RogueMechanic

The IBD of the future.

I've had this idea about what I think IBD's (Independent Bicycle Dealers) will have to do to change or adapt to the changes that we've seen in retail.  This is sort of an evolution forced on by many things, the internet being one of them, but not the only one.  This model pertains more to shops selling upper end products rather than $399.99 hybrids and recreational mountain bikes.  I've wanted to write this for quite some time, so here goes...

Overview:

This "shop" will be located in an office condo complex of some type.  Really, anyplace that's not in a retail strip.  There's no need to pay retail space prices.  Walk-by traffic is not important and not really an issue.

Business hours will be 12-8pm with an emphasis on appointments and one-on one focused service.

Frames and complete bikes will be displayed on the distributors/importers/manufactures own dime.  That is, no more "preseason guessing".... I mean ordering.  Less front loading and more vendor based inventory.  This is a win-win situation for all involved.  More on this later...

Networking and coordinating with other businesses that are the best in their own specialty.  For example, bike fitting, coaches, mechanic, bike vacation travel agent, etc.  Not being a jack-of-all-trades and master of none.

A strong backroom internet presence in the form of an online store that has a narrow focus of products offered that targets specifically their market.  Convenience is the key.

Finally, a professional and polished appearance and approach.  As much as shops don't think that image is important, the bottom line is that it is.  "Alternative" appearances just don't cut it and quite frankly doesn't exude a level of professionalism to the buyer of a Seven, Moots, or a Colnago.

That's for now.  It's just a taste.  I will expound on this in future posts.  And as always, I welcome your comments.  Thanks for reading. 

Specialized the next Trek?

IS Specialized going to be the next Trek?  What I've seen and heard of them lately is very similar to how Trek was in the mid 90's up until the last couple of years.  Innovative, efficient, top notch customer service which includes warranty issues, etc.  It seems like Specialized is picking off disgruntled Trek dealers left and right.  And from what I'm hearing, Trek is shrinking their dealer base, not maintaining it.  This might be a good thing for Trek to do, but some decisions and positions that they have made in the recent past makes me wonder... But hey, I'm not the one in Waterloo getting payed the big iron to make these decisions.  Only time will tell if they're the right ones.  I can say this at least, I have since taken off my Trek oclv Blinders and put down my Trek mug of kool aid...  They still do make a damn good bike though...

Most people have to make bank...

I have a burning question that has to do with business hours.  It's more common than not that I see shops closing at 5pm or 6pm Monday thru Thursday.  This leaves me scratching my head asking myself, "why?" and "what are they thinking?".  Let me explain...

Most people who have discretionary income work during normal business hours.  Most people have to commute to and from work.  Most people want to get home or somewhere to eat after work, and finally, most athletes who work would probably like/want to get a ride or workout in after work.  When shops close at 5-6pm, where does that leave them?  I think you get my drift.  Maybe someone can help me out with this.

Revolutionary...or something...

I saw a sign while at Chipotle Saturday that read, "Unfortunately, doing the right thing IS revolutionary."  I said to myself, damn...that's good, and right on the nose. 

When I hatched this RogueMechanic deal, I thought that my "Welcome to the Revolution" was cool.  And yes, it was before the Chevy "Revolution" ad campaign... Now I think that the "Revolution" thing in promotional statement has lost it's punch of a year or so ago. That's why I have dropped using it in the recent past.  That and it kind of has a negative/dark perception that just isn't me.  But after seeing the above mentioned tag line while while waiting in line for my burrito, I might have to reconsider (at least for this post!).

I was and still am in the process of "revolting" against this industry's apparent lack of professionalism and high level of service that the consumer of higher quality bikes deserved.  My goal was and to this day still is to bring a new higher level of service that is unprecedented.  That's was my idea of being "revolutionary".  Having integrity, being honest, sincere, trustworthy, and professional.....essentially, doing the right thing.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  So, I guess if I'm doing the right thing, I am revolutionary... Thanks for reading.  -John