (especially in this economy), they'll all work together to ensure the best customer service which will lead to the most sales which helps ensure that their employer stays in business which ensures that the sales people can stay employed and ensures that customers have a place to return to for service and future purchases. A customer's job is to enjoy their purchases, NOT worry about who gets commission on what they buy!

[macski]

I agree with the others who have said that you got better service from SP2 - he tried much harder to make sure that you got the right size. But I understand how it feels when you like someone and they've spent time with you and you want to reward that effort by buying from them. So reward SP2 because he did a better job.

And for what it's worth, I think the 44 will be the better size for you. I'm 5' 5" and I have a 48 Cannondale. I ride a 51 in Specialized.

[Seajay]

Customers should never be concerned about commission.

+1. I'm glad you found someone that is taking the time to get bikes in for you to try and you seem to have a good feeling about.

Buy from who YOU WANT to work with. Don't worry about the rest. The very fact that you are even sensitive to it makes you an A+ customer.

If this shop is good enough to have two people you would consider buying from...it sounds like you've made a good choice.