Re: New Shimano discount parts


Mike Jacoubowsky wrote:
Well, altho on Pearl St, we are not paying high rent. We are a retail
based place with 4 very experienced wrenchs that don't come cheap(80+
years of experience total). We keep parts on hand for the service we
need. If somebody comes in and needs a new RD, I cannot call him and
tell him to pick one up. Our model is Hoshi motors in Boulder, service
of Honda/Acura only and Swedish motors(Volvo) and east of Sweden(Saab)
and Verner's(aircooled VW). These places need a level palying field
when they get parts. If you go into Pep boys, you don't find cheap
alternators, from Saab or water pumps fgor Hondas for less money. Price
fixing schemes are in your imagination and don't reflect the bike shop
model or any other repair model.

Do you suppose he's young and idealistic, or are we just old and beaten into
the ground? :>)

Doesn't matter, I refuse to act my age. I'm still in my very-late-30s. This
over-50 nonsense is for someone else, not me.

--Mike Jacoubowsky

Hear!hear!......I ride more than the huge majority of my customers and
as much as most who do nothing but ride. maybe not as fast or as far
but 12-15 hours per week...

I think Ozark(kinda like talking about him while he stands there) is
the epitome of 'helpin' out the little guy, not trying to be greedy,
just keepin' everybody happy-type shop. Bike shops need to be allowed
to make a profit to keep the lights on and to keep good people
employed....about 35% margin in any retail place. If not, the 'good,
knowledgable' people will be ....gone.
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

"Qui si parla Campagnolo" <peter@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1144847068.557830.324310@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ozark Bicycle wrote:
Qui si parla Campagnolo wrote:

<snipped>

-fallout from the discussion of Shimano's restrictive trade policies-

Is 'Ozark bicycle' a bike shop?

I run a one-man service, maintainence and repair shop. I'm not a
retailer. I only stock repair/service parts (bearings, axles, spokes,
cable, chains, etc.). I do make small buys of components when a
really
hot price comes along. Other than that, I welcome folks to bring
their
own stuff for installation, or I will order what is needed and supply
it at a cost+shipping+10% price structure.

Then get back to me when you are doing something other than out of your
garage for 'fun'.

Is that what I'm doing, Peter? Or is my business based on a different
model than yours? My model is akin to an "Automotive General Repair"
business, while the traditional LBS is more akin to a car dealership.
No, I don't have an expensive location with a customer waiting area.
But I don't have a big overhead, either. Nor do I carry a big inventory
from month to month.. These things help to keep my prices low, which
benefits the customer.

IMO, the bike biz scene is in for some big changes. I think more and
more people will source their goods, including complete bikes, from the
internet. The typical LBS (and let's note right now I *am not*
including your shop here) with lame-to-"so-so" service and high prices
is going to go the way of the dinosaur. The survivors will be the big,
perhaps multi-location, shops devoted mostly to one or two of the big,
highly promoted brands not available on the internet and the small
shops that offer exceptional knowledge and service.

If your business model needs price fixing schemes to be successful,
maybe you should re-examine it. For example, do you really need a
retail storefront in DT Boulder? Or will people seek you out even if
you're in a less prime, less expensive location? (FWIW, I think they
would)

Well, altho on Pearl St, we are not paying high rent. We are a retail
based place with 4 very experienced wrenchs that don't come cheap(80+
years of experience total). We keep parts on hand for the service we
need. If somebody comes in and needs a new RD, I cannot call him and
tell him to pick one up. Our model is Hoshi motors in Boulder, service
of Honda/Acura only and Swedish motors(Volvo) and east of Sweden(Saab)
and Verner's(aircooled VW). These places need a level palying field
when they get parts. If you go into Pep boys, you don't find cheap
alternators, from Saab or water pumps fgor Hondas for less money. Price
fixing schemes are in your imagination and don't reflect the bike shop
model or any other repair model.

And please, don't take offense at any of this; I really do admire the
way you seem to do things.


.

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