Purchase online vs in store.

[Pongo]

On many posts I’ve seen reference to the idea of going to the local store and trying gear for fit/comfort etc… and then the recommendation to go online to purchase.

Is this a good idea or not?

In light of online shopping, what does the future hold for the smaller town motorcycle sales, service, equipment and accessory dealer?

[dr_bar]

In light of online shopping, what does the future hold for the smaller town motorcycle sales, service, equipment and accessory dealer?

I think if people abuse the smaller town retailers by trying on then hitting the web, these business will suffer and possibly/probably fold...

[VermilionX]

i would take advantage but haven't done it yet actually.

my 2nd helmet, i bought straight from the dealership i got my 2nd bike. just bec i need a helmet right away.

my other and previous gear... i just ordered online and just went by the sizing chart. it works for me.

i gotta save money. i have other things i want to spend the money i will save from buying online.

[BlueBomber]

if my local shop has what i want, or they can get it before i want/need it, and it's a comparable price i'll get it there.

for my jacket and pants their in store stock didn't have what i wanted at all, and their prices didn't apply to book orders, so i saved a lot of money ordering online.

for my pants i just used the online chart. for my jacket I tried on the non mesh version in store and it fit well so i tried the mesh and it fit as well.

\/\/

[Nalian]

For me the shop needs to either be $20 for small items (like gloves) or like 10-20% more for bigger $ items for me to go online. I'm willing to pay some money for convenience and supporting local business, but I'm not willing to get screwed for it.

[Pongo]

In light of online shopping, what does the future hold for the smaller town motorcycle sales, service, equipment and accessory dealer?

I think if people abuse the smaller town retailers by trying on then hitting the web, these business will suffer and possibly/probably fold...

I tend to agree with you. Here the popularity of snowmobiles probably keeps small town dealers afloat.

i would take advantage but haven't done it yet actually.

if my local shop has what i want, or they can get it before i want/need it, and it's a comparable price i'll get it there.

That's reasonable.

I do notice that the motorcycle stores in this locality seem to be carrying less and less. It must be a vicious cycle (no pun intended).

[Skel3tor1]

Whichever option saves me money is the one I'm going to do. I tend to research a bit before I buy stuff, especially things that cost a bit, and by cost a bit, we're talking things that are probably over $40-$50 USD.

So, If I can go into a local bike store and try on helmets and note the prices of the helmet I like and then walk out and go online and get it for about 15 dollars cheaper (that's including the shipping) then you know what I am going to do. I'm ordering it online, and I got it the next day since that seller rushes his helmets out. I ended up getting a 2nd helmet from him too for whoever wants to ride with me.

A lot of my gear has been obtained online for the same reason. I just find it's cheaper and a lot more accessible and easy than it is to get ripped off by going to the store. You hear of those people who can stretch a penny, I would like to consider myself one of them.

[CNF2002]

If I need to try on something before I buy it, I wouldn't go to a store to try it and then buy it online (at least not with that specific intent). If I had already done research, I might ask for a discount by mentioning the online price. If I'm talking $15-20 difference (when I factor in shipping, etc) it's not a ripoff IMO because the store has to hire staff, rent space, pay electrical bills, etc, etc. For me to use their services without paying them is unethical.

I can easily save money other ways.

If you continue to try stuff on at stores and then go shopping online, the store is eventually going to go out of business. Well...then what are you going to do?

[The549]

I buy online because the other option is to not have the item. Money....it smells funny.

I got my helmt for somthing like $45 new (DOT), and thick jacket for $35 new, and gloves for $35 new. They all fit like a glove...Especially the gloves. I'll be buying some nice boots once I find something nice at a thrift store for $15. I plan on buying kevlar and sewing those into some jeans to make my own pants, but we'll see about that one.

[Tarheel365]

I have never bought anything motorcycle-related from a store. ....'cept for my motorcycle.


Its much easier to shop around online and the dealer is kinda far from my house. Since I have never looked at the dealer I can't compare dealer prices vs online prices. I did get a lil coupon thing from the dealer so I may check them out sometime.

I've also thought of making my own motorcycle armor stuff by sewing in some armor in underarmor or similar material....

i'd also really like some dressy motorcycle pants...something I can wear to work. Not like completely formal stuff but a nice pair of pleated slacks that don't have bulgy armor everywhere.....or they need to make more mesh motorcycle overpants w/ the full zip off pants.