Why are Auckland dealerships so rubbish?

[Glowerss]

What is it with motorcycle shops in Auckland? Or is it just me? Maybe its the shops I'm visiting?

I'm in the market for a new bike (obviously). I have the cash in the bank right now waiting to be spent. As a habit from back home where trademe doesn't exist and any other classified site is really just asking to get stabbed, I've been poking around the dealerships in Auckland. I hit most of the major ones and even a few of them in Hamilton.

Even when the sales staff were told " I have this amount of money, and I'm ready to buy a bike today" , they were utterly and completely disinterested. Most of them, after poking around for 10 minutes, I'd have to go up to the desk to ask the staff if I could have a sit on a specific bike I was looking at. None of them came back to chat with me while I looked, none offered alternatives if the bike I was looking at wasn't what I'd wanted.

Dodgy sales staff aside, one dealership the bike I was looking at had badly rusted forks that they apparently "hadn't noticed". It was covered in dirt and dust, and there had been no apparent effort to clean the bike whatsoever. Touching any part of the fairings would leave you with a very dirty finger indeed.There, the salesman was at least honest in admitting that he wouldn't buy it either. A second bike at another shop had BADLY rusted fork clamps, super corroded engine bay, rust and shit everywhere. You could probably have gotten rid of most of the rust n shit with a bit of effort. They were asking $5,500 for it. When I asked what the fuck was with all the corrosion, i got "It's from 99 mate theyre all like that".

The final straw for me came today at Red Baron Auckland. I don't like to normally name companies but the sales staff there deserve to be shot for gross stupidity. They've got a 98 SV400 they've had for the better part of a year and a half. They've had it listed on trademe for something stupid like $5.9k. RB down in Wellington just got in a 2000 model that they've got listed for $4.9 and is a much better bike. First thing I noticed when walking in is that although the bikes been on trademe for 5.9 for the last forever, in the store they have it marked for $6.4k. The fuq? So when I asked the sales manager there why the difference,

"Because it's on the LAMS list next week". I tried to politely inform him that in fact, it wasn't as I had already tried to get it approved and been told the 400s were outside 150kw/tonne. To which I got "The SV650 is on the LAMS list, I cant see why the 400 wouldn't be". How does somebody who works in a motorcycle shop not know shit like the SV650U is a restricted bike and that a 70+ BHP v-twin is not likely to be learner approved it beyond me.

When I pointed out RB Wellington had a better version of same bike for over 1k less, I was told to essentially buy it from them. :wait:

It's a fucking wonder any bike shops in Auckland are still going with sales staff like that :mad:

Fortunately, I got in touch with Whitetrash who is a bike selling superstar, and has been brilliant to deal with.
/rant off.

[uksteve]

They're not interested because they make an absolute killing on spare parts.......................I was quoted $330 for a magneto cover which i had to wait for. Landed one from the US for NZ $130.

These guys will be out of business in time and they'll complain about Kiwis not supporting local business. I dont think most loyal kiwis will mind paying a bit extra to support local business, but mark ups like this are criminal.
They forget, that without customers you have nothing. In this era with electronic media so readily available, and every one can be heard it is essential that as a business you have have extreme customer focus, those that refuse to do this do it at their detriment.

[sharp2183]

Interesting you say that about Red Baron. I was interested in a bike that had been advertised for a year for a stupid amount. Offered them what they were going for at other dealers and was told no. When asked why he said 'mate it doesn't matter if it sits here for 3 years, we will only sell it if we get this amount.' Their idea of flexibility was dropping $200.

I'm all for selling things at the right price, but all other dealers I've dealt with have been happy to bargain and most understand basic principles of economics. $5000 in the bank today is better than $5500 in 3 years.* Shit if they utilise their earnings properly, $4500 is probably better. Plus then you get a turnover of stock which looks good and keeps people interested, while at the same time preventing any deterioration.

I should mention that I have had nothing but great service from the apparel side of the Auckland Red Baron outfit.



*Based on a 3.4% compounding interest rate.

[Scouse]

Red Baron is a bad example of Auckland dealers go try Holeshot or Cyclespot over the shore or Colemans back in town Try Haldanes but you may find that they are your best freinds right up until after they have sold you a bike. but please do not rate all Auckland bike shops in the same poor class as Red Baron.

[nzspokes]

Red Baron is a bad example of Auckland dealers go try Holeshot or Cyclespot over the shore or Colemans back in town Try Haldanes but you may find that they are your best freinds right up until after they have sold you a bike. but please do not rate all Auckland bike shops in the same poor class as Red Baron.

Got to say when I went to Red Baron to try to start finance on a bike I liked just before I got my full I was told to go away. Was only a couple of weeks off and would not pick the bike up untill I had the licence and insurance. There loss of a sale really.

I would not recommend Holeshot either.

Maybe they should try opening on Sundays......

[bsasuper]

I stopped buying bikes from RB over 10 years ago because of bad after sales service, in the mean time I've spent over 70k on bikes from much better shops, 70k that could have gone through RB if they had their shit together.I dont think bike shops have to be open on sundays though.....

[HenryDorsetCase]

Red baron suck at telephone selling too. i rang them about one of their stupidly overpriced bikes a year or so back and the sales drone said immediately i asked about it "nah mate just been sold" why then would it be advertised on tardme for another 3 months? And no followup, no "we have sold this but would you be interested in this" just could not give a fuck. so fuck them i will spend my money elsewhere

[Road kill]

I tried buying older Yamaha parts through red baron about 5 years ago,but their service was so poor I ended up buying in everything I needed from the States an saved heaps.

In fact it was solely due to their shit service that I really got into researching off shore web sites and importing most of my bike needs and other sports gear,,,so I have no problem with them<_<

[Edbear]

Experience Motorcycles seem to be good. Heard good about Spectrum, too.

[nzspokes]

Experience Motorcycles seem to be good. Heard good about Spectrum, too.

I would have to say I agree on Spectrum. Ive only bought a few small things there but they are friendly and helpful.

[Tryhard]

Sorry but me also RB has a piss poor team! I purchased from Hamilton Honda. Fin fantastic no bs and wow took me seriously up yours RB

[Gremlin]

I hope you visited a large percentage of the shops to tar them all with the same brush?

Sure, there are bad ones, and probably every dealership has at least one customer who reckons they're shit. Doesn't make them all bad...

[merv]

Does this mean you have bought a bike from White Trash then?

[nzspokes]

Does this mean you have bought a bike from White Trash then?

Well to be fair, Wellington MC was far more intrested in selling me a bike than any Auckland dealer. And easier to deal with to. Main bonus was I didnt have to drink Petes coffee.

Just a shame they didnt have the right bike. So Wellington dealers seem to try harder.

[Tigadee]

I bought my XJ400 from Bob McCleary Yamaha in Welly. Not only efficient friendly service, but great price AND free shipping too! Pity the bike didn't survive long...:rolleyes:

Hamilton Honda, good rep too. Great bikes, great prices.

Would not recommend Colemans - overcharged on an insurance repair for my XJ400 I reckon, and my front brake was very soft after going to them, so much so that I I had an accident shortly after getting the bike back from them. :facepalm:

[Jantar]

Does this mean you have bought a bike from White Trash then?
I shopped in Welling as well, and don't regret it. Even after Crasher offered me a deal, I still went to my local dealer to see if he could match it. He couldn't.

[Glowerss]

Does this mean you have bought a bike from White Trash then?

Not yet, but its certainly looking likely. He's certainly a big help and great to deal with.


I hope you visited a large percentage of the shops to tar them all with the same brush?

Sure, there are bad ones, and probably every dealership has at least one customer who reckons they're shit. Doesn't make them all bad...

Yeah fair enough, if I could retitle the thread id put the word "most" in it. But I did visit most of the big names, and the reception was largely the same.

However, I certainly don't believe in bagging people/companies unfairly, which is why I left all of the names out with the exception of one, which was more then warranted. General dislike of something tends to have little impact on a companies public imagine unless named explicitly I've found.

I have no doubt there are some good shops out there, I've just yet to find them. They all appear to be hiding in Wellington.

[EJK]

What is it with motorcycle shops in Auckland? Or is it just me? Maybe its the shops I'm visiting?


It's Auckland mate. Jafas are dicks. :eek:

[gammaguy]

because they dont get paid enough

because they are sick of selling crap used bikes to none the wiser buyers

because they actually want to be a computer programmer but this job will do in the meantime

because thei boss doesnt give a toss either

because the coffee in the tearoom is rubbish

because they know that the only way to advance their carreer in the industry is to leave and start their own shop

because for every knowledgeable buyer there are ten dickheads who wouldnt notice anything

because the industry in NZ is run by enthusiasts who sometimes are businesspeople and sometimes not

because young post adolescent salespeople have a bad attitude to anyone who questions them

just because............



vote with your feet,buy somewhere else,then email the manager with a picture of the bike you did not buy from them

maybe you will make a diference,but dont count on it.


There are some very succesful shops in NZ(some Wellington ones spring to mind) and there are some crap ones.

Dont worry about it,in the end it is their loss.,

[sinfull]

Not yet, but its certainly looking likely. He's certainly a big help and great to deal with.



.
You forgot to add the fact he is in Wellingtons (Hutt) TSS Red Baron, his contact number, the fact he accepts bribes in cake etc

Think the second hand market is not what most of the shops (salesmen) you visited are interested in, i'd say the salesmen get SFA as a commission on em and most are moved on through trade me with a reserve so they just get the coin they paid for em .

Know when i first started looking for an old learner for the Mrs WMC had a bloody wharehouse full of trade ins, there was fuckin heaps !

[Maha]

I hope you visited a large percentage of the shops to tar them all with the same brush?

Sure, there are bad ones, and probably every dealership has at least one customer who reckons they're shit. Doesn't make them all bad...

Reads like two were visited which clearly is not all.
Red Baron is the only bike shop I have no intention of stepping into again. Once really was enough.
North Shore (Barrys Point Road) have great bike shops...bike mecca really.
Botany Honda out east?
We have had real good buying experience at Colemans..
North Harbour Yamaha were great to deal with..
I have purchased three bikes from Holeshot in the past..
Purchased off two local shops also.

[Tigadee]

Yeah fair enough, if I could retitle the thread id put the word "most" in it. But I did visit most of the big names, and the reception was largely the same.

They just didn't like Yanks from Chicago...:bleh:

[tbs]

You shouldn't be too surprised really.
I've found this over the years where people get a job in a shop dealing with their hobby. Most of my experience has been with mountain bikes, but I imagine it is exactly the same with motorbikes. A lot of bike shop staff got their job because they like bikes and they want the staff discount or they just want to be surrounded in their main interest in life. But if you want to do well in business, it isn't enough to just like the stuff you're selling. You have to like people too. You have a short time to strike up a relationship with customers and make them want to buy from you. Years ago I read the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and the main point of the entire book was that you have to actively take an interest in people, and it isn't something that can be faked. Dealing in retail and service, (as I do) you get plenty of wallies coming in and wasting your time, but if you let it get you jaded, and lose interest in people you may was well go and find another job. Some guys, like White Trash and from what I've gathered, Crasher from Way Back are obviously good at it. If someone is willing to spend time talking even when they know I'm not about to spend money, then I'm 10x more likely to go back and spend money at a later date.

Shop staff take note. It's not rocket science after all.

[Katman]

Some guys, like White Trash and from what I've gathered, Crasher from Way Back are obviously good at it. If someone is willing to spend time talking even when they know I'm not about to spend money, then I'm 10x more likely to go back and spend money at a later date.


To be fair they're probably just really excited that someone wants to talk to them.

[rossirep]

if you want truly shit service ya should check out CASBLOTS here in Chch.. ask anyone down here and they will tell ya just how shit they are..
But as for great service ya cant go past T.P Yamaha and Avon City Shitzuki.. top of the pops in my books and always have nice coffee on hand.

[merv]

Trashy is a good bloke. Where is he by the way, has this thread made his head too big to fit through the door to come post here?

Seriously, the job of a salesman is to know people and adjust their approach to suit the client. All people are different and no use talking all extroverted and loud at a quiet introvert for example or the reverse which seems the more common thing for bike shops.

Funny isn't it that an interest in bikes seems to have produced so many bike shop guys that just grunt and can't smile at a customer or get grumpy and argumentative when someone questions what they have to say.

[Kermit250]

Red Baron Mount Maunganui seem to be the polar opposite of their Auckland counterpart. I've found them to be nothing but friendly and helpful regardless of if I was spending or not.

Don't write off an area just because of a few bad lemons :msn-wink:

[Maha]

Red Baron Mount Maunganui seem to be the polar opposite of their Auckland counterpart. I've found them to be nothing but friendly and helpful regardless of if I was spending or not.

Don't write off an area just because of a few bad lemons :msn-wink:

That is absolutely true.
I have found the dealerships that I have dealed with over the years, to be nothing but on the money.

I went ot look at a brand new bike one day, and mentioned another bike I had had my eye on for a few months...turned out, they still had it there.
The salesman informed that the 2nd hand Yamaha would be the better by over the new Suzuki ...99hp V 68hp from memory?
I bought the YZF.

[Merlin.pgd]

What is it with motorcycle shops in Auckland? Or is it just me? Maybe its the shops I'm visiting?

...

When I pointed out RB Wellington had a better version of same bike for over 1k less, I was told to essentially buy it from them. :wait:

Fortunately, I got in touch with Whitetrash who is a bike selling superstar, and has been brilliant to deal with.
/rant off.

I absolutely understand what you mean mate! I live in Auckland, but i got my bike form a very nice dealership in Whangarei and I was happy with the price and the condition of the bike, it was much much better than any of the ones I came a cross in Auckland. :2thumbsup

[Crasherfromwayback]

I did, and don't regret it. Even after WT offered me a deal, I still went to my local dealer to see if he could match it. He couldn't.

lol. Whilst it can and has been said that I'm white trash...I'm not THE White Trash. That be James Mair out at TSS.

I'm glad you purchased your GSX1250TNAB from me, not him Malcolm!

Pete

[Crasherfromwayback]

To be fair they're probably just really excited that someone wants to talk to them.

Sprung....

[Jantar]

lol. Whilst it can and has been said that I'm white trash...I'm not THE White Trash. That be James Mair out at TSS.

I'm glad you purchased your GSX1250TNAB from me, not him Malcolm!

Pete

Sorry Pete, I meant to say Crasher. I'll edit my post.

[merv]

So White Trash from out in Lower Hood and white trash (crasher) in Welly - they are both good blokes!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Sorry Pete, I meant to say Crasher. I'll edit my post.

No need to do that Malcolm! All fun and games. Jimmy and I are mates anyhow!

[jrandom]

What is it with motorcycle shops in Auckland? Or is it just me? Maybe its the shops I'm visiting?

It's the shops you're visiting.

I've had good experiences at AMPS, Holeshot and Colemans.

[Glowerss]

It's the shops you're visiting.

I've had good experiences at AMPS, Holeshot and Colemans.

Did not get to holeshot, but the sales guy at colemans had to be asked if I could sit on a bike, and wasn't interested in selling me anything else when the bike didn't suit. All in all was only in there for 5 minutes as nobody seemed to want to sell me anything.

In fairness, it was only that service guy and that was my only trip into the store. Could simply have caught them on a bad day.

Maybe it helps if you're buying new. The bikes I'm looking at are almost certainly not high profit bikes I would assume. I dont know how much of a profit margin exists on new bikes.

I could be unfairly picky as well. I worked for 6-7 years in the service industry back in the US. Customer Service is absolutely fucking paramount down there. Indifference to customers will likely get you axed depending on where you work. Customer Service doesn't seem to be high up on a lot of the major retailers (Dick Smith comes to mind) list of priorities here.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Maybe it helps if you're buying new. The bikes I'm looking at are almost certainly not high profit bikes I would assume. I dont know how much of a profit margin exists on new bikes.

.

Nah mate. Often more margin in used stock. Let me know if WT has nothing you're after. I'll see what I can find. He's a GC to deal with though.

[jrandom]

Did not get to holeshot, but the sales guy at colemans had to be asked if I could sit on a bike, and wasn't interested in selling me anything else when the bike didn't suit. All in all was only in there for 5 minutes as nobody seemed to want to sell me anything.

Perhaps it's a cultural thing.

You're Murkn, right?

Most Kiwis, compared to you, probably prefer to be left the hell alone in shops and only offered assistance when they specifically ask for it. Certainly I prefer to work out in advance what I'm after, look online to see who's got it, go in and be direct about it. If I'm going to test ride, I call ahead and book the bikes I'm interested in.

You may well be expecting an over-the-top greasy hand-clasping sort of service that would, in fact, be bad business for motorcycle shops here.

Not saying that it's entirely one-sided; it does sound like you ran into some cunts who didn't give a fuck. But the cultural disconnect might be contributing as well. Certainly my impression of Murkns in NZ is that they have a greater-than-average tendency to be bitchy and demanding.

[Tigadee]

Customer Service doesn't seem to be high up on a lot of the major retailers (Dick Smith comes to mind) list of priorities here.

Hmmmm, too true! :rolleyes:

[White trash]

No need to do that Malcolm! All fun and games. Jimmy and I are mates anyhow!

Awwwwe, give us a cuddle.

Thanks for the props Brian. I've often said, and I'll reiterate, Wellingtonians really are spoilt for choice with regards to bike shops. 9 times out of 10, if you go into a bike shop in Wellington you're speaking to a proper fellow motorcyclist who has a genuine interest in your requirements.

[AllanB]

poorly presented bikes really piss me off.

[Milts]

You're just in the wrong city mate.

I've had dealings with Wellington Motorcycles (crasher) which can only be described as positive.

I purchased my current street triple from Motorad - was offered (didn't ask for) a discount because "you've been in here a lot right? You'll be getting all the services done here..." (I had used them for every dealing with my learners bike, gear etc). Nothing but respect for the Motorad team.

TSS in the hutt seem to have a good rep too, not that I've been out there...


I've often said, and I'll reiterate, Wellingtonians really are spoilt for choice with regards to bike shops. 9 times out of 10, if you go into a bike shop in Wellington you're speaking to a proper fellow motorcyclist who has a genuine interest in your requirements.
This has always been my experience.

[Glowerss]

Perhaps it's a cultural thing.

You're Murkn, right?

Most Kiwis, compared to you, probably prefer to be left the hell alone in shops and only offered assistance when they specifically ask for it. Certainly I prefer to work out in advance what I'm after, look online to see who's got it, go in and be direct about it. If I'm going to test ride, I call ahead and book the bikes I'm interested in.

You may well be expecting an over-the-top greasy hand-clasping sort of service that would, in fact, be bad business for motorcycle shops here.

Not saying that it's entirely one-sided; it does sound like you ran into some cunts who didn't give a fuck. But the cultural disconnect might be contributing as well. Certainly my impression of Murkns in NZ is that they have a greater-than-average tendency to be bitchy and demanding.

Oh man, I worked on the service side of things. Americans are absolutely a bitchy whiny demanding entitled group of pricks on the whole.

I'm not looking for over the top sleazeball. Just slightly more then complete indifference. Each shop I mentioned I had the cash for a bike right now, and was looking for a 250 or something LAMS compliant as the bike I have was bought simply because it was cheap and I was looking for something a bit more enjoyable to get me through the next 18 months, and while I have a vague idea of what I'm looking for, was open to suggestions.

Not a one bothered to offer any suggestions. Most of em said it was OK to sit on a specific bike, then either buggered off completely until I left or sat there silently giving me the stink eye. I suppose they figure most of their shit is on trademe?

WT was/is brilliant to deal with. You can tell just by talking to him he WANTS to sell you a bike and he enjoys his job, but he's not going to sell you something that you'll be unhappy with just for the sake of a sale.

Crasher was exactly the same when I was asking him about some bikes WMC had a few months ago.

I definitely look at the welly dealerships first now. Will probably do so in the future and ignore the auckers one completely.

[jrandom]

I definitely look at the welly dealerships first now. Will probably do so in the future and ignore the auckers one completely.

Not a bad call. You're unlikely to go wrong that way. You don't buy a bike that often, and Auckland and Wellington aren't that far apart.

I probably would've bought my Sportster from Wellington Motorcycles instead of AMPS if Pete and I had been on speaking terms at the time, but that's another story altogether...

:sunny:

[nzspokes]

It's the shops you're visiting.

I've had good experiences at AMPS, Holeshot and Colemans.

I got my bike from Holeshot, there hopeless.

[rapid van cleef]

My recent experiences of purchasing gear in auckland did not go to plan. I was in the market for new leathers and contacted a big dealer in auck and let them know i was travelling and that i wanted to buy some gear, money in me pocket. when i got there they didnt have the gear in stock that i wanted to try on in my size even though they had replied to my emails saying, yeah come on in we will help you out.

when i mentioned this to the staff the reply i got was long the lines of, well its the end of the season, we aint got much left, well just pop back in..............no popping will occur from 4 hours away. After finding 1 item in my size( the only 1 in the shop) the staff member fucked off and had a natter with his buddy...

fucking useless.

why couldnt they let me know they had limited stock before i made the trip?

twats

bought the gear from a local supplier who went out of their way to get what i wanted in stock so i could try on and compare fits and sizes

Well done Moto City

[Katman]

I got my bike from Holeshot, there hopeless.

Your (sic) probably no better.

[meteor]

I was in Cycletreads on Sunday looking at the jackets and helmet visors. The guy I was dealing with was excellent until two model looking chicks walked in wearing Red Bull leathers after getting off a Triumph and sidecar. He seemed a bit distracted, as did everyone else in the shop... even the girls! Then when they started hugging him... anyway I got a can of red bull from a hot biker chick... now that doesn't happen too often. Anyway, what was I complaining about? I've bought bikes from Bot Honda, Holeshot, Mr Motorcycles and Counties Honda. All brilliant to deal with.

[nzspokes]

I was in Cycletreads on Sunday looking at the jackets and helmet visors. The guy I was dealing with was excellent until two model looking chicks walked in wearing Red Bull leathers after getting off a Triumph and sidecar. He seemed a bit distracted, as did everyone else in the shop... even the girls! Then when they started hugging him... anyway I got a can of red bull from a hot biker chick... now that doesn't happen too often. Anyway, what was I complaining about? I've bought bikes from Bot Honda, Holeshot, Mr Motorcycles and Counties Honda. All brilliant to deal with.

Ive had great dealings with Mr Motorcycles.

But fair go, cant blame the CT guy for getting distracted. They deal with sweaty bikers all day then.....

Ct also very good but they dont sell bikes.

[haydes55]

Counties Honda.

Ahh Counties Honda, they have a free hot chocolate/coffee machine, always played good motorbike DVDs and had a comfy couch. Just 2 minutes walk from my old high school. Lunch breaks and "study" periods were often spent there (sorry Counties Honda). I think I've made amens for annoying the staff and have actually spent a lot of cash on several helmets, a Leatt brace, body armour and other stuff after I left school.

[Brian d marge]

Nah mate. Often more margin in used stock. Let me know if WT has nothing you're after. I'll see what I can find. He's a GC to deal with though.
GC...grand charlie :, great chuffer...grand charwalla.....
yes. i sympathise ...some of the shops ive been in ....omg...remember,im in the trade ...i actually would chop my left nut off before entering ..half those places...
but bay city napier, mr motorcycles, auckland, ..and cycletreads christchurch...are what i concider the norm, ie fkin brilliant in nz terms......though, parts guy with feet on counter...not a good look fellas....
if you want my money , get off your arse...it may only be one dollar.........but i may come back with many more....kindness and friendliness, last time i checked was free

stephen
sorry from phone will spell check this later

[nzmikey]

4 months ago when I was looking for a new bike I went to CycleSPOT on the shore & ended up dealing with "Mike", I asked him about a few of the bikes they had on show, he answered every question I threw at him, I told him what I was looking for ( wanted a 600 ) .
They only had 1 600 & that was showroom stock & never been run so that bike was out of the question .

I ended up taking a 08 Blade out for a spin & loved it, when I got back he grabbed my number & told me he would call me as soon as a 600 came in & would get me back to ride it, I left & went to a Suzi dealership in town :whistle: ...... It took a good 5 - 10mins for someone to even ask if I was ok, Took a K7 750 out & as I was about to get a leg over another salesman asked if the Hornet was mine & was I looking at trading it ......... I said yeah & gave him the keys so he could give it a look over . I threw my leg over the bike & was about to ride off & then without a word of a lie this cocksucker starts my bike up & gives it 3 -4 HARD revs :mad::bash: WTF.

It was at that point I said fuck it, I took the gixxer for a 30min rape bought it back, got my keys back got on my bike & left without a word to the fuckwit that abused my bike.

as I was heading off to go meet a mate for a drink the phone rings & it is Mike from CycleSPOT saying that a customer had just turned up with his 2011 CBR600RR that he was selling ( something about his missus bla bla bla ) .


Long story short .... CycleSPOT did the work in trying to make me happy with finding a bike & doing call backs ( like he said he would )

[EJK]

Check this out. Overpriced? Oh yeah, and it's good ol Red Baron.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-360208492.htm

[White trash]

Check this out. Overpriced? Oh yeah, and it's good ol Red Baron.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-360208492.htm

Sorry I don't get it. How is that over priced? 300 Ninjas are only 1k to 1500 cheaper.

[Glowerss]

Check this out. Overpriced? Oh yeah, and it's good ol Red Baron.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-360208492.htm

More of a kawasaki problem then a RB problem in this particular case. The 400s are essentially just ER6fs that have been sleeved down. They're expensive as fuck no matter where you go because they're selling you a slightly shitty version of the 650. And those retail for, yep you guessed it, 10-12k.

Even the ruddy 250s are 7-8k brand new for carb'd and slightly more then that for EFI. I doubt RB has much of a say in the matter. Small island in the pacific ocean tax is what that is.

[hellokitty]

4 months ago when I was looking for a new bike I went to CycleSPOT on the shore & ended up dealing with "Mike"......

Long story short .... CycleSPOT did the work in trying to make me happy with finding a bike & doing call backs ( like he said he would )

Mike is great, I think he is the best salesman I have dealt with. Always friendly and helpful, he has never taken the piss like some "Why would you want that bike? Too much power for a girl" etc.
I would recommend anyone that wants to buy, to see Mike at Cyclespot.

[DMNTD]

Red Baron Mount Maunganui seem to be the polar opposite of their Auckland counterpart. I've found them to be nothing but friendly and helpful regardless of if I was spending or not.

Don't write off an area just because of a few bad lemons :msn-wink:

We found the same....RB in Auckland made the fatal mistake of assuming that my missus wasn't to be taken seriously when she inquired about the new ZX14 and Aprilia Tuono APRC.
The salesperson thought it a good idea to tell her that "öooooooooh...the ZX14 is a bit big" . She promptly replied that she had no issues doing 50,000kms on her last one.

Needless to say that we have now bought a 2012 Tuono APRC from GP Red Baron in Mt Maunganui and effin love it!
Owen (owner/sales person) has been nothing but superb to deal with in every manner!

[nzspokes]

We found the same....RB in Auckland made the fatal mistake of assuming that my missus wasn't to be taken seriously when she inquired about the new ZX14 and Aprilia Tuono APRC.
The salesperson thought it a good idea to tell her that "öooooooooh...the ZX14 is a bit big" . She promptly replied that she had no issues doing 50,000kms on her last one.

Needless to say that we have now bought a 2012 Tuono APRC from GP Red Baron in Mt Maunganui and effin love it!
Owen (owner/sales person) has been nothing but superb to deal with in every manner!

This seems to be true of motorcycle retailers, not taking customers as buyers. A friend of mine who is a Maori lady went into Botany Honda and was ignored twice. She was a serious buyer and bought elsewhere.

[hellokitty]

This seems to be true of motorcycle retailers, not taking customers as buyers. A friend of mine who is a Maori lady went into Botany Honda and was ignored twice. She was a serious buyer and bought elsewhere.

Like me at AMPS, twice I went in as a cash buyer to get a Sportster, and I was ignored..... I went to Cyclespot and bough something else. I was so happy with them, that we ended up buying 8 bikes from them over a 3 year period.

[Maha]

I can understand the 'female being ignored/not taken seriously phenomena'..unless she is in leather.
A female farm owner/worker going to buy 300 weight of grain and 35 strainer posts would probably get...''are you sure this is what your husband wants''?

[DMNTD]

I can understand the 'female being ignored/not taken seriously phenomena'..unless she is in leather.
A female farm owner/worker going to buy 300 weight of grain and 35 strainer post would probably get...''are you sure this is what your husband wants''?

I sold a $50,000 Audi to a lady wearing track pants and Ugg boots...she put the lot on her CC without even blinking.
She saw it, wanted it and bought it.
Foolish be the sales person that makes assumptions about the person that has just chosen to walk through the doors

[Maha]

I sold a $50,000 Audi to a lady wearing track pants and Ugg boots...she put the lot on her CC without even blinking.
She saw it, wanted it and bought it.
Foolish be the sales person that makes assumptions about the person that has just chosen to walk through the doors


My point is...most purchasers end up happy with what they buy, doesn't matter where they buy from.

Are you happy with your latest purchase?...did it bother you that you didn't buy from RB Auckland?

[DMNTD]

...Are you happy with your latest purchase?...did it bother you that you didn't buy from RB Auckland?

Happy? FFS...I'm most definitely in the good books! It's the best bike I have ridden to date (IMO).

Does it bother me that I didn't buy "locally" ? Nope however I would usually always support my local.
In saying that I happened to have supported my old employer

[saul]

Good story: White Trash has been brilliant to deal with (bought my latest beasty from him) and I would also agree with DMTD as well, Owen from RB at the Mount has also been very helpful so I have spent money there on a dyno run and parts. :love:

Bad story: I bought a Daytona 675 (close to new) from a Auckland shop (a little while ago now) all went well untill I went to pick it up, they were so disintrested and unhelpful it was such an aweful experience, I have just come out of counciling now:facepalm: I can't remember the name of the shop but they had a motorcycle dismantling place right beside them.

Whats the difference? Is it the culture of the shop? Surely the attitude is set at the managment / owner level and driven down.

[DMNTD]

Whats the difference? Is it the culture of the shop? Surely the attitude is set at the managment / owner level and driven down.

In most cases...correct! :yes:

[White trash]

Good story: White Trash has been brilliant to deal with (bought my latest beasty from him) and I would also agree with DMTD as well, Owen from RB at the Mount has also been very helpful so I have spent money there on a dyno run and parts. :love:
.

Thanks mate. It's a pleasure helping people get on their new bikes, that's what makes the job worthwhile.

[blue rider]

Well, I just had a nice experiencie with two shops in AKL (I am a local), AMPS and Botany Honda.

Both very helpful, friendly, both bikes picked up and one fully priced and agreed on the other still waiting on pricing for spares etc.

:first: for both

[Maha]

Well, I just had a nice experiencie with two shops in AKL (I am a local), AMPS and Botany Honda.

Both very helpful, friendly, both bikes picked up and one fully priced and agreed on the other still waiting on pricing for spares etc.

:first: for both

Yes I witnessed the AMPs deal, the salesman was brilliant when dealing with a female.
No doubt that most who walk into a bikeshop at some stage will not be overly happy with the service they get, or, in some cases, don't get.

[blue rider]

Yes I witnessed the AMPs deal, the salesman was brilliant when dealing with a female.
No doubt that most who walk into a bikeshop at some stage will not be overly happy with the service they get, or, in some cases, don't get.

Your saying the sales person schmused me into buying? :innocent:

[jasonu]

Check this out. Overpriced? Oh yeah, and it's good ol Red Baron.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-360208492.htm

The full tank of petrol is the better part of $200 in NZ from what I hear...:laugh:

[Morcs]

I got my bike from Holeshot, there hopeless.

There goes any discount structure im sure... :P