Try and buy local and and then get shot in the foot

[soundbeltfarm]

I went to town today to try and stay local and get some stuff from the local bike shops.
one shop said to go online for it because they cant get it from their suppliers and the other bike shop said buy it online because it not worth their while trying to get it.
well buggar me if they dont want my money.
i go home and prob not even 10 mins later ( and i am bloody useless on the computer) i have ordered and purchased what i want online.
and then they will probably try to crucify me for going offshore .
i did not mind paying extra to buy local but to be told to go online myself and order it that seems a bit on the nose or am i out of touch nowadays.

[steve_t]

I guess you could have said to the second shop "how much would it cost to make it worth your while?"

I'd actually be quite appreciative to the shops for being upfront about their positions. Nothing worse than the first shop telling you they'll have to order it in and it taking 6 months to get here or finding out you've paid 3-4x the price from overseas and then having a go at the shop - it's more likely to be the wholesaler's fault.
They were saving you some money. I guess they recognise times are changing.

Just my opinion but it doesn't seem like a particularly big deal. Good on you for thinking of supporting your local bike shops though! :niceone:

[Hitcher]

I once owned an Aprilia Shiver. I bought it new. If it hadn't have been for the Internet, the NZ distributor would have had to honour their consumer guarantee obligations by buying it back off me. I never got thanked for saving them that hassle. Pricks.

New Zealand distributors and retailers will sell shit that moves, rather than stuff that may sit on their shelves and gather dust before it goes out of date. You can't blame them for that. Warehousing stock is dead money.

[Ocean1]

If it hadn't have been for the Internet, the NZ distributor would have had to honour their consumer guarantee obligations by buying it back off me.

I don't understand this bit.

I actually don't understand most of the post, but can you at least relieve me of my ignorance wrt the above?


Cheers.

[Hitcher]

I don't understand this bit.

I actually don't understand most of the post, but can you at least relieve me of my ignorance wrt the above?


Cheers.

I had to identify and source the bits needed to make the bike WOFable, while it was still supposedly under its two-year unlimited km "warranty". The NZ distributor was moving with the same pace and enthusiasm as the Fox Glacier.

[unstuck]

The NZ distributor was moving with the same pace and enthusiasm as the Fox Glacier.

A meter + a weeks not too bad for something so big.:msn-wink:

[Ocean1]

I had to identify and source the bits needed to make the bike WOFable, while it was still supposedly under its two-year unlimited km "warranty". The NZ distributor was moving with the same pace and enthusiasm as the Fox Glacier.

OK. I knew you weren't very happy with them.

A wee note from your lawyer was an option?

[soundbeltfarm]

i have seen the things i wanted around so just thought that the shop would have them or maybe get them in.
I guess they were just ordered from overseas too.

I dont expect the shops to stock the stuff i wanted as i realise it must cost them alot and if does not sell then it costs them more profit.

I should have said in the first post that this is the first time i have had this happen to me by those shops and they have been ok in the past.

[jazfender]

this new fangled internet thang... it'll have our women next.

[cs363]

i have seen the things i wanted around so just thought that the shop would have them or maybe get them in.
I guess they were just ordered from overseas too.

I dont expect the shops to stock the stuff i wanted as i realise it must cost them alot and if does not sell then it costs them more profit.

I should have said in the first post that this is the first time i have had this happen to me by those shops and they have been ok in the past.

As a matter of interest, what exactly where you trying to buy?

[Gremlin]

I feel sorry for the shop. They stock stuff, people moan and bash them for charging a premium, and you should buy over the Internet etc. So they realise, well, may as well just send people onto the Internet, save us the admin time getting stuff in. Then they get bashed for that... ya just can't win can ya? :laugh:

On the flip side, I dropped into my dealer today, to get a seal replaced under warranty. The bike was pulled into the workshop as I was still de-gearing and making my first phone call (they stopped whatever else they were working on). As I was walking out less than half an hour later, I realised I'd forgotten to ask parts if they had a missing screw that had fallen off (bloody twins). They had two, I purchased both (for safety) and it cost a whopping $1.20 a screw (sarcasm if you didn't know).

Walked out a happy customer. The End.

[JimO]

this new fangled internet thang... it'll have our women next.

only the ugly ones

[jazfender]

only the ugly ones

it already has our ugly ones.

[Ocean1]

Walked out a happy customer. The End.

Next time you're there ask them if it should have a replacement fuel pump control module. Some of 'em were recalled overseas for a fault there, not in Godzone, though.

[yachtie10]

I feel sorry for the shop. They stock stuff, people moan and bash them for charging a premium, and you should buy over the Internet etc. So they realise, well, may as well just send people onto the Internet, save us the admin time getting stuff in. Then they get bashed for that... ya just can't win can ya? :laugh:

On the flip side, I dropped into my dealer today, to get a seal replaced under warranty. The bike was pulled into the workshop as I was still de-gearing and making my first phone call (they stopped whatever else they were working on). As I was walking out less than half an hour later, I realised I'd forgotten to ask parts if they had a missing screw that had fallen off (bloody twins). They had two, I purchased both (for safety) and it cost a whopping $1.20 a screw (sarcasm if you didn't know).

Walked out a happy customer. The End.

With the money you probably spend with them you probably could ask for a blowjob and get it (no idea if anyone there you would want it from)

[HenryDorsetCase]

only the ugly ones

you'e looking at the wrong internets. the one over here has lots of hot women. some seem very reluctant to stay dressed, but I steer well clear of that sort of thing of course

[Crasherfromwayback]

I went to town today to try and stay local and get some stuff from the local bike shops.
one shop said to go online for it because they cant get it from their suppliers and the other bike shop said buy it online because it not worth their while trying to get it.
.

The thing is mate, whilst I think the answer of "Not worth our while getting it" is slack and useless (if that's exactly what was said), it's kinda true for some things.

I tell customers that for certain bits. Not because I'm lazy (even though I am), but because they can source certain parts, from certain suppliers overseas, that we too have to use. And some of those suppliers won't give us a better price than what the average emailing customer is quoted. So...we'd have to order it, tack on freight and 10% odd for spending man hours to sort it...then we look like cunts.

Either way...in the age of computers and motorcycle sites like this...you can never win being in the industry here in NZ.

[Hawkeye]

A couple of weeks ago, I had the misfortune to break a lug on the rotor speedo sensor (it's a nut FFS).
Thought, just ring the shop for the part and price it. Thank god I was sitting down when they told me the price. - $253 FFS.

A nut, about 25cm dia, cast alloy, weighing less than a $2 coin.
Went on-line and could get one from the states for $11.50 plus $111 postage. yet another FFS.

How the F#^k do they justify those prices.

Thankfully a guy who was coming over from Canada and staying with me for a few day's managed to pick one up before he left for $14 (new).

How the hell can the local dealers justify a $14 - $253 mark up.
I expected to have to pay a little more, maybe $25-$30, but $253......

[Crasherfromwayback]

How the hell can the local dealers justify a $14 - $253 mark up.
I expected to have to pay a little more, maybe $25-$30, but $253......

It's been said time and time again mate...it ain't the dealers I promise you. If it's your Suzuki the bit was for, feel free to pop in anytime and I'll show you SNZ parts price for it. I've hit them (SNZ) up many times over it.

Pete

[Spearfish]

So will a showroom with some bikes and apparel with the parts department being an internet cafe with parts supplier links on the screens be the bike shop of the future? lol

[SS90]

I have to say that this is the sad reality of what has happened due to the internet sales.

Many times (in more than one country), a customer has told me "this part is cheaper on Ebay" (or something to that effect).

As a result, myself (and clearly others in the world) have simply stopped stocking items (that in the past we termed "loss leaders", where you sold a common consumable item, such as say, chain lube, for almost real cost) simply to lure customers into the shop, and encourage them to buy items with higher margins.... like oil for example.

As time rolled on, many shops ended up with quite a large selection of "loss leaders", simply due to the fact that internet compitetion was slicing margins on almost a daily basis, reducing margins to a pitiful level (actually causing workshop labour rates to increase, as, thankfully, skilled mechanics are indeed hard to find, and as such, people will often pay a fair amount (although I am sure ther eis more than enough threads bleating about that) on more items than most people realise.

I know than many of my peers in the industry worldwide have simply stopped stocking many items as we did before, and get things in to order, as people shop online, for everything.

It is just a sad reality, and something I jknow others in the industry have been warning about for years.

Only now we are starting to see the results......

as you sow, so shall you reap!

[oneofsix]

I have to say that this is the sad reality of what has happened due to the internet sales.

Many times (in more than one country), a customer has told me "this part is cheaper on Ebay" (or something to that effect).

As a result, myself (and clearly others in the world) have simply stopped stocking items (that in the past we termed "loss leaders", where you sold a common consumable item, such as say, chain lube, for almost real cost) simply to lure customers into the shop, and encourage them to buy items with higher margins.... like oil for example.

As time rolled on, many shops ended up with quite a large selection of "loss leaders", simply due to the fact that internet compitetion was slicing margins on almost a daily basis, reducing margins to a pitiful level (actually causing workshop labour rates to increase, as, thankfully, skilled mechanics are indeed hard to find, and as such, people will often pay a fair amount (although I am sure ther eis more than enough threads bleating about that) on more items than most people realise.

I know than many of my peers in the industry worldwide have simply stopped stocking many items as we did before, and get things in to order, as people shop online, for everything.

It is just a sad reality, and something I jknow others in the industry have been warning about for years.

Only now we are starting to see the results......

as you sow, so shall you reap!

So what you are saying is you milked it in the good times and now you are suffering? :corn: :girlfight::devil2:

[ckai]

To the OP: I'm with Steve on this one, I'd be appreciative of the shop as well. I've been into a few of my locals asking for bits and pieces, most of the times they say don't stock it. Another shop who sells my make, most of the time says they've never heard of the product! Always surprises me. I generally ask for real common products and they have no idea about them (mirror block off plates for example).

Personally, if I was ever stupid enough to have a bike shop ( ;) ) I'd stock a decent range of kit, general common parts for the bikes I sell, and work out a deal with an overseas dealer for aftermarket parts. The customer would enter in a code on the dealers website, get the product cheaper than normal, and I got a small percentage. If I didn't send enough business to the overseas dealer I don't get a cut. The customer is happy getting a better deal, overseas dealer doesn't really care but they still sell product, and I wouldn't have to shack around.

Perfect worlds are great aren't they? :)

[Reckless]

It's been said time and time again mate...it ain't the dealers I promise you. If it's your Suzuki the bit was for, feel free to pop in anytime and I'll show you SNZ parts price for it. I've hit them (SNZ) up many times over it.

Pete

Feel sorry for you guys but Pete show us what you like from Suzuki NZ, we cant fix it. We can only get pissed off and buy overseas??
You guys have to clean your own house they are putting you out of business its as simple as that.
My Local Ktm dealer says he sells no accessories to speak of and parts sales are not huge either.
They are simply to expensive and people are naturally voting with their feet.
$14 -$253 is making you a joke, people wont even come into shops anymore.
Mind you from what op says you retailers have already given up and are advising people not to even get out of their computer chairs?
If that's what you tell your customers that's what will happen :facepalm:

As mentioned above we cant fix this its up to the retailers to band together nationally and sort your suppliers out.
It has been said many many times that generally we prefer to support and spend in NZ, Hawkeye prob would have paid even up to 3-4 times the price but given the unacceptable margins by the importers the only power we have to is spend overseas. Which appears to be happening in droves.

Look there must be a way of setting up a supply chain direct without stock holdings here! shit we can buy retail and get stuff here in 5 days why cant you or the importers??? Set up a co-op with a large retailer over in the states?? Mate at $14 dollars you could buy off him at retail, double the price (100% markup), add $30 freight and still have a happy customer.

Imagine if we could pick up the phone call our local dealer (or go on a national web site) , order the part or parts and it turns up at our door in a week with the knowledge that your price is only 20% (or so) above the US retail. That should give you a 30-50% margin depending on the deal you can get from them?
Everything from a $14 bolt to a full yoshi system, it can be done, shit everyone would have yoshi's.

The market is deciding with its feet you will never control that! Even if you take the $400 free import limit away, at a $14-235 margin it wont make any difference its worth paying the import duty.

Where there is a will, there must be a way, its up to you guys??

[Crasherfromwayback]

Feel sorry for you guys but Pete show us what you like from Suzuki NZ, we cant fix it. We can only get pissed off and buy overseas??

its up to you guys??

Don't worry, it pisses me off probably more than most of my customers! I've sent a PM to Hawkeye to see if it's a Suzuki 'issue'. I have Simon Meade from SNZ here right now, and if I can get the facts together, I'll take SNZ to task over it.

But we can't actually do didly squat to tell you the truth. But we can only try (again and again).

Pete

[nzspokes]

A new coil from Nissan NZ was going to be $220, and it needs six of em. Wreckers were $120 each. Got a set of E-bay from a user in Japan for $120 landed for 6 new ones. They were genuine parts.

[Spearfish]

Don't worry, it pisses me off probably more than most of my customers! I've sent a PM to Hawkeye to see if it's a Suzuki 'issue'. I have Simon Meade from SNZ here right now, and if I can get the facts together, I'll take SNZ to task over it.

But we can't actually do didly squat to tell you the truth. But we can only try (again and again).

Pete

I hear ya bro, I haven't been able to do didly squats for years to much overhang......

Its not just a SNZ issue though or even just bikes, perhaps were are just to small a drop in the ocean of sales?

[oneofsix]

The NZ suppliers are just too slow, they need to take the Adidas approach and stop overseas, online suppliers from selling to NZ :facepalm:
Like that will work. About as well as delayed releases of movies etc.
I think even Adidas finally worked out that kiwis know how to use computers, about time automotive suppliers did too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Its not just a SNZ issue though or even just bikes, perhaps were are just to small a drop in the ocean of sales?

The way I see it, we should be able to be supplied the same part, for the same price from Suzuki Japan as anyone else in the world.

I have no problem if we have to pay more freight, and our country's own taxes etc. But the fucking part should be (for example) 100 yen no matter where the fuck you're buying it from.

Being a dealer of their fine product is doing them a favour, having them make us look like robbers isn't really fair payback.

[baffa]

A new coil from Nissan NZ was going to be $220, and it needs six of em. Wreckers were $120 each. Got a set of E-bay from a user in Japan for $120 landed for 6 new ones. They were genuine parts.

Nissan used to be atrocious for parts. I guess they still are.
An air flow meter (AFM) for a turbo 300zx was dearer than a non turb 300zx, even though they were identical.

[Spearfish]

The way I see it, we should be able to be supplied the same part, for the same price from Suzuki Japan as anyone else in the world.

I have no problem if we have to pay more freight, and our country's own taxes etc. But the fucking part should be (for example) 100 yen no matter where the fuck you're buying it from.

Being a dealer of their fine product is doing them a favour, having them make us look like robbers isn't really fair payback.

After that sir...
I and every other reader of this thread are in no doubt what so ever. LoL

Seriously though, no one can say you don't do the best for your customers.

[Crasherfromwayback]

After that sir...
I and every other reader of this thread are in no doubt what so ever. LoL

Seriously though, no one can say you don't do the best for your customers.

Choice!

And I certainly try...it's what keeps 'em coming back.:love:

[willytheekid]

I have to agree with the original poster on this subject :yes:

If I can jump online and find the parts required in less than 20mins, and then organise for them to posted to my door in 7-10 days with full insurance and for (usually!) a quarter of the NZ cost!.....Why can't the local bike shop provide a similar service?

I firmly believe that most are stuck in there "old ways" and are reluctant to at least "Try" a new form of parts & goods sourcing.
It dosn't require bulk ording, stock piling parts or much effort at all, it just requires a little bit of time (Which any of us would be happy to pay for, plus a little profit margin)...I feel some people would rather make a single easy transaction through "old methods" to make a good profit, rather than several "small effort" transactions to make the same profit!
But its 2011....times have changed! now global shopping and sourcing is a way of life!....so either the bike shops start making an effort and thinking outside the box...or their customers will.(And then we ALL lose!)

For the record...I like to support NZ stores and I am happy to pay a little more to do so.....but I refuse to support the lazy & incompetent!

Case in point:
I Read about a retail store in wellington that sells cloths shoes bags etc etc....But they only stock 1 or 2 of each item?
....they then primarly promote/sell online, But if you want to drop in store and "try before you buy"...you have the option to do so.
But if you want the item there and then....you pay top dollar!!
OR, if you want to wait for 7-10 days for home delivery (while the item is sourced & shipped from overseas)...you get it at a fraction of the cost!
The result of this new kind of thought and resale is....they are KILLING their opposition! and making great profits in the process!
.....theres the proof of new age resale working!
(read about this store in some business magazine....they won an award for their smart business practices....go figure!)

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ive got two words for you Kim:

Honda Parts via Blue Wing

[HenryDorsetCase]

I firmly believe that most are stuck in there "old ways" and are reluctant to at least "Try" a new form of parts & goods sourcing.
It dosn't require bulk ording, stock piling parts or much effort at all, it just requires a little bit of time (Which any of us would be happy to pay for, plus a little profit margin)...I feel some people would rather make a single easy transaction through "old methods" to make a good profit, rather than several "small effort" transactions to make the same profit!
But its 2011....times have changed! now global shopping and sourcing is a way of life!....so either the bike shops start making an effort and thinking outside the box...or their customers will.(And then we ALL lose!)


I agree. And I am a confirmed online shopper.

Some of it at least might be that the agreement that appoints a given business to be (say) a Suzuki dealer more than likely mandates that they can only source parts via Suzuki NZ. So even if they can get it on ebay at half the cost. they're still screwed because they have to supply it from the official source. I'd love to see one of those agreements some time. I bet they are as fair, reasonable and delightfully user-friendly as any other franchise agreement I have looked at.

Its very like another dinosaur business practice which pisses me off at least once a week: record labels and geographic splits. So stuff I want to legitemately buy on emusic is "Not available in your country" But I live on the internet motherfucker, there are no borders here: Sony NZ: Fuck you!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Choice!

And I certainly try...it's what keeps 'em coming back.:love:

I have heard though that if you buy a new R1 from Mr W Trash, you get a free hat. Are you giving away free hats? because that makes all the difference...... ;)

[Crasherfromwayback]

I have heard though that if you buy a new R1 from Mr W Trash, you get a free hat. Are you giving away free hats? because that makes all the difference...... ;)

He also gives free head for the hat. Very generous of him.

[SS90]

Just so everyone is aware, the standard margin for parts and accessories in Central Europe and the UK is 20%, The business's survive simply because of population, and therefore higher turn over.

It is that simple.

As for new bikes, NZ is (in most cases near enough to 20%), over here, more like %9

Again, for exactly the same reasons.

If the NZ wholesalers did not have the margins they did, they would shut up shop and do something else..... What would we all do then?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Just so everyone is aware, the standard margin for parts and accessories in Central Europe and the UK is 20%, The business's survive simply because of population, and therefore higher turn over.

It is that simple.

As for new bikes, NZ is (in most cases near enough to 20%), over here, more like %9

Again, for exactly the same reasons.

If the NZ wholesalers did not have the margins they did, they would shut up shop and do something else..... What would we all do then?

Buy reasonably priced shit from ebay?

[Crasherfromwayback]

As for new bikes, NZ is (in most cases near enough to 20%), over here, more like %9



If Suzuki's had 20% in them new...I'd be laughing. But I ain't.

[SS90]

If Suzuki's had 20% in them new...I'd be laughing. But I ain't.


Yes, "The crooked cross" of Suzuki does unfortunately have a price to pay for (for most part) consistently the lowest priced bikes of the "Big 4", resulting in lower margins for the dealers.

Customers quite often believe dealers regularly bung 4k in their back pocket for a 9 grand bike, but the reality is something more like $900, and as we all know, trade ins are the important piece of the puzzle.

The money has to come from parts and servicing, the bike sale just opening the customer to the world of brand marketing.

[White trash]

I have heard though that if you buy a new R1 from Mr W Trash, you get a free hat. Are you giving away free hats? because that makes all the difference...... ;)

Yup. It's one of them "I'm with stupid" hats and an arrow pointing down :D

[Reckless]

The way I see it, we should be able to be supplied the same part, for the same price from Suzuki Japan as anyone else in the world.

I have no problem if we have to pay more freight, and our country's own taxes etc. But the fucking part should be (for example) 100 yen no matter where the fuck you're buying it from.

Being a dealer of their fine product is doing them a favour, having them make us look like robbers isn't really fair payback.


And at a wild guess I would pick the Honda and Suzuki factory don't have wildly differing prices either!

While you guys don't stick together and threaten to tear up your franchise agreements as a group or approach the Manufacturing factory about this situation as a group your fucked. While you struggle through loosing customers and doin your best. I'd bet the margin even on a new bike isn't huge. They will keep you tied in and make big profits clipping the ticket on the way through! Ask yourself who's making the biggest chunk out of the $253??
But its got to the point no one is even selling that $253 item in NZ anymore. I can't see why even your guy from Suzuki can't see that. Your both loosing out along with your customers? Its got to change, and it can change for the benefit of us all. You just have to make it so.


Same with the oil companies my mate has gas stations they cut the margins from 4c to 2c per liter on petrol. That hardly covers his eftpos fees. But while they have him tied in and struggling along he's still selling their petrol ain't he! No skin off their nose and so it goes on and who makes all the money while he's trying to cover his overheads with coffee and muffin sales? All this does is piss off everyone in line trying to pay for their petrol. Does the oil company care, no they sell more petrol at a lower margin because there's coffee available to?? Go figure who the winner is here :facepalm:

While you carry on subsidising them and making all your money out of trade-ins nothing will change! We can't change it only you can.


Just so everyone is aware, the standard margin for parts and accessories in Central Europe and the UK is 20%, The business's survive simply because of population, and therefore higher turn over.

It is that simple.

As for new bikes, NZ is (in most cases near enough to 20%), over here, more like %9

Again, for exactly the same reasons.

If the NZ wholesalers did not have the margins they did, they would shut up shop and do something else..... What would we all do then?

OK so if the dealer margin is 20% lets do the math (sort of?)

$253 less gst is $220 x 20% is $44 retail margin therefore that part is $176 wholesale to the shop?

same part

$14-00 retail less 20% (your stated overseas margin) $2-80 = $11.20

Therefore $176.00 - $11.20 = a NZ Suzuki importer margin of 164.80 on that part

So can be deducted that the Shop makes $44.00 and the wholesaler makes 164.80 on one nut thingy.
You all have rent, staff and tax to pay (NZ and overseas) and we are paying retail this was not on special from what I can see.

I realise the reasoning above is floored, was gst involved or not? but one way of getting back at the costs.
( if I've done it correctly in the first place ???? )
Jeepers imagine what the percentage figures would be?? Is it a 1500% ish importers mark up?? that ain't 20%.
Does low volume cost us $1500% yeh right TUI!!!

From the above I think the guy turning $11.20 into $164.00 needs to look at why the customers ain't buying from him and sort out some other method the keep his retailers and customers on board aside from locking him into a franchise agreement and threatening to take his dealership off him if he buys elsewhere.

Because what is happening in real life is his customers are going elsewhere. And the more we find it easy and reliable and the more personal relationships we form with overseas companies the harder it will get for you to turn this around. I for one don't even browse BTO anymore I send my guy an email he sends me a price and parts number then I go to the checkout! I now have a relationship, I trust him, he trusts me! He cuts the freight rate gives me a deal! There's a line or two of chat in each email. Why? Because you let the importer price you off the market!

You ave two choices
give up, stop complaining and let us buy from overseas (which is the advice Soundbeltfarm got)
or get your shit together and put some practices/systems in place to change things!
Everyone here even admits they are willing to pay a premium to buy in NZ! What more do you want from your customers??
But the evidence is it ain't $14 to $253-00 (is that 1800%??)
The only control we have is where to spend, the balls in the court of the NZ retail bike industry.

Far out did I write all that?? That's my lunch hour stuffed and I have to work late bloody Kiwibiker Grrrrr LMAO!!

[Katman]

Thank god I was sitting down when they told me the price. - $253 FFS.

A nut, about 25cm dia, cast alloy, weighing less than a $2 coin.
Went on-line and could get one from the states for $11.50 plus $111 postage. yet another FFS.



Like Crasher, I'm interested to hear the full story on this.

I know Suzuki NZ's pricing procedure is ridiculous but even for them the difference between $11.50 and $253 is too hard to believe.

I think there's some bullshit being thrown into the mix here.

[Maha]

''i did not mind paying extra to buy local but to be told to go online myself and order it that seems a bit on the nose or am i out of touch nowadays''.

Probably doing you a favour...what was it that you wanted to buy?

I have not read past the 1st post so not sure if the question has been asked before.

[Premature Accelerato]

Just my 2 cents worth. I have no problem with buying online and had intended to do so yesterday. I wanted to get 4 Iridium plugs, a K&N air filter, a new Shoei visor and a compression tester. The U.S prices were very attractive but I was shocked with the $111.00 freight cost and then some $76.00 U.S tax I did not know about and by the time I did the currency conversion, I was only saving $40. So its not all that flash. After getting some deals from very good traders on TM I saved $150 on standard NZ retail prices.

[Gremlin]

Next time you're there ask them if it should have a replacement fuel pump control module. Some of 'em were recalled overseas for a fault there, not in Godzone, though.
Ta... I'll check in with them... In a couple of weeks I'll only have to do 4k for the next service :shifty:

With the money you probably spend with them you probably could ask for a blowjob and get it (no idea if anyone there you would want it from)
Reasonably new relationship from January this year actually... but they are learning fast :lol:

[ynot slow]

I priced a pinlock visor,iridiun visor in 2 bike shops,first shop ignored me instore,and saw the price on the wall,so no issues there,2nd bike shop acknowledged me,gave me prices,and said we can do a good price.Internet cost was $136USA delivered which cost me $176NZ,the cost at first outlet was $95pinlock and$175 iridiun,so saved money buying off shore,ok depends on exchange rate and shipping cost to.Took about 15days delivery.

Looking to grab a decent air filter will probably buy local for quick delivery and the lower exchange rate makes it not cost effective.

[Premature Accelerato]

email trademe@dsrturbo.com for K&N filters

[cs363]

''i did not mind paying extra to buy local but to be told to go online myself and order it that seems a bit on the nose or am i out of touch nowadays''.

Probably doing you a favour...what was it that you wanted to buy?

I have not read past the 1st post so not sure if the question has been asked before.

I asked that back in post # 10, but still non the wiser....

[Maha]

I asked that back in post # 10, but still non the wiser....

...that in itself leaves no doubt that the Bike shop done him a favour, and because of that, the op is embarrassed to admit what the item was.

[Crasherfromwayback]

A couple of weeks ago, I had the misfortune to break a lug on the rotor speedo sensor (it's a nut FFS).
Thought, just ring the shop for the part and price it. Thank god I was sitting down when they told me the price. - $253 FFS.

A nut, about 25cm dia, cast alloy, weighing less than a $2 coin.
Went on-line and could get one from the states for $11.50 plus $111 postage. yet another FFS.

......


Like Crasher, I'm interested to hear the full story on this.

I know Suzuki NZ's pricing procedure is ridiculous but even for them the difference between $11.50 and $253 is too hard to believe.

I think there's some bullshit being thrown into the mix here.

OK. Hawkeye has been good enough to come back to me, and I can tell you that the part 34981-38G00 (now superceeded to 38G01) is

$37.43 incl GST and in stock at SNZ.

So I think someone here at WMCC has obviously priced totally the wrong part. It may've been Rob who only worked for us for around three weeks, and was still trying to find his way.


But no excuses, and sorry Hawkeye, it was a total ballsup. I have asked every single guy left in spares, and they all give me their word it wasn't them.

Next time if you get a quote that makes you wanna stain your gruts, get hold of me and I'll look into it for you.

Pete

[Reckless]

OK. Hawkeye has been good enough to come back to me, and I can tell you that the part 34981-38G00 (now superceeded to 38G01) is

$37.43 incl GST and in stock at SNZ.

So I think someone here at WMCC has obviously priced totally the wrong part. It may've been Rob who only worked for us for around three weeks, and was still trying to find his way.


But no excuses, and sorry Hawkeye, it was a total ballsup. I have asked every single guy left in spares, and they all give me their word it wasn't them.

Next time if you get a quote that makes you wanna stain your gruts, get hold of me and I'll look into it for you.

Pete

Jeepers pete you certainly know how to fuck up a good thread :bleh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Jeepers pete you certainly know how to fuck up a good thread :bleh:

I know how to fuck plenty of things mate.

[CHOPPA]

I purchase everything online because people at the shops are useless, you should know more then your customer.

[Reckless]

I purchase everything online because people at the shops are useless, you should know more then your customer.

Its just a cover story anyway Choppa!! SNZ gave him a bonus :niceone:

[gatch]

Nah, motorbike shops are full of cunts.

I'd rather drive a mazda demio than talk to those crack heads.

[jasonu]

Just my 2 cents worth. I have no problem with buying online and had intended to do so yesterday. I wanted to get 4 Iridium plugs, a K&N air filter, a new Shoei visor and a compression tester. The U.S prices were very attractive but I was shocked with the $111.00 freight cost and then some $76.00 U.S tax I did not know about and by the time I did the currency conversion, I was only saving $40. So its not all that flash. After getting some deals from very good traders on TM I saved $150 on standard NZ retail prices.

The tax part is a rip off. The states that have sales tax waive it for out of state buyers.

[jellywrestler]

The NZ distributor was moving with the same pace and enthusiasm as the Fox Glacier.
that's still quick enough to get some people though!

[jellywrestler]

I feel sorry for the shop. They stock stuff, people moan and bash them for charging a premium, and you should buy over the Internet etc. So they realise, well, may as well just send people onto the Internet, save us the admin time getting stuff in. Then they get bashed for that... ya just can't win can ya? :laugh:

On the flip side, I dropped into my dealer today, to get a seal replaced under warranty. The bike was pulled into the workshop as I was still de-gearing and making my first phone call (they stopped whatever else they were working on). As I was walking out less than half an hour later, I realised I'd forgotten to ask parts if they had a missing screw that had fallen off (bloody twins). They had two, I purchased both (for safety) and it cost a whopping $1.20 a screw (sarcasm if you didn't know).

Walked out a happy customer. The End.
spill the beans, who gave you good service?

[jellywrestler]

Yup. It's one of them "I'm with stupid" hats and an arrow pointing down :D
and ya hats on backwards, is that why they call ya Dumbass?

[Pseudonym]

I get most of my parts from the US, not bike bandit though… they’ll screw you on tax and shipping.
But when the parts a third of the price and here in a week as apposed to three then why would anyone get it from the local?
And the silly thing is it’s not the shop, it’s the bloody importers that fabricate the prices!
I can get a set of ASV levers for less than I can get the factory ones!
If I need gear I’ll get it here as fitting can be tricky when the pants are 20,000+km away.
Tyres, oil and things like a battery I’ll get from the local shop as I’ve been going to him for years and he’ll look after me.
And Drury is just down the road… (Sneaky plug for a mate)
I wouldn’t want to have to balance the books in a motorcycle retail shop, the workshop would be carrying a big part of the load and the rest is probably getting down to impulse purchases when you book in or pick up your bike from its service.

[Mad-V2]

It's not only new parts that are ridiculously over priced in N.Z.
I got a near new rear calliper from a wrecker in OZ, for under half the price i was quoted from all the most popular wreckers here in N.Z. (shipping included)

I worked out over the last two years I have saved almost $3500 by purchasing new and used parts offshore.
How is that possible?!

I don't see why there isn't a bike "warehouse" in a largely populated city who stocks all the most common parts (do your research) who can supply all the bike shops in N.Z.
I'm sure it would be cheaper to bring in a container load of full Yoshi systems than it would be to bring in 100 sets individually, and then share the cost somehow.
But I don't know anything about running any type of shop or importing business so can only speculate.
Would this work?

[Pseudonym]

On another site where I spend way too much time, you can set up a group buy where 10+ people who want new rear sets/end cans/levers/gloves/whatever all who want one sign up and get a bulk discount.
Why not do that here?
Gloves, boots etc would be ok but some may be bike specific but with things like levers there will be many crossovers.


I worked out over the last two years I have saved almost $3500 by purchasing new and used parts offshore.
How is that possible?!

Yea I would have spent maybe 2k offshore this year due to availability or price, or more often than not both.
Would have been closer to 5 grand over here.
In other words, I would have been walking as I don’t have the money to pay for the dreams of the Motorcycle Importer Co owner.

Reg-rec and the stator also complete with the crank angle sensor was NZ$420 shipped.
The last reg-rec I brought over here was $350, no stator, no crank angle sensor and that was maybe seven years ago!