The world’s fastest growing sport industry, the cycling industry, has a diverse customer base that supports it. The customers range from the old to the younger generations. The online marketplace is the greatest challenge for this industry and many others. Customers can compare prices and make purchases at the click a button without realizing what’s behind their screens.
We don’t want to tell anyone why they shouldn’t shop online. However, we are here to let them know that it is here to stay. Even if you shop only occasionally, we will still tell you why you should support your local store. You can just share the love with them because they will be solving all of your problems.
Bike shop Benefits
Friends
There are many benefits to shopping at your local shop. But the most important is building a strong customer/staff relationship. A bike shop will always try to help you if you are a regular customer. You can simply show your face in the shop to take a look around and the staff will soon notice you’re a regular. Conversations will flow and you’ll see them go out of their way for you.
Technical Assistance
Unless you work in a bike shop or are a fully qualified home mechanic, you occasionally need your local shop to help you out. Whether it’s a bent wheel or a blown rear shock, your local bike shop can and will get it done. They will take care of the entire process:
Dealing directly and directly with the manufacturer/product supplier
Procedural steps to resolve a warranty or repair claim
Arrange delivery of replacement parts/items
Fitting the parts to your bicycle
Although you could do it yourself via an online megastore, there are obvious delays and additional work involved.
The best part is that if the above doesn’t solve the problem, your local shop will continue to fix it. It’s their problem and not yours.
Community
It’s the feeling of belonging that makes being a regular at your local bike shop Edinburgh so enjoyable. While perusing a magazine, you’ll likely meet customers and have the opportunity to talk with them about their bikes. Or perhaps have an informal conversation about a weekend ride. You have everything you need. It’s all you need to do is just walk in and enjoy it!
You might consider joining your local shop’s ride. They probably already have one. This is just a chance for customers to meet staff and ride bikes. The obligatory coffee stop is followed by the start of the shift for the staff at the bike shop. It’s not about saving money on tires but being part of the cycling community.
The main reason to shop online is to save money. There is no other benefit. Some people like to have stuff delivered to their front doors, even if they’re not home to sign for it.
Visit your local shop for that warm fuzzy feeling. There are many items to touch and look at – 90% of them you will never buy. Ask someone who rides a bike for their opinion. If you’re interested, you can either learn from the staff or take a crash class in basic bike mechanics. These are all available if you’re interested. You can get real people’s help through face-to-face interactions.
An interaction that leads friendships and riding buddies over the weekend. A friendship that allows you to walk out of the door with a smile and a bottle or chain lubricant.
It’s that easy to support your local bicycle shop. Go get it if you want. Enjoy the experience that they offer.
If you’d rather click on some deals than experience the actual experience, we’ll meet you in cyberspace.