The Bicycle Place: The Friendliest Bike Store In Town!
Yesterday, I needed a few things for my bicycle. Nothing fancy. Water bottle. Bottle holder. Odometer. And instead of heading to my usual Georgetown bike store, I stopped by The Bicycle Place on Grubb Road in Silver Spring, just over the DC line.
And I got wowed!
First of all, they acted glad to see me, and it's not like I was spending all that much money or anything. In fact, the really helpful staff even had me spend less!
Instead of the 15 function odometer, they sold me a much simpler one that passed the "Pat Test". I may even be able to install it myself! And they found a blue water bottle and holder that match my cobalt blue Fuji twenty-something speed.
So there is a market force in action here.
For years, I've been patronizing a pretty big local chain. There was always a wait for a salesperson, even if I am the only customer in the store. They just didn't seem to care whether I came back or not. So I didn't.
But I sure will return to The Bicycle Shop. Like me, they really do seem to work hard to get repeat customers and referrals!
Hi Pat... In any business, rule number one is to make the customer feel welcome and let them know that you value their business. It sounds like the folks at The Bicycle Place "get it"!
That's great to know. The photo reminded me of when my ex-hubby and I went to shop like this to purchase our oldest son's first bike. He accidentally knocked down one bike and an entire row went down.
This looks likes it's in the same shopping area as the Parkside Deli which you raved about (and I agee that it is, in fact, worth raving about). It's amazing what you can find just a little bit off the beaten track.
Pat - a good bikeshop is worth its weight in gold. As a sometime cyclist I know this all too well.
Jeff
'Sounds like it would be worth a trip thee from all around for any cyclist.
Pat: Local bike shops are awesome. My hubby is in the middle of a project and wants scrap frames. These smaller, privately owned stores are really quick to call with a free junk frame.
They'll love you and buy houses from you after this wonderful publicity!! Good job.
I love to hear stories about a store that the people are actually glad to see you and they don't look the other way when you try to make eye contact.
Providing good service is a great way to get repeat business and referrals. Great job of showcasing this small business.
Every business needs customers/clients to survive--and it does not matter whether it is a bike shop or a real estate agent.
Pat,
After your spill, I'm particularly impressed you're still at it. The folks at the Bicycle Place in Silver Spring MD make me want to start biking - almost...
Pat - Did you ask about body armor to protect you from your next fall? I hear they have plenty to choose from.
Patricia, You have described the shop so well , it reminds me of the time I was learning to ride the bike and we had to rent bikes by the hour as I did not own a bike, Good localism post.