Popcorn

Bike shops should be honest and responsible when conducting business, otherwise they are only damaging the industry they rely on as people become wary of trusting them and turn to online retailers and diy instead.

I know, that's how blb/14/ most bike shops make their money.. vulnerable people walking in with credit cards. It's not that much of a shock really, the bike industry is largely propped up by middle aged men with disposable income who can't afford a Porsche

It's not just them though is it - it's not like places like that appraise each customer on their way in and decides just how much to rip them off depending on how much disposable income they think they have, and if they do that, it's hardly much fairer - what are they going to do, check out how expensive your clothes are?

I hate any kind of specialist shopping. I always feel on my guard and wary of being ripped off, and it's not exactly a pleasant experience.

Although the nice thing to do would be to offer a discount it is again is down to the consumer to ask for one.

This is true, but I resent the idea that shops can artificially inflate prices, and then the 'blame' for being overpriced is on the customer for failing to ask for a discount. Some people are just nervous/ easily embarrassed. You have to put on this fake familiarity or a kind of authoritative something or other, not everyone can do that or feels comfortable doing that.

Ugh. I have to go bike shop today. Been putting it off for ages...