Sportzone Suzuki - Christchurch?

[Muppet]

Have heard they are closing down, anyone else heard the same thing?

[shrub]

that rumour has been going around for a while, but I wouldn't take it too seriously - I've heard the same rumour over a few other shops in town as well and they're all open for business today.

[Stylo]

that rumour has been going around for a while, but I wouldn't take it too seriously - I've heard the same rumour over a few other shops in town as well and they're all open for business today.

99% of rumours are BS but, I've heard that one too from a reputable source a few days ago ....damn ! I sincerely hope it is'nt true....

[shrub]

99% of rumours are BS but, I've heard that one too from a reputable source a few days ago ....damn ! I sincerely hope it is'nt true....

Yeah, same. They're a good bunch of guys and got shafted by Suzuki big time with Avon City getting road bikes as well as dirt bikes. ChCh is just too small for 2 dealers.

[Kickaha]

Have heard they are closing down, anyone else heard the same thing?

Yes, should know Monday if it is true or not

[SMOKEU]

I haven't had many dealings with them, but from the limited number of times I've been there the staff seem quite friendly and knowledgeable. It will be a shame if yet another bike dealership closes. I guess it's a sign of the times.

[onearmedbandit]

Just heard the same story, although this version said that it has been confirmed.

[Oakie]

Shame if it's true. They're a good bunch down there.

[mulletman]

Doors closing up next week !!:gob::shit:

Pretty stink eh,

[AllanB]

You serious? :gob:

Some darn nice staff working in there.

And what will become of the Guzzi guy and Street & Sport (again!).

Is it April 1st already?

[Kickaha]

and Street & Sport (again!).

Street and Sport are able to move back to their own building but weren't planning to do so until the 18th as they're doing some renovations first

[Muppet]

Doors closing up next week !!:gob::shit:

Pretty stink eh,

Bugger, was hoping I was wrong but I'd heard it from 2 other people so thought I'd see what the word on the street was.

[JimO]

so people are surprised when a bike shop closes but everybody buys their shit on the internet, if you dont support the local guy he wont be there when you need him

[onearmedbandit]

so people are surprised when a bike shop closes but everybody buys their shit on the internet, if you dont support the local guy he wont be there when you need him

I live in New Zealand, I earn in New Zealand, yet I can't afford to shop in New Zealand, especially when it's up to a third cheaper. I don't believe that's the dealers fault, and I feel sorry for the position their suppliers have put them in.

[dipshit]

so people are surprised when a bike shop closes

I'm not.

I couldn't give a fuck.

[JimO]

I'm not.

I couldn't give a fuck.

thats nice

[dangerous]

I live in New Zealand, I earn in New Zealand, yet I can't afford to shop in New Zealand, especially when it's up to a third cheaper. I don't believe that's the dealers fault, and I feel sorry for the position their suppliers have put them in. agreed but it goes back further than the suppliers IMO GVT and ever increasing taxs etc.

I fail to see how CHch's bigest selling shop can be strugling, there bikes are the cheapest due to mostely comming from Canada rather than Japan, there would have to bew more Suzuki's on the road than any other brand, that has to mean more parts to sell... so I dont see how the shop can be strugling (over heads in new shop?) and as far as two Suzuki shops go Chch has often had two.

[dipshit]

thats nice

Too bad.

Going by the experiences I have had from a couple of 'authorized Suzuki dealer workshops' down my way... there is no way in hell I would trust my bikes in any of their workshops ever again.

No great loss.

[JimO]

Too bad.

Going by the experiences I have had from a couple of 'authorized Suzuki dealer workshops' down my way... there is no way in hell I would trust my bikes in any of their workshops ever again.

No great loss.

angry much

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm not.

I couldn't give a fuck.


thats nice

Don't worry. He's still got his panties in a bunch about dealerships because he was probably sacked from one.

[dipshit]

angry much

Nope, I just don't give a fuck if a bike shop goes under or not.

[SMOKEU]

Nope, I just don't give a fuck if a bike shop goes under or not.

Remind me to laugh if you have a business that goes under.

[_Shrek_]

will be a shame if they do shut as they supplied most of my riding gear as I found them good to deal with, & they were cheaper than most for Alpine-star products :yes:

will there be a closing down sale?

[Stylo]

Too bad.

Going by the experiences I have had from a couple of 'authorized Suzuki dealer workshops' down my way... there is no way in hell I would trust my bikes in any of their workshops ever again.

No great loss.

Obviously Dipshit has some issues and good luck to her, she needs to meet a good man .

Sad to hear the new's, what Christchurch needs is a decent Kawasaki dealer ....Norjo's are a sad shop....:woohoo:

[tri boy]

Too bad.

Going by the experiences I have had from a couple of 'authorized Suzuki dealer workshops' down my way... there is no way in hell I would trust my bikes in any of their workshops ever again.

No great loss.

Scratched record,
scratched record,scratched record,
.
.
.
.
.
.
zzzzziiiiiiip

[robo555]

I thought they were doing well since they moved to a bigger shop, and it was very nice of them to help out Street and Sport. The staff has always been very friendly when I go there.

As for Kawasaki, Superior Motorcycle sells them along with KTM, mostly dirt bikes but they do some road bikes as well.

[AllanB]

I've seen new Kawasakis at the KTM shop too (can't recall the shops name). So worth a visit if No-go at Norjo.

[EJK]

I liked their showroom :(

[gammaguy]

sad

they were one of the best shops to deal with,the rental firm i worked for used to buy all the suzuki parts from them(cos i said so)

Its a sign of the times,many reasons for it,too many to go into here-political issues in the background among others

still,sorry to see them go

BTW,I just came back from Indonesia.They sell 900 new motorcycles.

per day:yes:

[shrub]

or at the very least struggle. The problem is that few of them much of an understanding of modern business practices. I got bored a while ago and spent some time looking at how a few bike shops run their marketing, and all but one seemed to think marketing was running a few ads on the radio station with the hottest sales rep or cutting prices. None of them have a strategy to engage in customer relationship marketing, none of them have stuff like service guarantees, none of them had done any market research at all and only one bike shop had a business plan.

Bike shops seem to almost universally operate on the principle that the public will overcome any obstacle for the privelege of dealing with them and will automatically be completely loyal to the dealer who carries their brand of choice. And I doubt dealers or distributors realise that motorcycles are a luxury/status item and they compete with travel, jet skis, boats, hot cars, home theatre systems etc; all of which are marketed much more effectively than poor old bikes.

[Yow Ling]

Shouldnt we wait till the patient passes away before choosing what clothes we will wear to the funeral ?

[Peach]

Will all of their stuff just move over to Avon City? :blink:

[scott411]

or at the very least struggle. The problem is that few of them much of an understanding of modern business practices. I got bored a while ago and spent some time looking at how a few bike shops run their marketing, and all but one seemed to think marketing was running a few ads on the radio station with the hottest sales rep or cutting prices. None of them have a strategy to engage in customer relationship marketing, none of them have stuff like service guarantees, none of them had done any market research at all and only one bike shop had a business plan.

Bike shops seem to almost universally operate on the principle that the public will overcome any obstacle for the privelege of dealing with them and will automatically be completely loyal to the dealer who carries their brand of choice. And I doubt dealers or distributors realise that motorcycles are a luxury/status item and they compete with travel, jet skis, boats, hot cars, home theatre systems etc; all of which are marketed much more effectively than poor old bikes.

this is true to some degree, but unfortuntly taring every one with the same brush does not always work, but is a staple of kiwibiker ;)

[shrub]

this is true to some degree, but unfortuntly taring every one with the same brush does not always work, but is a staple of kiwibiker ;)

It would seem that regardless of what you or I want, the majority of bike shops operate pretty much the same way - can you think of any that don't follow the pattern i described?

[Shaun]

It would seem that regardless of what you or I want, the majority of bike shops operate pretty much the same way - can you think of any that don't follow the pattern i described?


Give me a roll as marketing sales manager of a proffessional bike shop, and I will have people flying into the town to deal with us:facepalm:

[scott411]

It would seem that regardless of what you or I want, the majority of bike shops operate pretty much the same way - can you think of any that don't follow the pattern i described?

mine doesnt ;)

[Pussy]

mine doesnt ;)

Yours might not, Scott.... and the same with Sportzone...

But there are a few shops out there with narcissistic attitudes, that seem to think their customers should feel privileged to shop with them

[scott411]

But there are a few shops out there with narcissistic attitudes, that seem to think their customers should feel privileged to shop with them

don't disagree with you at all on that, and i bang that into my staff as well, i think customer service is still the number one thing you have to concentrate on, getting people in the door once is hard enough, do not screw it up

[Pussy]

don't disagree with you at all on that, and i bang that into my staff as well, i think customer service is still the number one thing you have to concentrate on, getting people in the door once is hard enough, do not screw it up

The couple of dealings I've had with you I have been impressed with.
Even though I haven't bought from you......

yet.

[shrub]

don't disagree with you at all on that, and i bang that into my staff as well, i think customer service is still the number one thing you have to concentrate on, getting people in the door once is hard enough, do not screw it up

That's very important. It costs 5-7 times as much to get a new customer as to keep an existing customer, yet it would seem from my (admittedly limited) observation that most bike shops have very poor follow-up and certainly don't have systems and processes in place to capture customers and keep said customers. Last year I did some work for a European car franchise on developing a customer relationship marketing programme which will be launched in April. The dealers will supply customers with a card that will be used every time they contact the company or deal with them. They accrue points (like flybuys) that they can redeem against services and products from the dealers and from a selection of other businesses (at this stage mostly lifestyle and travel based businesses).

The most important part is that the dealer will be able to track the customer's buying patterns, vehicle use etc which is allowing them to target market specific products and services. That means they can have an excuse to make contact with their customers to offer them stuff, invite them to events etc, and keep that customer coming in for servicing and new cars. There is a lot of effort going into training staff to ensure that every touchpoint the customer has reflects defined brand values and leaves the customer hungry for more.

I can imagine that it would work even better for a bike shop because a bike shop sells a much wider range of goods and has a higher level of customer intimacy than a car dealer and I've toyed with the idea of selling it to a franchise. Be interesting to see what response I'd get.

[Stylo]

That's very important. It costs 5-7 times as much to get a new customer as to keep an existing customer, yet it would seem from my (admittedly limited) observation that most bike shops have very poor follow-up and certainly don't have systems and processes in place to capture customers and keep said customers. Last year I did some work for a European car franchise on developing a customer relationship marketing programme which will be launched in April. The dealers will supply customers with a card that will be used every time they contact the company or deal with them. They accrue points (like flybuys) that they can redeem against services and products from the dealers and from a selection of other businesses (at this stage mostly lifestyle and travel based businesses).

The most important part is that the dealer will be able to track the customer's buying patterns, vehicle use etc which is allowing them to target market specific products and services. That means they can have an excuse to make contact with their customers to offer them stuff, invite them to events etc, and keep that customer coming in for servicing and new cars. There is a lot of effort going into training staff to ensure that every touchpoint the customer has reflects defined brand values and leaves the customer hungry for more.

I can imagine that it would work even better for a bike shop because a bike shop sells a much wider range of goods and has a higher level of customer intimacy than a car dealer and I've toyed with the idea of selling it to a franchise. Be interesting to see what response I'd get.

Rumour has it the auction will be next week , evidently it's all done and dusted ...Sportzone are history ...not gonna sleep tonight, damn :bye:

[shrub]

Rumour has it the auction will be next week , evidently it's all done and dusted ...Sportzone are history ...not gonna sleep tonight, damn :bye:

That's very sad. Good people have lost a lot.

[monkeymcbean]

Thats a shame "Sports Zone" is closing I found it a great looking shop, I never bought anything from there as I guess I think I had everything I needed for riding a bike. The staff seemed very friendly and willing to help, I hope they all get placed somewhere else in employment.
When I first went into bikeshops to get some basic gear I did find it all a bit intimidating and was astounded at how many ignored customers were in the shop whilst shop assistants pissed around behind the counter. But maybe I am being a bit critical, it was at the time when everyone seemed to have the money to throw around at bikes and with it you get complacency.
But man I would be out on that floor shaking that money out of there pockets whilst they were standing there.

[Hawk]

I would nt line those chickens up yet.

Has anyone checked the notices on the liquidators/receivers web site, I did and Sport-zone don't make the list.

so maybe this all just as it seems RUMOR

[Katman]

I would nt line those chickens up yet.

Has anyone checked the notices on the liquidators/receivers web site, I did and Sport-zone don't make the list.

so maybe this all just as it seems RUMOR

Businesses often use a different name on the companies register.

[Hawk]

Businesses often use a different name on the companies register.
yep checked that register also they are registered as sportzone suzuki

[Elysium]

It would seem that regardless of what you or I want, the majority of bike shops operate pretty much the same way - can you think of any that don't follow the pattern i described?

Freedom Suzuki here in Palmy seem to have a keen interest in keeping their customers happy and up to date with things happening. For example they send out monthly emails to customers informing them on deals, events happening, demos etc.. They also offer good deals like $10 off ticket prices to the Wangauni races as another example.

[JimO]

well i have to say i have never had bad service in any of dunedins bike shops, all have friendly helpfull staff from what i have seen

[AxN]

Freedom Suzuki here in Palmy seem to have a keen interest in keeping their customers happy and up to date with things happening. For example they send out monthly emails to customers informing them on deals, events happening, demos etc.. They also offer good deals like $10 off ticket prices to the Wangauni races as another example.

Sportzone had in the past sent out email updates of their promotions, 'have a go day' and specials. They even had a bikini bike wash day late last year for goodness sake. I personally am sad to see them to go out of business (if this is not a vicious rumor of some sort) I purchased most of my kit from them.

[onearmedbandit]

I would nt line those chickens up yet.

Has anyone checked the notices on the liquidators/receivers web site, I did and Sport-zone don't make the list.

so maybe this all just as it seems RUMOR

No one said it was being liquidated or being put into receivership though. I'll end up with egg on my face if I was put wrong today, but I was told by someone that would know that they are indeed pulling out. Triumph are not moving into their old store until next week however so the doors at sportzone will still be open this week. Also was told a lot of their stock is on consignment.

Really sorry to see Tony close up shop.

[Hawk]

No one said it was being liquidated or being put into receivership though. I'll end up with egg on my face if I was put wrong today, but I was told by someone that would know that they are indeed pulling out.

Really sorry to see Tony close up shop.

Yep true but worth a metion
ill be sorry to see tony go as well

[SVboy]

IF it does happen, and I hope not, very sorry for Tony, who I gather has made big sacrifices to keep things afloat. Hope Deano stays in the industry, as he is a talented rider and great guy.

[shrub]

IF it does happen, and I hope not, very sorry for Tony, who I gather has made big sacrifices to keep things afloat. Hope Deano stays in the industry, as he is a talented rider and great guy.

Sounds like it's all over for Tony and the crew. For us, we just need to go somewhere else to get stuff, byt Tony has poured everything he has worked all his life for into that business and has lost the lot, and a heap of real decent people now don't have a job in a tough economic time. it's a sad day.

[imdying]

One of the workers said as much (they're closing) when I was in there on Saturday, so it does not appear to be a secret.

[onearmedbandit]

IF it does happen, and I hope not, very sorry for Tony, who I gather has made big sacrifices to keep things afloat. Hope Deano stays in the industry, as he is a talented rider and great guy.

Dean announced on FaceBook the other day that he was newly unemployed, about 2wks ago, so he's already gone.

[shrub]

Let's hope some of the other bike shops can find room for them. From what i've observed they're all bloody good at what they do, and the service I have received there has been awesome, something I have heard from more than one person, so they would be worth hiring.

Skill, attitude and experience are worth a lot of money to a smart employer.

[Hawk]

damn I I brought my 3mth old bike from there Damn Shame good blokes great service

[Muppet]

No one said it was being liquidated or being put into receivership though. I'll end up with egg on my face if I was put wrong today, but I was told by someone that would know that they are indeed pulling out. Triumph are not moving into their old store until next week however so the doors at sportzone will still be open this week. Also was told a lot of their stock is on consignment.

Really sorry to see Tony close up shop.

A friend (no it's wasn't me-I was working while the lazy bastard gawked at bikes all day!) went into Sportzone today. They told him they were closing. It is a bit sad, when I got back into biking after a 10 year break after a crash, I bought a mint Honda CBX550F from them. They were in that shop that Pit Lane now occupies and were called something else (the name escapes me, was it Best Motorcycles???) Tony's parents worked there with him and delivered the bike to my house on a trailer. Some years later I was walking the beat when I found their front door open at night. Being a nosey bastard, me and the girl I was working with (also a biker) walked into the shop and set off the alarm. Tony and his parents turned up and his dad had recently suffered a stroke. Naturally I was given assholes by my work colleagues for commiting a burglary just so I could check out the bikes. My two cents worth.

[jimichelle]

That's very important. It costs 5-7 times as much to get a new customer as to keep an existing customer, yet it would seem from my (admittedly limited) observation that most bike shops have very poor follow-up and certainly don't have systems and processes in place to capture customers and keep said customers. Last year I did some work for a European car franchise on developing a customer relationship marketing programme which will be launched in April. The dealers will supply customers with a card that will be used every time they contact the company or deal with them. They accrue points (like flybuys) that they can redeem against services and products from the dealers and from a selection of other businesses (at this stage mostly lifestyle and travel based businesses).

The most important part is that the dealer will be able to track the customer's buying patterns, vehicle use etc which is allowing them to target market specific products and services. That means they can have an excuse to make contact with their customers to offer them stuff, invite them to events etc, and keep that customer coming in for servicing and new cars. There is a lot of effort going into training staff to ensure that every touchpoint the customer has reflects defined brand values and leaves the customer hungry for more.

I can imagine that it would work even better for a bike shop because a bike shop sells a much wider range of goods and has a higher level of customer intimacy than a car dealer and I've toyed with the idea of selling it to a franchise. Be interesting to see what response I'd get.

rolling thunder does that already

[shrub]

rolling thunder does that already

I know. Chris Elles is a very smart businessman and there's a reason they're the most successful bike shop in ChCh. Admittedly they have the brand with arguably the greatest brand equity, but alongside that is the fact that Harleys are expensive compared to comparable (and in some cases better) bikes - compare an M109 or a Thunderbird to a Harley.

If Triumph got off their arses they could give Harley a run for their money in NZ because they have pretty ,much the same degree of brand cachet and in many ways triumph has a stronger legacy - how many of us had brothers, uncles and fathers who rode Triumphs compared to Harleys? It won't happen because Triumph NZ don't seem to be all that interested in marketing whereas Harley have a great marketing machine behind them, and dealers like Elles have the smarts to sink some cash into the business and run it properly.

Triumph really screwed up when they slashed prices on their bikes - they had a reputation for holding their value and when I sold new Trumpies I'd see 2 and 3 year old bikes go for only a couple of grand less than brand new, but slashing the prices did the brand a lot of harm. You don't sell a premium brand at a discount - EVER!

[imdying]

there's a reason they're the most successful bike shop in ChChIf the last issue of Avenues was anything to go buy, it's because Harleys attract old cashed up gits on image alone :laugh:

[shrub]

If the last issue of Avenues was anything to go buy, it's because Harleys attract old cashed up gits on image alone :laugh:

that's a huge part of their market. Harley have been successful because they don't so much sell a bike as an image, and when you're a cashed up old fart with more money than you really know what to do with, you buy the toys that make you feel young. Splash out on that Fat Boy, and suddenly you're Peter Fonda and you're looking for America.

There is also the community aspect, and sociologists are forever banging on about the human need to identify and belong, and modern society has lost that component, so you join HOG and you're part of a community of like-minded souls. When people see you on your bike or in the pub, you're not just another anonymous Joe in a Pajero; you're a Harley rider. Fuck yeah!

(Fade out to strains of Get Your Motor Running with lone Harley rider riding centre distance to infinity)

[imdying]

Thank goodness they'll be out of business before I get to that age :bye:

[shrub]

Thank goodness they'll be out of business before I get to that age :bye:

harley are actually facing a bit of a problem there. The average age of Harley buyers is steadily increasing and they are not attracting younger riders, so one day their market will literally die out.

[Crasherfromwayback]

harley are actually facing a bit of a problem there. The average age of Harley buyers is steadily increasing and they are not attracting younger riders, so one day their market will literally die out.

The XR and the V-Rod family are aimed at getting younger riders on the brand, and we've certainly sold a fair few.

[shrub]

The XR and the V-Rod family are aimed at getting younger riders on the brand, and we've certainly sold a fair few.

The XR is definitely a good move by Harley and i'd own one. What is the demographic profile of the V Rod? I would have thought they would still be an older (40+) persons bike by price alone.

[imdying]

The XR and the V-Rod family are aimed at getting younger riders on the brand, and we've certainly sold a fair few.Yeah, I'd be lying if I didn't say that some of them look like they'd be happy in my garage. Then Ducati released that Diavel thingy...

[Crasherfromwayback]

The XR is definitely a good move by Harley and i'd own one. What is the demographic profile of the V Rod? I would have thought they would still be an older (40+) persons bike by price alone.


Yeah, I'd be lying if I didn't say that some of them look like they'd be happy in my garage. Then Ducati released that Diavel thingy...

We've had three XR1200 demo bikes. Each has done around 2000km's when we've sold them on. Approx 1800km's on each of them was probably done by me. I love them! A few younger guys and gals buy V-rods too...but yeah, they're much dearer.

[imdying]

Half the ones I saw on TM in a quick squiz are under $20k, so not at all out of reach for someone who really wants one. I'm guessing a brand new one isn't easy on the wallet though?

Definitely the XR over the VRod though :yes:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Half the ones I saw on TM in a quick squiz are under $20k, so not at all out of reach for someone who really wants one. I'm guessing a brand new one isn't easy on the wallet though?

Definitely the XR over the VRod though :yes:

New Nightrod Special is $29595.00 on the road, and the V-Rod Muscle is $28300.00.

Not too bad I reckon!

[HenryDorsetCase]

harley are actually facing a bit of a problem there. The average age of Harley buyers is steadily increasing and they are not attracting younger riders, so one day their market will literally die out.

They're acutely conscious of that themselves, but their attempts to address it (2 of 3 of them) have been unsuccessful (V Rod, Buell) for various pretty well documented reasons (Harley management is the accepted short form). The Dark Customs and current marketing are going a long way to address that though.

It really helps that you dont have to compromise on stuff like reliability, warranty, build quality etc etc with H-D these days. Plus (in my very limited experience) the bikes are fun to ride. and for me, thats what its about.

[HenryDorsetCase]

New Nightrod Special is $29595.00 on the road, and the V-Rod Muscle is $28300.00.

Not too bad I reckon!

Why is it that when I am at the lights on my Suzuki screw through scooter, and a man pulls up next to me on a black V Rod muscle, with the uniform of black jeans, JohnnyRebs, black matt helmet and dark jacket and dark visor, he doesn't acknowledge my head nod and "Orright mate?". Why Jebus?

Validate my pathetic existence Harley rider! acknowledge me! you complete me!!


:) :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

The XR is definitely a good move by Harley and i'd own one. What is the demographic profile of the V Rod? I would have thought they would still be an older (40+) persons bike by price alone.

concur. It just as well the demo ones werent available when I had time to test ride....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Why is it that when I am at the lights on my Suzuki screw through scooter, and a man pulls up next to me on a black V Rod muscle, with the uniform of black jeans, JohnnyRebs, black matt helmet and dark jacket and dark visor, he doesn't acknowledge my head nod and "Orright mate?". Why Jebus?

Validate my pathetic existence Harley rider! acknowledge me! you complete me!!


:) :)

Never worked that one out myself!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Never worked that one out myself!

they always do if I am on the Scrambler. Now, about the waving..........

[AllanB]

So ....... did Avon City Suzuki really do that much damage to Sport Zone? Sport Zone had a strong following of customers.

One thing that has not helped Suzuki or any of the Japanese brands over the past two years of global shittiness - their product has not altered (ie nothing really new and exciting) and the prices went up and up.

Now Harley and Triumph for example have introduced new models (or significantly interesting variations on existing ones) and prices actually fell in many cases.

With Street & Sport in Sport Zone I often said since September that Street & Sport are more likely to make a new Triumph sale to someone who walked in to look at a new Suzuki than vice versa.

Also - with Hampton Honda up and alive how are Casbolts getting on?

[scott411]

agree with the response above with the japanese sitting on models for two long,

but i think one of the biggest issue is the strength of the yen, the pound and the US $ have dropped big time, meaning the price gap has narrowed considerably,

[Muppet]

If the last issue of Avenues was anything to go buy, it's because Harleys attract old cashed up gits on image alone :laugh:

I read that article and had to laugh, one of the hogsters said that they wave to each other and help if someone breaks down or similar. Absolute rubbish, they don't even wave to each other, let alone stop and help.

[Stylo]

So ....... did Avon City Suzuki really do that much damage to Sport Zone? Sport Zone had a strong following of customers.

One thing that has not helped Suzuki or any of the Japanese brands over the past two years of global shittiness - their product has not altered (ie nothing really new and exciting) and the prices went up and up.

Now Harley and Triumph for example have introduced new models (or significantly interesting variations on existing ones) and prices actually fell in many cases.

With Street & Sport in Sport Zone I often said since September that Street & Sport are more likely to make a new Triumph sale to someone who walked in to look at a new Suzuki than vice versa.

Also - with Hampton Honda up and alive how are Casbolts getting on?

Ahem, and Norjo's ? Can't say it's a shop I visit that often these days ...tables full of second hand goods and dusty motorcycles, tumbleweed blowing down the street ...walk in and walk out and you'll never hear a word from anyone..........and they're still alive ? ...go figure, guess their overheads are a tad lower than Sportzone though... hmmm

[bonita]

Yeah, same. They're a good bunch of guys and got shafted by Suzuki big time with Avon City getting road bikes as well as dirt bikes. ChCh is just too small for 2 dealers.

How can you say that when we have Two kawasaki dealers, Two honda dealers in town the Rangiora Honda and Happers Honda in Dunsandel, Suzuki has been the largest selling motorcycle for years of course ChCh is big enough if the others can survive

[bonita]

So ....... did Avon City Suzuki really do that much damage to Sport Zone? Sport Zone had a strong following of customers.

One thing that has not helped Suzuki or any of the Japanese brands over the past two years of global shittiness - their product has not altered (ie nothing really new and exciting) and the prices went up and up.

Now Harley and Triumph for example have introduced new models (or significantly interesting variations on existing ones) and prices actually fell in many cases.

With Street & Sport in Sport Zone I often said since September that Street & Sport are more likely to make a new Triumph sale to someone who walked in to look at a new Suzuki than vice versa.

Also - with Hampton Honda up and alive how are Casbolts getting on?

I don't think Avon City Suzuki have done any damage to Sportzone really, The rumour mill has it the rent for the new building was astronomical.

As for Suzuki versus Triumph in the same shop I think a lot of people would relate to Joseph who use to work for Sportzone and now works for Street and Sport I think it would have worked out better for Street and Sport.

Casbolt are a very established shop and with the Ducati's in there as well, They may have lost a few quad bike sales to Hamptons but if we wait long enough Hamptons will change brands again it must be about time.

[shrub]

How can you say that when we have Two kawasaki dealers, Two honda dealers in town the Rangiora Honda and Happers Honda in Dunsandel, Suzuki has been the largest selling motorcycle for years of course ChCh is big enough if the others can survive

There's a lot more to it than that, and business viability is not solely dependent on competition etc.

[Oakie]

At the risk of sounding like a vulture picking over the bones, I wonder if they are having a closing down sale. I need some new gloves for winter.

[trailblazer]

it's sad to see any bike shop close down expecially if it is one that you have had a good relationship with. but these days people would rather sit at home on the internet and save 20 or 30 bucks and wait 3 or 4 days for it to turn up than jump on the bike and go to your local and get it off the shelf and have a bit of a yarn at the same time. Sad but true.

[JimO]

it's sad to see any bike shop close down expecially if it is one that you have had a good relationship with. but these days people would rather sit at home on the internet and save 20 or 30 bucks and wait 3 or 4 days for it to turn up than jump on the bike and go to your local and get it off the shelf and have a bit of a yarn at the same time. Sad but true.

yea but the same people will happily call into a bike shop, have a coffee, mooch about the bikes, waste peoples time and go home and save the $$$ by buying of the interweb, peoples choice really but once the local guy has gone under he wont be back

[onearmedbandit]

it's sad to see any bike shop close down expecially if it is one that you have had a good relationship with. but these days people would rather sit at home on the internet and save 20 or 30 bucks and wait 3 or 4 days for it to turn up than jump on the bike and go to your local and get it off the shelf and have a bit of a yarn at the same time. Sad but true.

No. Unfortunately I'll save depending on what I'm buying $300-$400 and wait only 10 days instead of waiting the 4 weeks the shop suggests. I'm not singling out Sportzone, not at all, but if I can buy something overseas for up to a third of the price and get it here in a third of the time, explain to me why I should pay extra and wait longer.

[trailblazer]

can't say that i have ever purchased anything that i could save $300 to $400 on by buying of the net. Also can't say that i have ever had to wait 4 weeks for my LBS to get me in anything that i have ordered most of the time it has been over night or within 2 or 3 days. I have never briught anything for my bike off the internet and i will support my LBS just like they support my work with getting customers to come and see me for panel and paint work aswell as using me themselves. Im not saying that what you are saying dosn't happen it just hasn't happened to me.

[onearmedbandit]

can't say that i have ever purchased anything that i could save $300 to $400 on by buying of the net. Also can't say that i have ever had to wait 4 weeks for my LBS to get me in anything that i have ordered most of the time it has been over night or within 2 or 3 days. I have never briught anything for my bike off the internet and i will support my LBS just like they support my work with getting customers to come and see me for panel and paint work aswell as using me themselves. Im not saying that what you are saying dosn't happen it just hasn't happened to me.

Here's an example for you then. 2009 CBR1000 seat cowl from LBS, $640 plus a 4 week wait. I landed one here from America for $280 and it arrived in 10 days. At xmas time.

[Katman]

Here's an example for you then. 2009 CBR1000 seat cowl from LBS, $640 plus a 4 week wait. I landed one here from America for $280 and it arrived in 10 days. At xmas time.

Yes, but that is the fault of Blue Wing Honda - not the local bike shop.

They just get to suffer the consequences.

[onearmedbandit]

Yes, but that is the fault of Blue Wing Honda - not the local bike shop.

They just get to suffer the consequences.

Which in my thread about this example I put the blame squarely on BW's shoulders. However, because BW want to rape me, should I just bend over and get arse-fucked by them? Sure, it sucks for the retailer, but if they are aware of it they need to do something about it. It's not their fault, but it's their responsibility.

[Katman]

However, because BW want to rape me, should I just bend over and get arse-fucked by them?

Not at all. I just feel it's important that motorcyclists know where their anger and frustration should be directed.

[shrub]

Which in my thread about this example I put the blame squarely on BW's shoulders. However, because BW want to rape me, should I just bend over and get arse-fucked by them? Sure, it sucks for the retailer, but if they are aware of it they need to do something about it. It's not their fault, but it's their responsibility.

I get back to my argument that the motorcycle industry operates on a different paradigm to any other industry. In the "real world" the customer is at the top of the pyramid followed by the dealer followed by the distributor, but it seems that in the motorcycle industry the distributor calls the shots which are then passed on to the dealer who expects the customer to suck it up. "Yep, your simple aluminium brake lever is $90.00 and there's a 2 week wait. You need to pay a deposit now please and we'll see you in a couple of weeks".

[scott411]

i think you will find more industry's are like that,

talk to retaillers of apple products, apprantly they are nightmare to deal with, and those are alot cheaper off the ebay as well, or out of the states, most electrical items are much cheaper in the states,

[onearmedbandit]

i think you will find more industry's are like that,

talk to retaillers of apple products, apprantly they are nightmare to deal with, and those are alot cheaper off the ebay as well, or out of the states, most electrical items are much cheaper in the states,

All these arguments, and more, are covered in my 'buy from NZ' thread, and haaving been in the electronic retail industry I can tell you brand for brand prices on TV's etc are not much cheaper in America.

[AllanB]

I agree re price and supply.

I'll happily play a bit extra at my local and wait a day or two for it to come from Auckland, but I won't be shafted.

Renthal bars - $150 in NZ but the colour I wanted was not in stock - around 10-12 weeks wait :gob:. Ordered from England delivered to my door for NZ$110 within 7 days! Talking to my local shop later on when he asked where I got them he said I paid a lot less than his 'cost' price from the NZ importer ........ bike shop margins are often very low on some accessories.

Actually I have a bloody big long list of similar examples of items I'd preferred to have paid a local shop for but I'd not been able to afford at the NZ rates!

Exhaust systems are a good example in NZ, you are paying pretty much twice the price here even after customs fees etc.

[scott411]

All these arguments, and more, are covered in my 'buy from NZ' thread, and haaving been in the electronic retail industry I can tell you brand for brand prices on TV's etc are not much cheaper in America.

i would disagree, walking through Walmart last year and walking through Harvey Norman i compared prices and came up with the fact that they were beteen 30 to 50% cheaper than compareable product here, but to be fair, the states is the world of plus everything meaning sales tax would not have been included making the prices a bit closer,

[Crasherfromwayback]

walking through Walmart last year,

You the one that's been supplying us those 'awesome' people of Walmart pics mate??????

[onearmedbandit]

i would disagree, walking through Walmart last year and walking through Harvey Norman i compared prices and came up with the fact that they were beteen 30 to 50% cheaper than compareable product here, but to be fair, the states is the world of plus everything meaning sales tax would not have been included making the prices a bit closer,

Brand for brand? I've researched Pana's/Samsungs/Sonys prices and found very little discrepancy in pricing between here and the US.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I agree re price and supply.

I'll happily play a bit extra at my local and wait a day or two for it to come from Auckland, but I won't be shafted.

Renthal bars - $150 in NZ but the colour I wanted was not in stock - around 10-12 weeks wait :gob:. Ordered from England delivered to my door for NZ$110 within 7 days! Talking to my local shop later on when he asked where I got them he said I paid a lot less than his 'cost' price from the NZ importer ........ bike shop margins are often very low on some accessories.

Actually I have a bloody big long list of similar examples of items I'd preferred to have paid a local shop for but I'd not been able to afford at the NZ rates!

Exhaust systems are a good example in NZ, you are paying pretty much twice the price here even after customs fees etc.

same same :(

[imdying]

i would disagree, walking through Walmart last year and walking through Harvey Norman i compared prices and came up with the fact that they were beteen 30 to 50% cheaper than compareable product here, but to be fair, the states is the world of plus everything meaning sales tax would not have been included making the prices a bit closer,Well having looked there myself, I'd wager that it's not a true comparison. Walmart are like the Warehouse, they sell bottom of the barrel junk. I would expect that if you compared their cheapest 42" plasma with The Warehouse cheap 42" plasma, there wouldn't be much in it. From what I saw, there really wasn't much point in bringing back much of anything consumer electrical. There were a few bucks to be saved, 5-10% in most cases, but no savings even remotely close to what there is in motorcycle parts.

What they did have however, was an insane range of products actually physically on the shelf. Go to Harvey Norman and see how many steering wheels they have for a PS3.. 4 times as many in Best Buy (or wherever).

/edit: I don't know what the deal is there, but anyone paying sticker price on CE here in NZ is crazy (stab Greg Boyd with a screwdriver crazy no less!)