PSA-a deeper dive can save a lot of $$ (mini-rant)

[herr_oberst]

Cycling is getting too expensive as it is, but when doing maintenance and service, that's when you really feel the hit. I need to replace a bent derailleur hanger.
A 40 dollar part; some vendors charge $30 to ship, some vendors charge nothing. Everyone charges full price, and I assume that's a condition of doing business with the mfr.
I took a chance on $0 s/h. My fingers are crossed.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I'll share something fwiw.

It surprised me.

-I mean REALLY surprised me.

Some of the local bike shops have been price matching the online stuff. Before hitting the buy it now button, I've been asking shops, and they've been really stepping up to the plate.

EDIT- and this isn't me going in and lowballing "I saw something on the internet for x dollar" either. I don't want to be "that" guy. They are straight up offering the net prices.

I bought some garmin stuff this summer, same prices, or negligible differences, and was happy to go through the local shops- and shipping was quick and free. Also, at least one item became a warranty issue and the bike shop took care of it. It was a 1k dollar issue, and it was nice to have a face who remembered selling it to me.

I'll still do some small items online, but when it comes to bigger ticket stuff, I'm checking the shops more and more.

And I never thought I'd be saying that!

[LWJ]

What about that giant bike store in Beaverton? Universal or something? It used to be in SE just off 20th and Burnside? They should have this sort of thing in house. A thought.

[fanaudical]

I've bought quite a few items from Universal Cycles in Beaverton. They have a great online store, are good to work with, and will ship or you can go pick up in person.

[cstreit]

As someone who owns an online retail business - I can tell you that you will ALWAYS find it cheaper if you look hard enough, because there are some vendors who will be willing to take a 5% margin.

...and good luck to you when you need something from that place. For my paying customers we will spend whatever time we need with them to ensure they are fully taken care of. If you bought it from some low-dollar drop-shipper off the internet that left you hanging - well we will be asking where you got it from, and potentially give you 5-10 minutes before telling you to should call *them* back.

So for a $40 item - it probably doesn't matter to you - but for something substantial that might require some expertise - shop wisely. Legit vendors are really getting sick of "dropship culture."

[gtc]

$30 to ship a derailleur hanger is a little ridiculous.

[ErVikingo]

what kind of bike?

[zakthor]

I recently had to rebuild a wheel. Replacing 24 cxray spokes… retail is $4.50 each. Can you believe it? For a spoke.

I needed 12 of 2 different lengths.

After searching high and low the cheapest option was a pair of 20 packs from amazon for $40 each and free shipping.

24x4.50=108 is retail (not including shipping)

2x40=80 is what i paid

Saved $28 and now ive got 16 spokes i can pawn on ebay or something.

Hope that rebuilt wheel lasts.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by gtc

$30 to ship a derailleur hanger is a little ridiculous.

Yeah, what is that, 75% of the cost of the part to ship a piece of aluminum about as long
as my thumb and about the thickness of three quarters. Really?
The part is by made by Wheels mfg; they're the go-to for replacement hangers. I'd use a FLBS but this isn't a part that any shop would stock, It's a special order. (And my whole point with this post was to note - as you did - that there is a huge discrepancy in the cost of shipping, so be advised!

Originally Posted by ErVikingo

what kind of bike?

It's a Focus Mares

Originally Posted by zakthor

I recently had to rebuild a wheel. Replacing 24 cxray spokes… retail is $4.50 each. Can you believe it? For a spoke.

I had to replace a spoke. $11 each for direct replacement.
Eleven dollars for a steel spoke.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by cstreit

As someone who owns an online retail business - I can tell you that you will ALWAYS find it cheaper if you look hard enough, because there are some vendors who will be willing to take a 5% margin.

...and good luck to you when you need something from that place. For my paying customers we will spend whatever time we need with them to ensure they are fully taken care of. If you bought it from some low-dollar drop-shipper off the internet that left you hanging - well we will be asking where you got it from, and potentially give you 5-10 minutes before telling you to should call *them* back.

So for a $40 item - it probably doesn't matter to you - but for something substantial that might require some expertise - shop wisely. Legit vendors are really getting sick of "dropship culture."

Post sale support is important to me for some items, so I not only avoid mail order, I avoid big box stores too. I had oil leaking out of my Stihl saw, took it back to the shop I bought it from. He handed me a loaner to use for the half day it took to fix my saw. Hell yes I’ll pay more for that kind of support.