Thunderbike Nelson aren't Triumph dealers any more

[HenryDorsetCase]

This is an interesting read. More for what it doesn't say than what it does say:

http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/newsletters/images/Hiflow/Triumph_times_full.jpg



Obviously it is one side of the story, but given there is so much negativity surrounding the Beckhaus regime, and their companies, it does make me wonder. And of course, I own a Triumph, and would be very happy to own another.

Anyone got any more goss they'd like to share?

[pritch]

As I understand it, something similar happened in New Plymouth.

Briefly, a few years ago the Suzuki dealership was up for sale. The franchise was then given to another dealer meaning there was nothing to sell - the owners basically shut the door and walked.

So while we only have one side of the story, it may not be *that* wide of the mark?

[White trash]

A real shame right there. Once again, the importer of Triumphs in NZ puts another nail in the coffin of their biggest brand.

[Taz]

Just one more reason for me not to consider a Triumph. Plus they don't make anything I like.

[Hitcher]

This is a warning to any business person to properly/realistically value their businesses. "Goodwill" is largely worthless. The only true value any business has are in its assets -- tangible things that can be sold for money. Unfortunately many businesses aren't bought or sold on that basis.

The dealerships that motorcycle shops may have can't be sold for money, therefore they're not assets. Relationships that staff have with clients can't be sold for money, therefore they're not assets either.

However as a customer, it's the intangible things that make one bike shop better than another: the quality of the service you get being absolutely paramount, in my opinion. Again, if the owners sell up, what guarantees are there that the new owners are going to maintain standards? It's the intangible values that will keep customers loyal and cash flowing through the tills, but I wouldn't put too high a price on that when buying a business.

[NordieBoy]

So they lost the Triumph dealership basically the same way they got the KTM dealership.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I would like to know why the incoming purchasers were denied the ability to purchase by Triumph NZ. Ive dealt with a couple of these type of things (well, similar: a landlord refusing to approve a proposed incoming tenant on sale of a business, which is fairly similar): Usually its because of extraneous (often spurious and entirely personal) reasons, dressed up in some way that makes it almost impossible for there to be any comeback on the refusing party.

I'd love to know more I really would.

[Genie]

From the little bit I've heard there is quite alot more to this story that will not make print.

Moving on from that Filco Farm and Sport now are the local Triumphs dealers and they're an amazing bunch of men and woman who are committed to service and getting one just what one needs.

[JimO]

From the little bit I've heard there is quite alot more to this story that will not make print.

Moving on from that Filco Farm and Sport now are the local Triumphs dealers and they're an amazing bunch of men and woman who are committed to service and getting one just what one needs.

untill there is a warranty claim, it took Triumph NZ over 6 months to get new rotors for my Cagiva

[robo555]

I would like to know why the incoming purchasers were denied the ability to purchase by Triumph NZ.

From the article it sounds like Triumph NZ didn't denied the ability to purchase. They gave the dealership to another business. The incoming purchaser now sees the business is worth bugger all and did not go ahead with the purchase.

[Hitcher]

untill there is a warranty claim, it took Triumph NZ over 6 months to get new rotors for my Cagiva

Blindingly quick! It took them over 9 months to get a speed sensor for my Shiver, only because I threatened them with the Consumer Guarantees Act and other legal measures. And there is still an outstanding warranty claim for a replacement dashboard for that bike that they have never actioned. Do they care? No.

One of the reasons I now ride a Suzuki is because that I believe a two-year factory warranty sold with a new bike should actually be worth something. In the case of Aprilia's sold in New Zealand through the current channel, it is largely worthless. If you're interested in buying a new Aprilia, get your dealer to wipe $3,000 off the ticket price in return for you signing an agreement that you won't trouble them with any warranty issues. I'm serious about that.

[White trash]

In the case of Aprilia's sold in New Zealand through the current channel, it is largely worthless. If you're interested in buying a new Aprilia, get your dealer to wipe $3,000 off the ticket price in return for you signing an agreement that you won't trouble them with any warranty issues. I'm serious about that.

Ummmm, we're not selling Harleys here mate. On what planet is there over 3K up a new bike in terms of profit?

[skippa1]

This is a warning to any business person to properly/realistically value their businesses. "Goodwill" is largely worthless. The only true value any business has are in its assets -- tangible things that can be sold for money. Unfortunately many businesses aren't bought or sold on that basis.

The dealerships that motorcycle shops may have can't be sold for money, therefore they're not assets. Relationships that staff have with clients can't be sold for money, therefore they're not assets either.

However as a customer, it's the intangible things that make one bike shop better than another: the quality of the service you get being absolutely paramount, in my opinion. Again, if the owners sell up, what guarantees are there that the new owners are going to maintain standards? It's the intangible values that will keep customers loyal and cash flowing through the tills, but I wouldn't put too high a price on that when buying a business.

+1 on that. Good will is always accompanied by bad will. There will be those that the old owner pissed off that will never come back.

[skippa1]

So they lost the Triumph dealership basically the same way they got the KTM dealership.

Khama maybe???

[Hitcher]

Ummmm, we're not selling Harleys here mate. On what planet is there over 3K up a new bike in terms of profit?

I don't expect that amount to come out of the dealer's pocket. If Aprilia NZ don't cough it up, then no sale. Surely no dealer would want to be selling bikes with factory warranties that the distributor has no interest in honouring? Their reputation has to be worth more than that and they certainly don't want the grief?

[denill]

This is a warning to any business person to properly/realistically value their businesses. "Goodwill" is largely worthless. The only true value any business has are in its assets -- tangible things that can be sold for money. Unfortunately many businesses aren't bought or sold on that basis.

The dealerships that motorcycle shops may have can't be sold for money, therefore they're not assets. Relationships that staff have with clients can't be sold for money, therefore they're not assets either.

However as a customer, it's the intangible things that make one bike shop better than another: the quality of the service you get being absolutely paramount, in my opinion. Again, if the owners sell up, what guarantees are there that the new owners are going to maintain standards? It's the intangible values that will keep customers loyal and cash flowing through the tills, but I wouldn't put too high a price on that when buying a business.

A very good summary of the facts. So many have people have paid money to other people without applying due diligence or even common sense. :msn-wink:


.

[denill]

From the article it sounds like Triumph NZ didn't denied the ability to purchase. They gave the dealership to another business. The incoming purchaser now sees the business is worth bugger all and did not go ahead with the purchase.

Franchises do not come (well, in my experiences anyhow) with a signed agreement or contract in any form. So the reality is - that the importer can decide not to sell, or to sell/supply, their brand to whichever dealer they choose.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Franchises do not come (well, in my experiences anyhow) with a signed agreement or contract in any form. So the reality is - that the importer can decide not to sell, or to sell/supply, their brand to whichever dealer they choose.

Motorcycle franchises perhaps, but most of them come with a raft of documentation. Perhaps that is the issue?

One I looked at was for a well known one operating in the Wimmins Helf area. Hilarious. "Pay us $X as an application fee. In USD too. Oh and any disputes are to be settled in Delaware, USA" "Oh, and we can do whatever we want whenever we want, but you can't". Usually franchises are terrible ideas.

[denill]

Motorcycle franchises perhaps, but most of them come with a raft of documentation. Perhaps that is the issue?

One I looked at was for a well known one operating in the Wimmins Helf area. Hilarious. "Pay us $X as an application fee. In USD too. Oh and any disputes are to be settled in Delaware, USA" "Oh, and we can do whatever we want whenever we want, but you can't". Usually franchises are terrible ideas.

Yeah, you're right. My BAD. Of course franchises come with written agreements and as you say, almost without exception giving the franchisor ALL the rights!

I should have said: Motorcycle Dealerships do not come (well, in my experiences anyhow) with a signed agreement or contract in any form.

In fact it would be better for dealers to be franchised, but that is not the terms that importers choose to trade under. They are emphatic that the dealer can claim to be an Xxxxxx Dealer, but not claim to be an Xxxxxx Agent.

So that's exactly why Triumph could do what they did. Piss off the Importer and youre gooooonne.

[Gremlin]

Doesn't need to be a franchise... just look at some of the reseller applications. If we (distributor) think you (reseller) are wrong, then you are. If you complain, and we think you're wrong, then you are. You may dispute something with our permission.

I thought they wanted to sell the product? :eek:

[Hitcher]

I thought they wanted to sell the product

That's all they want to do. They don't want to have anything more to do with it once it's sold, that's the problem.