[at-l] Food For Thought - WOAH - Go Easy On Me! :)

[icw@esisnet.com (Clark Wright)]

woah - those don't sound like the local shop folk around these parts -
and while we got to where we could spot the people who only wanted my
advice and a chance to look over in person what they were set on buying
mailorder, we never treated a customer any different because of it - in
fact, if I established some rapport with the person, I would bring the
price issue up if I thought that was the only thing holding them back -
local shops have to get creative - like having special sales for repeat
customers, doing [useful] clinics, repeat buyer discount cards, cheerful
warranty and return service, special order service, real help with
fittings, etc.

In the end, there can be legit. differences of opinion re what to take,
how to use it, etc. - but the main thing is to always try to help people
out when they come to your shop! :)

thru-thinker

Clifford R. Haynes wrote:

>I don't buy from local shops any more. There isn't any advantage around
>here. The help isn't hired because they really know anything, they were
>hired because they look good. Most of the shops around here got there
>experience out of Backpacker Mag. or from Hiking mail lists. Also that "We
>got to where we could spot them a mile away" attitude will cost a small shop
>more sales than there markup will.
>
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