I see a relationship here. The ones who haven't had to pay the $75 think it should be free. I haven't had to pay for any lbs updates and don't think I should, or would pay $75, unless it was something major. I thought most of the updates were just little stuff since it all should be sorted at this point. And $75 would seem a little steep for what my lbs usually takes 10 minutes to perform.
For what it's worth, my lbs doesn't charge but I believe they should ! I'm a strong believer for user pays, to me it's fairer than hiding costs or spreading them amongst other users. I think it's unfair for, eg an ebike rider to get a free software update when a single mum might have to pay to have her childs brakes fixed .
Both shops I use tend to offer " free" service to me, and it's REALY uncomfortable when I go to pay and they won't accept it - especially if there is another customer in the shop. There have been a few times when I have NOT used the shop because they don't charge - eg the giant dealer offers free routine servicing to the original owner for the life of the bike, it's been 5 years and I got a significant discount when I bought that bike so I'm uncomfortable having them spend another unpaid hour . They refuse payment, soI've invested in the equipment to align my derailleur +/- bleed my own brakes .
Sure, our bikes were relatively expensive to purchase so arguably the lbs makes more profit from us, but when I consider how hard they had to work to get that sale, the overheads for getting the bikes in, extra equipment that is ebike specific....never mind the extra time they invest in staying up to date on ebike advances ( imagine paying an hourly rate to cover how much time I spend here.......) . OK, I'll accept that Darren has had some pretty amazing holidays , sorry, product release events......and his demo bikes always seem to be the same size.....and I might have sent enough business his way to fund his retirement....
Finally, I'm a professional working in a service industry with a mixed billing policy. I have first hand experience with customers who expect discounted service / don't value my expertise . I don't want to be that person.
Here is a follow up from my original question... If i am paying the shop rate of 75$ for them to plug and flash the bike, and i assume 2 things: 1 > the job will take 10 minutes, and 2 > the 75$ is an hourly rate, then is it logical to ask for more than the update for the 75$ fee?
Ak the shop? You may find it makes them MORE comfortable charging the base fee if they know they can offer you good value. Or it might give them a chance to explain their fee structure so you can get the best value from that visit. You might also get some insight into what is really involved - eg front office costs, true time taken for the average update +/- communicating / investigating / correcting any errors. You might even be able to plan your visit better , eg when they explain the average update takes half an hour you might go get coffee instead of wandering around the shop ( using up front office staff time ) . My first update in 2018 took an hour , I suspect it was their first . It was a VERY expensive hour ( full face helmet, saddle bag, pump, knee and elbow guards ) . The coffee shop was across the road and would have been cheaper.
