Saddle Sore
Has age wearied you? And the years condemned?
On Tuesday, Seth posited that a local pizza parlour may not actually want my custom.
Later that day, I got the same signal from a push bike shop.
I’ve also sensed it lately in restaurants and bars.
Are vendors getting picky, or am I maturing into customer non grata?
The former seems crazy in a tight economy.
The latter almost too sad to contemplate.
Outing
I wanted a bicycle. It didn’t have to go far, fast or often, but it had to be solid.
I happened upon a specialist bike shop. It was bright and spotless, with more workshop gear than the hospital I was born in.
I briefed a sales guy half my age (and weight). He showed me a $500 bike that seemed to fit my bill.
As a sensible middle-aged man, I went home to research model and price. The shop was $170 off the pace.
I emailed the sales guy, who said he’d look after me when I came back.
Return
As I waited for him to emerge, I noticed my bike was the cheapest in the shop. By many thousands of dollars.
I wandered over to the helmets, which began at $350.
The sales guy appeared and asked why I was shaking my head.
‘I just can’t believe these prices!’
‘What d’you mean? They’re the best. You pay for the best.’
Trial
The chain came off twice during my short test ride.
‘That bike’s never been ridden; of course it’s going to be loose.’
I asked about price.
‘Well, I have no choice; I have to match what you found.’
I sure wasn’t feeling the love, but I still wanted to buy.
Then his mobile (cell) phone rang. He took the call and became cheerful. A colleague joined him in silent hand ballet. Looked like a big sale.
I waited.
The guy kept talking, then moved to the far end of the store. Out of sight.
I waited more, then suddenly felt very old, fat, unwanted and uncool.
I slunk out of the shop, got in my car and drove home.
The guy didn’t call back. I think he was happy I’d gone.
Time
Have you ever seen a too-old man in a nightclub and wondered what he was doing there?
Did you hide a superior smile when your dad couldn’t set the VCR?
I did, but now the joke’s on me.
Are you getting on a bit?
Are you finding that old money doesn’t talk so loud?
Tell me about it.
I’m all ears.
Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire
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Great post Paul,
Good for you for not accepting shoddy treatment. I have come across many such an individual and I often wonder what the owner of the shop who has invested his life into the business would think?
In our 40’s we may be ‘uncool’ but we are the ones with the discretionary funding to spend on ourselves to appease our self loathing and make ourselves feel better about our(fat)selves.
When it comes to bikes go Ebay. I recently bought a Giant mountain bike for $240 that retailed for $1000 more. And the guy was pleased to see me when I turned up with the loot.
PS. I’m 46 and still seriously cool despite what my teenage kids say!
You are a cack, Malcolm!
Thanks for your wonderful comment and advice. I’m checking out ebay with a smile on my face. Best regards, P. 
Ahh Paul. Its not that you’re over the hill and your money isn’t good enough.
Its that you PICKED THE WRONG SHOP. Your role is to now punish that salesperson in that shop by telling everyone how badly you were treated. NAME AND SHAME is the name of the game. Remembering, of course, that revenge is sweet. Ooops, sorry, that’s what we women do…
Meanwhile, gird your loins, and go to Brunswick Cycles. They’ll look after you! In fact, ring first, and ask for Peter. He’s the owner … about your age (at a guess).
Thank you, Debra. I agonise over naming, as we’ve discussed.
I try to remain positive. And somehow I still feel this incident was MY fault for being so ‘cheap’. But I guess if they don’t want low-end punters, they shouldn’t stock a low-end bike.
I’ll think about revenge; it sure works for the Klingons.
I’ll certainly check out Brunswick Cycles. Thanks very much for your comment and advice.
PS. I always wondered about women and revenge. Do they really do it better?
Do we do it better?
*cough* er, yes we do Paul.
Hee hee.
Maybe we should do a post on the top ten acts of revenge as committed by our (fair) readers! 
Is this the place, Debra? http://bit.ly/98vANT
Thats the place Paul. In real life they’re nowhere near as daunting as the website may make it appear.
If you get bad service there I’ll be shocked.
And I liiiike your idea about the top 10 acts of revenge… bet you’d get some doozies!
Thanks, Debra. They’re just up the road from me! Near the pool! I’ve emailed them a link to this discussion. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Paul,
Perhaps it had nothing to do with age but you questioned the price. It would be interesting to see what his reaction would have been if had been enthusiastic about a more expensive bike. Maybe send Debra in to test it.
Anyway, with age aren’t we suposed to become more comfortable in our own skins?
That is a VERY good point, Susan.
He was relatively chipper when I first went in there. Maybe he was annoyed that I snipped $170 off his margin with little effort.
But all the papers are saying retail is in the doldrums. I thought a $330 sale would be greatly preferable to a $0 walkout.
I was comfortable in my skin once. Alas, it’s a couple of sizes too big for me now.
At least, with the cooler weather coming, I can get back in the pool without the company of 500 screaming ankle biters.
Thank you very much for stopping by.
Susan has the right of it. Of what age did those sales boys look to be? Were they Gen Y’ers? Possibly raised [razed?] in a household where money was “no object” and every childish heart’s desire was indulged because their parents insecurity and angst. It’s my opinion that the Y generation hasn’t had much experience with negotiating a fair price for Pfoofer Valves ** and think it’s uncool to ask to pay less than the asked for sticker price – let alone shop around for “a better” deal.
Another thing to consider is what I call “industry elitism”. In a previous life I used to be a voracious mountain biker and snowboarder. I found the two amateur sports heavily riddled with people who had more money than brains and thought having the most expensive, most latest release of Pfoofer Valves, and having the flashiest gear is what made them better at said sport(s).
And that crap about a $350 helmet. I never spent more than $80 for any of mine in my past life. Helmets are a throw away item because you can only hit your noggin so many times before its ability to protect ceases to exist. The bike shop staff has been sniffin’ too many of their own industry elitist farts by the sounds of it and in my opinion they sound like pfoofers. Take your money elsewhere and spread your tale far and wide. Because, sadly, there are those industry elitists who will hear your story and think to themselves, “Sounds like my kind of place.” and that silly LBS (local bike shop) won’t lose out on the kind of customers they *really* want.
** Because as you have said, ‘Widget’ now means more than an abstract production unit.
Wow, Zoe; that’s MY kind of comment! It’s got the works: insight, expertise, satire AND pfoofer valves. Never knew that about helmets. Thank you very much.
I try not to be a generation generalist, but your words are powerful. Is there a Gen Y person in the house? You have the right of reply.
Paul, I too try not to be a generational generalist but sadly my words are from experience. I fall in that age group where Gen X transitions into Gen Y. While my parents never indulged me, I had many peers whose parents lacked where my parents excelled. When I was old enough to pay for my own things I tried to fit into “that peer group” by brainlessly doing the things they did with their money. I believe this behaviour is also called Keeping up with the Jones’. An evil thing to be caught up with and I guess the brief experience has left its mark on me. Every generation has it’s Jones’ and it’s exceptions but my opinion is that your experience at the LBS was not the exception.
Thanks for that, Zoe. It certainly sounds like you’re a straight shooter.
My first car was a banged up ‘67 VW Beetle. Even today, seeing P plates on a $90K BMW still gets me in the guts.
But then I think, am I being churlish? Should I wish them well in their good fortune?
I guess if they had manners proportionate to their wealth, I wouldn’t be phased. Alas, the inverse seems true.
Sure is good to have you in our forum, Zoe.
No, Paul, it wasn’t your fault–and you’re not “cheap.” Look at it objectively: As a marketer you know that today’s customer is empowered. The Internet makes it possible for consumers to review and compare–then find the best price possible.
As we hear incessantly, the newly empowered consumer is not only changing the way marketers do business–but the way businesses do business.
Any merchant who doesn’t understand the new rules of the game is destined to fail–and tee-hee, aren’t we glad to know this arrogant bike shop owner will get his comeuppance.
In today’s competitive marketplace, businesses that charge premium prices must provide premium service. Their “added value” for high pricing is superb service and wonderful customer experience.
Clearly not what you experienced in the bike store.
I don’t doubt that ageism exists–I, too, feel I’ve experienced it in stores and restaurants.
But ageism is not only bad manners but bad business: As Malcolm notes, Gen X and Baby Boomers represent the demographic slice-of-the-pie with most discretionary income and the best track record for indulging their consumerist whims.
Whatever you do, Paul, don’t give that lousy business your business.
Man, how good are today’s comments?! Great to have you back, Lorraine. And to receive your excellent analysis.
It seems there are deep and powerful forces behind my little ripple of an incident.
I solemnly undertake never to darken that specialist store’s doorstep again.
Thanks a lot for visiting us from the other side of the earth.
Debra, that bike shop you recommended replied very positively to my email. I also had a yarn with them on the phone and I’m heading down there this arvo. Thanks a lot for wording them up and putting me onto them. Will let you know how I get on.
PAUL,
My partner’s 83 year old mother, Margarita Pleshivtseff, is a seasoned recipient of age related poor treatment. As are her friends.
I tore strips off a sales clerk in Woolworths at Bathurst for her dismissive response to Margarita’s enquiry about the location of a product.
On her now many stays in hospital, a nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney refused to get her a bedpan when she asked for it. The nurse told her she was too busy and ordered her to ‘hold it’! Everyone knew who her son was by the time he lacerated the hospital administration.
I saw a woman in her thirties push her aside to jump a queue.
And she says sales clerks rarely pay attention to her when asking to be served.
All her friends agree that as they age, the shabbier they’re treated. She lives in rural Australia with us. But her friends are still active and living in Sydney.
It doesn’t bode well for us baby boomers, does it?
Best wishes,
Carol
Thank you Carol (and Margarita) for your very generous comment.
This sounds pretty grim. As a townie, I thought things might be kinder in the country. Big sense of community and all that. No?
I am a bit fearful of what awaits us. Before we know it, there’s going to be an awful lot of old folk and not too many youngies to look after them.
I’m so scared, I’m even eating fruit and veggies to give myself a fighting chance of health down the track.
Thanks again, Carol. I really appreciate your visit.
PAUL,
Bathurst is now just a satellite suburb of Sydney. It stopped being a cosy regional country town many years ago.
Margarita’s son, Victor Pleshev and I have no children, so we’ve been following your tactics for 17 years, ever since we escaped Balmain to move to the bush.
Which is.
Do as much hard work as possible in our hectare of garden and on the back 54 hectacres to KEEP VERY FIT so we can avoid Magarita’s scenario for as long as possible.
It’s a pleasure to meet you, Paul. I’ll keep following you because you’re so interesting.
All the best,
Carol
Holy Hallowed Hails Batman! That’s a bit more like it!
A fine bevvy of empathetic edifications what?
So ‘owz ya muvvers ducks’ ol’ Bean?
As you know I’ve been a tad tardy with my comments of late…Geez! I think I even missed one post entirely!!! (But as always I did read and enjoy it thoroughly 
…
Am I fortunate not to be part of the ‘ageing self-loathers and deniers sect’ by having no discretionary funding? Hmmm! I suppose I won’t know the answer to that until next time I bump into good ol’ Malcolm in the ‘Ethers’ ;-P
Oh! And Paul, your not cheap mate…Malcolm bluddy-well is though ey? Hehe! ;-P
It never ceases to amaze me how often I see the words ‘Debra’ and ‘revenge’ in the same sentence! Trust me when I say that if you are the ‘blogmeister’, our dear Debra is the ‘revengemeister’…try not to put her to the test. Would you like to see my scars? ;-P
Wow! There’s just so many great people to pick-on…it’s like a family reunion…I think I’m getting a bit…what’s the word?…Overly familiar? Ok, that’s two words but it’ll do as an epitaph (He runs for cover…).
Zoe Simpson! Wow! I like you already
…would you like to gang-up on Malcolm with me one day? ;-P
Alright! Clearly I haven’t got anything edifying to add myself, but I am having fun…and if nothing else I hope that in my own weird way I’m saying it’s good to be back and I miss you guys…
Thanks for the great post and comments and I’ll catch you soon…except for Debra…I just hide from her now ;-P
Cheers
Stephen G
Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that I’m finishing up with MYOB tomorrow and therefore will be handing over the editorial reins to the highly talented Naomi Helleren, Communications Manager at MYOB.
Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of this wonderful community over the past 12 months – Paul and I have had an amazing time working on SBO.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for all his hard work and complete dedication – he’s a breath of fresh air and I’ve loved working alongside him.
I’ll pop in and catch up with you as often as I can, although I might need to get a new surname
So keep an eye out for me!
Struth! I nick down the shops for half a mo to buy a bike and everybody weighs in, does a Lazarus or resigns!
So much to respond to. So much to report. Stand by … got me ruddy … trouser clips in a … twist …
Have just arrived in Yarrawonga, opened my computer and find Stephen G saying nasty things about sweet lil me… nasty coot. Just come that leeetle bit closer matey…
Megan’s leaving. You’ll be missed.
And Paul has bought a bike? Well now… do tell.
OK. All sorted out. In reverse order:
Debra, I just got back from bsc bikes. Matt looked after me very well. Spent AGES explaining everything about helmets and bikes. He had to unlock and set up three bikes for me to try. I went for the third.
It’s a second hand Shogun Metro but the service guys reckon it’s in fine nick. $320 for the bike AND a new helmet.
I’m a very happy camper. And very grateful to you for ending my quest so successfully.
My work is done. *big grin*
Megan! I thought, too late, that you should do a farewell POST. You’re worth so much more than a simple comment.
As a twitchy, fragile creative type, I couldn’t have asked for a better handler. Thank you VERY much, and good luck in your new journey!
Stephen, I mentioned you in a comment on Tuesday’s post. I’m so pleased you’re back. It hasn’t been the same without you.
Thank you Megan! You have truly done a wonderful job.
I think everyone (including me!) will love it when you pop in.
Hi everyone!
I look forward to chatting with you all and contributing to the SBO community.
Paul – I’m looking forward to working alongside you!
Couldn’t agree more, Naomi! Megan is one righteous sheila. And a damn good egg.
It’s great to meet you and I’m also looking forward to our partnership.
Paul – fantastic outcome. Happy riding!
Thanks Paul.
Carol, you and Victor sound like you’re firmly on the right tram, track, route and section.
I was delighted to find your website and your beaut post got me thinking yet again about moving Empire House to the sticks. [One of these days, Alice. One of these days!]
I’m sure you’re going to fit in beautifully with our harlequin crew. Maybe we’ll even get a guest post out of you some day. Best regards, P.
Holy Change Management Batman!!! Wha…!…Bu…!…Hu…!..A…!
Megan? Does that little bit about ‘getting a new surname’ mean what I think it means? If so DON’T DO IT! RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY! ;-P
Butt seriously…if it does, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
…I hope you turn the statistics on their cynical heads 
We couldn’t have asked for a better Editorial Person…you’ve been a boon…thanks and very happy thoughts to you and all that you love
And welcome Naomi
. Man have you got some shoes to fill 
…and if Paul reckons you’re a good egg, that’s good enough for me 
I hope your time here is as enjoyable and edifying as ours. 
Now…Dear Debra…are you joking? ‘…a bit closer’? Yarra-bluddy-wonga is as close as it gets matey ;-P Oh! And that wasn’t nasty…I wouldn’t bluddy dare be nasty to you…especially in Public…God! My great grandchildren would never be safe… ;-P
Wow! I think I need a cuppa…my barely adequate social skills are crumbling…
Cheers
Stephen G
PS Paul – How ironic that what is probably the only post I’ve missed since being welcomed into these hallowed pages last year…is about Pizzas!!! Heavens…I best do a few ‘Hail Nunzios’ and some ‘pizzance’…Ooh! I wonder if anyone has ever tried to whip themselves with a pizza? No! Don’t answer that!…if it’s humanly possible, it’s been done I’m sure, and believe it or not, there are a few things that I just don’t want to know
Hi Stephen,
Long time no see! Sorry to disappoint but no wedding bells – I just meant I won’t be Megan from myBRC anymore
Thanks for the welcome Stephen
Hi Paul,
Firstly, can I just start with: Long time listener (reader?), first time caller (writer?).
I’ve spent many a lunchtime perusing your posts, and oft thought that today’s content (from filthy kitchens to fleeting mentions of my employers name) may just be enough to finally make me post a reply, but then I start to debate my relevance to the topic, procrastinate a little and ultimately never do.
But then I read this post – It’s got retail, crappy customer service, Gen Y – This post is right up my alley! So anyways, I’ll stop gibbering and get on with it.
As an ex retail sales lackey & ex-customer service rep, I think this guys Boss would probably throttle him if he knew that his disinterest, and disregard for his customers was sending money marching straight back out his door.
I’d rather know the customer has the right helmet for them even if that means they buy it from someone else. If you can’t match/beat a price, still show some respect, let the customer know what they need to, give them your card and ask them to call you if the other deal falls through.
(It may well just work in your favour the next time the person needs a helmet/bike/pfoofer valve)
As a (the?) representative from Gen Y I think, unfortunately, that Zoe’s right. Although I don’t think it is just isolated to those with too much cash, nor to just Gen Y, (Though yes, I admit the mere site of P platers with BMW’s does boil my blood), but along with the snowballing sense of entitlement, I think that the age old adage (pardon the pun) of “Respect your elders” is just no longer part of younger generations vocabulary.
Why? Because it obviously isn’t as hereditarily instilled as it used to be.
Sorry for the War & Peace, but I’ve been saving it a while…
Ps. Hi to Fonnie from Kel!
Dear Myles, how cool to have you in our fold! Sorry you had to wait a bit for your comment to show up. I was out and about and this is indeed your first time.
We do seem to have a dearth of Gen Yers in here. So I’m particularly pleased to have your insight. We luuuuurve long comments too, so knock yourself out any time!
I’m really stoked such a small interaction has triggered such a great response. Feel free to reel off any topics that’ll have you speaking your mind again. Will pass on the well wishes to Fonnie.
Best regards and thanks again! P.
I would say it was more a price issue, that is, beating down their price, rather than age. Haggling plus being in a job he doesn’t really like probably contributed towards his treatment of you. Perhaps you weren’t getting any special treatment at all, he probably treats all customers the say way, hence they have to hike up their prices, due to lack of sales!
Thank you for visiting, Shona. It’s great to get your take on this. You may well be right. I hope so; I can handle ‘priceism’ a lot ‘better’ than ageism!
Oh Paul, not you too! My husband has recently rediscovered cycling so its all Im hearing about .. and on your blog, too!! Also in his 40s, he was fortunate enough to meet a salesman of the same vintage who had also gotten back into the game a few yrs earlier. While hubby is drooling over carbon fibre, clever salesman knows the deal is only done if it gets the nod from the wife!
Hi, Sonia. Sorry to add to the noise! Still, better a bike than a Ferrari. Melbourne is getting so congested. I’m looking forward to doing pool, library, post office and bottle shop runs in half the time, using no petrol and with better health at the end. Thanks for your comment. P.
I do love your posts Paul and each time think “so am not the only one this happens to”.
Two weeks ago emailed my printer a friendly email with specific request to amend colour scheme on company logo (only certain areas needed to be changed, sent screen shot, highlighted areas for change, and supplied the colour pallet). Believing this would be a piece of cake! The firm not only produced a total different shade but somehow “mystery to me” changed the colour on existing area. So I politely emailed back with more specifics only to receive email back saying he is too busy and “just get your web designer to do it” and he will print the cards and $xyz is the deposit to pay to have them printed. From the poor customer service experience I received I wonder how this printer manages to stay in business. Needless to say have been able to give more business to my web designer and sourced a new printer who will work with me. Customer service rules.
Lovely to hear from you again, Gillian. So glad you’re digging the scene. It’s always valuable to hear (albeit unfortunate) real-world tales like yours.
I’ve had a few posts on printers rattling round my head for some time. Perhaps I should get one down on paper soon. I suspect it could be a fertile field.
Good on you for working around your problem too. Best regards, P.