| Given the recent economic and social trends, | | | | time or your place in line. |
| consumers and retailers alike have seen a dramatic | | | | In-Store Shopping |
| shift in what it means to go shopping. This economy | | | | 1. Shipping and handling fees can be costly |
| has forced even the most carefree of shoppers to | | | | 2. You cannot have the product immediately, so |
| take notice and search for the best deals. In addition, | | | | there is no instant gratification |
| gas pricing and the social trend of "going green" has | | | | 3. You are not able to touch, taste or try out a |
| also sparked a renewed interest in efficiency. | | | | product before purchase |
| One of the industries that have felt the effects of | | | | In an attempt to minimize the competition between |
| these societal adjustments is the bicycle industry. | | | | in store bike shopping and on line bike shopping, |
| Bicycling is an inexpensive daytrip to enjoy with your | | | | some companies have offered promotions such as a |
| family; it doesn't waste gas or pollute the air and is | | | | 200% price match guarantee and free shipping. It |
| becoming an acceptable way to commute to work. | | | | should be noted that shipping a bicycle can be |
| Traditionally, it has been universally understood that a | | | | particularly expensive. In addition, should a consumer |
| bike purchase would require a professional's advice | | | | find a bicycle that is cheaper after the original |
| and you would need to go to a bike shop or a toy | | | | purchase, they can have the difference back and |
| store for children's bikes. With the introduction of | | | | then some. |
| stores like Target and Wal-Mart, bike purchasing | | | | To that end, brick and mortar bike shops have |
| became more readily available and cheaper. A bike | | | | offered free bike tune-ups, maintenance and even |
| shopper could go food shopping, have the oil changed | | | | lessons to add that personal touch back into the |
| in the car and buy a new bike in the same place. | | | | industry. The belief is rather than just offering a |
| Wal-Mart has revolutionized the consumer culture. To | | | | cheaper product, they are attempting to offer more |
| take that trend to the next level, the internet has | | | | value to the average consumer. Many of the brick |
| become the ultimate Wal-Mart. | | | | and mortar bike shops have opted to embrace the |
| From the comfort of your office chair (or couch if | | | | online shopping trend by building a website specific to |
| you work from a laptop), you can order groceries to | | | | the store. This minimizes the issue of going from |
| be delivered, buy plane tickets, correspond with an | | | | store to store to compare pricing and you can ask |
| old friend, pay your bills, watch your favorite show | | | | questions through the website without going to the |
| and price shop a new bicycle. There are certainly | | | | store. However, many will still not ship a bicycle, you |
| pros and cons to both forms of shopping, but having | | | | would need to go into the store to make your |
| the option can be very helpful. | | | | purchase. |
| Online Shopping | | | | Whatever your personal choice is for bicycle |
| 1. Avoids crowds, long lines, parking, wasting gas | | | | shopping, it is important to find what you like and |
| 2. Available to you at your convenience, shop | | | | what you'll need at the best price. There are many |
| whenever you like day or night | | | | biking forums where you can get answers to |
| 3. Compare products, product pricing, shipping and | | | | questions from neutral parties, both bike enthusiasts |
| handling costs, promotions or sales with a simple click | | | | and the casual bike owner. Both the internet and the |
| of the mouse | | | | bike shop can offer a wealth of information to help |
| 4. Interruptions can be addressed, phone calls, the | | | | you make an educated choice. Happy Cycling! |
| needs of a child, using the restroom, without losing | | | | |