Bike Shops that Accept American Express

stevenmh

Can anyone recommend any good bike shops that accept American Express?

Bike24.com does but it also does not know that some countries like Hong Kong, Singapore or Thailand even exist. :shock:

I know one LBS in Hong Kong (Shatin) that accepts the card but they do not sell Mavic which is what I am trying to buy.

But do you know of any bike shops anywhere with an online shop that accepts Amex?

I refuse to use PayPal for personal reasons, and do not have any other plastic.

daniel_b

I've probably shopped at around 30 different online stores, and I can't remember a single one taking AMEX I am afraid.

I always check, as I have a cashback one, but I thikn they tend not to accept it because of the comparitively high charge that AMEX imposes on the retailer.

Hopefully someone else will post a 'This shop takes AMEX' reply soon!

Dan

stevenmh

Yes let's hope. Although in my case it needs to be a company that accepts Amex and knows that Hong Kong / China ( or Thailand, or Singapore) is a country!!

Bike24.com accepts Amex just seems to have a problem with the latter.

I have never understood the argument about their charges. But that is a whole other thread.

Beardy10

The other reason that a lot of retailers don't accept Amex is that they afford greater consumer protection than other card companies. There are quite a few retailers that accept Amex in store but not over the web.

pottssteve

steve,

For HK, you could email these guys: support@hkbicycle.com.hk

They coordinate bike shops here. I have dealt with them before - quick and helpful. They may be able to tell you which member shops take AMEX.

Steve

stevenmh

Thanks Steve

There is a shop in Shatin that accepts Amex, which as you know is quite rare for a small shop in HK. I have used them before and they are good but I am now trying to buy some Mavic stuff and this is working out to be a bit tougher, which is why I have turned to the online merchants, especially as some of their prices are pretty good too.

I will drop them an email though and see what they say.

Cheers.

Anonymous

Try http://www.royles.biz

It may be worth giving them an e-mail or call though.

top_bhoy

It seems like a of of hard work to keep using Amex. I've a corporate Amex and find its pretty useless for all but the largest of hotels, restaurants, etc. In the end, I've objected to its lack of 'usability'. Can you not apply for an alternative Mastercard/Visa card and use this - giving you future flexibility. I can understand personal objections to paypal....I have objections to using PayPal also.

Anonymous

NapoleonD wrote:

Try http://www.royles.biz

It may be worth giving them an e-mail or call though.

I spoke to them today anyway, they don't as it costs them double the charge of Mastercard/Visa etc.

Rockhopper

We wouldn't accept Amex because their charges to the dealer were more than twice that of Visa.

stevenmh

NapoleonD wrote:

www.royles.biz ............... I spoke to them today anyway, they don't as it costs them double the charge of Mastercard/Visa etc.

Thanks NapD.

Not to worry, it is a rather unusual situation as Bike24.com does accept the card so I will communicate with them and see if they will add Hong Kong as a country. To be honest they have been quite good with communications thus far.

Top_Bhoy - No I will stick with Amex. I can be stubborn like that.

When I bought a new camera last year, the shops in Thailand that stocked the right lens I wanted, would not accept amex. So, I just waited and ended up buying it in HK where not only could I use my card, but also Fortress (the shop) give you a 12 months interest free option. Sorted, although I should note that with visa it is 24 months 0% from memory.

My LBS in Bangkok used to accept Amex, then stopped. I still buy stuff from them, but I would be spending sooo very much more if they took the plastic. Not my loss.

Most of the top businesses accept Amex so it is rarely a problem. Those that don't lose my business. It is an unusual business model as it is better to pay % on something than not pay anything on nothing. Plus, cycling has some very expensive products. Cutting out one of the top three cards in the world that is held by millions (who actually pay for it unlike many of the other cards) seems an unusual business concept.