Let me say that when I was talking about the higher prices, I do not have a problem with them (within reason) if the following is true:
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They have the item in stock and have plenty on hand.
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It is current year product.
I have a problem paying full price for anything I have to special order. I don’t mind putting down a deposit, let alone pay for the whole thing. But part of the markup for a retail store is paying for the display/storage space that it is taking up in the store. With a special order situation, the display/storage is virtual. My complaint is that in more and more cases, the LBS carries less and less merchandise. They only carry a few bikes in a few sizes and some spare parts. But the great parts are almost always special order. This is why I get a bit miffed.
I paid full price for an entire Mavic Wintech with no questions. It was there, I did not have to wait for it, and it took up display space in their store. The shop employee was happy to help me. I happily gave up my money.
I do patronise one bike shop for almost everything. But I also do a bit of “secret shopping”, always so I can recommend bike shops for people in the area. The one that caused my rant on Monday was one I wouldn’t recommend.