Triumphrat

Jamo · 06-15-2009, 03:10 PM

Is it just me? My Triumph dealer also sells Kawasaki. I've bought two motorcycles from him, my 2005 Tiger and a Kaw VN2000 cruiser. That's pretty good, isn't it? Buying two late model motorcycles from the same dealer? He's a small town, low volumn dealer.

He acts like he cringes when he sees me coming. Like he don't want my custom. I admit, I drove kind of hard bargains and he probably didn't make much money off me. I was about to buy a third motorcycle, a Kawi ZX-14 at the end of last year. It was used, and I test rode it quite a bit, then I didn't really want it that much and I just let the thing go without realy formally saying anything more. Must of pissed him off.

And then there was the time not too long ago when I wanted him to work on my classic '79 Bonneville, and he wouldn't.

Some times I kind of hang around and don't buy much because I like to look and you look at more motorcycoes than you can possibly buy. But I did buy two, so it's not like I'm loitering.

I wanted to buy a new Bonneville over the weekend. And he's really the only Triumph dealer around or that I'd want to deal with, but he is so unfriendly lately that I just have to forget it.

I bought a very nice, used 1983 Suzuki GS1100E from a nice Japanese model dealer instead.

Go figure. Did I offend this guy?

Sofiaspin · 06-15-2009, 04:14 PM

Err, I hope you dont take this the wrong way but.......if I was that dealer, I would be a bit irritated. It happens all the time - people turn up, talk, try bike, talk, disappear, try bike, talk, disappear. It would drive me insane. It is their choice to set up as a dealer but I think it costs us nothing to make our minds up or at least say 'thanks but no thanks' and do it promptly. Of course there is also plain human chemistry - ie you just dont hit it off! Time to go to another dealer period?

propforward · 06-15-2009, 04:40 PM

Dunno. I do think customer service is imperative and that dealers should be cordial all the time, after all they are trying to sell, but that said I tend to behave with my dealers as Sofiaspin describes, with the result that they always seem genuinely pleased to see me. Or they are bleedin' good actors.

I am on name terms with the two dealers I frequent, which is cool, and they order parts for me over the phone without my needing to go in and put money down - even expensive parts.

I haven't achieved "annoying boring guy who sits by parts counter preventing anyone else getting served for ages" status, but mostly I wouldn't want to do that anyway.

But I'm sure it's not just you Jamo - dealers are people too and their attitudes and approach varies the same as everyone else.

BigAl8295 · 06-15-2009, 05:02 PM

I'm in sales and believe that you have to treat everyone right. Even if a customer doesn't buy right then, the person may come back and buy or refer somebody else based on his experience.

It's all about relationships!

giantbutcherdog · 06-15-2009, 05:14 PM

i must admit i'm of the opinion off the other guys i wouldn't hang out at my dealers unless i'm there for a reason like i need some advise or i need a part, though i can phone up and they will order the parts i want also they will work on my bike and try to get it back to me asap as i ride my bike every day rain or shine, and i'm on first name terms with the dealer and some of the mechanics as well they even let me pay my bills in monthly installments if i rack up a big bill that is because they know i'm good for it and so were both happy with each other they make a few pounds out of me and i keep my bike tip top so every ones happy

fivehundo · 06-15-2009, 06:27 PM

Whatever....

He'll get over it.

How can he mad at you for coming back to his shop?

"How DARE you come back to give me more of your money!!!"

I wouldn't worry about it. If he's a professional, he'll know what side his bread is buttered on...

propforward · 06-15-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fivehundo

He'll get over it.

True enough - start wanting to buy more stuff and he'll come around quickly enough!

TRIIICK · 06-15-2009, 07:02 PM

I do the same thing,i stop buy to check out the new bikes maybe buy a filter or something.
Next time you go there ask him if you can take him out to lunch and maybe have a few drinks to help him get rid of the bug up his A$$..!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvXVP5lSF1s

iceman · 06-15-2009, 07:04 PM

.... sounds like he feels hes not making enough out of you - maybe he has a point?

Why dont you drop by and show him your new GS1100 that you bought from the friendly dealer?

Keep your motor running though - he may become apoplectic

BRG-BIRD · 06-15-2009, 11:55 PM

Obviously was not there during your negotiations but there is a difference in driving a hard bargain and negotiating in a disrespectful way. I am not saying you did this (I'm also in sales) there are some people you just shouldn't do business with.

It is about relationships, you should want them to make money so they will stay in business and sometimes you have to give something back to their emotional bank account....