Bike shop scratched the hell out of my bike

[Greennoodle]

Hi all,

This is not a post to flame a shop but I took a new Mercian into a well known bike shop in Sydney at the weekend and after picking it up today I notice that not only did they let me walk out the shop without my rear light but they've chipped the hell out of the paintwork round the top of the seat tube. That's after lifting me for $300 in repairs.

Anyone experienced anything similar? Do I have any comeback or do I just have to wear it?

Cheers

[damhooligan]

Hi all,

This is not a post to flame a shop but I took a new Mercian into a well known bike shop in Sydney at the weekend and after picking it up today I notice that not only did they let me walk out the shop without my rear light but they've chipped the hell out of the paintwork round the top of the seat tube. That's after lifting me for $300 in repairs.

Anyone experienced anything similar? Do I have any comeback or do I just have to wear it?

Cheers

Is the bike old or new ?

I can't think of any maintenance repairs that would chip the top of the seat tube.
Is it possible it was there before ?, but you didnt see it ?

If it is something they did, it would be hard to prove.
But even without prove, I would not accept it.
At least go back and confront them.
See how they react, and take it from there.

[sunho]

I've taken my roadie to a LBS for a general service, bike came back good but I did notice small scratches on the frame, probably from rubbing up against other bikes or something...

Of course I want my frame in top nick and I wanted to say something but I thought about what they were going to do about it (nothing) and so I left it.

Just won't be servicing my bike from them ever.

It's a shame to hear of your damage. Maybe seek compensation?

[biker jk]

I do all me bike servicing but a good habit to get into if using bike shops is to thoroughly check the bike over when you pick it up. That's the time to notice and confront the shop if they have damaged the bike.

[AUbicycles]

A tough one.

If you don't say anything, they will never know - especially when you don't return.
If they are responsible it is reasonable to be able to say something.
You don't want to create a larger problem and have a backlash.
Actually fixing the problem properly is an unreasonable time and cost investment.

Best case is when picking up the bike discussing it there, and hopefully the staff are reasonable and are resolution orientated.
Otherwise give them a call (before you drop in) and have a chat - Try and be positive rather than aggressive - and it would help to think about some of the possible solutions that would make you a satisfied customer - could be easier to suggest solutions rather than put them on the spot where they may become defensive.

[Greennoodle]

Great answer AUBicycles, thanks. As it happens I did exactly what you suggest and they denied all knowledge.

At least I got it off my chest and could feel proud of myself for not swearing though!

[geoffs]

What the mechanic has done is used a Park type seatpost clamp on the seat tube instead of the seatpost which is where it's supposed to be clamped