Quoted message said:Quoted message said:It's an "on-demand" item because it's a *Suntour* freewheel tool.
Specifically a 2-prong Suntour freewheel tool, and 2-prong Suntour
freewheels are both very rare these days and, for the most part, on their
last legs and not worthy of spending the money for a tool that might only
be used once. The alternative is to have the shop remove it; I believe it
runs about $4 (which covers not just the time involved but also the fact
that the infamous 2-prong Suntour freewheel *eats* tools for lunch. Make
sure, when you use it, that you have the tool clamped to the freewheel,
using the quick release.
The amazing thing to me is I encountered the exact same reaction when I
used to go to my LBS. Of course they said that about every part or tool I
asked for; everything from cone wrenches to flat pedals (flat pedals!).
As it is, there is a really good shop that is about 60 miles from where I
live, and this guy had 4 of the Suntour freewheel tools.
Four of the 2-prong Suntour freewheel tools in stock? I'm glad he's still in
business; I can't believe there are many markets that would support the sale
of one of those every couple of years. You'd generally be doing your
customers a better deal by making sure you've got a couple in the service
department, and offer to remove those old freewheels for a reasonable cost.
Odds are that any such freewheel isn't going to have much life to it, and
since you can't buy a replacement freewheel with the same removal mechanism,
purchasing one is most-often a one-use deal.
Quoted message said:He has also had every tool & part I've ever asked for in stock. I realize
that's rare, but the things I typically ask for are not that unusual. I
certainly don't _save_ money by driving 60 miles over to the store and 60
miles back, but I like the store and being able to see the stuff first
hand rather than on a computer monitor or glossy catalog page.
Obviously, I would agree with the idea that seeing things first hand is
preferable to an internet connection of catalog page, since I make no profit
off either, but rather focus on having things ready to go when people come
into the store. It's a tough thing trying to have the right mix though, but
the different "personalities" among different shops ensures that the mix
will be different from store to store. Sounds like you've found one that's a
good match for your needs.
The mechanics of staying in business are getting more difficult by the day,
particularly as the price of land/rent goes up, up, and ever-higher up.
Worker's comp and health insurance are two other costs that are going
through the roof. Increased sales don't come close to covering the extra
burden, so shops have to do everything they can to increase the sales
generated by each sqaure foot of space. That means that items that don't
"turn" quickly (basically a measurement of how long something sits on a
shelf before being sold) need to be looked at closely and possibly replaced
with items that sell more rapidly.
In our case, that means that every couple of years we go through and find
items that have gathered a whole lot of dust and donate them to one of the
local cycling charities. I'd much rather be able to sell them, of course!
And, of course, what ends up being donated at our shop might be items that
sell briskly elsewhere.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
