Batemans bicycle company serves up a bunch of assholes. I would not recommend this place to anyone. They do not know customer service whatsoever.
I used to come here when Forest worked here. He was the best! Caring, compassionate, genuinely interested in helping and he knew what a smile was. Since he relocated, I've received nothing but arrogance and pompousness from Bateman's.
It used to be a co-owned shop the second, former co-owner was much nicer than the current owner there. I cannot remember his name, he was friendly and very willing to educate and assist. I believe he moved to BC.
Not only can coming into a bike shop be intimidating, all the more when the guys dont smile.
Most recently a tire was taken in, the tube had popped and the tire needed to be replaced. A tire was purchased for $20 and a new tube close to $10. The tire replacement looked like something that Canadian Tire would sell. In other words, super cheap quality! Especially for Bateman's, which boasts top of the line.
Over an hour was spent trying to get this tire on the rim. OVER AN HOUR! and no help was offered because labour would be charged. And paying for something that could be done on one's own, was annoying. For someone that doesnt change tires too often, it tends to take longer. Yet, OVER AN HOUR, for a tire that was communicated would fit the rim... yeah okay! That's absolutely ridiculous!
After trying for well over that hour mark, the choice to visit another bike shop in the area was made. There, a new tire was purchased. It was put on the rim, in less than 15 minutes and the tire looked like something you'd actually want on your bike. A German made, delta cruiser plus, with phenomenal grip. The man at the bike shop didn't even bother trying to put the cheap tire on the rim. It wasnt worth his efforts.
The other crappy tire was returned to Bateman's.
And this is a review on behalf of someone else:
Travelled to batemans to purchase a new tire tube and possibly a tire (pending recommendation). I had full intentions of installing it there myself- brought my tools and arrived early (first one). An elderly man arrived shortly after and we engaged in light friendly conversation as we awaited the bike shop to open. Coincidentally we chatted about ETIQUETTE & how much it's lacking in the world today. Plain and simple human to human friendly etiquette. This LACK was certainly proven at Batemans!
The first personnel to assist seemed nice to tend to my needs and enter the shop to retrieve the products I required. THEIR SELECTION! I had no way to compare product or price. They were simply about business and NOT CUSTOMER SERVICE OR CARE AT ALL!
Due to covid, customers are not permitted to enter (understandable) I proceeded with attempting to install the new bike tube + tire outside. In the middle of installation he returned to inform my total amount due. He then shared that he needed my card to take back into the store. I WAS TO HAND OFF MY CARD TO AN EMPLOYEE TO PAY.....THEY WERE TO TAP MY CARD. Being in a pinch I shrugged and paid, but realized it was a messed up method!
I remained outside the shop trying to install this tire for over an hour! I was determined since I had a day full of errands ahead. A kind customer who had experience installing tires also attempted to help and STILL it didn't work! I then approached a different employee (another male) expressing that I had been adjusting the tire for over an hour & I was seeking to confirm it was the right tire size and that it was installed safely. The tire sizing was just not making sense, even though the numbers added up. They said "Yes right size, no and I need to keep massaging it in." They walked off. After continuing for 20 more minutes, I GAVE UP!! Hoping to ride off, I ended up walking my bike back home! Since it was in an unfinished &
unsafe state for riding. I ended up going to a different bike shop only to discover that Batemans sold me a cheap quality tire Made in Taiwan which is the reason it was not fitting properly and likely contributed to the reason why none of them wanted to assist. Thanks assholes!
I understand the males at Bateman's are busy, I understand their time needs to go to jobs that are paying them for their labour. HOWEVER, communication and friendly customer service go a long way! THERE ARE MANY REASONS I WILL NOT RETURN:
* outdated and inappropriate method of payment in adjusting to covid restrictions
* RUDE male dominant employees
* selling cheap quality products THAT WAS NOT THE RIGHT F***ING SIZE!!!
* no compassion or caring for the stress of a customer read more