we need more businesses like this

[nostatic]

My 9 year old son decided that he wants to learn tennis. I played a lot when I was younger, so we went to the local big-box sporting good store and got him an inexpensive racquet as he's playing at summer camp. I looked at one for me, and decided I should do some research. Of couse there are plenty of mail order places to get them, well designed, lots of info. I kinda wanted to actually talk to a person though, as back when I played I was decent and had a particular style, so I wanted to get equipment that likely would be a good fit. I googled local shops and there is a hole-in-the-wall place in Westwood village (right near UCLA) that just does tennis stuff. I read a review of the place and it said they used to do Sampras' racquets, the owner greets people when they walk through the door, etc.

So I decided to go there today and look around. The owner was busy stringing a racquet but one of the young kids came over and asked if I had any questions. I had a racquet in my hand that I'd read about, but told him my situation and what did he recommend. He said that I really should try some different ones out, and that they do a loaner program...$5/racquet, and up to $25 is fully applied to the purchase price of a new one. So he picked out three suitable racquets, asked for my name and number, and sent me on my way. No ID asked for. No money changed hands.

I know where I'm buying my racquet now. And my son's next one. And my other stuff too. Even if his prices are higher. The value-added is worth it. But their prices are on par with the mail order place anyway, so it *really* is a no-brainer.

[84porsche]

That is awesome. It is quite rare to see that level of trust anywhere anymore. I have a list of people/stores that I will buy from because of their tendency to go the extra mile for me (being the customer.)

[john70t]

Great! I'll send in 5 of my cousins and we'll get some gas money from ebay (socal thinking joke).

Seriously, though, it's good to patronize small local businesses that do an honest living. Even though they may be a little higher, they'll save you much more in wisdom/experience.

[Icemaster]

+1

Visited the local bike shop after checking two or three larger establishments to get a replacement retainer nut and spring for the front wheel on the wifes mtn bike.

Guy ducks in back and walks back out with the parts and says "See ya...." no charge.

Went back and bought a $350 bike rack from him the next weekend. Yeah, it was cheaper at the box store.

[Noah930]

nostatic,

I grew up playing tennis in LA. We used to patronize a shop called The Racquet Doctor. I think it was on Glendale Blvd in Glendale. My mom says it's still there. Service was like what you describe from the shop you've found over in Westwood.

For bike shops, I'd have to plug Beverly Hills Bike Shop over on Robertson. Not as big and fancy as I. Martin by the Beverly Center. But the mechanics at BHBS were very much like what Icemaster writes about. No nickel and diming.

Haven't been to either shop in years, so they may have changed.

[arcsine]

Rennsport Systems with Steve Weiner is like this. A while ago I called them up to order parts, spoke with Steve for over an hour regarding any number of things after he took the order and I kept waiting for him to get my credit card info. He eventually just said to pay the invoice once I received everything.

[jyl]

Yeah, if you find a good guy (gal) doing business in a special way, count your blessings and bring him all your business. Saving 5% elsewhere doesn't pay in the end.

I learned that when I bought something away from Pelican. Oh, wait, should I have admitted doing that? Please don't ban me.