Faulty Logic

Interesting conversation.
The other day had a visitor come in the shop and start to talk us up.  It didn't take long until his identity became obvious as we are accustomed to folks from other bike shops coming in to "check us out".  It's funny, 'cause I could never understand why they feel the necessity for cloak and dagger.  To ask questions regarding our service costs, policies and practices and the like.  We have no "company secrets" under lock and key.  No patented and private means of doing what we do.  Quite the contrary, being a Leo and subsequently a spotlight ham, I become a real "chatty Kathy" when asked about what we do and how we dot it.  But, some folks have their games, and I don't want to break their spirit.  So after answering the slue of questions we got on to the "how's business" and of course I answered honestly that at this time of the year things are a little slow.  Well, that's when he played his masterful hand of unveiling his true identity.  I feigned surprise, I think quite convincingly.  As it turns out he owns  small chain of bike shops up North, and he's just down on vacation (in August!?) and had heard about us.  Well, that's something good, right?  As we gabbed on he made a suggestion, one I have heard from others in the business that I have never fully understood.  Well, that's to ay I understand the thinking behind it, but cannot agree nor subscribe to the policy.  That is the practice of raising prices when times are slow.  The thought is, when the normal flow of casual riders and weekenders lessens you still have bills to pay, so you jack up the cost for the more diehards of riders to pick up the slack.  Here's my take:  We established this business predicated on the servicing of bikes for folks who rely on them primarily for transportation.  Oh sure, we get the casual, the serious the vacationers and such but we wanted to tailor our service and sales to those unrepresented by the bulk of boutique shops in the area.  There are PLENTY of places around if you want a $100.00 tune-up, or  a $5000.00 bike so we opted for the other direction.  There have been opportunities over the years to upgrade and gel with that niche, but it aint' us.  I realize at times the cost of doing business predicates that you have mild price increases (bloody cost of rubber and the like) but just 'cause things get a little tight doesn't mean you tighten the noose, means you tighten your belt.  Knowing that the season is coming upon us there's no reason we can't weather it, don't know why we would pass hardship onto others just to keep from eating Mac and Cheese for dinner! 
Nah, we'll keep it the way it is and only when absolutely necessary "get with the times" and have modest increases.
ANYWHO!  Have put out a few new goodies today!  Check 'em out below!  With that gonna start on another and be talkin' at ya again soon!