Help with a LBS situation

Triathlon Forum
1

I am really pumped about getting my new bike/and fitting from my LBS. Unfortunately for the second week in a row I need to cancel my appointment. I have had 2 last minute work situations causing me to travel on the days of my fitting. Both situations have been totally out of my control.

Being that my shop is smaller, I think the owner has scheduled an additional employee to staff the store while he spends his time with me doing the fitting, and riding the bikes. How should I handle the situation. I am 100% for sure going to buy my bike from him, but I feel shitty about having to cancel these appointments. Should I offer to pay for the fitting, even though he normally does it for free when you buy a bike from him? Any other ideas?

Or am I just being lame and expecting that it is a big deal to him, when in fact it may just be another day at the office?

2

First off, you are a fine man for even being this considerate.

Remember, as a retailer, our primary job is to cater to you- our customer (speaking in an industry sense).

That dictum goes all the way up the line. We are the pointy tip of the spear, and everyone else in the industry works for us.

And we work for you.

So, if you are kind enough to phone him and detail what you did here, he should be 100% amenable to rescheduling you at your convenience.

Rarely customers make unreasonable requests and must be diplomatically denied.

This is not one of those times. You are being most gracious about it. Your retailer should work with with his compliments as a fine customer.

4

Maybe just take a case of good beer with you when you go as a thank you. If it is like the LBSs around here the guys will be super stoked to get that and forget about you cancelling twice. I paid somone I have doing business with for a long time something extra recently without being asked for being late to an appointment I spaced. I know I didn’t need to but I believed the small gesture showed that I value her time and I take being late seriously. Not exactly the same sine I just checked out and you had legitimate reason but a small gesture goes a long way in my opinion

5

I think that beer idea pretty much hit the nail on head. Enough that it means something, not too much that hurts you. A little beer goes a long way towards saying I’m sorry.

The mechanic that cut my forktube down for the mountain bike I built up got himself a case a Fat Tire for his troubles.

6

don’t just take in a case…call ahead and ask what kind they like.

then. hand deliver a couple of your referrals to the shop, making a personal introduction. don’t just tell friends or whomever about the shop…go with them the first time and call ahead to make sure the owner is there when you arrive and is anticipating the visit.

i’m sure Tom will agree that referred business is huge and will more than make up for any shortfall from missed appointments.

7

Did you actually say this?

" I am really pumped"

breast enhancement or what?