Norcal Spotted and BS Thread

How much room is there in the black storage rotopax thing? What do you keep in there?

 

That's an internet photo. Not my gear. I think that black one might be a tool set.

https://rotopax.com

Late Edit: it's an empty box for anything you can fit in it.



This looks different that the internet photo, so not sure.

 

#feelsbadman

Went to my go to motorcycle shop to ask about an oil change and a new rear tire. Walk in to the guy talking to his buddy about closing shop because hes not making any money because people bring him cheaper stuff from online. I agreed with him it sucks, and started talking to him about what I needed. Right around the $600 price tag he gave me for a tire and an oil change I had to respectfully decline even though I need both. Funky tire size, but as much as I like trying to support the local guys, I can literally buy the same tire for $150 cheaper online, get it installed for about $75 (what he charged me last time) and save $75. Then about a $150 oil change? Sorry brother, at that price I will definitely do it myself. It sucks, he's probably going to close down because of it, but I guess he just doesn't do enough business to be able to match prices at all. I didn't bother insulting him with "match online prices" since I knew it would be a no go. I feel bad, but damn dude, I can't really justify a good $200 up charge to support a local.

 

Most of the time, a supplier/manufacturer would give shops a credit so they can match prices and be competitive (store owner told me). But of course, without volume, it's not gonna help.

If the price difference is minimal vs online store, I would totally support and buy it from the local shop. But I agree with you when it's not minimal anymore.

I've been lucky enough to have a store close to me that automatically matches prices online if he sees me coming (must be that asian low-baller look). From what I see, he's doing good. Lots of repeat customers and new ones as well.

 

Yeah that's the problem. I mean if he was even within say $50 of a price match I'd have done it, but he quoted me about $375 for a tire that is a little over $200 online, and said that was with a "discount", and then when I was able to eyeball the itemized list he's upcharging like crazy for oil and a filter. Labor is Labor, I can't really complain about that, but damn dude.

Bottom line is the internet really has done a number on small businesses, and while it sucks for them, it gets to the point where I can't even afford to support local business.

 

it sucks, i have a friend who owns a truck accessory business and has been successful for around 20 years. But his prices are nuts and i've told him the same thing. I cant afford to eat $200 just because its your business on something small.

Amazon is truly killing all small retail.

 

Spotted @J03x122 on Saturday out here:

Didn't get a picture of his truck, so I'll just post a gratuitous one of my own.

 

Completely agree. He could change the way he does things, but he wont and once the old timers die off he will eventually be out of business too. Hes only still in business because of loyal old people who are too afraid to go on the internet.

 

Totally true. Dude basically said he's going to switch to just sales and close the maintenance side. I told him that sucks since he's been working on my bikes for the last few years and was my go to. Now I'll have to find another shop that does good work. Like I said before, labor rate is labor rate, I won't argue what hes charging vs what another guy is, since his work is so great, but his prices on parts are way to high. *shrug* Another day another dollar.

 

This is the same with my father in law's gun guy. I bought my Ar-7 from him, paid about $80 more than most gun shops to support the little guy, asked about a Ruger and he wanted an additional $200 for it than the shop by me. It just gets to the point where its ridiculous trying to keep the Mom and Pop's in business.

 

Same with the gun shop in Vacaville (ASP). Love the dudes and they're family friends who own it. But their prices are consistently higher than they should be. Even their "sales" are crap. I go to a small shop in Sacramento that kills the game on pricing, ill gladly drive to Sacramento to buy and go pick up to save $100-200

 

In other news, can anyone point me towards a good cordless vacuum that works well with dog hair on carpet? Short carpet, no long weave. But want to be able to run around the house and get all the dog hair up off the tile floor and the carpet stairs before the wife comes home.Wife wants something like a swiffer but cordless vacuum, hopefully wall mounted that charges.

And before anyone says anything about proper grooming, you can ask @DannyBFresco , I picked Gunnar up from Petco groomers, paid extra for the extra deshedding thing, got on the road for Pismo...byt the time I got there the entire back seat was coated in hair. Furry walls.

 

not sure for housing needs but for vehicle, use the rubber gloves and slide and scoop. Will pick up hair off the seats and carpet with ease. #ProTip

 

I have one of those blanket things that straps to the headrests and cups the whole back seat. So most of the hair just clings to that.

 

100 percent agree. All about innovation and "moving with the times."

 

I use a dyson at home. Works pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...U|B01GSIOD4G|B01GSIOD2S|B010FQ4STC|B00GXFIS5A

 

Haha literally have one up on Amazon right now. Deciding if $400 is worth it for a vacuum or not lol

 

RCGE?