Rivetts in Receivership

Originally Posted by shop_addict

Yes, you are right, and I sincerely apologise for raising my hackles by quoting a post of yours.

It is just that every day, every single day, people like me are trying their best to just make a living, not a fortune, just a living, just trying to survive. The UK motorbike industry in made up mainly of lots of very small businesses.

For every lovely person I meet (and fortunately, there are a lot of lovely people out there) that values the extra customer service they get, there is at least one more that will come in, take up my time (hours of my time on ocassions), and then tell me, "Thanks for all the help, now I'm going to see if I can buy it cheaper online". It happens, a lot. I'm not sure what the textbook reply from me is supposed to be - "Cool, no problem, I'm just here for your convenience, I don't have to make any money to survive" - that would not win me return custom, so I just have to take it on the chin.

If folks intend to come in my shop, try stuff on, then buy on ebay, fair enough, there is no-way I can predict/spot them, and nothing I can do about it. But it is absolutely heartbreaking when some customers seem to treat folks like me as some some of charity-come-agony-aunt who can spend ages advising then be expected to tell them where to buy stuff cheaper than I can provide.

I cannot in the long term compete purely on price with an internet seller with a large shed, no rent, no rates, etc. But that internet seller may not be there when you wash your helmet cheeekpads and cannot get them back in. When you can't get your visor to seal and need a hand in fixing it. When you need fitting for a suitable back protector/helmet/racesuit/<add any other item here>.

No offense meant at you Che, but for anyone reading - when the drive for 'lowest price only' overtakes any customer service/personal convenience that you appreciate, don't mourn it the loss, it'll be too late.

This is not just about motorbike gear, it's about much more than that.

Jo

Strong words there Jo. It has given me quite a persepective to look at it from. Not so sure it is enough for me to spend an extra £100 on a set of leathers that I could get that much cheaper online, but I can most certaintly see your point of view.