Women Mean Business
This week was the National Women’s Bicycling Forum held by the League of American Bicyclists. While I wasn’t able to make it to Washington, DC, I tried to follow as much as I could online. The theme was “Woman Mean Business” and there’s a pretty serious video presentation of just how much business.
But it doesn’t take statistics to tell us women there is some serious untapped market potential out there.
But beyond simple market potential, we’re a force to be reckoned with. And I reckon there’s going to be some change coming.
During a trip using the Cape Cod Rail Trail, my gloves were so shredded and uncomfortable, I decided to replace them when I was passing a bike shop in Orleans….. I believe it was Orleans Cycle. Having people outside waiting for me, I quickly tried some on, made my choice and brought them to the counter with cash in hand. Waited…………………………………………………
………………………………………….waited some more, while the shop guy talked and talked to a couple about a bike they clearly were not going to purchase that day, maybe ever. There was someone else working (?) in there too, also ignoring me. I threw the gloves down and walked out. Yes, they clearly saw me, with cash in hand and chose to ignore me. On returning home I ordered gloves online…two pair. The LBS wonders why they loose business to online sales?
I buy most stuff online or ebay. I research it, look at it, know what I want.
While I completely agree that many shops have this problem, I am blessed to have three shops in my town which do not. I tend to do my own wrenching and so enjoy talking shop with the guys/gals in the back, so I can be something of a fixture. But I have also run into this attitude when buying a car, and this was my solution: when I felt I was being under-served, I asked to see a manager. I let him know that I had come ready to buy, but the level of customer disservice I received had encouraged me to take my money elsewhere. Then I left. I can’t give a bigger hint than that, and I encourage others to do the same.
I must put in a good word for my LBS. In addition to the typical laid-back bike dudes who one would expect to work there, they have two really capable women. One is very good in sales and can match all the guys with her knowledge of obscure technical bike stuff. The other is an excellent mechanic. She saved my sanity by eliminting the clicking/creaking noise on my mountain bike.
I volunteer at a nonprofit DIY bike shop in the Pacific Northwest, and have run into this attitude with some of the male volunteers. Most of them are great; they understand that both men and women cover a wide range of knowledge and cycling needs –Lots of men ride cruisers. Lots of women tear it up on the trails or in races. Most people of all genders just ride shitty mountain bikes to get where they’re going– However, there are a few guys (mostly older), who will dumb down their explanations when dealing with women, or only recommend cruiser-type bikes. It really bugs me, and I know this kind of machismo attitude turns a lot of women off of learning about bikes. So we created a night specifically for women and trans to come in and learn, where they know they won’t get any of this kind of attitude.
I feel like this attitude is changing, but slowly. It takes a while, like with women being taken seriously as athletes in the sports world. We’ve all got to keep on bikin’ and confront these issues when we see them. Thanks, bikeyface!
I don’t give my money to bike shops that make me feel uncomfortable or if the clerks talk down to me. I have lady parts but I still have a brain and like to be treated as if that is the case.
I am thankful that there are enough bike shops in Houston to be so selective.
I would like to say that my husband has mentioned this gender bias and observed it himself.