Needing a specific (extra wide / pressure fit if you care) baby gate had me thinking about this "news" this week and frankly, other than the internet part, I don't see how this business model is any different than what SEARS, and any number of other retailers, have been doing since long before I was born…
Hell, since long before Old Fart Andy was born.
Anyone here from a small town will have, or at least their folks will have, ordered from the Sears catalogue desk at whatever small business in town operated it for delivery to said business. They would handle any returns etc. SEARS gets paid, business gets a cut.
Not exactly ground breaking here.
Anyways, ordered the gate online and could choose between paying to ship to my house or free shipping to the closest store. Not home that much during the day so it's more convenient to pick it up at my convenience and I took a lap around the store while I was there (don't recall ever being in an actual SEARS store previously). The staff I interacted with (Catalogue desk, warehouse, and floor staff) were all very friendly and I will definitely go back when I have other needs. Win/Win for SEARS/Sears store and I didn't have to pay shipping.
I think this is a great way for Trek to move product, generate some money for dealers (better to get a few bucks for a pump bought online than nothing), and if I'm a dealer I'm looking at it as a great opportunity to earn new business by ensuring people who order bikes online get great service.
Mean People SUCK! Nice People SHOVEL!
Trails For All; Trails For Weather
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