Debate: Should we tell customers when their bike is a lost cause or let them decide?

Last month a guy brought in a 1990s mountain bike that needed more in parts than it was worth. I told him straight up it was time to retire it, but my coworker said I should have just fixed it and charged him. Do you think it's our job to be honest about value, or just do the work they ask for?

2 comments

2 Comments

kai46311d ago

Oh sure, let people bring in their rusted out huffy from 1987 and pay $400 to get the shifters working again... nothing says "great business model" like letting nostalgia ruin someone's bank account. Just slap a new chain on that thing and pretend the frame isn't half rusted through, right? I'm sure they'll love the surprise when the crank arm falls off going down a hill. But hey, at least you got paid, so that's all that matters.

rowanc2911d ago

Yeah, that "crank arm falls off going down a hill" part hits close to home... had a similar situation once where I told the guy straight up the frame was a safety hazard and refused to touch it. Sometimes the best money you make is the money you walk away from.