cpical wrote:HAKS wrote:jcjordan wrote:I have some serious concerns with this model of response to the problems face by the Australian Bicycle industry by internet sales.
Let’s consider where this will leave the LBS, if customers can purchase online from this new website at similar prices to O/S how does this help. The LBS is still not able to compete so has no incentive to do so. The result will most likely mean that they will just not stock anything that is for sale, or if they do it will be at a premium (i.e. if you want it quick then it will cost you extra).
It actually encourages shops to drop stock and move to a repair only model.
IMO I think they are already doing that with the prices they charge. Whether this is controlled by the importer/distributor or the LBS is another matter all together, but pretty much everything is already stupendously overpriced. The number of ppl on this forum that say they only ever use a LBS for service/repair highlights this fact. Therefore if an AUS online retailer can charge me the same as a UK store yet get it to me in 2days and offer a efficient warranty service why would I ever use a LBS unless it was an emergency? I'm already happy to wait 7days for goods from the other side of the world, 2days from a city a few hundred KM down the highway will be great
. Of course what they stock and the prices are yet to be seen but i'll be keeping an eye on them for sure.
2c
I still buy at LBS, but have been taken for rides more than once. Charging $20 (incl a $5 discount as a good customer, ie 3 bikes bought in that specific LBS) for 3 tyre levers + sticky patches, then $120 for 2 gatorskins, well, I am really not too happy. Last time, I was looking for a Campy cable set (gears + brakes) w/o casings. No, they don't have that. They call another of their shops. No problem, go there, they have that in stock. Get there. They look for the cables for a good 15 min. They only have a set with casings. "I will see if I can make you a good price for that". $80 !!! No thanks! That was my last visit to this LBS!
This really does support my point. If the LBS is not able, or willing, to stock products then we are always going to be waiting a period of time.
Using the cables as an example:
Most suppliers only give 30 days to pay off an invoice. This means that for the best pricing the shop needs to sell the items before this day, otherwise they either:
• incur penalties in terms of interest or an inability to purchase more stock till the invoice is paid; or
• have to hold a large amount of resources tied up in stock which is not making money and prevents them for ordering more stock.
This means that if they are to best utilise resources they can only hold limited range of items which are not high turnover.
This will impact on our ability to touch and feel prior to purchase. I think this will impact on the new rider more than anyone else. For example, look at how much difference between the different shoe manufactures. Using myself as an example, I recent purchased a new pair of Bonts, having been a Shimano user for years (never again, but that’s another story). I know what size I am and could happly purchase online, but as it turns out I need a different size in Bonts. New riders, or just someone changing manufactures, which do not have the option to try on will have problem which can potentially put them off riding.