Re:Chrome extension recommends local businesses while shoppi...
by throwaway346434 on Saturday May 08, 2021 @08:23PM
(#27092032)
Bike stores might be a little unique given the huge crunch of new bikes going out the doors, and fewer parts readily available.
But yes, thats surprising, and its strange they didnt just act as a proxy, ordering from, well, anywhere! To get you sorted.
I make an effort to route everything through my local bike shop; as the two who operate it are both skilled mechanics and actually ride, so are a body of knowledge. I dont find that with other chain based stores, who keep sales and mechanics separate. Its at the latter I get blank looks, usually from sales people, and I dislike it intensely
Re:Chrome extension recommends local businesses while shoppi...
by cortesoft on Saturday May 08, 2021 @09:30PM
(#27092355)
A small business is never going to be able to match the variety of an online store in terms of inventory.... they simply don't get enough customers to afford to hold every single possible variety of something like an online store. An online store can have customers from all across the country (and world), so obscure items will be bought by SOMEONE more often.
A small business isn't going to hold something in inventory that only one person every 5 years wants
Re:Chrome extension recommends local businesses while shoppi...
by bamboozled on Saturday May 08, 2021 @11:01PM
(#27092836)
A quick link for a shimano chain though...
I've always tried to support local, but lately I've given up on local bike stores near me house. Went in looking for simple things, spokes, tube patches, quick links for chains. Only to be stared at blankly with confusion or told they don't have said items in stock. I went home an ordered off Amazon in 2 minutes, arrived next day.
Similar experiences with all types of things.
One thing I'm not sure about is if small businesses really care about surviving or competing with "the internet" I've not really seen much evidence to support this idea.