classic33
Leg End Member
Shouldn't the pallet truck have supporting cross supports, with the box laying flat on one of its two larger sides?
Taking over the bike shop...
- Thread starter Andy in Germany
- Start date
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OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
Possibly, if I could be bothered, but for the distance I was going it wasn't worth it; in he time it would take to find and/or cut the wood for the cross supports I was already at the workshop. The stands aren't that heavy, just bulky.
Mike Ayling
Veteran
- Location
- Melbourne Downunda
Good thing the OH&S person didn't see you!
Emanresu
I asked AI to show the 'real' me.
Hats off to you @Andy in Germany by doing this. Seems to be a common approach to the issue of providing work for the workless (however defined)
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multimedia/swiss-bikes-in-tanzania_a-better-life-on-two-wheels/43693534
and
https://thebikeproject.co.uk/mission/
Have one local to me on the South Coast on a national cycle route but it comes and goes with funding. Sudden drops in council funding seems to kill these projects which is why most end up seeking donations and support from elsewhere.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multimedia/swiss-bikes-in-tanzania_a-better-life-on-two-wheels/43693534
and
https://thebikeproject.co.uk/mission/
Have one local to me on the South Coast on a national cycle route but it comes and goes with funding. Sudden drops in council funding seems to kill these projects which is why most end up seeking donations and support from elsewhere.
OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
Thanks, although I feel a bit guilty when people say nice things about me for my work, as I'm basically getting paid to do something I really enjoy.
We are in a slightly better position here but we're still working on a shoestring and the business has to cover its own costs from a variety of sources. Fortunately we're partly owned by the county and the Mayor of our town supports us, which in Germany is a really big deal. Our boss spends a lot of time networking, lobbying and finding funding and is very good at it; I couldn't do it.
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OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
One of the "95€" bikes being repaired.
I'm ambivalent about this development but it's a compromise between me and the management. Many people come to us looking for a cheap bike for transport; either because they are desperate for something to get to work, or because they want a bike they can leave at the local railway station without it being nicked.
As the management point out, if we don't sell cheaper bikes then these customers will likely buy a dangerous or stolen bike from a car boot sale*; at least this way we make sure the bike is legal, safe, and the tyres stay pumped up.
I'll only allow clients I trust to fix these and I check them myself before they go out. I've also made a new price tag that makes it very clear that all we do is check brakes, gears, and lights; pump up the tyres, and clean the bike, so customers know exactly what they're buying.
One side effect I've found is that my 'trusted' clients like repairing these bikes. I think it's because they have a tendency to get bogged down in details, but having these clear rules means they finish bikes quicker.
*They then frequently come to us expecting us to fix everything wrong with it for 10€...
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OP
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Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
I think we're a bit more pragmatic here; I'm allowed to do a risk assessment myself, and I decided this was fine because if they fell off, there was no way they could hurt anyone. I also drove this past the boss (not the store manager, but the company boss) and he didn't say anything.
That said, when I took the wagon back to the delivery area, I found that the others were not stowed correctly with their front wheels at 90°...
HobbesOnTour
Guru
- Location
- España
Sorry, going to be a jackass ......... again.......
As well as working on bikes, clients and plans, I'd suggest you also do a little bit of work on that attitude.
If you give off any kind of an uncomfortable vibe there's a good chance that some people will stop offering an honest appraisal of your effort. In the long run, that's not a good thing. There are days when the right words at the right time can make a big, big difference.
I'd be pretty sure that you're not stingy doling out praise to your clients?
Or are you because you're uncomfortable receiving it?
There's nothing wrong with getting paid for what you love doing. Especially if that is helping other people.
By all means point out to people that you love what you do, but coming from a heavy Catholic upbringing, guilt is a nasty, insidious bugger that can seep through us, even the most benign types of guilt. I'd suggest trying to find a way to accept the praise without the guilt.
There are strong arguments to be made that we shouldn't seek validation outside ourselves but at the same time, kind words can be like fuel, or reserves of fuel, that we can draw on when we need them.
Or, to put it another way, it's just rude to dismiss someone when they offer up a compliment or praise.
As always, the very best of luck to you.
As well as working on bikes, clients and plans, I'd suggest you also do a little bit of work on that attitude.
If you give off any kind of an uncomfortable vibe there's a good chance that some people will stop offering an honest appraisal of your effort. In the long run, that's not a good thing. There are days when the right words at the right time can make a big, big difference.
I'd be pretty sure that you're not stingy doling out praise to your clients?
Or are you because you're uncomfortable receiving it?
There's nothing wrong with getting paid for what you love doing. Especially if that is helping other people.
By all means point out to people that you love what you do, but coming from a heavy Catholic upbringing, guilt is a nasty, insidious bugger that can seep through us, even the most benign types of guilt. I'd suggest trying to find a way to accept the praise without the guilt.
There are strong arguments to be made that we shouldn't seek validation outside ourselves but at the same time, kind words can be like fuel, or reserves of fuel, that we can draw on when we need them.
Or, to put it another way, it's just rude to dismiss someone when they offer up a compliment or praise.
As always, the very best of luck to you.
Emanresu
I asked AI to show the 'real' me.
As above.
I volunteer and have done for a few years. If it wasn't for those organise, arrange and finance these things there would be a lot of clients unable to progress. Volunteers and clients can be variable and you have to have patience for some but without you, it doesn't work.
And with so many similar organisations, especially in the US, there is a clear need for this.
I volunteer and have done for a few years. If it wasn't for those organise, arrange and finance these things there would be a lot of clients unable to progress. Volunteers and clients can be variable and you have to have patience for some but without you, it doesn't work.
And with so many similar organisations, especially in the US, there is a clear need for this.
OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
Poor communication from me there, I think, partly because it's hard to ariculate what I'm trying to say...
When people say nice things, it's like they think I'm somehow really kind or really patient. I do what I do because I like doing it. Some people are engineers and can work with fixing engineering... stuff. I'm the same with people.
When people say nice things, it's like they think I'm somehow really kind or really patient. I do what I do because I like doing it. Some people are engineers and can work with fixing engineering... stuff. I'm the same with people.
OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
One recurring theme at work is people wanting us to fix their bike, essentially for free. Sometimes they've bought a real clunker at the local car boot sale, and they lug it into the shop in the hope that I'll "Make it work better" which probably means replace the cables, true the wheels, fix the brakes (including new blocks) and rebuild the lighting.
These are fairly easy to deal with; I give them a cost estimate and they leave in a huff because "the last mechanic did it for 10€".
More difficult are clients, or former clients who think that because they were/are clients, I'm their on call free bike mechanic.
Secondly, not all speak German, and certain individuals are remarkably persistently unable to understand "no". Asking a client of the same nationality to translate can help, but if we do this too often the translators understandably get a bit fed up, especially if they end up in the middle of an argument.
Today was a classic. a former client turns up with what was a very good quality bike. The bikes main problem is neglect but it's also badly damaged; the rear wheel won't turn, light smashed, mudguard flapping in the breeze. He wants the wheel repaired. The wheel is what we in the trade technically call "gerfürkled"; I've seen straighter pretzels. I'm not supposed to do repairs, but for clients we are allowed a bit of leeway, after all who else is going to help them? However we're strict that there's no discount on our usual rates, (which are well below the norm). I also have no translators today; my boss speaks the same language but she's out of the building.
I tell him I'll replace the wheel, it'll be quicker than the long discussion if I say no. The cost is 10€ for the wheel, and 6€ for ten minutes work. If it gets complicated I may take 20 minutes so it'll be 12 € Okay, he agrees.
I take his bike into the workshop. he wanders in. I shoo him out again as it's not a public area.
After some digging I find a serviceable rear wheel (note to self, need more wheels). There are complications; the last wheel wasn't even in straight, so I have to reset the brakes and gears, By the time I've sorted it to a ridable state, it's nearer thirty minutes but I overlook that. Return bike to customer.
"Light kaput. Mudguard Kaput. Needs fixing."
This is common; people ask for one repair then claim they thought everything would get fixed for that price and try to pressure me to do the extra. I expect this is because in their home culture, this would be expected. However, they aren't in their home culture.
I explain this will cost more: I can sell him the light for 10€ and fitting it costs 6€. I'm not touching the mudguard because it'll take hours. Offer to sell him the light and he can fit it. He isn't happy but wanders off to the till with the light.
Ten minutes later he's back, in the workshop, badgering one of my clients. He doesn't know how to fit the light. Can we do it? Again, this is a tactic I've seen before. I Explain that fitting the light is more expensive. He still wants me to do it. Much discussion.
Fit light, hallelujah, it worked first time, change the bill to reflect this extra. Show customer. He's not happy. Why does it cost so much? Explain;
Wheel: 10€,
light: 10€,
Time 3x10 minutes = 3x6 =18€
He complains "so expensive, so expensive, why so expensive?" I explain the bill again. He repeats "So expensive, why?", hoping I'll lower the cost. I don't, because I know if I do he'll expect me to repair something else next week for even less. Instead I explain the bill again. He's not a happy customer. I go with him to the till so he won't try and nag the till staff for a reduction.
I'm hoping this will be effective long term and he'll not come back looking for free repairs...
These are fairly easy to deal with; I give them a cost estimate and they leave in a huff because "the last mechanic did it for 10€".
More difficult are clients, or former clients who think that because they were/are clients, I'm their on call free bike mechanic.
Secondly, not all speak German, and certain individuals are remarkably persistently unable to understand "no". Asking a client of the same nationality to translate can help, but if we do this too often the translators understandably get a bit fed up, especially if they end up in the middle of an argument.
Today was a classic. a former client turns up with what was a very good quality bike. The bikes main problem is neglect but it's also badly damaged; the rear wheel won't turn, light smashed, mudguard flapping in the breeze. He wants the wheel repaired. The wheel is what we in the trade technically call "gerfürkled"; I've seen straighter pretzels. I'm not supposed to do repairs, but for clients we are allowed a bit of leeway, after all who else is going to help them? However we're strict that there's no discount on our usual rates, (which are well below the norm). I also have no translators today; my boss speaks the same language but she's out of the building.
I tell him I'll replace the wheel, it'll be quicker than the long discussion if I say no. The cost is 10€ for the wheel, and 6€ for ten minutes work. If it gets complicated I may take 20 minutes so it'll be 12 € Okay, he agrees.
I take his bike into the workshop. he wanders in. I shoo him out again as it's not a public area.
After some digging I find a serviceable rear wheel (note to self, need more wheels). There are complications; the last wheel wasn't even in straight, so I have to reset the brakes and gears, By the time I've sorted it to a ridable state, it's nearer thirty minutes but I overlook that. Return bike to customer.
"Light kaput. Mudguard Kaput. Needs fixing."
This is common; people ask for one repair then claim they thought everything would get fixed for that price and try to pressure me to do the extra. I expect this is because in their home culture, this would be expected. However, they aren't in their home culture.
I explain this will cost more: I can sell him the light for 10€ and fitting it costs 6€. I'm not touching the mudguard because it'll take hours. Offer to sell him the light and he can fit it. He isn't happy but wanders off to the till with the light.
Ten minutes later he's back, in the workshop, badgering one of my clients. He doesn't know how to fit the light. Can we do it? Again, this is a tactic I've seen before. I Explain that fitting the light is more expensive. He still wants me to do it. Much discussion.
Fit light, hallelujah, it worked first time, change the bill to reflect this extra. Show customer. He's not happy. Why does it cost so much? Explain;
Wheel: 10€,
light: 10€,
Time 3x10 minutes = 3x6 =18€
He complains "so expensive, so expensive, why so expensive?" I explain the bill again. He repeats "So expensive, why?", hoping I'll lower the cost. I don't, because I know if I do he'll expect me to repair something else next week for even less. Instead I explain the bill again. He's not a happy customer. I go with him to the till so he won't try and nag the till staff for a reduction.
I'm hoping this will be effective long term and he'll not come back looking for free repairs...
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Emanresu
I asked AI to show the 'real' me.
Did he explain why the wheel was gerfürkled? If it's an "operator" problem, he may be back expecting to pay nothing as the replacement was not to spec.
You'll develop a knack for these. For example, we hand out food coupons and have done for a while. We got so many people who weren't actually in distress claiming these that there is now a checklist. Takes ages to verify a new client but at least we know it's going to the right people and the pressure on costs has been controlled.
In saying that we still get people whose who try it on. We don't judge them or criticise them, we just explain patiently that don't meet the criteria. They then smile and say "OK". But they come back later and try another volunteer. Rinse and repeat.
Just people being people.
You'll develop a knack for these. For example, we hand out food coupons and have done for a while. We got so many people who weren't actually in distress claiming these that there is now a checklist. Takes ages to verify a new client but at least we know it's going to the right people and the pressure on costs has been controlled.
In saying that we still get people whose who try it on. We don't judge them or criticise them, we just explain patiently that don't meet the criteria. They then smile and say "OK". But they come back later and try another volunteer. Rinse and repeat.
Just people being people.
OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
Within five minutes of coming into work two clients came with "broken" bicycles: one in a tizzy because her tyre wasn't on straight and one with low air pressure.
This is a common issue; clients tend to assume every little thing is, or will, cause a catastrophe. Of course they often notice at weekends. As their bicycles are their main transport they tend to get a bit worried if they think things might go wrong. I try and do a little as possible, by which I mean I try and help them solve the problem themselves, but it doesn't always work.
Still, two happy customers and now I can get on with tidying the workshop ready for my holiday.
This is a common issue; clients tend to assume every little thing is, or will, cause a catastrophe. Of course they often notice at weekends. As their bicycles are their main transport they tend to get a bit worried if they think things might go wrong. I try and do a little as possible, by which I mean I try and help them solve the problem themselves, but it doesn't always work.
Still, two happy customers and now I can get on with tidying the workshop ready for my holiday.
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Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
You mean the maker's name wasn't opposite the valve?
That's enough to put anyone in a tizzy. I need a lie down just thinking about it.
OP
OP
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
You mean the maker's name wasn't opposite the valve?
That's enough to put anyone in a tizzy. I need a lie down just thinking about it.
My word sirrah, what sort of amateurish workshop do you think we are?
