I had been very happy with High Road for most of the last year, but unfortunately I had a very bad experience that will most likely prevent me from shopping there again. About 3 weeks ago, I had their BG Fit done. It was expensive ($200.00) but I felt it was well worth it. Their fit technician was great. He was a real nice guy and very, very knowledgeable. He treated me great and gave me a lot of helpful information. I really felt I got my money's worth. He noticed a problem with my fork and helped me obtain a free replacement.
However, when I went back 3 weeks later to pick up a part, I had a very different experience. As soon as I went in, I noticed that there were major sales going on. Most accessories were 25% off and the fit I had purchased was 15% off. Now, I have used large bike retailers in the past like Performance and had been accustomed to and actually expected a price match guarantee. What Performance and most other large retailers do is promise that if the item you bought drops in price over a period of usually 30-60 days, they will refund you the full amount of the difference. I had assumed High Road did this. In retrospect I should have realized that they don't.
Anyway, when I notice this I ask the salesperson there if they have a price match guarantee. He doesn't tell me yes or no and just says it never came up and that their manager isn't there for me to ask. I start asking about whether certain accessories in the store are on sale and am given non-commital answers. I spent a lot of money on a saddle and ask if they are on sale and am told no. This confuses me because I thought they were counted as an accessory. Essentially, I am asking if it might be possible for them to work something out where I could get some discount given that I spent so much money there just two weeks ago ($400) on the fit and accessories. He doesn't even really answer that question but just states that the accessories I bought aren't on sale.
I am somewhat confused so I call their Doylestown store and ask the same questions. I am told that the accessories I bought were on sale for 15% off plus they have a 25% coupon that they sent out via Email. They can be combined for 40% off. I find the coupon in my inbox. It is only valid for this weekend (Sept 16, 17, 18) and the sale is also only valid for this weekend. I understand this, but 40% difference in only 3 weeks difference is a lot to swallow. I call back and ask this same salesperson the exact same questions. Again, he essentially gives me incorrect information and says those accessories aren't on sale. When I tell him that the Doylestown store told me something different, he says that they are incorrect and gets his manager on the line. I explain my situation to the manager. He finally states the correct policy and gives me accurate information. He tells me that my previously purchased accessories are indeed 15% off and that with the coupon that would bring them to 40% off. Essentially, if I had waited 3 weeks to do my fit, I would have saved $140.00. I was hoping that the manager would offer me something of the difference, but he didn't. I understand that is their policy and do undertand their circumstances, so I accept it.
Now, what I am legitimately angry about is the dishonesty. I was LIED to and that is unacceptable. Instead of just explaining their policy and telling me how their sale worked, the salesmen told me there was no sale hoping for me to go away and not be angry. That was one of the most blatent lies I have ever experienced from a salesperson. Now, I expect some dishonesty from salespeople, but nothing this blatent. The facts of their sale were plain to anyone. He didn't even mention the Email coupon which is also available to anyone (I had missed it in my Email box) Again, he deliberately LIED to me so I wouldn't be annoyed about the price difference. I've never really experienced something that blatent. That alone is unforgivable from a retailer.
What I am also annoyed about is the fact that they knew this sale was coming and didnt even mention it. Now, I realise stores are there to make money, but I mean they knew everything was going to be on sale in 3 WEEKS!!! and for 40% off! The sale wasn't going to be in 2 months or something. Also, this salesperson didn't own the store, you think he might try and help me out a bit. I would have remembered that service. That is not an unusual request for a retailer. Many times, I have been told by a salesperson that a sale is coming soon. For example, when I bought my last bike, the salesperson told me to wait a week because they were going on sale soon.
So in closing, I can't shop there anymore given the lies I was told by their salesperson. However, you may have a good repoir with them and have a great experience. However, be very wary when making purchases. They do not treat sales like other major retailers! read more