The cycling industry is one the fastest-growing sports industries and has an ever-evolving customer base. Customers range from the elderly to the young and the inexperienced. This and other industries face the biggest challenge: the online marketplace, where customers can compare prices and purchase at the click of an button. They don’t realize what’s happening behind their screens.
We are not going to tell you why online shopping is bad. But, we do know that it will continue to be a popular option. We will tell you why your local shop is important, even if you only visit it occasionally. Share the love, because they are the ones who will solve all your problems.
Bike Shop Benefits
Friends
Shopping at your local bicycle shop has many benefits. The greatest benefit is a good customer/staff relationship. You will be a frequent customer of a bike shop and the staff will always help you. The shop will quickly notice that you are a regular customer by simply showing up at the shop and looking around. You’ll soon find them chatting and going the extra mile to take care of you.
Technical Support
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:
Direct contact with the manufacturer/product supplier
Repair or warranty claims can be processed
Arrange delivery of replacement parts/items
Installing the parts on your bike
This could be done online, but it is more time-consuming and costly.
It’s not your problem anymore, but your local store will fix it.
Community
Being a regular customer at your local bike shop is the best thing about it. It’s not uncommon to meet other customers as you browse a magazine or have a conversation about a spontaneous ride. All of it is waiting for you. You just need to walk in and take it all in.
Join your local shop ride, they likely have one. Customers can ride along with staff to talk about bikes. After the ride, there is usually a coffee stop before staff head off to their shifts. It’s all about being part and parcel of the cycling community.
Shopping online is all about saving money. There are no other benefits. Some people enjoy getting stuff delivered right to their door.
The best way to get that warm fuzzy feeling is to visit your local shop. There is so much to see and touch, 90% of which you won’t even purchase. Talk to someone who has actually ridden a bike to get their opinions. If you are interested, you can ask the staff for help or take a crash course on basic bike mechanics. If you are interested in these things, there is plenty of information available. Real people have many things to offer in a face-toface conversation.
A friendship that leads to riding buddies and friends on the weekends. A conversation that leaves you with a smile on the face and a bottle chain lubricant in your hand.
This is all you need to do to support your local bike shop Edinburgh. Enjoy the experience they provide!
We’ll be there in cyberspace if you prefer to click on deals and skip the experience.