Flow-Rider
Burner
It's just like any other business where you deal with the general public and I always loved the "my mate can do it for 1/2 that price" BS.
No name and shame, prob a good thing i suppose
- Thread starter pineapplehead
- Start date
Wasps' nest.
In most professions there are codes of ethics and legislature and such. Bicycles lack engineering Certs. or roadworties or indeed trade qualifications necessary to call oneself a " bicycle mechanic". Correct me if I am wrong. In most trades and professions these are prerequisites of license / insurance to trade. What I am saying is that we must be proactive in demanding legitimate professional service.
In most professions there are codes of ethics and legislature and such. Bicycles lack engineering Certs. or roadworties or indeed trade qualifications necessary to call oneself a " bicycle mechanic". Correct me if I am wrong. In most trades and professions these are prerequisites of license / insurance to trade. What I am saying is that we must be proactive in demanding legitimate professional service.
Ranting really now.
Having said my bit, I should add that for many years and many bikes I received fantastic, extra mile service from that dirt shop up north. Shop bikes and demos without question. And forgive the odd fuckwit from me. I still would, but geographically challenged. Be happy.
Having said my bit, I should add that for many years and many bikes I received fantastic, extra mile service from that dirt shop up north. Shop bikes and demos without question. And forgive the odd fuckwit from me. I still would, but geographically challenged. Be happy.
swaz
Likes Bikes and Dirt
I can see how that would piss you off, in the same situation it would piss me off too. I'm a teacher and the amount of people who think they can do it better/different or want to tell you how to do your job does my head in.
Is there anything that can be implemented to curb some of these issues though?
I've often thought how I would react if someone came to my job, took a look around, thought they could do better themselves or a mate could and then offered me $XX less an hour without putting in any effort or qualifications etc. Oh wait, parents do that ALL the time.
pink poodle
気が狂っている男
I've worked in some interesting and challenging customer service roles; retail, debt collecting, penalty appeals, hospitality, and so on...some people just aren't designed for a customer service role. It is poor management to facilitate it. If someone is technically brilliant and they can't be near customers, keep them away from customers or replace them. There is no excuse for poor service in an industry reliant on service.
When I've even plagued by arseholes (like Merc's talking about) i like to turn it into a game and entertain my colleagues. See just how far you can spin bullshit to the customer before they cotton on. You aren't likely to loose a sale over it anyway so have some fun. "You appear to be a gentlemen of refined tastes..." is always a good way to start such a facade.
When I've even plagued by arseholes (like Merc's talking about) i like to turn it into a game and entertain my colleagues. See just how far you can spin bullshit to the customer before they cotton on. You aren't likely to loose a sale over it anyway so have some fun. "You appear to be a gentlemen of refined tastes..." is always a good way to start such a facade.
The Duckmeister
Has a juicy midrange
Well are you going to go & set up Bke Mechanics courses in every TAFE college around the country? Unlike the common trades, bike courses, while they do exist, are extremely few & far between, so it's actually incredibly difficult to go & get the necessary certificate. Manufacturer-backed professional service training is also practically non-existent; SRAM are the only one I know of who do offer service education to bike industry workers.
maybe.
I realise I may come off sounding like a pompous wanker.
I am maybe one of those who should be kept from the public, and I am.
Please realise I am not trying to be a braggart, but to make a point about the providers to the recreation we love and wish to contribute to the development and safety of.
We have never advertised, have no signage, silent unlisted numbers, and I am an unrecognisable / unattractive knob.
I believe because we treat everyone with respect, and theirs' as our own.
In my twenties I met Dick Smith, in a very remote location. We spent couple hours.
He did not want an " audience ", or piss in my pocket about who or what he was.
He was genuinely interested in us, what we were up to, asked questions, was contagiously positive and vibrant. He offered help ( which we did not need ) and opened a door without conditions attached.
Hence he is " Dick Smith ".
Media often quotes him on providing service.
Imagine that !
I realise I may come off sounding like a pompous wanker.
I am maybe one of those who should be kept from the public, and I am.
Please realise I am not trying to be a braggart, but to make a point about the providers to the recreation we love and wish to contribute to the development and safety of.
We have never advertised, have no signage, silent unlisted numbers, and I am an unrecognisable / unattractive knob.
I believe because we treat everyone with respect, and theirs' as our own.
In my twenties I met Dick Smith, in a very remote location. We spent couple hours.
He did not want an " audience ", or piss in my pocket about who or what he was.
He was genuinely interested in us, what we were up to, asked questions, was contagiously positive and vibrant. He offered help ( which we did not need ) and opened a door without conditions attached.
Hence he is " Dick Smith ".
Media often quotes him on providing service.
Imagine that !
devils' advocate.
Some, myself included, to pursue our desired professions, travel interstate and internationally to gain relevant experience and qualifications. For years.
We also take on large personal debts to service these. For years.
If we accept a bar set so low, and excuses of it's too hard and my local TAFE won't help, ( which is a joke industry. research Vic and Qld. of late if you like ), do we condone the current poor state of affairs.
Personal and professional and business development requires sacrifice and hard work.
Feel free to tell me . . . . . . . . whatever.
At least it proves your passion and ownership for what you do.
You wish to develop and improve the legitimacy, compliance and safety of your industry. Kudos.
Demand better.
Some, myself included, to pursue our desired professions, travel interstate and internationally to gain relevant experience and qualifications. For years.
We also take on large personal debts to service these. For years.
If we accept a bar set so low, and excuses of it's too hard and my local TAFE won't help, ( which is a joke industry. research Vic and Qld. of late if you like ), do we condone the current poor state of affairs.
Personal and professional and business development requires sacrifice and hard work.
Feel free to tell me . . . . . . . . whatever.
At least it proves your passion and ownership for what you do.
You wish to develop and improve the legitimacy, compliance and safety of your industry. Kudos.
Demand better.
I know I'm being simplistic here but it sounds a little bit like that you're being nice to the arseholes and snapping at the normal customers!
dunndog
Eats Squid
The difference here is that these are isolated responses to isolated incidents, not a history and seeming policy on poor customer service and shoddy workmanship. We all cop attitude and shit at work, and without trying to belittle your situation, it can be over far bigger issues than a bike helmet or tyre tube.. if these tings get a bike shop employee so riled up I'd suggest a different line of work..
pineapplehead
Likes Dirt
No excuses for being a knob. It just means you're a dick.
Anyway, it's a free market and both and negative and positive reputations soon spread. It's quite interesting how one simple interaction with a salesperson can influence a person's opinion of a shop, regardless of their products or workmanship.
I'm a bit surprised at the extent of the reputation of the store mentioned at the start of this thread. (note, not surprised at the reputation (it's deserved), just the extent of it).