People first, being engaged.

"The essence of community, its heart and soul, is the non-monetary exchange of value; things we do and share because we care for others, and for the good of the place.” 
― Dee Hock

"Great place to visit for a new bike, repair or replacement part. Very knowledge and friendly people. I appreciate having a bike shop in my neighborhood."--- review of a bike shop

Bike shops are a living, breathing part of the community....They are engaged on a wide range of individuals, groups and have a social impact on the local community. That is customer service, shops have a core to them that bring out the best in others.

My local shop in Cincinnati, Ohio provided that resource, as well as mine here in Carmel, Indiana.

I truly enjoy they are engaged with neighborhoods, community and the social aspect of helping others.

Thousands of shops exist, they thrive on the concept of people first, profit second....... It is the lost art of customer service at its finest..

Customer Service--WOW! I recommend them.

"This place is great, the staff is super nice and helpful and they have great prices. Great local bike shop; lots of bikes, parts, and accessories for good prices. Definitely recommended."

Now that is a review!  Above is an actual review of a bicycle shop, a business and a connection worth talking about.

Bicycle shops are thriving in the world--why? Connecting with customers is a business with many moving parts--no pun intended; but anyone can ride a bike. Kids, grandparents, mom, dad, aunt, teacher, doctor, mayor, author, scientist, TT rider, triathlete, BMX--the umbrella is HUGE.

Customers are all wired differently; needs, wants all spread out all over the place.

Customer service is one thing and one thing only---putting others first, business second. When received well, customers will share--they will talk about it, they become loyal, they become part of the bond, and that is the reward to a business, above review is the ideal candidate. 

WOW! They recommend your establishment.............who is next through the door?  

communication in business is important--it works.

"[Owners names] know what customer service is about. I'm a light-duty biker and they can tune the conversation down to my level with no problem and obviously are glad to do so."


What are customers saying about your establishment? Above is an actual quote on a bicycle shop from the customers stand point. This really nails it--he does not understand the "cycling" language and the shop recognizes that; so they speak to him on his level of understanding.

My doctor during knee surgery years ago was speaking way above me--words 30 letters long, I had to stop him and ask please speak to me at my level--he did.......But the bike shop knew they had to tone it down to grasp the customers feel for the sport and they did it on ques....Awesome customer service example.....That is how you connect with people through proper communication. IT WORKS!!!!!

Now that customer wrote a nice review of this store and is sharing his positive journey with others...That is what you get in the world of bicycle shops--they connect.....

Moving parts--thousands of them, bike shops understand.

"Very helpful, good service . This is the [local] shop I choose to support. Not pushy trying to sell you something. I purchase most of my stuff online but for parts and service this is the place I go."

As the photo clearly shows, there are a ton of parts that make up a road bike. 

The above quote is from a real bicycle shop--he/she claims they buy on line--strike one......However I am for saving money, but WE must watch where and who we purchase from. Make sure they are approved, make sure they are legitimate and for sure make sure they stand by their sales with a return policy.

Moving parts--well that is the nature of a road bike, MTB, cruiser, cycle-cross and so on on the bicycle scene. 

Bicycle shops have the knowledge to understand complicated issues and something so easy as white lighting oil for a chain.  

I am a huge advocate for getting to know your local bicycle shop--as a matter of fact I stopped by mine today; for no other reason, but to say hello--I love the connection I have with them. They are a part of my family, not really but I feel so comfortable stopping in and chewing the fat. 

If you ride a bike no matter what kind, visit your local shop..............They provide more than bikes; they are a part of the community. 

The power of a epic customer experience--goes a long way.

"I never write reviews but just had to make an exception for this one because this shop is an absolute gem for cyclists! The prices are fair and service is impeccable. My bicycle was in top condition after a general service.[staff] is knowledgeable, friendly and he genuinely is there to help you with your bicycle needs. I highly recommend this shop and I'm confident you won't regret it."

The POWER of customer service--above is an actual review of a bike shop. The quote states I NEVER WRITE REVIEWS; now that is effort. Effort on both the staff and the customer in full force. 

The patron saying he does not write reviews was delivered and exceptional service, therefore he became an evangelist for the bike shop, or any other business.....HE/she were so thrilled at the tone of the shop they had to let the world know of what transpired....

I think it is safe to say, they wrote a review and talked among their friends about the experience as well--recommending this expedition to others is the highest complement a business can receive.   Getting awards is nice, and pays homage to effort....But customers taking the time to acknowledge a positive trek; now that is advertising dollars well spent....The POWER of word of mouth....It keeps going and going all the time. 

A part of the Family---customer service at its best.

"It's a local and very welcoming operation. They will make you feel like part of the family. The mechanics are fantastic and will send you out with your bike working better than if it was new."

Part of the family has a very welcoming ring to it. It says we have a open door policy, don't call ahead, we are here for you and you can count on us. Like a brother, sister, mom, dad and dear friend--they are there for you.

That is customer service at is best--always and willing to help no matter how small or petty or insignificant the issue.

I enjoy reading reviews of bicycle shops--for when I rode to Orlando from Indiana I needed the guidance of a bicycle shop. I felt the same way as the review states, I love customer service and the art of it. Cycling shops understand the craft of putting others first. 

As it says they make you fell a part of the family. 

Knowledge--more than bikes, EVERYTHING!

"[we are a] bicycle shop offering a full line of products and services for the cycling community. We constantly strive to offer quality service and expertise to exceed our customers’ expectations and provide an enjoyable working environment to our employees. We want to support and educate the cycling community and foster its growth........."

Above is an actual mission statement of a bicycle shop....

WE have a full line of products---but just how many products are offered? That really isn't the question, the question is how many products do they carry that are beneficial to the customer?

Each cycling shop is different on a wide range of items and gear in the cycling world--but the core products are always carried. Excellent quality bikes, quality helmets, quality clothing and foremost an array of knowledge of what the customers need.

Bicycle shops have the knowledge to carry quality over quantity---customers deserve the best so they sell the best. Store owners don't want to sell bikes or equipment that will not last--they deliver the correct knowledge with their bike selection with customers in mind.

That is the level of customer service in any business; selling, carrying quality items for customers.

As noted in above mission--WE WANT TO SUPPORT and  EDUCATE. That is the smarts of outstanding companies and the pinnacle of thriving in the local community. 

Wonderful Bicycle Shop!

"Wonderful shop! Great people, great service!" 

Bicycling is for all ages--starting them early, sharing with kids the benefits of cycling is wonderful.

A bicycle shop has a range of kids bikes; MTB, road, BMX and so on. 

The wonderful in the quote above is from an actual review of a bicycle shop. WONDERFUL, explains the knack and the zest of bicycle shops world wide.  

Great people--is the backbone to any successful business, people first goes with staff and patrons. 

Great service! -- I have seen, read and heard this a thousand times in the cycling community describing the core of their bicycle shop. 

I still remember my local shop in Cincinnati many years ago when I was 10. I would ride up there and the staff would talk me through repairing a flat tire, changing hand brakes or even talking about the new MAG wheels for my BMX bike.

Children are like a sponge--they soak it all in, they see and listen very well. Hitting a local bicycle shop with kids is a family experience that is fun and enjoyable. 

they did not UP-SELL.......Customer first.

"I [also] gave them the opportunity to up-sell me a couple times and they instead gave me better more affordable options for additions to my bike. This is the least pretentious most comfortable shop I've been into."

Above is an actual review of a bicycle shop. The patron states they could have sold him a more expensive item, instead they saw him as a customer and not a dollar figure.  So the shop only sold him what HE needed and not what the store needed to sell to make cash more lucrative. 

This is a classic example of grade "A" customer service at its peak--it is what establishments want and earn if they set their values correctly--people business. With that motto, customers will be back; spread the word and bring family and friends. TRUST is earned on day one---that is awesome and that is the craft of not only this shop but thousands more world wide.

Stop by a bicycle shop and feel the aurora they radiate on customer service......

Passion driven service---WOW!

"This bike shop is by far the most customer service oriented I have been in. I travel through out and have been in the customer service industry for many years and it is WONDERFUL to finally experience passion driven service. I do not know who leads the quality service team but keep up the amazing work!"

Above is an actual review of a bicycle shop.

What are people saying about your business? Are they spreading the word that you are passionate about providing a service to others?

Reviews explain a ton about what patrons experience within a business and this one above is what shops, stores and managers love to receive. Positive and to the point of what there vision was and still is from the beginning to the current--good old fashion customer service.

Oriented drives home the point--they are in the people business, they love what they do and that theme travels like electricity from one person to another.  

People are watching, people influence, people talk and share and foremost people love to be evangelists of a buying experience and will share with others through email, Facebook, Twitter. But the big hit is when they TALK about it with there friends and friends become customers. Bingo--win, win.......

Staff making sure customer gets right bike the first time.

"Wife and I went here the other day to buy her a bike. The staff was great and really worked with us to get the right bike for my wife. They even let her test ride it to make sure it was the right bike."

Above is an actual review of a bike shop. I feel this is what separates sports stores vs bike shops. I have shopped around for hundreds of sports items and by far buying a bicycle is the hardest item to get fitted or comfortable for.

Any one can sell a bike and anyone can buy a bike at will--internet, Craigslist, China, Ebay, online bike specialty stores and so on and on. But bike shops are what separate the good from the GREAT in the realm of buying or purchasing a bicycle of any kind. You get the whole package at a bicycle shop--you get a staff that just flat out loves cycling; that is it PERIOD. They don't also carry guns, bows, basketball, baseballs etc.....They love bikes.

So when reading this review you grasp customer service in the cycling world--putting customers first....Seeing them as cyclist and not dollars walking around. Sure that does happen but to a few, and they will not be in business for very long.

Summer is fast approaching, Christmas is 7 months away. Daughter turning 10 and is ready for a big girl bike, boy moving up to MTB....or mother-in-law needs a new cruising bike. Cycling shops are hands on, with passion, knowledge and a zest for people.

Cycling is a people business and shops have a bond with the community--stop in one and see what I am talking about before purchasing a bike where you can also buy a loaf of bread. They sell more than bikes, they are giving an experience....

Thank you note and customer service.

A thank you card is an old tradition, however in today's world receiving a thank you card is one of the highest acknowledgements one can receive. It is a sign of appreciation, a sign of sincere thanks--you have to write it, put a stamp on it and mail it off. Unlike email, quick and no effort. Sending a thank you card is so personal that it touches others upon receiving it and opening it.
People love to get mail from the mail box--not opening up in email, but a good old letter or card can go a long way.
Send a thank you card, let the business know you admire there hard work.
A personal touch that will separate the good from the GREAT.

When I completed a bicycle trip from Indiana to Orlando--I sent out over 100 thank you cards.....It is an effort that stands the test of time.....NO EMAILS!

A thank you to a bike shop staff.

Customer for LIFE!

"I have to say YOU GUYS ROCK! I brought my new to me Cannondale R200 bike in to see what was going on with the brake cable and to get new cleats and shoes for the pedals. These guys hooked me up on the shoes, and pedals, fixed the brake cable issue and gave it a good look over to make sure there was nothing wrong with the bike all in under an hour! This is not the first time I've gotten great customer service from you guys either. Thanks a lot for the help, advice, and service!!! You got a customer for life!"

Above is an actual review of a bicycle shop.

Customer for life--now that is the payoff of superb customer service.

POWERFUL words to share with a store manager, store clerk and the vision of a store paying off.

WIN! WIN! The pay off; they tell there friends and family all about a bicycle shop.... More customers, more raving fans.

Culture and customer service

We live in a world of what is in it for "me." Customer service is world of you, and when you set the tone of others first, me second you will create a meaningful culture with employees and patrons. Show me a employee you puts customers first and I will show a manager/organization who put employees first.

Bicycle shops have been around for over 100 years, bicycles have been around for hundreds since the beginning. Bicycles and shops resonate a culture of passion and excitement in ones business. Bikes are booming; knowledge, community and bond thrive in this niche market.

I love going to my local shop, I can feel and see first hand at the art of putting customers first, their culture is rich.

Bike shop that understands family.

"After reading some of the reviews about THAT SHOP I thought I should say my two cents worth. I have always found the guys in there very helpful and tolerant especially when it comes to my 2yr daughter who pulls just about everything off the shelves and takes it to the counter. I find the guys laid back which I like, but helpful when I ask for it. I have always found the advice to be honest even when not in their best interests. I would go so far as to say that “Guy” who works there is one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable people I have met in any bike shop. I haven’t bought a bike from these guys as yet, but I will in the future. Their prices on gear and equipment is as good as any of the UK/US sites."

This is an actual review of a bike shop--I think this stands out among others I have read, in that he mentions his little girl. Adults talking to adults is the ideal situation in any purchase, however family is a real key to involvement in any adventure. Bike shops understand they are capturing current riders and future riders as well, they are a part of the local community and they grasp that feature and understand it wholeheartedly. That is the passion bike "enthusiasts" shops understand. That is passion for the job and passion for customers. 

Treat every customer the same; friendly, honest and with a bond all patrons will be back and bring friends too.

Come back again---I WILL. The power of a bike shop.

"I bought my first new bike  and it was a great experience. No pressure just great customer support. I will go back to them for all my bike needs."

As you read the above review did you think about your experience when shopping for an item for the first time? Did you go back or did you never return again. Bicycle shops are tiny compared to the mega giant sporting goods super stores, specializing in every single aspect of the sporting world. However bicycle shops have a "sheen" to them on the customer service side. 

They specialize in bikes, bike equipment and they have the knowledge to provide their customers--new and old. The customer as read above sang from the roof tops with this review that "I WILL BE BACK."

Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed "I'll be back", and sure enough he came back in the Terminator. As  a store owner, salesman, clerk we here promises of I'll be back--but in this review I feel he/she means it. People do not just write reviews to be seen, they write them to be heard and to spread the cheer they received. 

Ethos of a bicycle shop

"The guy (possibly the owner?) in the shop was very nice and seemed very eager to help as customers came in.  He seemed to know what he was talking about."

Above is an actual review on a bike shop-the review was placed in LOVED IT catagory. 

Writing a review takes time and effort, so for one to take the time; sets the bike shops customer service ethos high on the shelf. Every customer is different in the cycling world, however standards for patrons never should change. A carbon fiber frame is as important as a horn to a mom. 

Customer Service from a bike shop.

 "Their staff really know what they are doing! Whatever your budget is, they will work with you to find the right bike that fits what you need. It's nice to deal with an honest, local business who seem to actually care about you before, during and after they sell you a bike. Repairs and service are prompt and they are great at teaching you what you need to know as you take to the road or the trail. I've recommended several friends because I know they won't just get sold, they will be taken care of."

This is an actual review of a bicycle shop that I just found awesome. Bikes are in huge demand, bicycle awareness is at an all time high. Customer service is a subject than I just love--putting others first before the dollar or thousands of dollars. In this review WE see both sides of service that is old hat--prompt and recommend. Recommending a place is the highest honor a business can receive, people are talking about what they experienced and now they want to share it. Awesome! Is your business being talked about????????? If so is it for good or bad?