|   buying online | berserker190
Mar 28, 2003 1:01 PM | | I know buying stuff from performance and supergo is cheaper than buying stuff from a bike store, but how long does it take to recieve products( i live in western canada) as well if you need warranty work do you just ship it to the company yourself? Any info would be helpful as I am uncertain about ordering something online. |
| re: buying online | String
Mar 28, 2003 1:26 PM | | I cannot speak for the shipping time specifically for Western Canada, but typically shipping is between $5-20 dollars (US) depending on the size of the order and what shipping method you select. Ground is the cheapest and usually takes 5-10 days. 2-3 day fedex or UPS is usually around $10-15 unless it is a larger order such as a fork, frame, wheels, or other heavy items. You can usually order overnight shipping as well, but that tends to cost between $20-50.
I order most of my parts online and have been pleased overall. There have been an occasional problem, but that's to be expected. You usually have to pay for shipping to return the product, but I find most retailers will credit your bill if the error is their fault (you do have to ask because most will not do it out of the goodness of their heart).
I have had better luck with Jensonusa, supergo, frankford bike, speedgoat, and wheelword. Also keep some of the smaller retailers such as Larry Mettler at mtnhighcyclery.com and hammerheadbikes in mind. You typically have to email or call them, but they have great prices and unbeatable service. |
| The key is to be an educated customer | JmZ
Mar 28, 2003 7:23 PM | | Know EXACTLY what you want, and verify that's what you are getting. It pays (literally) to know the difference between an OEM Duke fork from Rockshox and an aftermarket fork. (Typically steerer tube material and the OEM won't have a warranty.)
And if there is an issue, this is when it really pays to know what you are talking about. I've had issues locally and some mail order, they are all a hassle. Just have to be persistant, and polite. Normally most issues are resolved fairly quickly. (Also check on here if you really want to see if some e-tailer is been a big pain recently.)
For warrenty issues, it depends quite a bit on the product. Truvativ won't warrenty product from Pricepoint. Also can depend on who makes the product, and what service is needed. Rockshox (if I remember correctly) wanted most services to be run through a local shop, even if it had to go back to them, while I think Marz would let people contact them directly.
There are often some great deals out there, the Egg Beater pedals are a perfect example. $110 locally, $69 shipped mail order. Both were 2002 models. The 2003's were $140 locally.
I do second the thought about checking out some of the smaller shops. I've had great deals, service and products from Mike Garcia from (http://www.Oddandendos.com) , Larry at Mountaian High Cyclery (http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com/) , AE Bike (http://aebike.com), Frankford Bike (http://www.frankfordbike.com), and even good luck from Jenson (www.jensonusa.com), Performance (www.performancebike.com), Bikeman (Http://www.bikeman.com) as well as a few others that I forget.
The best bit of advice I can give though is check stuff out online, but call to verify the order! This will help to verify stock status, that the order is processed correctly, and any other details.
Good luck!
JmZ |
| re:The key is to be an educated customer | berserker190
Mar 28, 2003 7:34 PM | | Thanks for the info. But I think since I live in a remote location in canada that after shipping costs, govt duty costs, and US $ to canadian $ conversion I wouldnt be saving much at all. For example the 03 manitou black super air is for sale at colorado cyclists for $300.00 US, sounds good but after taxes, shipping money conversions and duties the price would be around $550.00 Canadian or more. |
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