Yes, this is the strange new world we live in. Although there are many great LBS's, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. And when found, if everyone else found the very same "good one", then it's stacked wait times, as well as a host of other issues associated with want to use the best available dealer.
There is no magic answer. It seems like as we progress in society there are more of these types of scenarios associated with almost any type of business.
Makes me wonder if it will become the new "norm" after the dust settles.
As long as I (and others) can do the minimal maintenance necessary and only rely on the LBS for those tough to tackle problems (if ever), I think most also should do well.
But shifting gears here a moment; if the sale is made, most people rarely come back unless there is a problem or they cannot do things themselves. Also, if the problem is user created and not due to a manufacturing or warranty issue, then the customer has to pay for the 'fix', right? Sure, lots of happy customers revisit to buy accessories, and even more bikes. But my point is if a LBS has to solely rely on sales of bikes (#1), sales of accessories (#2), sales of service related items (#3), the ability to stay in business is tough. Lots of LBS'es are riding the wave right now, but when the surge is over, who remains, which are the "good ones" and how the parent company of the bike manufacturers decide to move forward as a business model is key. A lot of different businesses are realizing that the Covid pandemic has created an entire new way of doing business....some like the new way, others don't. We shall see as it all shakes out.
Because I could!
