Too little too late

So there I am on my way to Cycle Lab Fourways earlier today wanting to spend my hard earned money. I was excited as I was going to purchase a brand new TAXC Flux 2 indoor trainer.

Upon arrival I walk into the shop and the TAXC display is immediately to the left. So there I am standing, thinking by myself that I I am going to buy one together will all the accessories - willing to spend a lot of money. Now a Flux 2 is not a R100 000 dual suspension MTB, but it's still close to R20 000 with all the accessories.

Fast forward 5 to 10 min later and I'm still standing waiting for assistance without any acknowledgement from any staff member that I'm standing there waiting. Here I am thinking if there is something wrong with me, are my clothes blening with the colour scheme rendering me invisible, or do I look like one of the christmas ornaments? Difficult to say... Eventually a staff member makes his way toward me, glancing at me and I'm thinking...okay here's my helper...but no. The staff member just stood next to the display units, and only after another glance did he ask if I'm okay. I rep****...no I'm not, feeling like one of the pre-owned bikes in the shop. At that moment I realised that I do not want to give my money to a shop that cannot take the time to even acknowledge me waiting for help. I conveyed my frustration to the staff member and said that I'd rather go somewhere else and spend my mone there. Half heartedly the staff member try to persuade me to stay. Getting into my car, I decided maybe I should try one more time. I went back in and lo and behold there I am waiting again. Another customer that came in after me was getting assistance and on his way to pay. Eventually the merchandise manager walk past and asked if I'm okay. Conveying my frustration again, he gets someone to assist me. This staff member did assist me, however, it was too little too late. I thanked him and said that need to think whether I want to give my money to a shop where I had to walk in twice to get assistance.

5-10min of waiting may not be a long time for some, but for me it is and not being acknowledged is what got to me. On my way home I phoned the store and spoke to Bongani. I vented my frustration in an attempt to help the shop. I don't know if they will change, but I thought at least if I complain someone else may not in the same situation I was in.

It does not matter what customer walks into the shop, not acknowledging someone can lead to a lost sale...in this case at least R15000, but for someone else it could be more. Whether R10 or R100 000, treatment should be the same. I would rather spend more at a shop that acknowledges me, and that is why I left. I get it that, due to Covid, there may be staff shortages, but just inform me and I'll be more than happy to wait.

This may fall on deaf ears, but I would like the shop and future customers to know that you may walk into Cycle Lab Fourways and have to find your own way around without assistance.