Why spend your money in NZ with this service?

[jellywrestler]

I want a set of air filters, easily available off Ebay, or Show and Go motorcycles in Aussie but thought I'd try the local importer W Whites ltd
Asked two simple questions, price and availability, bikes a wee while off so absolutely no hurry as follows
hi folks,
looking for a set of k and n air filters rc 2454
do you have a price and availabliity so i can order through my local dealer please
thanks
graeme

Hi Graeme,

Sadly we do not carry this filter. We can if, ordered through your local dealer, order it in for you approx eta 4-6 weeks.

Best regards,

Marc Wilson,

Customer services,

W White (wholesale) LTD

Hamilton,

New Zealand.

Phone +64 7 849-5493

Fax +64 7 849-6493

Web www.whites.co.nz

www.bits4bikes.co.nz

I replied expressing my concern that he was so sad about not having these in stock, explaining that (A) he didn't answer one of my two simple questions, and could he please answer this (B) that I was in no hurry whatsoever and that was a couple of weeks ago. No word since. Anyone else had similar dealings with W Whites?

No wonder people spend their money overseas...

[PirateJafa]

The price is less than appealing in NZ too.

For the cost of a slip-on muffler here in NZ, I bought a carbon-fibre Yoshimura, a Power Commander III and a K&N air filter off Ebay and still had $100 left in the hand after paying shipping and GST.

What can I say, I now love Ebay.

[Crasherfromwayback]

For the cost of a slip-on muffler here in NZ, I bought a carbon-fibre Yoshimura, a Power Commander III and a K&N air filter off Ebay and still had $100 left in the hand after paying shipping and GST.



New, or used?

[PirateJafa]

New, or used?

"New" to all of the above.

[Crasherfromwayback]

"New" to all of the above.

That's certainly good buying then!

[Molly]

My AGV lid: 170 pounds from the UK or $640 off the shelf in ChCh. They must think we're f'kin' stupid. Books are another big, big f'kin rip-off. Australian author, printed in China - 8 pounds from Amazon.co.uk or $50 bastard dollars from Borders.

I'm all for supporting local business but the best they tend to be able to do is say: "I can order it in for you". If you can't be arsed to carry the stock, I can't be arsed to buy from you.

[CookMySock]

Businesses aren't here to kiss your arse.. they are here to line THEIR pockets with your money, and then go buy toys with it. That's what businesses DO. Perhaps you have a better idea how they might make money, but I bet you don't know better than they do.

Steve

[Taz]

Cue Robert Taylor around now......

[jellywrestler]

If you can't be arsed to carry the stock, I can't be arsed to buy from you.
I was pretty sure thay wouldn't have any of these in stock as its for an old GS1000 and prepared to wait to. There are so many different makes and models and what with a lot of people dealing direct overseas, quicker freight times than it used to be, its no wonder local stock is limited.
Point is I tried local and got no where.

[McJim]

It's all about population and numbers - if they can guarantee shifting more units then they can afford to drop the %age margin in an effort to win market share - this is why branded stuff is so much cheaper in UK, US, Europe, Japan and even little old Oz (which I still consider to have a small population).

New Zealand and Australia will remain small populations because (despite being populated almost 100% by immigrants) they are both incredibly unfriendly places to emigrate to.

[Quasievil]

First , its up to the retailer to set the pricing RRP is only that a RRP, 2nd they gave you and ETA 4-6 weeks, what else did you want?

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

[bikerboy011]

Ebay is the way to go, its cheaper and it takes less time to get stuff but shipping is a bit high.

[Brian d marge]

First , its up to the retailer to set the pricing RRP is only that a RRP, 2nd they gave you and ETA 4-6 weeks, what else did you want?

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true
Hang on !!!!

I am here in Japan and I bought stuff from you ,( back protector )

service was great , product was great , value for money excellent

BUT

I deal a lot with NZ suppliers , as noted before I choose first NZ , then overseas
pretty much ALL NZ suppliers are friggen useless at communication

Except F1 in Hamilton ,,Steve is pretty good at communication and his Job

Ya get one chance Ya screw up ( and I am lenient ) I place order overseas ,( doesn't mean they are any better , but for a brake lever , Rapid proto try 100 us , NZ 750 Nz dollar

Honestly Kiwis has NO idea about customer service ,,,( ya really dont )

its MY money if YOU want it HELP me/ friggen provide a Friggen Service


Stephen

[Owl]

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

You're right of course and it is sad to see motorcycle shops close.

However, they do need a wake-up call in terms of service. It pisses me off no end when I do my homework, find a product I want (in NZ), only to find it's no longer available here. Shop shows it's still available and the importer often shows it's still available, but websites never seem to be updated.

A couple examples just to prove a point: Do a google search in NZ for an "Alpinestars TZ-1 Jacket". I was informed over 18 months ago that this jacket was no longer available here and the shop needed to update its website (Sorry bout that:Oops:). Yet I see the same outfit still has it advertised???

Six months ago I wanted a battery charger, read reviews etc and decided on the "Optimate 4". Sorry, no can do, yet Northern Accessories still have that listed on their website.:( I'm pleased to see Cycletreads have updated their's though.:niceone:

Ok rant over and I will still do my best to support local bike shops. A new one opens here very soon, which will be focused on customer service. Saturday workshop dedicated to WOF and tyre fitting only. Hell, I'm going to make the most of that!:2thumbsup

[YellowDog]

Er, Um, K & N Filters ?

Everyone buys them.

Not stocking them is lousy business practice.

Happy to pay more locally but not prepared to wait.

[Voltaire]

Er, Um, K & N Filters ?

Everyone buys them.

Not stocking them is lousy business practice.

Happy to pay more locally but not prepared to wait.

I was after some K and N filters for my old Bevel Ducati, tried Repco's ( they are useless), AMPS, and even the K and N importer...

"No mate....they don't do them"

Five minute Google search later....

5 days later they arrived from the UK.

I have however bought all the parts so far for my 900ss from Haldanes, even after comparing them to overseas prices.....except the headlight...$800.00 I don't think so.....

[Dodgyiti]

Pete from Moto-Kiwi who has an account with them and is not too greedy on the markup, I buy through him, takes a week or two because he can't stock everything so stocks very little because K&N is dear, and it works out pretty much the same as buying off shore because you are dealing with an agent middle man anyway.
Plus he is a kiwi and a nice guy.:niceone:

And something piddling like an air filter is never urgent is it?

You guys are just spoiled.

[Hahn]

I have bought parts from this company http://www.jcmotors.com.

The price for a full exhaust system (plus GST on arriving) cost me what a slip on would have locally and the service was very good. Even though they forgot to ship a part after I contacted them via their online chat, they took my word for it and shipped free of charge. Plus shipping time was only a week.

I don't know the start of NZ business so my question is why can't they be more competitive so we don't go spending our money off-shore?

Also it is very convenient to just tick stuff up on the net, when you know exactly what you want.

[sub_low]

My AGV lid: 170 pounds from the UK or $640 off the shelf in ChCh. They must think we're f'kin' stupid. Books are another big, big f'kin rip-off. Australian author, printed in China - 8 pounds from Amazon.co.uk or $50 bastard dollars from Borders.

I'm all for supporting local business but the best they tend to be able to do is say: "I can order it in for you". If you can't be arsed to carry the stock, I can't be arsed to buy from you.

Borders are known gloabally as one of the most expensive places to buy anything mate.

Youre point though about not being arsed to stock something is a bit harsh. Think about how much custom a biker shop owner could expect to have in NZ. Its never financially possible to stock one of everything in the hope that someone one day will come in and buy it from you. This is exactly why shops are closing left right and centre through bad management often over stocking and going tits up. Its a sad fact that we simply don’t have the population to sustain product availability as high as the poms or the yanks or the aussies for that mater.

The other issue is demands by the manufacturer on the importer. Dianese are a classic one for this. The reason why Dianese wasn’t available here in NZ for a period was one of thier terms to import the product meant that you had to buy a years worth of stock in one hit! What importer could afford to take that risk? This is not uncommon from manufacturers in not only this industry but many others.

A little over 4 millions people means we be farqed with regards to choice verses availability in most cases.

I always try my local guy first but totally understand he's doing as good as he can with regards to what he has on the shelf at the time. Id rather order through him and wait than not have him there at all for all those little get out of jail free cards he has provided over the years.

As for bad service , i think the poster of this threat is being a bit precious, the guy did answer the question but as for price that up to his local supplier to give that info not the distributor. I think not answering that isnt bad service but being typically human.

One think i do know here in NZ after spending many years travelling is that we are bloody rude most of the time to each to each other often outright if we don’t get what we want the fist time we bang our fist on the counter on arrival. There is bad service and then there is being a bad customer i think both are very apparent in NZ

[boman]

In some companies defence, it can be their supplier dicking them around. But ,then again, some companies seem to have forgotten that we can buy stuff off the internet, whilst they stuff around getting back to us. I will give anybody,in NZ, one chance to take my money. If they muck me around at all, say no contact with me, they usually don't get a second chance.

[sub_low]

In some companies defence, it can be their supplier dicking them around. But ,then again, some companies seem to have forgotten that we can buy stuff off the internet, whilst they stuff around getting back to us. I will give anybody,in NZ, one chance to take my money. If they muck me around at all, say no contact with me, they usually don't get a second chance.

totally agreed , my advice is find that one person at your local supplier and only deal with him or her, thing happen faster and better this way

[jellywrestler]

I was after some K and N filters for my old Bevel Ducati, tried Repco's ( they are useless), AMPS, .


Car and bike importers don't crossover, one does cars stuff, the other bike, hence my query through a bike one. AMPS would only have to check with W Whites so I checked direct and then going to order through my local dealer, I'm working away from home and this was the easiest, or so I thought.
I'd still prefer to spend my money through an NZ imported/dealer but their apathy doesn't make that easy.
I wasn't expecting them to stock them as there are three differnt styles to fit the 79ish GS1000, and thats quite an old bike of many many different models, and there are way cheaper alternatives for these through other suppliers in NZ. I wanted what I wanted, a particular part number and was happy to wait and pay well for them etc etc

[flyingcrocodile46]

I think a large part of the problem is the importers/distributors.

Many of them secure a sole distributor agreement and milk it for every cent they can get. I have bought many NOS parts from US retailers for a quarter of what is charged by the mercenary pricks here. Some small to medium size low value parts can cost upward of $70 US to ship over here and are still cheaper. Some are shipped from Japan to US before being shipped to me and are still cheaper.

As far as I'm concerned I will buy Japanese parts from the US every single time (unless I'm in a desperate hurry) even if it costs the same.

I have no desire to support a pack of thieving fucks. As long as my fellow Kiwi is a greedy bastard and is more interested in feeding out of my wallet than providing a decent service, I say Tough shit when he whinges that I ain't supporting Kiwi industry.

You can buy Citizen Watches from US retailers and ship them over here for less than the NZ distributor charges jewelery retailers here. Nothing to do with buying power. Those same US retailers will discount heavily for bulk orders. Local Jewelers should buy off them and tell the local distributor to FOAD. Blood sucking unproductive middlemen are responsible for halving the buying power of our dollar.

[Molly]

Your point though about not being arsed to stock something is a bit harsh. Think about how much custom a biker shop owner could expect to have in NZ. Its never financially possible to stock one of everything in the hope that someone one day will come in and buy it from you.

Fair enough with some specialist parts but walk into your local dealer and ask for a replacement rear lense for a popular model (a reasonable request). I bet your a beer they won't have it in stock.

[Voltaire]

Car and bike importers don't crossover, one does cars stuff, the other bike, hence my query through a bike one. AMPS would only have to check with W Whites so I checked direct and then going to order through my local dealer, I'm working away from home and this was the easiest, or so I thought.
I'd still prefer to spend my money through an NZ imported/dealer but their apathy doesn't make that easy.
I wasn't expecting them to stock them as there are three differnt styles to fit the 79ish GS1000, and thats quite an old bike of many many different models, and there are way cheaper alternatives for these through other suppliers in NZ. I wanted what I wanted, a particular part number and was happy to wait and pay well for them etc etc

Ah...with Repco I was quoting Fiat part numbers but it was all to hard.
With Ducati's there has been a lot of hunting for non Ducati parts that can either fit or be modified to fit.
The days of the guy behind the counter actually knowing stuff seem to have passed...apart from the local VW dealer where they know parts off the top of their head even for 70's parts.

[Owl]

Fair enough with some specialist parts but walk into your local dealer and ask for a replacement rear lense for a popular model (a reasonable request). I bet your a beer they won't have it in stock.

Why would they when it can probably be obtained overnight. Surely they can only be expected to outlay so many $$$ for stock?

[sub_low]

Fair enough with some specialist parts but walk into your local dealer and ask for a replacement rear lense for a popular model (a reasonable request). I bet your a beer they won't have it in stock.

yeah ok, point taken. There is a reasonable expectation that current ( less than 10 years anyway) stock items, be available atleast by overnight courier.

[gunrunner]

Ebay is good but i go to their source .
Its sad that bike shops close but they do need to lift their game .
I can get engine guards via ebayuk $140NZD cheaper than their Australian office for the same product so its obvious the make the diff and the profit .
So much for their customers . Googling a name takes 5 secs .

[BIG DOUG]

Spider what about dna filters made in italy just like k+n and cheaper and the quality is good and can be reoiled.

[Molly]

Why would they when it can probably be obtained overnight. Surely they can only be expected to outlay so many $$$ for stock?

Because I want the f'kin' thing TODAY. :headbang:

[Pixie]

"This would be a really good business if it wasn't for the customers spoiling my day."

[James Deuce]

Why would they when it can probably be obtained overnight. Surely they can only be expected to outlay so many $$$ for stock?

You flipping optimist!

[marty]

First , its up to the retailer to set the pricing RRP is only that a RRP, 2nd they gave you and ETA 4-6 weeks, what else did you want?

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

He wanted a price.

i would have thought a clever importer would have spent 2 minutes onto Ebay, said - 'I should be able to get that for you - it comes from overseas so it will be a week - it's $200 all up' - then promptly ordered it from the ebay source, put a 25% mark up on it, and the buyer wouldn't even know it.

This is one of the ways Torpedo7 have made millions of dollars in a very short time, and many other 'service' businesses are stuck in the dark ages.

[marty]

You can buy Citizen Watches from US retailers and ship them over here for less than the NZ distributor charges jewelery retailers here. Nothing to do with buying power. Those same US retailers will discount heavily for bulk orders. Local Jewelers should buy off them and tell the local distributor to FOAD. Blood sucking unproductive middlemen are responsible for halving the buying power of our dollar.

I bought a really nice Titanium Citizen off ebay.

Researched it online first - US$375 delivered. 'That's not too bad' I thought.

Called umpteen Citizen watch dealers in the Waikato and Auckland. Cheapest price was NZ$1560. Delivery in 6-8 weeks.

Ordered one off ebay, no GST, on my door step in 6 days.

That one got stolen in a burglary - I convinced the insurance (AMI) to get another one - they broke policy and gave me enough $$ to buy another one off the net - the watch seller on ebay felt sorry for me and did free delivery!

Just found another one - not too bad at Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Titanium-Chronograph-JR3060-59F/dp/B0007OER0S

[Quasievil]

He wanted a price.

i would have thought a clever importer would have spent 2 minutes onto Ebay, said - 'I should be able to get that for you - it comes from overseas so it will be a week - it's $200 all up' - then promptly ordered it from the ebay source, put a 25% mark up on it, and the buyer wouldn't even know it.



The wholesale does not sell direct to consumer, he sells it to the retailer who puts his "chosen" margin on to sell to the consumer.
It would be wrong for the wholesaler to advise a consumer the retailers price, and the retailer would not be obligated to honour the price dictated to by the wholesaler.
The Wholesaler can only note a rrp in the market.

Therefore the wholesaler acted correctly.

[MarkH]

Why would they when it can probably be obtained overnight. Surely they can only be expected to outlay so many $$$ for stock?

I agree - the local bike shop can't be expected to stock everything. When I want parts I visit the local bike shop and tell them what I want, they tell be price & availability and we go from there.
BUT
When they tell me it will take 2 or 3 months for a part that is a standard maintenance part (like a drive belt that is supposed to be replaced every 24,000 Kms) then I am not so happy. When I can pay the same or less and have that part within a week then it is just tough luck for the bike shop & the importer.

In fact I have imported several things myself after checking locally to see if I can give my money to someone in NZ.
- Aftermarket Givi Windscreen - I was told that the suppliers were out of stock and they would have more in if I could just wait for 2 1/2 months, I had a new screen in less than a week.
- Workshop manual - unfortunately they are no longer available, my local bike shop just cant get me one, I received a genuine Suzuki workshop manual in about a week from www.repairmanual.com
- Drive belt - Suzuki NZ had just sold one so I could wait about 3 months or I could pay extra for one to be flown out from Japan (about 20% dearer making it about $400), I paid $300 and had a belt within a week.

I also got a Stebel horn very quickly - ordered after 11pm on a Wednesday night and it arrived on Saturday morning, about 2.5 days after ordering from the US.

I have seen some incredible pricing too. There are NZ importers that are obviously enjoying very generous margins. If an item has a retail price here of $570 and I can buy the same item from overseas for $150 including shipping then what should I do? (This is a real instance and I bought it from overseas (you are fuckin' shocked, I know)).

[KiwiGs]

I think the problem with a lot of parts and bike shops, is that they are only interested in the working/selling the latest gear.
I know it costs money to have stock sitting around on a shelf not moving.
So I don’t expect a bike shop to have every part that I need for my 1980 GS1000, but I am getting sick of being told it will be 4-6 weeks out of Japan and will cost 10 x the price that I can get it from the 'states or UK.
Recently I had two dealings with a Dunedin bike shop that have put me of ever using them again...
First I was looking for some shims and a valve cover gasket.
Dunedin Suzuki dealer: $37.50 per shim and $95 for the gasket 4-6 weeks out of Japan
Z1 in the 'states: $5 per shim and $15 for the Gasket and less than a week.
I got all of the parts I needed for the price of one shim and in a quarter of the time.
Second: I was looking for a price for some rear shocks.

Me "Good day my young fellow, could you possibly look up on your computer the price of some rear shocks for my 1980 GS1000ET?"

Him "Suzuki didn’t make a GS1000 are you it is not a GS1200SS?"

Me: "Suzuki did make a GS1000, I know this because there is one sitting in my fucking garage".....*turns and walks out*

Now I know that bike shops need to make a profit, but surely the bike shops overseas are making a profit?
I would love to support local shops, but I am yet to find one that doesn’t charge like a wounded bull and treat me like some sort of nutter 'cause I have a 1980 bike......

[flyingcrocodile46]

Heh!

A nameless Suzuki dealer just quoted me 15 to 20 days delivery from Japan for two centre stand bolts for my 84 GSX1100. They are run of the mill stainless steel M8 1.25 pitch 50mm bolts. $17 each (shipping is not combined):rolleyes:

They obviously couldn't give a toss about customer service. It's all about the margin. I will buy the bolts for a couple of bucks at a hardware store.

There is no question that NZ bike dealers need a good solid kick up the arse. The managers should be ashamed.

[jellywrestler]

Heh!

A nameless Suzuki dealer just quoted me 15 to 20 days delivery from Japan for two centre stand bolts for my 84 GSX1100. They are run of the mill stainless steel M8 1.25 pitch 50mm bolts. $17 each (shipping is not combined):rolleyes:

They obviously couldn't give a toss about customer service. It's all about the margin. I will buy the bolts for a couple of bucks at a hardware store.

There is no question that NZ bike dealers need a good solid kick up the arse. The managers should be ashamed.

Why the hell couldn't you go to the hardware store????, these guys are ordering off a parts fiche that wouldn't tell them length thread length etc thats what you get for genuine parts!!

[marty]

The wholesale does not sell direct to consumer, he sells it to the retailer who puts his "chosen" margin on to sell to the consumer.
It would be wrong for the wholesaler to advise a consumer the retailers price, and the retailer would not be obligated to honour the price dictated to by the wholesaler.
The Wholesaler can only note a rrp in the market.

Therefore the wholesaler acted correctly.

they said 'We can if, ordered through your local dealer, order it in for you approx eta 4-6 weeks' suggesting to me that were essentially dealing directly with the customer, laundering through the dealer.

No wonder there's parallel importing, with substantially undercut (actually realistic) pricing.

[jellywrestler]

Spider what about dna filters made in italy just like k+n and cheaper and the quality is good and can be reoiled.

DNA doesn't that stand for National Associations of Dyslexics?? DNA don't show any for GS1000 on my search also its a hotrod thing you know I wanted a particular shape and dimensions and K & N website sorted me.

Seems this thread on KB has got a reply from W Whites to me personally too.
According to their trail on this they sent me another email, which they copied to me, (so its not like cheques in the mail...) It was just four minutes after my last one but it doesn't appear on my inbox, nor deleted items can't answer that one.?????
They couldn't tell me the price, "ask your dealer" so if I'd received that I would've been all happy.
As for the filters, a set turned up on trade me yesterday, a quick call and a buy now price sorted and they're on their way

[vifferman]

Think about how much custom a biker shop owner could expect to have in NZ. Its never financially possible to stock one of everything in the hope that someone one day will come in and buy it from you.
On the other hand, you'd expect them to at least stock common items, wouldn't you, like brake caliper seals, fairing fasteners, etc? But some of them (Blue Wing Honda, f'rinstance) seem to stock practically nothing. The percentage of times they have had stuff in stock, versus the percentage when it's "Sorry - that'll be 3-4 weeks, ex-Japan, please pay up front" has been VERY low.
Then there was the time I paid up front, was told it was indent stock and could take up to 6 months, but was happy(ish) to wait patiently, as it was non-urgent. Rang back after 7 months only to find the order hadn't been placed!
Got the same item in a week, ex-USA, for just over 25% of the price.

[JMemonic]

There is merit in both sides of the argument.

Some agents importers are simply greedy, no doubt about it, the ones who are umm realistic have to face sometimes the Oceania agents and their delays, greed etc. Six week delays are unrealistic in the day and age except in the case of larger parts (ie the size of a full frame), aircraft travel the Tasman everyday and that's where in general next level up for NZ dealers is, their population is the greater and many items should be available there.

There certainly are some mistakes made by retail dealers, not knowing a blot is a particular size is not a big deal if you have looked at a parts book before you would understand this but to have a request sitting on a desk for a week before actioning it is bs, and unacceptable.

[marty]

I work in an industry where substantial/heavy/oversize items are shipped daily.

From Kansas for example, 2 days. Sure - you pay for it - but 2 days none the less.

A weekly order to our main supplier in America has items that are in their stock on our front door in 7 days.

The only thing worth buying from most bike shops is stuff they have in stock, at sale time.

[Quasievil]

they said 'We can if, ordered through your local dealer, order it in for you approx eta 4-6 weeks' suggesting to me that were essentially dealing directly with the customer, laundering through the dealer.

No wonder there's parallel importing, with substantially undercut (actually realistic) pricing.

Yeah possibly, it wouldnt be the normal tho, but anything is possible

[sub_low]

On the other hand, you'd expect them to at least stock common items, wouldn't you, like brake caliper seals, fairing fasteners, etc? But some of them (Blue Wing Honda, f'rinstance) seem to stock practically nothing. The percentage of times they have had stuff in stock, versus the percentage when it's "Sorry - that'll be 3-4 weeks, ex-Japan, please pay up front" has been VERY low.
Then there was the time I paid up front, was told it was indent stock and could take up to 6 months, but was happy(ish) to wait patiently, as it was non-urgent. Rang back after 7 months only to find the order hadn't been placed!
Got the same item in a week, ex-USA, for just over 25% of the price.

I think those cases are completely different and entirely unacceptable especially form "HONDA" themselves. But you’re right the big boys on the block SHOULD be carrying a fair amount of , what youd consider to be a consumable part.
My argument tends to lend itself in defence of the little guy owners. Sadly stories like yours have happened to everyone at some stage but i dont think its typical of Kiwi businesses alone.

I know in the UK counter service is a million times worse simply because in most cases the guy/girl working behind the counter simply couldnt give a toss , period!
Mate youd be lucky in most cases to get them to even acknowledge you with eye contact once you rock up and stand within 2 feed infront of the person at the counter, let alone stop a conversation they would be having amongst themselves to serve you.
My 8 and a half years experience in the UK is filled with ignorantly bad services stories, purely because they really don’t give a shit and are happy to display that fact to the customer while its totally tollerated completely becasue its common.

When it comes to across the counter service I’m glad I’m back home, unless I’m in Auckland where i see its quickly catching up to the poms in that respect!

[sub_low]

..... but to have a request sitting on a desk for a week before actioning it is bs, and unacceptable.

100% agree ,there is no excuse for that period, if you are offering a service to the public.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Why the hell couldn't you go to the hardware store????,

I said I would so I don't understand why you are asking me why I couldn't?... I can/am/will



these guys are ordering off a parts fiche that wouldn't tell them length thread length etc thats what you get for genuine parts!!

So are these guys and their price ($4.07 NZ) includes the shipping cost from Japan if they haven't already got it in stock. Unlike the tossers here, they aren't trying to rip anyone off.... They are a profitable business that know about proper service.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/picture.php?albumid=2146&pictureid=36982

[Molly]

I know in the UK counter service is a million times worse simply because in most cases the guy/girl working behind the counter simply couldnt give a toss , period!
Mate youd be lucky in most cases to get them to even acknowledge you with eye contact once you rock up and stand within 2 feed infront of the person at the counter, let alone stop a conversation they would be having amongst themselves to serve you.
My 8 and a half years experience in the UK is filled with ignorantly bad services stories, purely because they really don’t give a shit and are happy to display that fact to the customer.

You could be describing the bloke in my local service station... He looks stoned / hungover and can comlete a transaction without saying a single word.

[sub_low]

You could be describing the bloke in my local service station... He looks stoned / hungover and can comlete a transaction without saying a single word.

:headbang: yours too ???

[Brian d marge]

One think i do know here in NZ after spending many years travelling is that we are bloody rude most of the time to each to each other often outright if we don’t get what we want the fist time we bang our fist on the counter on arrival. There is bad service and then there is being a bad customer i think both are very apparent in NZ

Im not saying nothing !!!

Even jokingly, maybe its a sign of no confidence?

Having also traveled for many years and a lot of countries , I would agree with that statement

has spill over into over daily life , Bossy bosses ? bad driving ?

But the above doesn't explain the fact that , sorry mate will take 3 weeks from Japan , ( airmail is 4 days average )

when i can click on the INTERNET with me VISA ( 30 days money back) and have it delivered to my door

are they trading on the I want it now feeling??


As I have said , all I want is communication ...I can wait ,,as long as you tell me !

Stephern

[Swoop]

But some of them (Blue Wing Honda, f'rinstance) seem to stock practically nothing.
So, you have seen their spares warehouse as well...

[Pussy]

So, you have seen their spares warehouse as well...

If you look VERY carefully... there is a sparkplug in the far corner of that pic.....

[sub_low]

Im not saying nothing !!!

Even jokingly, maybe its a sign of no confidence?

Having also traveled for many years and a lot of countries , I would agree with that statement

has spill over into over daily life , Bossy bosses ? bad driving ?

But the above doesn't explain the fact that , sorry mate will take 3 weeks from Japan , ( airmail is 4 days average )

when i can click on the INTERNET with me VISA ( 30 days money back) and have it delivered to my door

are they trading on the I want it now feeling??


As I have said , all I want is communication ...I can wait ,,as long as you tell me !

Stephern

I totally agree mate with everything you’ve said.
I think in most cases its because when companies order over sea's they are bound to filling a minimum order total for customs. I know when ive ordered stuff, as a business, if i order 3 items from a manufacturer, i pay X amount of dollars as a processing charge to NZ customs. If i order 30 items from that same manufacturer , i pay same same X amount of dollars for that 1 order, obviously plus the difference in duty and GST. It has to be worth your while to place the order in the first place. Providing great customer service as the motivation to ignor that cost doesn’t put as much gas in my DesmosediciRR as id like ;) ( i can dream !!!) and would be bad business plain and simple.

Most companies refuse to work that way with regards to swallowing the HUGE import costs for the one off orders if its coming from oversea. You end up with a business with massive turn over but stuff all if any profit and whats the point of going into business in the first place?
Ofcoarse the other reason for delay is becuase its gotta go through 20 phones calls to different people at different companies , red tape, blah blah blah
Obviously not everyone along the way is excited as you are about your order (which does suck!). I dont think thats just NZ service, i think thats typical human nature ANYWHERE.
Being in the little old south pacific certainly doesn’t help matters though.

My advice in that case is to offer to pay the overnight airmail charge if your that keen to speed things up!
I think youll still find yourself importing the goods as a private person! due to price and ETA

Order form a big US or UK warehouse type retail store and you will have it allot quicker because they wont be going to the importer who may in turn have to go to the manufacturer , they most likely will have what you wont on the shelf due to demand and ease of access, and if they don’t, most likely the next guy will and worst case senario they will have to over night it from the distributorWHO WILL HAVE IT, before they dispatch it off shore to you.

The reality is private people don’t pay half as much for customs processing as a registered business and this is 1 main reason why shite cost so damn much down here over the counter. Another is becasue of the duty slapped on different industries in NZ where we export. Try importing a table or chairs or any furniture into NZ and see what duty customs sting you for that!! Furniture is a "protected" local manufacturing industry. Im not saying the bike industry is but i hope you get my point in general?????

Its not alwasy the greedy business owner. Some times yes, but more often than not the business with less than 5 or 6 full time staff are constantly doing a juggling act with regards to it actually being worth while,
Greedy landlords, greedy government taxes, greedy government import duty , processing etc etc.
Ofocoarse you could parallel import, but good luck getting any help form the registered distributor if your order shites itself within the global warranty period.

Very few parallel importers offer anywhere near the factory terms of warranty so your protected. The reason being in most cases warranty claims are part of being a distributor. The importer swallows all that cost apart from the replacment of the actual goods if infact faulty in most cases with most products. Warranty repairs labour costs on the other hand are swalled in most cases( a tech spending 5 hours diagnosing the problem and or repairing the issue). All associated freight forwarding charges back and forth from the manufacturer are also swallowing by the importer on most warranty claims also unless there has been a factory recall.

another reason why businesses, especially in this game, dont last long donw here.

Whats the point ...

too hard basket !

Still at the end of the day there no excuses for rude service but not all of its BAD just becasue the transaction hasnt gone how YOU think it should have. Most cases people are doing the best they can what what they have to work with, especially down here in NZ.

[ukusa]

my 2-cents worth.
I ordered some parts (Triumph original) ex USA, 3 weeks to the day & they arrived today safe & sound (and at a saving of around NZ$350 including freight).
In late October I ordered some other parts here in NZ, to date I am still waiting for the last of them to arrive.
These were all cosmetic parts (eg. pegs, racks, seats, shiny bits etc), not mechanical. Until the NZ distributors get their ass into gear on availability & price, I know where I'll be doing all my shopping in the future.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Heres another frinstance.

I hate broadcast TV, I hate commercials, and I hate the morons that run and schedule programs.

I do, however, love TV shows.

So I buy a lot of DVDs.

I ordered Sons of Anarchy Season 1, and The Wire, Season 5 from Amazon last Thursday morning, and it was delivered to my door on Monday morning at 8 am. Completely amazing. SOA has not been shown here to my knowledge, and The Wire was shown I think on Sky or something at like 2.30 a.m.

Cost to me including shipping was $51 per series. Utter bargain.

I willl be re-watching The Shield next.

Oh, and I had asked at two stores locally to get these for me. Both the hipster douchebags behind the counter just stared blankly, said they would call me, and never did.... Pointless waste of time.

[geoffm]

BMW parts in NZ are a classic - order in NZ from the only BMW dealer in the upper north island, "be 3 weeks", wait 4-5 weeks, pay $25% extra, minimum for the same item you can get from the UK or Geermany delivered to your door in 7 days.

[MarkH]

I ordered Sons of Anarchy Season 1

Wait, you only have season 1? Season 2 finished a couple of weeks ago! I haven't watched it yet but my mate just finished watching season 2.

[MarkH]

But the above doesn't explain the fact that , sorry mate will take 3 weeks from Japan , ( airmail is 4 days average )

How come you get quoted 3 weeks? I keep getting told 2-3 months. I also keep ordering stuff from overseas.

[Brian d marge]

How come you get quoted 3 weeks? I keep getting told 2-3 months. I also keep ordering stuff from overseas.

you make your own mind up as to why ........

[sub_low]

you make your own mind up as to why ........

more than likely becasue the distributor is just about to place a quarterly order.

Read my post a few up as to how and why its so crap in NZ for ordering anything not instock made from oversea's.

[Swoop]

If you look VERY carefully... there is a sparkplug in the far corner of that pic.....
Damn! They are overstocked and will wait for that to sell before re-stocking the shelves!

Heres another frinstance.

I hate broadcast TV, I hate commercials, and I hate the morons that run and schedule programs.

I do, however, love TV shows.

So I buy a lot of DVDs.
I guess that you do not like "reality" shows or anything that resembles "survivor" programmes...:whistle: NZ viewers obviously love them...

The only hassle from America is the zoning difference of the DVD. *mutter, grumble*

[Brian d marge]

more than likely becasue the distributor is just about to place a quarterly order.

Read my post a few up as to how and why its so crap in NZ for ordering anything not instock made from oversea's.

see photo I attached

This is the secret for such fast times , flash a bit of leg and they will bend over !

ooorr eerr

and I am still thinking about your post twas a good one !

Stephen

[brendonjw]

After initially being told by 1 workshop that all the coolant fluid that was over the front of my bike was probably from the overflow since it was a very hot day and hence finding out from a 2nd company that it was a hole in my radiator and just dealing with another NZ company who told me they "specialise in ROAD BIKES ONLY" after i asked them if they had a radiator for my Ninja 250R i am beginning to lose faith in NZ businesses :buggerd:
no need for any jokes about a 250 not being a road bike either :Playnice:

[avgas]

Honestly Kiwis has NO idea about customer service ,,,( ya really dont )
No fair - your biased cos of where you live.
I envy you, and I miss catching the Yamanote Line every day (didn't have a bike so I just window shopped at the lovely stuff).
Lucky bastard


But yes he is telling the truth - services are slowly improving here, but the attitude of the customer needs to change here first

[avgas]

Second: I was looking for a price for some rear shocks.

Me "Good day my young fellow, could you possibly look up on your computer the price of some rear shocks for my 1980 GS1000ET?"

Him "Suzuki didn’t make a GS1000 are you it is not a GS1200SS?"

Me: "Suzuki did make a GS1000, I know this because there is one sitting in my fucking garage".....*turns and walks out*
Ha I had this twice
First for the GB400....."Do you mean CB400?" No dipshit - G for Goat. Will the CB400 part fit? No you see that has 4 cylinders and mine is a single

Then there was the drama of the XS850......Apparently Yamaha didn't make a 850, just a 750 and 1100 4 cylinders.

Had a good run ever since though. Dealt with Red Baron, Morinsville Yamaha (the best store in the country - Service A+) and Motomail mainly

[Brian d marge]

No fair - your biased cos of where you live.
I envy you, and I miss catching the Yamanote Line every day (didn't have a bike so I just window shopped at the lovely stuff).
Lucky bastard


But yes he is telling the truth - services are slowly improving here, but the attitude of the customer needs to change here first


But , As long as you follow the rules here

Me , can I have a cup of earl Grey tea

her , small or medium

me, can I have a grande please ?
her , no sorry

me, can I buy a large cup of hot water

her , yes

me, can I buy an earl Grey teabag

her , yes
me,, can I buy large cup of earl Grey tea

her,, no we don't sell large cups of earl Grey tea

All done with the utmost politeness

:dodge:

Stephen

Its taken me 10 years of living here to understand the subtleties of the Japanese society ,, and I still don't understand it ,

It will be really difficult I think for me to live again in a English/Scottish stocked country

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

Either way after the house is built and the garage is back on line , I want to come over to NZ for a holiday....its going to be mighty interesting those first few impressions !

Single malt laphroaig ....... $20 dollars!!1!! yeeehaaa

[Voltaire]

The firm I work for has a commercial coffee machine...:2thumbsup
Two weeks ago it broke...:mad:

We started going to the small cafe up the road.
The owner struck up a conversation and we introduced ourselves.
He makes great sandwiches while you wait and the coffee is good.

The secret was to engage with the customer.
Our machine is back but I go there for sandwiches....stuff Subway.


I've tried this at the local bike shop....but without the same 'fuzzy' feeling.
If the bike shop had an esspreso machine it would sell more stuff.

[sub_low]

see photo I attached

This is the secret for such fast times , flash a bit of leg and they will bend over !

ooorr eerr

and I am still thinking about your post twas a good one !

Stephen

hahaha:dodge:,, each to thier own hey ??

Im pretty sure if i rocked up looking like that no-one would serve me, period!

[Forest]

I don't think the importer's margins are as great as people seem to think.

New Zealand is a small place with low demand for specialist items. The discounted prices that are on offer in big markets like the UK and the USA are due to economy of scale.

[crazybigal]

thats all very and fine, but 4-6 weeks?? when you can get stuff off ebay or online stores in under 10days!


First , its up to the retailer to set the pricing RRP is only that a RRP, 2nd they gave you and ETA 4-6 weeks, what else did you want?

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

[sub_low]

thats all very and fine, but 4-6 weeks?? when you can get stuff off ebay or online stores in under 10days!

The reason you wait 4 - 6 weeks is because of the customs charges that business get stung. If they order 1 item as a business they pay X amount of dollars, if they order 300 things to make up an order form 1 supplier they pay the SAME X amount of dollars. NZ business do not have the level of customer be be able to afford 1 off international orders every 2nd day. Its that simple.

The reason why you wait is so a business can AFFORD to place the order for you. Most business order quarterly in NZ for this very reason.

As a private person you dont pay anywhere near the same import duty charges.

Good luck finding someone to honour the warranty on your purchase if you bought it in yourself. Distributors are not bound to honour warrantys on item they did not sell or import. The reason for this is becasue of the cost to do so which the importer swallows as being the agreed distributor in a given region.

It sux yes but point your frustration as our govenment import laws , this is why shite cost so damn much here and takes so long to arrive at your store.

4 million people, what can we do ????? its demand creates speed and availabitly.

Have a nosey at my other posts if your interested as why its so hard here in NZ when its so easy to buy off ebay etc. This is the shite i bang my head with every day as a business owner myself.

[sub_low]

I don't think the importer's margins are as great as people seem to think.

New Zealand is a small place with low demand for specialist items. The discounted prices that are on offer in big markets like the UK and the USA are due to economy of scale.

They NEVER are, people never factor in all the associated running costs and set up costs, constant over heads to run the business.

There is this misconseption that we all make 100% profit on each item we sell. My god i wish. im lucky if i can mark something up 30% before GST most things im mark up only 20% thanst mark up, not make 20% profit, MASSIVE difference.

A mate used to own a Hifi store. He used to have all these people coming in a demanding a better deal on equipment. He often couldnt compete with the likes of harvey norman as they have the buying power to buy in massive bulk.

One day he had some guy steal a $ 200 INCLUSIVE of GST, DVD player off the shelf and run out the door with it. His margin on that DVD was only 20% exclusive of gst which worked out around $28 before he has to take he business running costs out of that sale. at the end of the day me would maybe make around $10 to $12 dollars profit on the sale. So he then had to sell around 17 more or the same type of DVD player to break even what the scum bag who stole it cost him outright.

retailers in general dont make anywhere near as much profit or margin as people think in most cases.

[MarkH]

I don't think the importer's margins are as great as people seem to think.

I am sure the margins vary from importer to importer.

I have bought a couple of things from overseas that were dearer than buying them here (if the useless NZ suppliers could have supplied the item without a 2 month wait). I chose to pay a bit more and get my desired item in a week instead of 9 weeks.

I have also made a considerable saving buying something from the US instead of locally.

When I shop locally I want to know 2 things - price & availability. If I am happy with both then I would buy here in NZ. If I can't get what I want or it costs hundreds more than I will buy from overseas. It is NOT going to cost more than 50% extra to buy in NZ if the importers margins are modest. The biggest difference I have experienced is when I bought an item for $150 total cost and the NZ importer lists a recommended retail price of $570 incl GST here in NZ - someone is making some healthy margin somewhere!

[sub_low]

The biggest difference I have experienced is when I bought an item for $150 total cost and the NZ importer lists a recommended retail price of $570 incl GST here in NZ - someone is making some healthy margin somewhere!

Actually a difference like that is illegal and is why we have a commerce commission. If you see something like that and have the proof to back up what you think is should be worth, report the scum bag.

There will alwasy be savings made from buying over sea's in most cases but nearly 400% difference is illegal.

[MarkH]

Actually a difference like that is illegal

There is a legally mandated maximum markup?

[ukusa]

Actually a difference like that is illegal and is why we have a commerce commission. If you see something like that and have the proof to back up what you think is should be worth, report the scum bag.

There will alwasy be savings made from buying over sea's in most cases but nearly 400% difference is illegal.

I've never heard of any markup being illegal, I would call it more of business suicide. If you get too greedy, no-one will buy, business will fail, simple as that.

[steve_t]

Actually a difference like that is illegal...

Where'd you get this gem of information from? :blink:

[crazybigal]

haha tell that to Bluewing honda nz. $800 for a part i paid 60 quid for in the UK.
Its the same with car parts, I was buying Alfa romeo parts from the States (they dont even sell alfa new there anymore) the NZ importer for Alfa wanted 4 times what i paid for the exact same OEM parts.
were not talking about small importers running small busineses, these are multi million $ turnover companies.


I've never heard of any markup being illegal, I would call it more of business suicide. If you get too greedy, no-one will buy, business will fail, simple as that.

[sub_low]

Where'd you get this gem of information from? :blink:

Its based on business ethics.
It IS illegal,as a business to sell something at a price that is not competitive or fairly priced within the current market place.

This is exactly why the commerce commission is in existence,

Ever heard of the Fair Trading Act ???

[sub_low]

There is a legally mandated maximum markup?

Not specifically, but it must be within reason and within the current market accepted worth for the product or service.

Simply handing over your money and agreeing to the sale in the first instance does not let the seller off the hook and that seller , if a registered business, can find themselves in very hot water if found to be operating outside the Fair Trading Act over the sale after the fact.

Keep in mind however, all relevant variances are taken into account under NZ law.

Its a lot harder with private sales.

Basically speaking, if you pay 5000% more for something off Trademe through a private person that retails commonly elsewhere at the actual current market price, give or take.....

your a f$%kn idiot for not doing your research and your loss!