Job in a Bike Shop?

blakef111

fatbloke whats you're local if you're only in warwick?

EdZed

As well as basic mechanical knowledge and if you haven't done so already, I would also suggest some basic research to improve your knowledge of bike manufacturers, groupsets, wheels and finishing kit and their product ranges etc. You might not need this at the interview but I think it would be very helpful. Certainly for those brands stocked in the shop you want to get the job at.

I say this because many people who are looking to buy a bike now use sites like this and other web sites to do some research before even stepping foot in a bike shop and therefore have a modicum of knowledge before speaking to anyone in the shop. I still remember a few years ago when a young Saturday assistant in a bike shop told me that 105 was the top of the Shimano range; I'd already started to do my own research and knew this was clearly wrong. Consequently he lost me at that point and I didn't listen to anything else he said. I didn't think much of the training he'd been given (if he'd been given any at all). Not good for sales really. (Before anyone asks, it wasn't Halfords! IMO Halfords isn't a bike shop anyway - it just sells bikes on the side!)

I know you'll pick up things as you go along but I think it's worth a little time researching; after all IMO local bike shops rely on their reputation and not being able to provide even the most basic advice about the kit doesn't do the shop's reputation any good. Ultimately the shop employs you to sell the stuff (and enhance its reputation - I would hope). Just a [long-winded] thought and the best of luck.

supersonic

EdZed wrote:

As well as basic mechanical knowledge and if you haven't done so already, I would also suggest some basic research to improve your knowledge of bike manufacturers, groupsets, wheels and finishing kit and their product ranges etc. You might not need this at the interview but I think it would be very helpful. Certainly for those brands stocked in the shop you want to get the job at.

I say this because many people who are looking to buy a bike now use sites like this and other web sites to do some research before even stepping foot in a bike shop and therefore have a modicum of knowledge before speaking to anyone in the shop. I still remember a few years ago when a young Saturday assistant in a bike shop told me that 105 was the top of the Shimano range; I'd already started to do my own research and knew this was clearly wrong. Consequently he lost me at that point and I didn't listen to anything else he said. I didn't think much of the training he'd been given (if he'd been given any at all). Not good for sales really. (Before anyone asks, it wasn't Halfords! IMO Halfords isn't a bike shop anyway - it just sells bikes on the side!)

I know you'll pick up things as you go along but I think it's worth a little time researching; after all IMO local bike shops rely on their reputation and not being able to provide even the most basic advice about the kit doesn't do the shop's reputation any good. Ultimately the shop employs you to sell the stuff (and enhance its reputation - I would hope). Just a [long-winded] thought and the best of luck.

I very much agree with this: even though the shop will train you if you are enthusiastic, a lot of knowledge does come from your own research. Just basics like 8 and 9 speed compatibility, types of bikes, headset standards etc.

I first worked in the LBS in 1998 and it was the above that got me the job. The mechanics then trained me up, while I learned more and becaome a very good salesman with good product knowledge.

As for bike shops being sexist... At Halfords we had a 'code 1200' for the tannoy - basically fit bird in the store!

fatblokefromwarwick

blakef111 wrote:

fatbloke whats you're local if you're only in warwick?

I use the excellent John Atkins Cycles in Clemens St, Leamington Spa.

blakef111

ooooohhh no! the amount of complaints and general clearing up i have to do after that shop is phenomonal! yesterday i had a guy that was sold a pair of bontrager shock absorbing bar ends but they were actually only the the ones that came stock with bar tape, we showed him the shock absorbing ones and he said "yep i paid that much for those" suffice to say he was there immediatly demanding a refund

Helen-mtb

blakef111 thanks! that's some really good advice! i will keep that in mine if i'm successful!

just refreshing basic bike knowledge... then i guess i'll move onto more detailed stuff about products, will definately spend more time researching!

Hopefuly they'll pick up on my enthusiasm and "charm " and give me the benefit of the doubt kinda thing! Will see how it goes! On with the research...!

hanks so much for the great advice!

delcol

helen.

youtube has some basic bike maintenance vids, i'm pretty sure you will find some how to set up a bike vids on there to..

just remember the internet is a powerfull tool, and google is your friend...

good luck with the interview.

supersonic

I'd buy Zinn for a bit of bedtime reading ;-)

Helen-mtb

Zinn? what's that?

and i can see i have a lot of reading and research to cram in over the next few weeks!

im confused by this 8 and 9 speed compatibility thing too. i think i need to watch some vids, at least its a bit more "hands on" lol

delcol

pluss one for zinn it'sthe bike machs bible. :shock:

Helen-mtb

how much is this "zinn" and where could i get it from?

blakef111

Linkage there you go helen and itsa plus 1 from me also

supersonic

Make sure you get the latest version - the pic on Amazon looks like a bike from the 90s!

Helen-mtb

Awesome, about £7/£8 then...

Are you not from the Uk blakef111?

Thank you guys all soooo much for the advice! Lets hope i get a proper interview now and hopefully a job! All this hard work and hoursss researching lol! I'll offer myself for work experience in a bike shop to get experience if not... i wonder if they do that when you're not at school/college?

blakef111

no i am i just obviously didnt chek what i was linking sorry

Helen-mtb

oh haha no worries! where abouts do you ride?

will look out for that book if i get some cash.

Helen-mtb

Well i've just been told i have an interview 10.30am on Friday! oh dear God that's too soon! i better start cramming! :shock:

Pete-C

I work as a "sales assistant" in my LBS on the weekends only. Although it is mainly selling bikes/components occasionally i need to fit pedals or mudguards or other basic parts to new bikes, so its a good idea to brush up on those basic skills. Its a good service to know how to fit alot of components so when a customer buys something, say a new BB, you can tell them what tools to use and how to fit it. Good luck with the interview

Chaz.Harding

It'll be fine. Just don't try and pretend like you know everything. You have to be honest. Say you are eager to learn some skills, and tech-y stuff. No point in employing someone who is lazy, and doesn't care about learning!!

Helen-mtb

the last thing im gonna do is pretend... i think its pretty impossible to pretend you know everything about bikes! just brushing up on the bascis and good luck to me for friday lol! im so nervous! i want the job so bad and really wanna get more experience with bikes!

Pete-C

All they asked me in the interview was about previous jobs (shelf stacking in morrisons) and had to sell them a saddle and mudguards. I wasn't asked about any tech stuff or that much about bikes. Just stay relaxed and be yourself. If you are passionate about bikes then it will show in the interview.

Helen-mtb

how would i sell a saddle a mudguards lol?

err.. its comfy because.. so and so... and the mud guard is.. plastic? stops mud? haha!

thats a toughieeee though! i cant do that

supersonic

Ask what saddle they have, and what they are looking for a in a new saddle. More padding? Wider? Lower weight? Show them some options in the store.

Helen-mtb

Ohh i see! i thought you kinda meant they gave you a saddle and just said "sell it to me." that makes it a little easier! They could ask me about anyyy bike part.

I dont have a clue about some things though which is pretty worrying. i could sell a saddle lol, pretty self explanitory... but anything too complicated, like a crank set or anything to do with gears, and im pretty much fooked. lol!

i hope they ask me to sell a saddle or a mud guard! did you get the job? sorry if you've already said and ive just havent noticed!

Helen-mtb

could anyone who has had an interview in a bike shop or given an interview please give me some pointers or what to expect?

supersonic

Obviously it depends on the job description, but it seems they want general staff with a little background knowledge and enthusiasm - and make that enthusiasm come across. Show a willingness to learn; be confident, but not cocky; present yourself well. Short to the point answers are best, and if you get stuck don't try and wangle it - show iniative on how you would tackle the problem.

Pete-C

yep i got the job, they handed me a DJ saddle and a road saddle, 2 ends of the spectrum so it really wasn't hard to do. Cant really remember much for the mud guards. Tbh i didn't think i had got it, but a few days later i got the call They will probably look back at your CV and application form and go over them trying to relate the things you have put in that to situations in the job. Did you take a copy of the finished application form? Have a look over it and learn it by heart so they don't catch you out. Good luck come friday

Helen-mtb

I didn't have to do an application form, just a CV. So i guess i just have to show sales technique then? That shouldn't be too hard... i hope. I just hope i don't get someone awkard that i don't know about lol!

I just hope they'd prefer their first female working in there, rather than another lad! lol!

supersonic

Cycle to the interview! Walk in with the bike, introduce yourself with it and as if you can keep it in the shop for safety. And make sure it is working lol.

Helen-mtb

Yeah i was thinking about riding in but didnt know whether to phone up tomorrow and ask if theres somewhere safe i can leave my bike?? im sure there is and thats probably a silly Q but i didnt want to turn up and they be like... errrr? haha!

i bought some clipless pedals from them the other day, but im gonna look a bit of a dooche turning up with standard pedals cos i havent fitted them yet lol!

spose that gives me an excuse to put the jersey and some baggys on lol!