Can anyone tell me why bike shops only open for half a day on Sunday?

**Big Dave** · 23rd February 2010, 13:28

OK - Doesn't make any difference to my comments though.

**DEATH_INC.** · 23rd February 2010, 13:36

Originally Posted by merv

Way back then as I mentioned you are missing the fact they were open late night on Friday, at least they were in Napier where I was until the early 70's. Denill from this site ran the Honda shop then and me and my Bro's did the customary swing by his place and Jack Burns on Fridays. It resulted in a number of sales to our family at the time and that was also when we'd get our parts & accessories.

Then sure we saved the weekend for riding and I'm still happy with that.

Me, I'm not wanting 24/7, I just want some time where we can overlap. The hours mentioned in ChCh are coming close but I'm saying 7pm at least on one week night would suit me - 6pm is still a bit early.

Mmm, ok, but he stays open late friday, so the next guy does too, then your boss has you staying open too.......so where does this get us????

**Brian d marge** · 23rd February 2010, 13:38

I might also add that I think the traditional bike shop business model has had its day. Times have changes and the bikes are A, Commodities B, Reliable ( what are Honda's now first service at 24 000 km? My BSA Bantam was every 24 min )

I don't know what a new business model would be , but off the top of my head I would say full on service and entertainment. ( try big screen MOTOGP and refreshments , or a few beers and Ill drop off your bike in my van, Just a thought )

Also i would encourage the purchase from the Internet , Come in and ask, I have the knowledge to help you purchase the part , I can also install it for you ( swings and roundabouts here )

in other words your local friendly bike shop here for you. ( oh and one of the boys will be in Akaroa if you need us )

Honestly I dont know but if it was ( and I have been in the game long enough ) my shop thats what I would do

Stephen

ps Im over forty but sometimes forget things ,,and my hearing aid is getting repaired

**IdunBrokdItAgin** · 23rd February 2010, 13:38

Hmmm, seems like a good old fashioned hijacking to me (especially the weird long post /spam from the encyclopedia britannica - learn some forum ettiquete that man).

How's about I ask the mods to change the title to "Dynos - godly miracles or the devils tool?"

**Pedrostt500** · 23rd February 2010, 13:43

Originally Posted by wild_weston

Hmmm, seems like a good old fashioned hijacking to me (especially the weird long post /spam from the encyclopeida britannica - learn some forum ettiquete that man).

How's about I ask the mods to change the title to "Dynos - godly miracles or the devils tool?"

Nah Can't be the Devils tools Cause I don't use one at work.

**DEATH_INC.** · 23rd February 2010, 13:49

Just another bit to add, in the car tyre industry not too long ago firestone tried a 24-7 store because they thought the same thing as you guys, but it didn't last long, strangely cost them waaaayyyyy more than they made.....

**Crasherfromwayback** · 23rd February 2010, 13:52

Originally Posted by imdying

Likewise... horsepower isn't some mythical thing, it's an actual measure of work, that it would be usual for a device designed to measure it to be calibrated closely (environmental factors aside) to give accurate figures isn't really that much to ask

Tell you what I do know...the very same guys that have built race bikes (more often than not the FASTEST racebikes in NZ) for riders like Bob Toomey, Robert Holden, the Hiscock Bros to name a few...run our dyno operations to this day. So if you're better than them...or have better credentials than them...I'll buy you a carton of beer of your choice. If not...I suggest you get back together with Dipshit.

**mynameis** · 23rd February 2010, 13:58

Originally Posted by wild_weston

Tearing down is much easier than building up - what would you suggest as a comparison?

I think you are focusing too much upon scale of operation rather than the customer demographic. I would say that the demographic for electronics customers is not too far off the mark from bike shop customers (obviously not an exact match but good enough for the purpose of estimating customer preferred opening hours).

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

I've worked in both vehicle and electronic goods sales and agree completely. On a slow Sunday in electronics retail we would maybe make only 20-30 sales, everything from mp3 players through to large screen TV's or whiteware. On a slow Sunday in vehicle Sales (and I've worked on yards that have turnover of 120+units/mth) we might see 3 people. Have 1 test drive. And no sales.

I've worked in both, and the demographic (age, income, etc) are vastly different. Of course there is cross over, but they are wildly apart.

That's your answer there.

**Pedrostt500** · 23rd February 2010, 13:59

I worked for a small firm selling the odd bike and other gimmicks, we did the 7day open thing but sunday afternoon was mostly spotty kids and drop kicks with no money, it streatched my people skills to the maximum, to say the least.
When I finnished that Job I returned to Engineering, I am much happier in Engineering, When busy the hours are much longer, 7 days a week can be for weeks and months on end, but the pay cheque makes up for it, I've had to do the occasional 24 hour day, even the rear 36hour day, Yep when you have a major peice of equpiment in a million bits the customer just wants it fixed and is happy to pay you to be there untill it is regardless of what it takes, because it could be costing them $ 50,000 an hour.

**Big Dave** · 23rd February 2010, 14:03

Success in life has a lot to do with building and managing relationships. A good one with your Bike shop is a worthwhile thing to have - and it takes two to tango.

**Pedrostt500** · 23rd February 2010, 14:06

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Success in life has a lot to do with building and managing relationships. A good one with your Bike shop is a worthwhile thing to have - and it takes two to tango.

And what a Strange Tango you must have with you local bike shop mannager, Dave.

**Big Dave** · 23rd February 2010, 14:10

Serious Lols - Just don't ask Dean to the Dance!

**Blew** · 23rd February 2010, 14:16

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Why doesn't anyone acknowledge their sources any longer?

Because the motorcycle forum I copied this from had no source listed. Not many articles are found in 1 place on the net after the original publication.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 23rd February 2010, 14:17

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Success in life has a lot to do with building and managing relationships. A good one with your Bike shop is a worthwhile thing to have - and it takes two to tango.

You know it too. Interesting thing...I've worked in three of Wellingtons biggest/best shops over the years...and the SAME people are a problem at all THREE shops. Funny how some people are NEVER happy no matter what you do for them.