Online vs Brick 'n Mortar...

[JimWilliamson]

This Prager University vid came across my desk - appropriate for the thread:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTSQOEEQUps
Prager University: Everyday Ethics: Consumer Rights... and Wrongs



An interesting twist near the vid's end too...

[Sport-Touring]

[ConPilot1]

Colleen, this is what you need (there are other sizes):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Obsolete-Ex-Police-Hi-Viz-Breathable-Jacket-Large-42-/310261486795?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item483d0694cb

I almost bought one of those out of the UK last year but the shipping was going to be almost as much as the jacket cost.  

[RRdvark]

I think I've shared this before, but there are a couple local skate shops (think hockey) that will not let you try on skates without a $25 deposit.  Too many people were coming in and trying on their skates then ordering them online.  Skates are roughly equal to helmets in regards to sizing (CCM skates fit fat feet, Bauer skates fit narrow feet) and pricing ($100 to $600+).  I would guess it's only a matter of time until we see some bike shops start doing the same.

There is also a process called "baking" for skates that molds them to an individual's feet better.  I think most skate shops are charging big $$ to do it if you didn't buy the skates from them.  Similar situation to mounting and balancing tires at the bike shop.

[falconati]

I think I've shared this before, but there are a couple local skate shops (think hockey) that will not let you try on skates without a $25 deposit.  Too many people were coming in and trying on their skates then ordering them online.  Skates are roughly equal to helmets in regards to sizing (CCM skates fit fat feet, Bauer skates fit narrow feet) and pricing ($100 to $600+).  I would guess it's only a matter of time until we see some bike shops start doing the same.

There is also a process called "baking" for skates that molds them to an individual's feet better.  I think most skate shops are charging big $$ to do it if you didn't buy the skates from them.  Similar situation to mounting and balancing tires at the bike shop.

That's a really interesting comparison, thanks.

[bomber]

I think I've shared this before, but there are a couple local skate shops (think hockey) that will not let you try on skates without a $25 deposit.  Too many people were coming in and trying on their skates then ordering them online.  Skates are roughly equal to helmets in regards to sizing (CCM skates fit fat feet, Bauer skates fit narrow feet) and pricing ($100 to $600+).  I would guess it's only a matter of time until we see some bike shops start doing the same.

There is also a process called "baking" for skates that molds them to an individual's feet better.  I think most skate shops are charging big $$ to do it if you didn't buy the skates from them.  Similar situation to mounting and balancing tires at the bike shop.

This IS interesting -- fact is, brick and motor stores are simply going to have to offer something perceived as valuable that on-line retailers can't/won't. Their mere presence may be sufficed when most of their customers came up before online merchants existed, but those days are past.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Follow up...

I picked up the vest after work yesterday   I'm impressed with the vest itself and will do a gear review shortly. The guy at the shop was very attentive as to if I liked it and if it fit ok and was I happy. Good customer service  - even if I was the only one in the shop because of the nasty rain outside  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I think I've shared this before, but there are a couple local skate shops (think hockey) that will not let you try on skates without a $25 deposit.  Too many people were coming in and trying on their skates then ordering them online...

I heard this exactly same conversation in the locker room after hockey practice last night. One of the ladies wanted a new piece of gear and had gone to a store to check it out. She tried it on, but didn't buy it because she was going to see if she could find it cheaper online  

[Papa Lazarou]

if I can, I will always buy from a shop.

Some things must NEVER be bought off the interweeb-like crash hats, gloves, etc

[maddjack]

I wanted a reflective vest to wear over my gear during the dark, dreary New Jersey winter. I went to a local shop (Hanover Motorsports) to see what they had in stock. They have a small but amazingly well-stocked store, but still only carried one type of vest, and not one that interested me. They offered to order in whatever I wanted, but I had some research to do.

That night I went to our online friends at NewEnough and scouted around what they had to offer. These guys are good and gave me the full pictures and descriptions that I needed. In a display of "reverse discrimination", I didn't buy from them. Instead, I took the information back to the local store and asked them if they could order it for me and match the price. The guy behind the counter said "I'll do even better than that" and cut me a deal. The vest would have cost me $69.95 + shipping from NewEnough, but the local shop charged me under $60 (final cost). Granted, I'll have to come back next week and pick it up, but they're a good shop and not too far out of the way, so it's no big deal.

So for those who claim that they want to support their local stores but want online pricing, go ahead and ask your local store to work with you  

My answer to you....

Support the locals first, esp if they are a good out fit. Well done!!!

[ScottysB12]

Beyond that, I can easily see a regional service center/mailorder house as being the way of the future. Ride your bike to a gigantic warehouse, get your bike serviced, browse the internet and take a few new things home with you on the spot. Little "boutique" dealers like we see today just can't compete with that.

Kinda like Walmart...for motorcycles

[cole]

I just bought my daughter new dirt riding pants,gloves and shirt. She really liked what we found so I just bought but was thinking it would be cheaper online  . So I go home and research and I actually saved about $10. So yes it is nice to support local shops. One side note they really do need to offer better prices on tires but gear wise the shops seem to realize once a customer leaves they are not coming back for that purchase.

[soonerstan56]

Boots and helmets are the only items I will not buy online,if I cannot try these two items on and wear at the time of purchase I'll pass.

Stan

[chornbe]

I just bought my daughter new dirt riding pants,gloves and shirt. She really liked what we found so I just bought but was thinking it would be cheaper online  . So I go home and research and I actually saved about $10. So yes it is nice to support local shops. One side note they really do need to offer better prices on tires but gear wise the shops seem to realize once a customer leaves they are not coming back for that purchase.

Tires are a warehousing and inventory nightmare.

I hate that they charge so much in stores, but I get it.

I buy them online.

[stevent]

The trouble is most of the gear I use isn't available in stores like my 'stitch, Lee Parks gloves and my work boots, all Made in USA. If I can buy local I will but I'm not spending money for the Chinese shit that most shops carry if I can avoid it.