ok so i’ve just been out to get hold of some brake bosses, fully expecting i’d need to order them. Match the result with the bike shop you’d expect to act that way

a) big LBS, very successful
b) LBS, not as successful,
c) large chain bike/car spares place (you know the one)

1) didn’t even look at me when i asked for the parts, said they’d have some maybe next week, didn’t take details to let me know.
2) said they didn’t have any, but went to look in their spares box, found some which were sadly the wrong size, apologised and said they might be able to order some and to phone later to find out
3) didn’t have any, told me they could get some next week, took my details and will call me back.

no prizes for the right answer, just a little game

A – 1
B – 3
C – 2

An i right, am i right?!?!?!

B – 1
C – 2
A – 3

a-1
b-2
c-3

lunge is right! Well done.

Bit annoying really. How does a company get successful with such poor service?

a 3
b 2
c 1

i had the same search for brake bosses last year,
and the big lbs (evans) were the most helpful,
they did a no. 2, ordered some in for me,
when i collected them found out they were the wrong size,
they looked out back took some off a pair of forks and charged me a couple of quid!!

most indie lbs all said they could order them in if i wanted.

never tried halfords,

i generally find the big lbs most helpful to be honest, lots of staff
never forcing the big sell

I tried to buy a new stem last week from a large, apparently successful bike shop (well with 31 shops in the UK I’d assumed that they were) and after waiting 15 minutes to be served in my local branch with 4 shop assistants and 3 customers walked out.

the big LBS gave me the worst service.