Bike shop

[Exotix]

Hey KB

I am posting this under an assumed login due to the fact that I do not wish to be identified. Suffice it to say that I am a senior member here and leave it at that. I have Spank’s permission to do this.

After many years shopping at various bike shops in NZ, I find something lacking in them. There are a few good shops around but not one GREAT shop. The losers far outweigh the winners as far as I can see.
I am planning on opening my own motorcycle shop and I need to know what features YOU would look for. What is important to you in a bike shop? A café? Dyno? Let me know. It ideally will specialize in the up-market Euro stuff (MV, Cagiva, Aprillia, KTM, and Husqvarna, Ducati with maybe a cornerstone jappa brand like Suzuki or Kawasaki) and would like to have a very “Porsche/ Mercedes” dealership feel. i would also like suggestions on who the Best Of The Best are in dealership nationwide.. sales, workshop, parts..
Please be realistic. I am pretty sure I can pull this off if I put my head down and just get it going.

[Jonty]

great Idea

Well I'll kick it off - SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE. Make the customer feel good and they will keep coming back. The other thing I look for is a good range of bike for those of us that can't afford the latest 999. Say good quality 99-2004 bikes for us homeowners.

Oh and please open on the weekends!!!!!!

Good luck

[skelstar]

What do you find lacking? If you dont mind me asking.

[The_Dover]

Why go for the exclusivity thing? How many on here actually ride those brands?

Most people just want the same thing, good prices, top customer service, choice.

Being able to feel comfortable "hanging out" is always a bonus in a bike shop and a community feel is also a winner.

I for one would not go into a continental cars style bike shop full of suits and shit that I can't afford, or wouldn't buy if I could. Sure carry them but are they going to be huge sellers?

Dyno would be good, knowledgable but not arrogant staff (sales, parts and workshop) and an open door policy would be good. Opening hours a la Mt Eden would be great, most people work and it is a pain in the arse having to rush to get there before closing.

Not a cafe as such but a decent waiting area with lots of bike porn and a coffee machine would be cool too.

[Karma]

Enough staff to meet demand, especially in the workshop.

If I want an oil change I want it today, if you can't do that then I'm going somewhere else.

[skelstar]

Open on Sunday. Spend as much money/time/space on accessories as you do with the bikes. Lets face it you buy more accessories than you do bikes.

[skelstar]

A bloody good website that gets updated reg-like.

[outlawtorn]

Service for me is the biggest thing, that's why I chose Colemans and that's why I'll never buy anything from Cyclespot.

Next is advice, the salespeople should explain everything to potential buyers, especially new buyers. Also when it comes to gear, don't just try and flog excess stock onto people, give them real advice and suggestions, if you wouldn't wear it/use it or it's inferior then why sell it to someone else?

But the best move you could do is to hire some really nice leggy blondes who have to wear tight clothing and can bring some sizeable assets to the company.:shifty:

[outlawtorn]

A bloody good website that gets updated reg-like.
Any what he said. A website is always the most under-rated selling tool when it comes to none web savvy people, look at most bike shop websites and you'll see they suck, both in the way they look and in the information the offer, don't leave your website to be updated by someone in the company who has an email address, get it done properly, for example:
www.trimit.co.nz (http://www.trimit.co.nz/)
and another one of mine
www.wileyx.co.nz (http://www.wileyx.co.nz/)
never underestimate the power of the web, you wouldn't print out and cut your own business cards would you, because it would look cheap, same goes for a website.

[Jonty]

Also you will need a shite tin of capital to kick a high end bike shop off the ground. Not to sure how you would get on arrnaging a floorplan agreement with out serious collateral.

[crashe]

Ummmm what is wrong with Yamaha.... Nought...


Ok where are you wanting to open up this shop?
Cos location location location is the done thing here.
You will need plenty of decent parking space available to bikes and cars cos the odd biker will travel by car from time to time.


Customer service - Friendly, polite and welcoming into the shop is nice.
Offer cups of tea or coffee...

Offer a wider variety of gear as well and people who know what the stuff is about.

Have a video going of the lastest bike races.
Plenty of books to browse throu whilst waiting.

A damn good service department that offers fast and efficent service...
Have top notch mechanic's who actually know there stuff.

Be up front with the customers and dont fuck them around...
If the job cant be done on time or at all be honest about it.

Be prepared to say that another shop will have a hard to come by item if you dont stock it or cant get it in... by suggesting the other shops by name...
That gives you a good name if you mention other shops as well.


There ya go thats my 2 cents worth...

Good luck in this venture you are taking on...

[Dooly]

Good friendly staff through all depts.

[SimJen]

Motogb at the mount has a nice highend look/feel and good service.
A cafe would be cool, depends if peeps will use it regular.....if its like the Ace Cafe in London it'd be awesome. Cafe would have to be open weekends though.
Dyno is always handy as long as its cheap enough, and you have someone good to set it up.
Service and friendly staff who are genuinely interested....

[Kendog]

Have to agree with a great web-site, with good response time to e-mails and enquires, able to get stuff that I want at a good price and will be what I want and not something close to but won't fit on my bike or my bum. Knowledgeable staff and good, affordable service for me and the bike. Oh, and good luck!

[Cibby]

a range of chick accessories.. Its bloody hard to come across chick leathers and chick corduras...

coffee maker, and i think the being able to get your bike in asap for a service.

[Exotix]

What do you find lacking? If you dont mind me asking.


service first of all. if i want to buy a bike on Sunday, i want an open bike shop to do so.

[plop]

Open weekends would be great, with a kick ass workshop

Service...many times i have been in a shop and all the information i would get is can i help..yeah its a good bike would travel well for what you want etc....

I might not ask the right questions but its up to them to be passionate about bikes and put the hard yards in to get the information and suggestions on what you need.

I went to a shop and was wanting to that day buy a new Honda CB, I said do you have any and he said no we are not a Honda dealer and left it at that now i dont know the ins and outs of that but should he not have said
"we are not Honda Dealer but if you want to buy one from here i will get you one"
Extra mile great service

I know i would love to sell bikes so if you need someone let me know

Plop

[WildBoarMouse]

Okay, just a list of stuff that may be doubled up from above...
- Good online product viewing!
- Keep the "average joe" feel about the place as well so that us plebs feel at home
- Good online product viewing!!
- The cafe thing might not be a bad idea, maybe have a weekly/fortnightly ride starting from this venue?
- Good online product viewing!!! (you don't have to sell stuff online, but show me - in some detail - what you have - prices too)
- AMPs and the new Motomail store in Auckland have a pretty good feel about them. I like the lounge look at AMPs but it's kind of hidden away and I don't feel like I could plomp my ass down for 10 minutes to watch the videos :)
- Buxom serving girls - who know stuff about bikes - okay, that could be hard to manage. Not many of them around.
- Price matching of some sort? If people have the loyalty they'd prefer to come to you to buy stuff so long as you can match it (or come pretty damn close)
- Advertising!!!!!! I don't think I've ever seen a bike shop advertised in the auckland region!
- Radio promos... maybe start up a small business on the side - partnership, whatever - that runs the license courses, basic handling skills test etc. People go back to somewhere they feel comfortable with. Catch them early in the game.
- Personalised mailers! Maybe something like the farmers card-holder night? Something to give those loyal shoppers a few days notice of the specials.
- Fund raisers for charity! The bikeshop might not have to put in much, but most riders would probably make a $2-5 donation every month or few. Hook it up with a charity group that would provide the advertising. Maybe not practical.
- Sourcing of parts for jappa bikes! Make it easy. maybe make this online? I don't think anyone else does this in NZ???

Just some other stuff... A lot of people do a vast amount of online price comparisons, and that number is only going to increase. I hate having to ride around 3-5 places to have a look at stuff only to find that only 2 of them have the product I'm looking for in the first place.

Okay, I'm out of ideas at the moment. Most of the above is probably crap. Just a random purge of ideas. :p

Good luck!!!

[Karma]

a range of chick accessories.. Its bloody hard to come across chick leathers and chick corduras...

coffee maker, and i think the being able to get your bike in asap for a service.

Yep... chick stuff is good.

And could have cameras in the changing rooms displaying on a huge widescreen TV in the main shop area.

That'd get my business...

[Kendog]

a range of chick accessories.. Its bloody hard to come across chick leathers and chick corduras...


God YES!!!!!!!

[Exotix]

Why go for the exclusivity thing? How many on here actually ride those brands?

Most people just want the same thing, good prices, top customer service, choice.

.


thats why Lamborgini and Ferrari are bankrupt right? because no-one can afford them? has nothing to ddo with affordability in my mind. bikes are a lifestyle choice, not a must-have like a car. as i said, i would not be adverse to having a Jap cornerstone like Kawasaki or Suzuki.

[Marmoot]

1. Helpful service and trustable mechanics. If I go for a service and I go out with a worn (unchecked) rear brake pads then it is not a good mechanic service.
2. open on weekends.
3. open until 7pm would be a great boon too.
4. but overtly high price would not be a good start either.

That's my input. Up to you to balance it.

[dawnrazor]

consistent service, its no good having a top notch sales guy only to have the engineers be rude bastards.

Also options, instead of two brands of gloves how about ten to choose from. etc. There doesn't seem to be a good quality clothing brand here that won't brake the bank, like "FRANK THOMAS" or HEIN GEIKEN". Tecknic just doesn't come up to par.

As far as bikes go, anything goes. nothing wrong with jappas, particularly now that quality parts seem to be be fitted to more and more models instead of just the litre superbikes.

[SARGE]

a licensed cafe...

[The_Dover]

You asked mate.

How many dealers in NZ sell the more exclusive european brands? How many do they sell each year? Have you done the market research to see if there is room for another dealer shipping them, bearing in mind that Motomail sell MV as well?

You'd do better to run the core business on shit that you can shift in decent volumes.

Ferrari would be fucked if they weren't propped up by Fiat and Lamborghini's core business is tractors. Bit like Ducati I guess.

[WRT]

Make it a friendly and welcoming place to visit. Make sure that the staff keep this in mind at all times too. Too many places (not just bike shops, but shops in general, and an "Exotix" shop could have this problem more than most) come across as "holier than thou" and nothing will get me to turn around and walk out of a shop faster. I like my exotix, but I also like to deal with "real" people, not a know it all wanker, and I'll take my money elsewhere if I dont get a good feel from a store.

[LaggCity]

Be able to get work done on the bikes on the weekend

[SARGE]

You asked mate.

How many dealers in NZ sell the more exclusive european brands? How many do they sell each year? Have you done the market research to see if there is room for another dealer shipping them, bearing in mind that Motomail sell MV as well?

You'd do better to run the core business on shit that you can shift in decent volumes.

Ferrari would be fucked if they weren't propped up by Fiat and Lamborghini's core business is tractors. Bit like Ducati I guess.



hey Coleman's sells MV.. Motomail has them.. just dont sell them...:laugh:

[Freakshow]

I would want a shop that is there to help the customer, For example there is a small shop and the guy tells me straight and is helpful. Recently his advice has been great regarding my broken fork, however same problem in town and all i have heard is accusations on how I have done ... wrong, making judgements without questions or understanding. Further more they have not offered any suggestions on how to fix the problem. That kind of atitude makes me take my money elsewhere. The staff make the difference, they are what makes you come back for repairs and accesories or look elsewhere.

Good Luck

[Exotix]

You asked mate.

How many dealers in NZ sell the more exclusive european brands? How many do they sell each year? Have you done the market research to see if there is room for another dealer shipping them, bearing in mind that Motomail sell MV as well?

You'd do better to run the core business on shit that you can shift in decent volumes.

Ferrari would be fucked if they weren't propped up by Fiat and Lamborghini's core business is tractors. Bit like Ducati I guess.


this is all still in the very early stages .

[Freakshow]

One other thing that was annoying is stay open late one maybe two nights a week so that those who work 9-5 can drop bikes off and pick them up.

[Badcat]

1 - BIKE PICKUP AND DELIVERY for service.
2 - open sat and sunday - with all knowledgable staff including workshop.
3 - good range of actual accessories (unlike motomails new ponsonby boutique)
4 - a high quality tool dealership - like snap-on or stahwille
5 - decent coffee and a meeting area - waiting room

and all the nice to haves, like big screen TV for the motoGP, etc etc.
wireless broadband near the coffee area...

[dawnrazor]

You asked mate.

How many dealers in NZ sell the more exclusive european brands? How many do they sell each year? Have you done the market research to see if there is room for another dealer shipping them, bearing in mind that Motomail sell MV as well?

You'd do better to run the core business on shit that you can shift in decent volumes.

Ferrari would be fucked if they weren't propped up by Fiat and Lamborghini's core business is tractors. Bit like Ducati I guess.


Agree with this, look at "Cuntinendtrail cars" in newmarket, what a bunch of wankers - you'd think they where selling something really worthwhile and special instead of overpriced cars AND a shed load of slightly overpriced european cars (which seem to be their core business).

I reckon there are enough places in Auckland (it is auckland your talking about setting up in) selling european bikes.

[SARGE]

im actually watching this thread myself.. might steal some of your ideas :headbang:

[The_Dover]

hey Coleman's sells MV.. Motomail has them.. just dont sell them...:laugh:

I know you sell them Mr MV man, I was under the impression that Motomail were or are going to be selling them too (some dude in the shop told me.)

My point was not just about the cost or sales volumes of the euro brands, it was as much about the "untouchable" aura that goes with places that focus on sales of premium brands.

Yer average greasy oik on a 250 isn't going to feel hugely comfortable in a place like that and probably wont stop by for all of the sundry spares and accessories he wants or needs.

A mainstream core with the exotica as a sideline, making it visible and accessable to Joe Average, would be a better approach IMHO, a la colemans.

But without the homos.

[Badcat]

A mainstream core with the exotica as a sideline, making it visible and accessable to Joe Average, would be a better approach IMHO, a la colemans.

But without the homos.

it wouldn't BE coleman's without the homos.

[SARGE]

it wouldn't BE coleman's without the homos.


hey @#%^ you all

most of you wish you were me anyway

all the homo's are FIXING your bikes..we only employ the BEST Seat Sniffers

[Rosie]

A couple of things I didn't see while skimming this thread:

Priority motorbike parking.

A decent area to leave your jacket, helmet etc while browsing. Moto GB have a really roomy accessories section, and a couple of chairs where you can leave your stuff while you are looking around.

Decent sized changing rooms. Not a broom closet sized afterthought, or a store room where you expect one of the mechanics to come in looking for a tyre at any moment.

[Badcat]

hey @#%^ you all

most of you wish you were me anyway

all the homo's are FIXING your bikes..

actually sarge - i didn't mean you, but now i know i'll be vigilant.

[Switch]

If its in Auckland, can i clean your floors :yes: so i can earn some money :laugh:

[Lou Girardin]

According to what I've seen on here;
You need to serve customers instantly, unless they don't want to be served instantly. You won't be told this, you should know.
You should have demos of every bike on the market. Preferably in all colours so that they can check their look in shop windows on their three day test ride.
You should not have any profit margin.
You should allow everyone to try gear for at least two weeks before buying.
You will need to be open 24/7, in case someone needs a widget for the 1955
James at 3.00AM Sunday
You should have a cafe/drying room, plus a room for sex in case your staff (who are all Hooters graduates) are overcome with lust for the next spotty L plater who screams up in a cloud of flying engine parts.
Don't forget the cafe with the award winning Barrista. (Free cafe that is.)
Good Luck.
PS Gizza job?

PPS How are you going to squeeze the franchises out of existing dealers?

[WickedOne]

As far as I am concerned, the most important thing for a bike shop is the people. If you have got friendly and knowledgeable staff who are willing to take the time to spend with customers you will have loyal customers.

A nice range of accessories is always a drawcard but a shop with a "good personallity" where one feels welcome will come up trumps.

Good luck mate, all the best, looking forward to see what comes of this...

[The_Dover]

I think Lou is getting the idea.

[Lou Girardin]

I went to a shop and was wanting to that day buy a new Honda CB, I said do you have any and he said no we are not a Honda dealer and left it at that now i dont know the ins and outs of that but should he not have said
"we are not Honda Dealer but if you want to buy one from here i will get you one"
Extra mile great service


Yeah, I can just see Blue Wing selling a bike to a non-Honda dealer.
They don't even like multi-brand dealers.
I think you're asking for extra light-year service.

[Lou Girardin]

- AMPs and the new Motomail store in Auckland have a pretty good feel about them. I like the lounge look at AMPs but it's kind of hidden away and I don't feel like I could plomp my ass down for 10 minutes to watch the videos :)
- Buxom serving girls - who know stuff about bikes - okay, that could be hard to manage. Not many of them around.


You seem to manage Mousy.
And there's no way I'm getting implants and a nip/tuck for you.
Anyway, we have a hotty starting soon.

[SARGE]

Don't forget the cafe with the award winning Barrista. (Free cafe that is.)
Good Luck.
PS Gizza job?
?


shit .. where do i sign?

[Switch]

I think all up friendly and prompt service would be good. But don't be nice to people who are rude and obnoxious (sp). Even if you can't offer service straight away, offer them to choose another time that suits them :yes:

[SARGE]

But don't be nice to people who are rude and obnoxious


that cuts MOST of you out right away

[Switch]

that cuts MOST of you out right away
haha carefull, they might know where you live :shifty:

[SARGE]

haha carefull, they might know where you live :shifty:


ask around sparky.. i'm not too worried..

[FizzKid]

I know myself and a couple of other riders who have been caught out by Red Baron being shut early sat afternoon. I have to agree with previous posts on the long consistent weekend hours thing...

[Paul in NZ]

Being mr sensible...

You need to realise that you can't be all things to all people. If you try that approach you will probably fail because you will satisfy no one. So some potential customers are always going to be unhappy!

What you could consider is providing services that are slightly outside the norm. It's a point of difference thing.

Being open sunday is a bloody good idea.

A mid week late night to act as a ride destination is another one. Wednesday night ride to blah blah blah motorcycle barn, half price coffee if you come on your bike. This might be a summer thing?

Cruiser night... Couple of big screens showning cruiser stuff or a re run of Easy Rider?

Sportbike night.. Lastest round of WSB or summat.

Classic night.. bring out your treasures...

Dirt bike night...

Accessories... You know, munt that has no specific use but looks cool...

Suspension classes, advanced riding classes followed by a bbq at the shop.

Loyalty scheme with a monthly ride that earns you points towards a discount.

Rider recovery scheme with bike friendly recovery vehicle.

If you need help with the tech side of screens and networks, let me know. I'm flasher than a rat with a gold tooth mate.. (bling)

[imdying]

If you have a cafe, open till 9pm would be nice.

On the flip side, please don't open late, it's easier to drop the ride in for a service before work... 10am opening time (for example) would make it a pain, if you see what I mean?

Sunday trading isn't necessary, but I've worked in parts sales for a while, and opening before 10:30 in the morning can be a bit of a wait. There's always someone on the doorstep at 8:30, but 95% of customer don't even get out of bed till 10 :( 11am-4pm on a Saturday would be super :)

As for Brands... Suzuki sell a shite load of bikes here in NZ, would be a good brand to get? Ask the department of stats for info on what brand bikes get imported the most. They'll charge you, but PM me if you'd like me to do some checking for you.

[SARGE]

im shocked that nobody has mentioned a Dunkin Donuts on site....

[Damon]

I think selling up market brands will exclude alot of customers, having a good range of second hand bikes will bring in alot more customers, when i buy a bike i look for the best deal not what going to make we look like the biggest :tugger: and you'll sell more accessories with the bigger customer base.

Open all weekend is a good one too, nothing worse than a puncture killing your sunday ride and no one open to fix it.

Somewhere to hangout, eg meeting point for rides or a few drinks after work.

A large accessories dept, and cempeditively (sp?) priced, everytime i go looking for gear i shop around and always find myself back at cycletreads, it doesn't take long before i just started going there every time, they may not make as much profit on markup but they'll make more from total sales.

[The_Dover]

im shocked that nobody has mentioned a Dunkin Donuts on site....

I'm not shocked that you did!!

[imdying]

That's not a bad idea... although that and a cafe is turning into a food court. I hate to think what the franchise startup costs are for that.... maybe get some capital off of Finn :lol:

[SwanTiger]

As some have already mentioned to degrees, having more involvement with certain biking communities would not only help the store financially, it would also enhance the biking community as a whole.

I'm with Sarge on the Dunkin Donuts, why not buy a Pub and throw that in the mix as well, it'll be a 24/7 operation.

Customer service is always the key. Honesty and RESPECT.

[SARGE]

and some cool uniforms for the sales staff.. stuff that would make George Clinton go "DAY-um!"

[WRT]

im shocked that nobody has mentioned a Dunkin Donuts on site....

Why - dont the cops have standard issue gear? That means you dont need to cater to them.

[MidnightMike]

Motogb at the mount has a nice highend look/feel and good service.
A cafe would be cool, depends if peeps will use it regular.....if its like the Ace Cafe in London it'd be awesome. Cafe would have to be open weekends though.
Dyno is always handy as long as its cheap enough, and you have someone good to set it up.
Service and friendly staff who are genuinely interested....

I agree, moto gb are a great place, how about little electric bikes for the bikers kids who come in? Just a suggsetion. :ride: And a sausage sizzle every day too. :headbang:

[Lou Girardin]

I think all up friendly and prompt service would be good. But don't be nice to people who are rude and obnoxious (sp).

Hear this Finn? I'm not going to be nice to you any more.

[Lou Girardin]

I almost forgot, everything at cost for cops.
(Does this count as bribery?)

[XP@]

You can get something of everything in nz, but you don't have much choice.

Your shop would not stock the run of the mill gear, but instead Hein-Gericke, touratech, and the other decent euro brands.

[rok-the-boat]

Personally, I don't like boutique bike shops with sales clerks in suits. However, I do recognise there is a market for such - just look at the modern Harley dealership. So for me, I would like a bike shop to look like the grimy insides of an old engineering workshop, with real salt of the earth people wearing oily overalls that have no time for you because they are working on a bike.

[Paul in NZ]

Mate...

Stuff the bike shop, open up something like this..

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/

[T.W.R]

Designing a shop that essentially has a Boutique Euro flavour to it won't appeal to the masses (it's a niche' market). Sure the exotic eye-candy appeals to peoples tastes but in reality only the minority can enjoy such things.
Check the diversity of Motorcycles that KB members have, we're a fairly good representation of the NZ motorcycling population and the European marques are in the minority.
The solid core of the business should be based on a consistant product.

An atmosphere that appeals to a variety of customers is hard to build & only time and understanding gets the balance right. Staff that deal with specific areas instead of bluffing their knowledge base on products.
Mechanics who actually aren't just trapped in a vortex of machines only a couple of years old or current and don't go running for the backdoor if a bikes over 5yrs old.
A mobile workshop can be a helpful tool sometimes too, for both the customer & the shop.

[Skytwr]

Parking Parking and More Parking.

A place for your riding gear would be nice, but overall a bloody good website with the prices of the gear and or specials.

But overall good service, I do not care about the price so oftern now as the service from the staff. Not being treated like a lepper casuse my bike is not the lastest or the fastest model on the road.

I have used Motohaus in Morningside and received bloody good service and a great deal on the price.

[Kendog]

I agree, moto gb are a great place, how about little electric bikes for the bikers kids who come in? Just a suggsetion. :ride: And a sausage sizzle every day too. :headbang:

That's a great idea, maybe something for the wives who don't ride too. My hubby hates going anywhere near an outlet shop/underwear shop/Ezibuy, and always says if they put like a golf shop or computer gaming shop next door they'd get women who are allowed to shop longer and men who don't have to louter(sp) outside. (Ever been past Bendon outlet store in Otaki, tons of men milling about outside!)
Mrs KD

[igor]

get sales staff that are motorcyclists as well not just sales staff.

theres nothing more that pisses me off than a salesman that doesn't know what the feck he is talking about, cause all he is a salesman, and his hobbies are oragami and cross sitch

i am not asking for the world here but its not hard to have a little basic knowledge of hat ya selling.

ya ask him a basic question and ah I will have to get back to ya.

and bums on bikes sells bikes. give im a test ride and they may buy it. some salesman just cause ya from outatown and pop in to look at a bike say no. for fuck sae i didnot ride all this way just to have a look at it, i may buy it ya feckin moron.

um i don't know a lot about this model, well fuck off and sell shoelaces then ya MORON

i think i have made my point

[Morepower]

Free beer :drinkup:

[mdb]

Decent coffee (i.e. hire a GOOD barista)
Decent gear (i.e. don't stock crap that isn't up to the safety standards)
Servicing & WOF's that you don't have to book 3 weeks in advance for

[gav]

OK, heres a few ideas, have you read a book by a bloke named Carl Sewell (I think?) called Customer for Life, or something. He's the guy that owns the biggest Cadillac dealership in the States. He now does motovational speakeing for car dealers etc. Anyway, try and apply as much of this to your business as possible, its all about trying to build loyalty into your customer base.
The thing with a bike shop is generally most people who work in a shop are enthusiasts themselves, they all tend to ride and/or race, trying to find staff who want to work weekends can be tough going.
Have faith in the staff you employ and back them up. Nothing worse than having your boss undermind you in front of a customer. Let them learn from their mistakes if need be. Everyone always wants to deal with the boss all the time, be prepared to delegate and only get involved as a last resort. Nothing pisses off say the workshop service manager or parts manager more than when customers go straight to the boss when somethings not right without first being given the chance to put anything wrong right. ie Be prepared to try and have staff resolve issue before getting involved. Sometimes you have to but try not to put down staff as a result, just causes poor morale etc.
Employ staff with a great personality, sure they are hard to find, employ some chicks, yeah yeah, nothing like a bit of eye candy, but make sure they know what they are talking about or have enough good customer service skills to follow up anything. If they say they'll get back to the customer with a quote etc, make sure its carried out. Have staff that can cover each other, so if Parts man Jim is off to lunch or on holiday other people can carry out job smoothly, ideal too if looking at being open seven days.
You'll get drop kicks in for sure, kinda suprised that someone wanting to buy a brand new Honda wouldnt think of going to a Honda shop :confused: , if you were looking at buying a new Ford Falcon would you walk into a Toyota
dealer? :no:
All the best and remember you gotta have fun doing what youre doing but it can seriously grind ya down. Most "bikers" are tight buggers, they all think they should get retail for their trade in and buy their new bike at dealer cost!

[Madness]

There are two bike shops within 500mtrs from my house (lucky aye?).

Shop A is where I bought my Zed (the second love of my life) and very little since.

Shop B is where I shop for parts and accessories, get my servicing and (sssh!) repairs done. I ride with the guys from shop B on a semi-regular basis. I do not haggle as much as I should over price etc. I am happy to spend what little I have left from my pay packet with them without question.

The difference??

The people. That's all.

[Edbear]

According to what I've seen on here;
You need to serve customers instantly, unless they don't want to be served instantly. You won't be told this, you should know.
You should have demos of every bike on the market. Preferably in all colours so that they can check their look in shop windows on their three day test ride.
You should not have any profit margin.
You should allow everyone to try gear for at least two weeks before buying.
You will need to be open 24/7, in case someone needs a widget for the 1955
James at 3.00AM Sunday
You should have a cafe/drying room, plus a room for sex in case your staff (who are all Hooters graduates) are overcome with lust for the next spotty L plater who screams up in a cloud of flying engine parts.
Don't forget the cafe with the award winning Barrista. (Free cafe that is.)
Good Luck.
PS Gizza job?

PPS How are you going to squeeze the franchises out of existing dealers?





Pick me! I'll work for a measly $100k! (Plus company vehicle..):done:

[paturoa]

all cheap and easy ideas realy

Big sign "saying dump your gear here and have a wander around", oh and somewhere to dump my gear.

Big sign saying "Toilet here", and keep it clean

Big Sign saying "wash your visor here" and ...

Don't piss me off with pretend sale / cheap items with big fluro prices on them. If its genuinely for sale then make it a bargan and let me know how much I'm saving over normal retail.

Have a tool shadow board that I can leave my gloves or helmit as a bond so that you'll get your tool back as I play with my bike outside (fittting the accessory I just bought?)

Have a big sign saying "wash your hands here" and keep it clean.

[The_Dover]

Hire a GOOD barista?

It's a fucking bike shop. Get a coffee machine.

[LaggCity]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/customavatars/avatar3496_13.gif (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=3496)


Have Her working in sales:laugh:

[imdying]

Have Her working in sales:laugh:
Seconded!


(It's a big twin thing ;))

[crazybigal]

Be open on sundays!!!! no bike shops in wellington are, i think its a pact they have so no one makes any sales and they can all go riding!

Have a girls section, stuff they like and even girls mags and crap they are into. i get about 10min and then we have to leave cos she is board! then i have to wait around in every womens clothing store all day!!! not cool!

[Lou Girardin]

Seriously though, I would not go to a bike shop that's like Coutts, Continentals or any snooty, up-themselves 'high end' car dealers.
I want to talk to people who look like they love bikes and riding.
And I might be alone thinking this, but if I want a coffee, drying room, casual sex boudoir, I'll go home.

[The_Dover]

And I might be alone thinking this, but if I want a coffee, drying room, casual sex boudoir, I'll go home.

Yeah, I'd go to Lou's house too if I wanted that.

[marty]

i thought you already did!

[marty]

im shocked that nobody has mentioned a Dunkin Donuts on site....

it's a bike shop, not a cop shop.....

[thesedays]

I love my RS250 but I hate having to wait weeks for minor parts to arrive on the slow boat from China. I just think that if people take on master agencies for various brands ~ then they should at least commit to holding some stock of minor replacement parts like cables, air filters etc.
Sometimes its easier just to 'google' and import direct via courier mail! I can't help but wonder how many shops loose good business and custom in this way.

[Lou Girardin]

Yeah, I'd go to Lou's house too if I wanted that.

No sweat, same deal as before. The Gixxer for 10 minutes with the cat. (You can have a choice of three)
Make it an MV and you can have a threesome.

[placidfemme]

I think a lot good points have been brought up, personally I wouldn't bother going into a shop that specialized in bikes I don't ride and have no interest in riding. Also a super swanky looking bike shop (for example that place across the road from Mt Eden Motorcycles... poncy place, ponsy looking sales guys, flash bikes and the "you can't afford to buy anything in here... so we won't even bother asking if you need help" type attitude (talking from experience here). So personally I wouldn't be coming into your shop... but if I did.... here are the items I think would be great for a new bike shop:

1. Wide range of Female gear (Jackets, pants, boots, gloves, graggin Jeans, helmets and all that in SMALLER sizes...)
2. Bike pick up and drop off
3. Courtesy bikes while yours is been fixed/serviced/whatever... From 250cc upwards...
4. Open late/weekends
5. Friendly, helpful staff
6. Good website WITH prices, constantly updated... maybe even an on-line buying section and newsletter... perhaps even a club to join so when a sale is on, club members get to get first dibs... then the public...
7. Tools for basic home bike repairs

And my favourite:

Maybe specialize in importing and installing specialized stunt parts for bikes/street fighters. (That way when they crash/drop the bike they'll come back to you to fix them...)

Good luck anyway!

[Str8 Jacket]

1. Wide range of Female gear (Jackets, pants, boots, gloves, graggin Jeans, helmets and all that in SMALLER sizes...)


I second that! Alot of shops have a very small range of female gear and what they do have is always waaay to big for me, so frustrating!

[placidfemme]

I second that! Alot of shops have a very small range of female gear and what they do have is always waaay to big for me, so frustrating!

Yeah its a pain in the butt... Even with Helmets, I wear an extra small, and I've been shopping for a helmet I like for ages, and only this week did I find one that I liked and they had it in an XS. Same with gloves, even an small in mens sizes have space left at the finger tips that creep up and are uncomfortable when you ride...

I don't think a lounge/reception area is that nessesary, neither is a TV playing races/stunts etc... I'd rather walk into a place that looks kinda "less-loved" like city Motorcyle Wreckers, and have nowhere to sit and drink tea/coffee or watch TV and have GREAT friendly service, then a flash reception area and shitty service

[The Stranger]

According to what I've seen on here;
You need to serve customers instantly, unless they don't want to be served instantly. You won't be told this, you should know.
You should have demos of every bike on the market. Preferably in all colours so that they can check their look in shop windows on their three day test ride.
You should not have any profit margin.
You should allow everyone to try gear for at least two weeks before buying.
You will need to be open 24/7, in case someone needs a widget for the 1955
James at 3.00AM Sunday
You should have a cafe/drying room, plus a room for sex in case your staff (who are all Hooters graduates) are overcome with lust for the next spotty L plater who screams up in a cloud of flying engine parts.
Don't forget the cafe with the award winning Barrista. (Free cafe that is.)
Good Luck.
PS Gizza job?

PPS How are you going to squeeze the franchises out of existing dealers?

Sums it up well.

What a waste of space, you would think that the original poster would have been able to work this one out for themselves really.

[The Stranger]

Cyclespot have a pick up and delivery service.

Would someone really buy snap-on or stahwille tools for home handyman use?
Sure they last, but how many lives have you got?

[The Stranger]

Go to Henderson Motorcycles, see what they do then open on a Sunday and you will have it right.

Nice staff, very friendly.
Excellent mechanics.
Easy to deal/barter with (only prob is you feel like you are taking advantage of a friend)
Dyno

[The_Dover]

Go to Henderson Motorcycles, see what they do then open on a Sunday and you will have it right.

Nice staff, very friendly.
Excellent mechanics.
Easy to deal/barter with (only prob is you feel like you are taking advantage of a friend)
Dyno

But more importantly do they have a Barista? A professional one?

What about buxom serving wenches?

[The Stranger]

But more importantly do they have a Barista? A professional one?


Buggered if I know, never been there for a coffee.

Mind you, never tried to get the bike serviced at Starbucks either.

[ManDownUnder]

A bike shop is typically a hit and run thing for me, so I want people that are capable of deaing with my needs, at short notice.

The service mentality is where it's at.

Someone with a genuine passion for bikes, so we can talk about real needs, not what they want to sell.

Someone willing to go out of their way if I stop in on the way home looking for that odd shapes bit that sits between the forks, towards the top, and I don;t know the name or the part number or really what it's called.

Nordstroms used to have the policy of "you can't go too far out of your way for the customer" - and I agree with it.

[ManDownUnder]

Cyclespot have a pick up and delivery service.

Would someone really buy snap-on or stahwille tools for home handyman use?
Sure they last, but how many lives have you got?

I did, but only for the heavy use tools (ring/open ended spanners, a ratchet screwdriver and wire strippers) where the tools get worn over time, and any wear and tear could completely bugger the job at hand.

Sledge hammer? No.
Tool box? No

[placidfemme]

Would someone really buy snap-on or stahwille tools for home handyman use?
Sure they last, but how many lives have you got?

I've heard of that brand before... but what i meant by tools, was as you know, i'm working on my bike now, and needed (well still need) certain tools that I don't have, going into a place like... repco or similar... they don't specify "bike tools' (I don't know if they are the same or not), and so I'd end up buying the wrong tool for the job and waste some $$. If they had a small tool section in the bike shop and sales people who knew what they were used for, it would make life a little easier... (for me anyway being a newb to servicing/fixing my own bike)

[The Stranger]

A bike shop is typically a hit and run thing for me, so I want people that are capable of deaing with my needs, at short notice.

The service mentality is where it's at.

Someone with a genuine passion for bikes, so we can talk about real needs, not what they want to sell.

Someone willing to go out of their way if I stop in on the way home looking for that odd shapes bit that sits between the forks, towards the top, and I don;t know the name or the part number or really what it's called.

Nordstroms used to have the policy of "you can't go too far out of your way for the customer" - and I agree with it.

Experience with Henderson Motorcycles so far.

They do get pretty busy, but if it is imortant they have been known to drop what they are doing to sort it out.

When I didn't know enough to describe my chain size and the bike was off the road they offered to call in to my place and sort it out (prob just to get rid of me)

If I have an issue with work I am doing myself on the bike they have helped with advice (more than once).

I probably shouldn't say this one because I guess it comes to comfort, but they have even loaned me special tools to enable me to complete work.
No I didn't ask (was always taught it is offensive to ask a mechanic to borrow his tools) it is like - here's the parts, and this is how you do the job and when you get to this stage come and grab the special tool and he will show you how to use it.

[ManDownUnder]

Experience with Henderson Motorcycles so far.

They do get pretty busy, but if it is imortant they have been known to drop what they are doing to sort it out.

When I didn't know enough to describe my chain size and the bike was off the road they offered to call in to my place and sort it out (prob just to get rid of me)

If I have an issue with work I am doing myself on the bike they have helped with advice (more than once).


THAT'S what I was talking about - yup 100% bang on the money


Was always taught it is offensive to ask a mechanic to borrow his tools) it is like - here's the parts, and this is how you do the job and when you get to this stage come and grab the special tool and he will show you how to use it.

Mate - don't I know that, and nothing but respect for it (must resist the urge to call you "brother")

[Paul in NZ]

I reckon the world needs more bike shops like Mr Bob's in Upper Hutt...

Parts strewn randomly, old coffee cups, dismembered bikes, thick coating of grime in all directions, interesting stuff for africa, unruly owner (who knows where everything is exactly) clutching a large wrench, fag securly fastened to bottom lip and a cheery (if somewhat wheezy) "yar, come out the back and we'll ave a look" all with a thin hint of extreme violence should ones hands not remain firmly in ones pocket...

You are welcome to use the toilet (if you can find it - which won't be hard because it has no door and opens directly into the workshop). Trust me - no womans hand has been near this edifice of manly plumbing for entire decades..... Plus, I would not suggest placing ones skin in direct contact with it so its a stand up job only!

Coffee is 'on' all the time... As long as your definition of coffee is instant powder in a cracked (and filthy) mug with no milk (harden up ya poof) and trust me.... DON'T ask if he has tea. One raised (and rather bushy) eyebrow says it all....

Service is great (if the owner approves of you and your choice of motorcycle) and advice is freely given (piss off being a particular favorite)

There is a loyalty scheme (If I like you the charge will be reasonable if not, piss off who needs ya you tea drinking weiner)

Personally - I love shops like that. You know, it's where they take all those old photographs because the light is only in black and white (and fly spots)

I dunno - Arkwrights Motorcycle Emporium...

[Ixion]

Woz th' address? Sounds my sorta guy.

[Ixion]

Cyclespot have a pick up and delivery service.

Would someone really buy snap-on or stahwille tools for home handyman use?
Sure they last, but how many lives have you got?

I buy Stahlwille. I've only got one life and it's too short to have to waste dealing with bolts and such like rounded off by cheap crap tools.

[SARGE]

Be open on sundays!!!! no bike shops in wellington are, i think its a pact they have so no one makes any sales and they can all go riding!




yup... sure is .. Sundays are the only time i can spend with thee family and the bike..



you work 7 days right?

[The Stranger]

I buy Stahlwille. I've only got one life and it's too short to have to waste dealing with bolts and such like rounded off by cheap crap tools.

That's what a gas axe is for

[Motu]

yup... sure is .. Sundays are the only time i can spend with thee family and the bike..
you work 7 days right?

When people ask me if I work sundays I ask them ''Do you?''

''I thought you might like to make more money'' is often the reply - yeah right.If they don't get a life,I will.

[cruxis]

Display a couple of bikes. With there front wheel in the air. I wanna see what it might look like too others when im test riding it.

Anyways I remember seeing a new bike once up on a display up about chest level. Turning on spindle thingy. Was quite eye catching as the bright light glinted off the shinny bits.

[SARGE]

Display a couple of bikes. With there front wheel in the air. I wanna see what it might look like too others when im test riding it.

Anyways I remember seeing a new bike once up on a display up about chest level. Turning on spindle thingy. Was quite eye catching as the bright light glinted off the shinny bits.



you can get an RF900 in the air???????

[inlinefour]

Hey KB

I am posting this under an assumed login due to the fact that I do not wish to be identified. Suffice it to say that I am a senior member here and leave it at that. I have Spank’s permission to do this.

After many years shopping at various bike shops in NZ, I find something lacking in them. There are a few good shops around but not one GREAT shop. The losers far outweigh the winners as far as I can see.
I am planning on opening my own motorcycle shop and I need to know what features YOU would look for. What is important to you in a bike shop? A café? Dyno? Let me know. It ideally will specialize in the up-market Euro stuff (MV, Cagiva, Aprillia, KTM, and Husqvarna, Ducati with maybe a cornerstone jappa brand like Suzuki or Kawasaki) and would like to have a very “Porsche/ Mercedes” dealership feel. i would also like suggestions on who the Best Of The Best are in dealership nationwide.. sales, workshop, parts..
Please be realistic. I am pretty sure I can pull this off if I put my head down and just get it going.


I want a shop that I can go to locally or on the net. Otherwise there is no point really... Oh and if your going to limit the type of bikes to what you say, you won't find me looking in either way. Got to catch all riders, not just the ones that you identify with.

[Ixion]

Personally I think the biggest opportunity for a business edge in the bike shop world is in having a *GOOD* website. Yeah, I know, I'm a geek. But geeks are over-represented in biking anyway, and , hey, it *is* the 21st century. If you're not on the web, you're not there.

And the NZ bike shop sites range from bad joke to "well, I suppose they're trying, but it's really a waste of time". They all look like they been organised by some real old codger who didn't really know what the web was about. AND DON'T HAVE FUCKIN' FLASH ON IT.

I want online parts catalogue access. Heaps of US sites have it. If I'm looking at new bikes I want links to reviews. Specs. Stock list. Shipping list for ones coming. I want to be able to book a test ride. Used bikes, I want DECENT pics. Workshop report. More links. Lots more links.

Set up loyalty schemes.

And I'd site it on the edge of a big carpark. Near (next door if poss) to a servo, and either right near a licenced cafe or have one in shop. Make it the gathering place for bikes, set off point for rides, etc.

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Mrs Busa Pete here when i was looking for my bike it became obvious that there was a need for an entry level shop required in regards to bikes and gear.That is going to give service.The other thing that i have found hard to get is women leather's at a responable price.There is one shop that we went to that there service was so bad i walked out.I would rather walk than deal with them.yamaha/kawaka dealership is missing on the shore as well.Then there was another shop that tryed to sell me something that was totaly unsuitable for my requirements. Remember Ladys are custumers as well so dont try to fob shit of on them because our money is just as good as mens.Good luck on your venture.

[John Banks]

There are a couple of things I'd like to see done well in a bike shop:

New riders - treat them well from the start and they'll come back for a long time. Treat them badly, and as they learn they'll find out, and will be rather pissed off. You don't need to give new riders big discounts - in the end it's probably better to charge them more. Make an "L-plate" corner with 250cc bikes and when you see someone wandering around there, get one of your staff to take care of them. After all, you can get them to spend a lot of money: bike, helmet, gear, etc. Keep the new guys happy and they'll buy their next bike, and their next helmet, then their third bike... you get the picture. If you want long-term customers, start from the beginning.

Website - Websites are very effective because people can browse them at any time. Most of us are stuck in front of a computer at work, so we can look online, but can't exactly pop into a bike shop to take a look around. A good online catalogue is not hard or expensive to maintain. It doesn't have to be an online store, but there is potential there to add to business.
Websites are cheap to run, cheap to update and can be invaluable in getting new business. You could get a top quality website for about $500 up front and hosting of about $10 a month... pretty much the cheapest advertising you'll ever pay for.

The really important thing is the staff and their attitudes, but that's a lot harder to come by and measure.

Also, a good quoting/booking system where you can print out a quote / booking / invoice and the customer has in their hand what needs to be done, how much (roughly) it will cost and when they can expect it by. It would also make it easier to organise jobs in your workshop. It's simple, and something like QuickBooks would make it easy to set up - but having that solid confirmation can make a world of difference to a customer.

Also the first class cafe / fashion store / book shop / movie theatre / brothel the others are talking about. That would make it sweet.

[apteryx_haasti]

New riders - treat them well from the start and they'll come back for a long time. Treat them badly, and as they learn they'll find out, and will be rather pissed off.

As a bran' spankin' new rider, I can honestly say that the main reason I bought from the shop I did was not the bike, but the fact that the first time I went in there I wasn't treated like some know nothing freak (even though I was one, ha ha!). The other shops I went to didn't really want to know or tried to sell me something totally inappropriate for a learner (82000km VT with an illegal (oh, but we'll warrant it) exhaust, any one?)

Yeah, so that's why I bought where i did, and Mr Banks is right, it'll also be the first place I look when I am ready to upgrade.

Being a learner and a chick, it can be pretty intimidating to go into a motorbike shop all on your lonesome - try and remember that we're there because we do want to be on a motorbike, even if we don't know a disc brake from a frisbee!:blip:

[SARGE]

ok... ive noticed a whole buncha people on here talking about a website .. guess who got chosen to re-do Colemans site??... thats right .. ME ..


help a brother out .. what DO you want on a bikeshop website..?

[imdying]

ok... ive noticed a whole buncha people on here talking about a website .. guess who got chosen to re-do Colemans site??... thats right .. ME ..


help a brother out .. what DO you want on a bikeshop website..?
If it's not hooked into your inventory system (parts, accessories, bikes) it's shite. End of story. It'll cost more $$$ to do that, but at least out of towners can browse your stuff, and see the prices :)

[The_Dover]

help a brother out .. what DO you want on a bikeshop website..?

Porn.

Up to date prices and stock lists with lots of good pics

Porn

A decent location map

Porn

No Flash or other shite that takes ages to load

Porn

Online ordering for parts and accesories, for the hicks in the sticks of course.

Porn

Ummm, pictures of naked ladies?

[SARGE]

If it's not hooked into your inventory system (parts, accessories, bikes) it's shite. End of story. It'll cost more $$$ to do that, but at least out of towners can browse your stuff, and see the prices :)


We are looking at online ordering etc.. that wont be in the first release

[The_Dover]

We are looking at online ordering etc.. that wont be in the first release


What about the pictures of naked ladies?

[Lou Girardin]

If it's not hooked into your inventory system (parts, accessories, bikes) it's shite. End of story. It'll cost more $$$ to do that, but at least out of towners can browse your stuff, and see the prices :)

If you knew the sheer size of our inventory and how it changes daily, you'd realise the impossibility of that.

[Ixion]

If it's not hooked into your inventory system (parts, accessories, bikes) it's shite. End of story. It'll cost more $$$ to do that, but at least out of towners can browse your stuff, and see the prices :)


What he said. If you're not real time with stock and pricing, then just stick with a basic one page blurb, with a decent map and phone numbers. It's pointless having pages of waffle about how wonderful your bikes are and so on, if you don't say what you've got and how much.

There's only two reasons why I (or anyone else) is going to go to your website. Either to find out your address or phone number (and if you don't have a little map, it's no more than the phone book). Or to find what you've got in stock.

The stock range and changeability isn't really an issue. that's all computerised already right? Doubt you're still writing invoices out by hand with a quill pen. So it's just a matter of interfacing. Download the stock and pricing nightly to the web server. Sorted.

And don't do the sort of shit that Bikepoint does. Picture of bike. Price. Lots of waffle about how wonderful the shop is. Details on the bike? In full : "Suzuki". :doh:

(Oh, and don't forget the porn. But, be different. Aim for a different market demographic, don't just follow the herd. Try to rope in the punters who pass by the usual bike sites. Have *gay* porn. Reckon you'd tap a whole new market - though of course you've already got part of it with your existing clientele, eh)

[Ixion]

We are looking at online ordering etc.. that wont be in the first release

Don't need on-line ordering, just the inventory info. Same info you get when you go look something up in the 'puter.

[WickedOne]

If you knew the sheer size of our inventory and how it changes daily, you'd realise the impossibility of that.

Unless you were to use a bar code scanning system....

[imdying]

If you knew the sheer size of our inventory and how it changes daily, you'd realise the impossibility of that.
Rubbish. You think BNT don't know where all their stock is? Or Repco? You've more stock that changes daily than them?

If you're not keeping control of your stock and pricing, then you're not paying your tax correctly, and that's illegal.

I assume that you've a computer that you enter your part numbers, what they cost you, and how many you brought... you know, an inventory system, the one that does your invoices? If not, then you're doing it on paper, which is truly sad, especially come stocktake and tax time.

So, assuming we've established you've got an inventory system, which will of course run off of a database, then you've got most of your back end right there!! Sure, adding pictures and descriptions is a prick of a job, but once it's done for a part, it's done.

Any web developer worth his salt can hook your website to your inventory system, it's not rocket science, it's done every day.

If the website for a shop isn't hooked into the inventory system, it's fluff.

Ixion is correct, it doesn't even need to be real time... downloaded at midnight is fine, just have 'price and stock correct at midnight 'yesterdays date'. Any accounting/inventory package has an export feature.

Give us some more details on the system for starters... How much do you want to spend? Do you want an eCommerce developer to have a crack at it? Have you worked a cost benefit anaylsis on the propossed site?

A shit web presence is just shite, don't do it.

/edit: Hell, if you thought you could drum up significant business through it, and you wanted online ordering, live stock updating etc, you can get me an RZ500 out of Japan and leave me in a dark room for a few months till I've earnt it.

/edit2! Barcode scanner system, no worries. I can even build a PocketPC based handheld scanner system that directly interfaces with the stock taking system. As part of my final thesis for my degree, I built such a system. Used to work in car parts, so visited a local BNT. Did a stocktake on their discpads in two hours, a job that normally takes two guys a weekend.

[The_Dover]

Rubbish. You think BNT don't know where all their stock is? Or Repco? You've more stock that changes daily than them?

If you're not keeping control of your stock and pricing, then you're not paying your tax correctly, and that's illegal.

I assume that you've a computer that you enter your part numbers, what they cost you, and how many you brought... you know, an inventory system, the one that does your invoices? If not, then you're doing it on paper, which is truly sad, especially come stocktake and tax time.

So, assuming we've established you've got an inventory system, which will of course run off of a database, then you've got most of your back end right there!! Sure, adding pictures and descriptions is a prick of a job, but once it's done for a part, it's done.

Any web developer worth his salt can hook your website to your inventory system, it's not rocket science, it's done every day.

If the website for a shop isn't hooked into the inventory system, it's fluff.

Ixion is correct, it doesn't even need to be real time... downloaded at midnight is fine, just have 'price and stock correct at midnight 'yesterdays date'. Any accounting/inventory package has an export feature.

Give us some more details on the system for starters... How much do you want to spend? Do you want an eCommerce developer to have a crack at it? Have you worked a cost benefit anaylsis on the propossed site?

A shit web presence is just shite, don't do it.

/edit: Hell, if you thought you could drum up significant business through it, and you wanted online ordering, live stock updating etc, you can get me an RZ500 out of Japan and leave me in a dark room for a few months till I've earnt it.

/edit2! Barcode scanner system, no worries. I can even build a PocketPC based handheld scanner system that directly interfaces with the stock taking system. As part of my final thesis for my degree, I built such a system. Used to work in car parts, so visited a local BNT. Did a stocktake on their discpads in two hours, a job that normally takes two guys a weekend.

Fuck man, don't confuse poor old Sarge and concentrate on the important details.

Such as the porn.

[imdying]

Hey, it's in paragraphs! He did ask after all. :lol: Online stock goood.. I'd never buy off of them because I don't know what they've got, or how much it would be. Now if I wanted some bar ends (for example), I could just look on their site... there's a definite market opening here, the competitions sites are just as shite.

/edit: And yes, porn could be added! Make it a site easter egg... you've got to go looking through the stock listings to find it!

[Lou Girardin]

Hey, it's in paragraphs! He did ask after all. :lol: Online stock goood.. I'd never buy off of them because I don't know what they've got, or how much it would be. Now if I wanted some bar ends (for example), I could just look on their site... there's a definite market opening here, the competitions sites are just as shite.

/edit: And yes, porn could be added! Make it a site easter egg... you've got to go looking through the stock listings to find it!

There is no way any business is going to open their stock control system to the internet. Get real.
As for bar coding, it may be affordable for major retail chains, but it ain't for small businesses.
Add to that, the hell that would ensue when know-it-alls start trying to order their own part numbers.
"But I thought that was for an '02 XYZ"
Too bad it's not, but you ordered it, now it's yours.

I can just see the moaning on the interweb if that happened.

[SARGE]

What about the pictures of naked ladies?


im sure you have a fine collection already...:rockon:

[SARGE]

And don't do the sort of shit that Bikepoint does. Picture of bike. Price. Lots of waffle about how wonderful the shop is. Details on the bike? In full : "Suzuki". :doh:



i use Bikepoint (www.colemanssuzuki.bikepoint.co.nz) extensively.. i update daily with full descriptions etc.. i am getting an interface with that and i will be skinning the bikepoint stock listings.. the bike stock is covered..


i was thinking about stuff like a ride/ events calender..race reports from our sponsored riders, more interactive stuff in addition parts and bikes..maybe get someone to do some tech tips and stuff...

[The_Dover]

race reports from our sponsored riders

Race or crash reports?

[imdying]

There is no way any business is going to open their stock control system to the internet. Get real.
As for bar coding, it may be affordable for major retail chains, but it ain't for small businesses.
Add to that, the hell that would ensue when know-it-alls start trying to order their own part numbers.
"But I thought that was for an '02 XYZ"
Too bad it's not, but you ordered it, now it's yours.

I can just see the moaning on the interweb if that happened.I'm not suggesting opening your stock control system to the internet. What I am suggesting is that you leverage the existing asset that is your stock control system, into providing more accessible product details to the consumer. Plenty of businesses do it... plenty do it directly from their accounting systems no less. I can only assume you've got some sort of security risk in mind? Is so, that's fine, not everyone can be convinced that such a system can be kept secure, and that's ok... a little misguided, but ok. That still leaves you with the option of nightly exporting your stock details.

I agree barcoding can be expensive, but it is worth noting that many items come prebarcoded (some sort of NZ commerce law??), and those existing barcodes can be leveraged also.

You can't fight idiots ordering the wrong parts, but you can mitigate that risk by providing clear information, enabling the customer to make informed purchasing decisions.

[Lou Girardin]

Our investigations showed that we can't use US barcodes for some reason, and seeing that most of our stock is US based, that becomes a big problem.
I'd be the first to want bar coding, if only to ease the curse of stock take.
But as it is now, we still get errors due to people ordering parts out of catalogues and not reading the listings correctly.

[SARGE]

crash reports?


thats what KB is for...i can usually tell how busy a month i am going to have by the number of crash postings ( Dover, Mack the Knife, Cibby:doh:) and the bitching about fuel prices.. ( 14 GN250's.. 9 crash threads.. 16 threads about full licenses...8 bitching about the price of gas..)


cool... 47 bikes ...

[imdying]

Our investigations showed that we can't use US barcodes for some reason, and seeing that most of our stock is US based, that becomes a big problem.

I'd be the first to want bar coding, if only to ease the curse of stock take.
But as it is now, we still get errors due to people ordering parts out of catalogues and not reading the listings correctly.Well you'd be no worse off then! You can of course just have your accessories on the website, but not your spares. Or have the spares listed, but no automatic ordering. Even knowing you've got the powervalve for an RG150 is better than nothing!!

I'd be keen to know what's stopping you from using the bardcodes if you could find out?

[SARGE]

I'd be keen to know what's stopping you from using the bardcodes if you could find out?


all the scanners are made in china.. you have to rotate them 90 degrees because Chinese is read top to bottom...

[ManDownUnder]

Our investigations showed that we can't use US barcodes for some reason, and seeing that most of our stock is US based, that becomes a big problem.
I'd be the first to want bar coding, if only to ease the curse of stock take.
But as it is now, we still get errors due to people ordering parts out of catalogues and not reading the listings correctly.

It's been a while but I know there are a variety of bar code systems (they use different combinations of lines for the same character)... meaning some read 'em... and some don't.

See if you can get the scanner make/model from the manufacturer of someof the gears and I'll bring one back into the country next time I'm up that way if you want

You'll need a power supply adaptor - but Dick Smith should be able to help there
MDU

[imdying]

It's been a while but I know there are a variety of bar code systems (they use different combinations of lines for the same character)... meaning some read 'em... and some don't.Yeah, a decent scanner should read pretty much all of them. Hell a decent scanner you setup to purposely reject some types, which is great if you've got boxes with multiple ones on them!

[Ixion]

You don't need barcodes. Not to do what we're talking about here. It's not a stock control system, it's not an ordering system.

In your shop system (doesn't matter what it is, I've coded them, sold them implemented them, they're like bikes, basically all the same , just a few extra bells or whistles), there will be a table that holds the descriptions of stuff. Like "Harley Davidson jacket Black size 60 ". And another table that holds the prices of stuff. And another table that holds the current stock on hand. (maybe colour and size are in separate tables). There'll be lots of other stuff, but that 's all you need. Nothing secret here, you don't even need to specify the part numbers (might be an idea for engine type stuff) .

Each night you copy that info into the web page.

Then I can let my mouse do the walking, when I'm interested in something. Go to your web page. Do a search on "jacket". Oh, that's a nice one. How much. Yeah I can afford that. And in my size too. Then I go in and see you and ask to try it on , and ask for a 50% discount and all the rest. Basically your website is doing your prospect qualification. If the jacket isn't what I'm interested in, or I can't afford it, I don't waste your time. If it is I'm already half sold. A hot prospect.

The technicalities are dead easy. if your web development people mumble or waffle, sack them. Oh, and security on a system like that is NOT an issue. You aren't taking orders on line, no credit card info or anything. Park the web server in a DMZ, you'll be doing that anyway, and it's not an issue at all.

[ManDownUnder]

Yeah, a decent scanner should read pretty much all of them. Hell a decent scanner you setup to purposely reject some types, which is great if you've got boxes with multiple ones on them!

Things have progressed since '98 then (surprise surprise!)

Cheers chap
MDU

[imdying]

Things have progressed since '98 then (surprise surprise!)

Cheers chap
MDUYeah, I've got some flash guns here that'll read a barcode from 6 metres away (aimed with a laser pointer) :D

Ixion is quite right though, we're way off topic.

Just give your site a database, and rip (selected) info out of your inventory system nightly. Piece of piss... hell it should be essentially automated! Stick an email form on for out of towners to hassle you with, job accomplished with minimal effort. If your webstats counter things say you're getting mucho traffic, awesome, spend some more dosh and get online ordering. If not, keep it as a prospective sales tool :)

[Lou Girardin]

The thing that hasn't been mentioned is the act of trying gear on. We sell more Spidi GT suits than any other jacket even though it's the most expensive. And it's when people try it on that it sells itself.
You can't do that on the web.

[Ixion]

Correct, which is why you don't put in an on line ordering system. You just put the same information you'd give someone on the phone. If I ring you up and ask what suits have you got, sizes, prices etc, you'd tell me that over the phone (I hope). Then I come in , thinking yeah, well , maybe , maybe not. You do your sales pitch, I try it on, my wife/girlfriend/boyfriend faints with excitment at the sight of me in it , I buy it. You pocket the commission (and, knowing you, y'bastard, probably shaft the wife in the other changing room while I'm counting the change )

The website saves me the hassle of ring up bike shops, waiting while they answer the phone, being put on hold, find I'm speaking to the guy that cleans the toilets etc. And enables me to do all this in the evening when I have time to do it,and the shop is closed.

And it saves you answering a lot of phone calls, most of which don't lead to a sale. Leaving you more free time for boyfriend rogering.

A win-win situation (only the boyfriend doesn't win here)

[imdying]

I think Ixion has pretty much covered it! Have a nice image to catch the readers eye 'Feel free to come in try this beauty on!'... the site will just be another tool, use it to coax them in! Not sure where you guys are situated, Wellington? Maybe it'll help pull in customers from further afield, up the coast?

In some ways, a site is just bait, get them hooked, let them browse, make them want to visit. Of course the better the bait...

[SARGE]

ok... you want a coffee lounge ... i built you all one ...


now quit whining.

[SwanTiger]

ok... you want a coffee lounge ... i built you all one ...


Haha, classic.

[The_Dover]

Where's the fucking coffee?

[SARGE]

Where's the fucking coffee?



damn man.. i knew i forgot something ...

[SpankMe]

Moto GP on the big screen with scantily glad girlies serving coffee and V please.

[Nicksta]

can i have a job there when i get back????
i'm good with coffee and accessories.... (if you need a chief of accessories department).. ;)

[Fishy]

can i have a job there when i get back????
i'm good with coffee and accessories.... (if you need a chief of accessories department).. ;)

there will be a uniform though....

[The_Dover]

mumble mumble.

Speak up woman.

[Fishy]

mumble mumble.

Speak up woman.

She wants you bro, I can read lips. :blip:

[vifferman]

ok... you want a coffee lounge ... i built you all one ...

That's perfect, Sarge. I especially like the classy coffee table. :niceone:

[Nicksta]

there will be a uniform though....
as long as its sponsored bike wear.. i'll wear it!

[Fishy]

as long as its sponsored bike wear.. i'll wear it!

Now there's a good girl :yes:

[SARGE]

there will be a uniform though....



yea .. i got mine today......


i look much better than that skinny waif though...

[Ixion]

You mena you have bigger tits than she does? Piccys please, I need a good laugh.

[Nicksta]

yea .. i got mine today......


i look much better than that skinny waif though...
hey, you've seen me in my leathers, do i look like a skinny waife??

i think i'd do a good job in the accessories department selling gear and stuff... and look ok in the uniform :innocent:

[Beemer]

Staff who don't assume women are only pillions - nothing against those who are, but a simple "do you ride?" to any woman would go a long way, rather than the more usual "what does your husband/partner ride?" response.

Women's gear in all sizes - after all, WE come in all sizes! I'm sick of seeing racks of size eight gear (correct, I'm NOT a size eight!) and tiny little boots. Tiny gloves are fine, I have tiny hands, and a few smaller helmets wouldn't go amiss either.

I hate coffee - but I do like Anza's sausage sizzle days! I like tea, so a few tea bags or even a water cooler would be good.

What about some motorcycling books as well as magazines? Some of us have progressed beyond just pictures...

But most of all, friendly staff and great service. I think all of us realise that things go wrong, parts don't arrive or they are the wrong ones, or shops are busy and can't help us yesterday no matter how rich or important we may think we are (:yes: ), but politeness and good communication regarding what is happening can't be stressed enough.

I don't really care what brands you stock (although I'm not big on Harleys) because a bike shop is a bike shop. I may not buy a bike off you, but there's always accessories, etc. and it's fun to look around all types of shops.

BIG changing rooms with hooks or shelves for your own gear. Lots of mirrors so you don't have to wander the shop to find one! And keep them clean and junk free - trying on gear in a temporary storeroom is a pain. And clean toilets - with flowing soap and a hand drier or paper towels. One shop I won't mention has a grubby bar of soap and a wet hand towel - yuck! Oh, and make the toilets large enough that you can get into them wearing bike gear - the ones at most shops are so small you have to squeeze down one side of the toilet just to close the door!

When your bike is being serviced, having somewhere safe to leave your helmet and gear is also nice too.

A wall of photos is quite neat too - photos of guys you support through sponsorship (you will be sponsoring someone, won't you?!!!), people who have bought bikes off you, runs you have organised, etc.

If I think of anything else, I'll add it later!

Oh, and if it was close to where we live in Levin, even better!

[SARGE]

hey, you've seen me in my leathers, do i look like a skinny waife??

i think i'd do a good job in the accessories department selling gear and stuff... and look ok in the uniform :innocent:


no Nicksta.. i was talking about the skinny waif in the picture...:doobey:


silly wabbit..

[gav]

How about a webcam showing the workshop, and mechanic bays. Customers could log on and watch their bike being serviced, could even time them :innocent: !! Got nothing to hide, have ya?

[Lou Girardin]

Staff who don't assume women are only pillions - nothing against those who are, but a simple "do you ride?" to any woman would go a long way, rather than the more usual "what does your husband/partner ride?" response.

Women's gear in all sizes - after all, WE come in all sizes! I'm sick of seeing racks of size eight gear (correct, I'm NOT a size eight!) and tiny little boots. Tiny gloves are fine, I have tiny hands, and a few smaller helmets wouldn't go amiss either.



When the importers bring it in, we'll stock it.
But there's a limit to the amount of unsold stock you can have on the racks for months.
There aren't that many woman bikers, or even pillions, for that matter, to make for big sales figures.
And their partners often make it clear that cheap is best for their other half.
Whereas, I believe that a comfy pillion is a happy one.

[SARGE]

And their partners often make it clear that cheap is best for their other half.
Whereas, I believe that a comfy pillion is a happy one.


you wife reads KB doesnt she Lou? :suckup:

[Lou Girardin]

you wife reads KB doesnt she Lou? :suckup:

I bloody hope not.

[Mooch]

Mate...

Stuff the bike shop, open up something like this..

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/

Seriously do this , would look great with a couple of 1000 kiwibikers.

If you're considering a business around motorcycles (And car enthusiasts for that matter) take a trip to London and check out Ace Cafe.
It would be interesting to compare the turnover to a motorcycle store.

Otherwise if you want to target the Euro bike market

1, The best bike mechanics (pretty store does nothing without these people)

2, Customised service, (IE bike pick up and drop off from home)

3, A taste of the range of aftermarket goodies for the bikes you sell.

4, Attentive, but non pushy sales people

5, A sales person that can do a deal without going to the floor manager / boss / receptionist .... whatever

6, Leave the cafe to people that do cafes , I don't pop down to the dealer to get a soy latte or whatever. However , the bike shops that talk about bikes , what’s new etc , bike launches are tops.

7, A small amount of discounting on parts and accessories for regular customers / after bike sales. (Customer feels like they are getting value.

8, A shop that looks at the wider M/C community and organises the odd ride / BBQ.

9, A shop that does Tours to Philip Island / MotoGP / Superbikes

10, A parts counter where they know the customers, get orders right first time, will take phone orders from customers etc

11, Somewhere where the owner is actively involved and shows interest in its customers.


Then again, the local dealer already does this. You’re up against some serious competition already in some places.

[Pixie]

great Idea

Well I'll kick it off - SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE. Make the customer feel good and they will keep coming back.
Good luck
I take it ,then, that Mr Mystery Proprieter won't be employing New Zealanders

[Pixie]

But the best move you could do is to hire some really nice leggy blondes who have to wear tight clothing and can bring some sizeable assets to the company.:shifty:
You could go on a recruiting drive and offer likely candidates a position on your staff

[Pixie]

You asked mate.

How many dealers in NZ sell the more exclusive european brands? How many do they sell each year? Have you done the market research to see if there is room for another dealer shipping them, bearing in mind that Motomail sell MV as well?

You'd do better to run the core business on shit that you can shift in decent volumes.

Ferrari would be fucked if they weren't propped up by Fiat and Lamborghini's core business is tractors. Bit like Ducati I guess.
Lamborghini Tractors is a division of SAME and lamborghini automobiles is owned by....who is it this week?
They split in the 70's I think

[Lou Girardin]

Well this has been a lovely fantasy.
Mystery Bike Shop man will make a small fortune if he follows all this advice.
Provided he starts with a large fortune.

[SARGE]

I take it ,then, that Mr Mystery Proprieter won't be employing New Zealanders


ive talked to him already.. he's only hiring Yanks..

[SARGE]

Well this has been a lovely fantasy.
Mystery Bike Shop man will make a small fortune if he follows all this advice.
Provided he starts with a large fortune.



one way to make a small fortune is to start with a bike shop and a large fortune..

[Lou Girardin]

one way to make a small fortune is to start with a bike shop and a large fortune..

That's what I said.
Get your own lines.

[SARGE]

That's what I said.
Get your own lines.


jebus your majesty.. i didnt know you had intellectual property rights on that ..

[Lou Girardin]

jebus your majesty.. i didnt know you had intellectual property rights on that ..

While I'm a repeat customer of Colemans I own you.

[SARGE]

While I'm a repeat customer of Colemans I own you.



how many have you bought off me...personally?


thats what i thought..

move along please..

[Lou Girardin]

how many have you bought off me...personally?


thats what i thought..

move along please..

Sorry Sarge, I only deal with an equivalent managerial level. No offence.
But I do put in a good word for you with Mark.

[SARGE]

Sorry Sarge, I only deal with an equivalent managerial level. No offence.
But I do put in a good word for you with Mark.



What .. you dont like dealing with the guy whos REALLY in charge ?

[Lou Girardin]

What .. you dont like dealing with the guy whos REALLY in charge ?

I'm guessing that you've had a promotion seeing you're on here a lot more.

[The_Dover]

What .. you dont like dealing with the guy whos REALLY in charge ?

Who? Al or Alastair?

[SARGE]

Who? Al or Alastair?



bwahahahahaha

[The_Dover]

Does that make you Miss Piggy?

[SARGE]

Does that make you Miss Piggy?


that makes me Jim-fuckin-Henson
makes you .......Beaker

[The_Dover]

Hardly Fat Man, I got a proper job and no one is sticking their hand up my arse or pulling my strings!

[Lou Girardin]

and no one is sticking their hand up my arse

Especially now that you're riding a pushy to work. Eeeewwww savoury.

[The_Dover]

I know you want the pictures of me in my lycra Lou, you sex toy freak.

[Wired1]

And a mechanic who can tune something older than themselves, I' getting a bit tired of these kids who don't even know what an XV is let alone know how to make them purr.

[Finn]

I heard there is an Auckland bike shop up for sale. Sells "exclusive" brand. I am quite sure I know who it is and have made some enquiries. Also this certain bike shop's previous owner just sold the building it is housed in.

Interesting.

[Madness]

Sells "exclusive" brand.

Honda's aren't exclusive Finn. My Nana had one.

[motobob]

I heard there is an Auckland bike shop up for sale. Sells "exclusive" brand. I am quite sure I know who it is and have made some enquiries. Also this certain bike shop's previous owner just sold the building it is housed in.

Interesting.

Hmm Interesting. Knew about the building sale didn't realise the biz was up for sale though.

[Shaun]

What buisness is up for sale

[Scouse]

What buisness is up for saleNone of your buisness

[R6_kid]

None of your buisness

what a wise crack:nya:

[Shaun]

None of your buisness


I know, I'm just like to know stuff so I've something to say when I hire some friends for a nite out

[Scouse]

Ahhhg was only a quick off the cuff throw away comment not ment to offend sorry Shaun

[Shaun]

Ahhhg was only a quick off the cuff throw away comment not ment to offend sorry Shaun

I was laughing when I read it:nya:

[Edbear]

I know, I'm just like to know stuff so I've something to say when I hire some friends for a nite out




Quick comeback!:yes:

[Shaun]

Quick comeback!:yes:


For an old man do you mean:blip:

[shafty]

- the provision of a loaner bike - a scooter would do - to get home oin when taking my bike (Beemer) in for a service, or
- a well promoted offer to "run me home"
- online/snail mail newsletter
- build a data base of clients incl birthdates, e-mail/mail clients on birthdates with a special offer (20% off accessories?) on their birthday
- organise rides/runs/tuition - tie that in with your website/newsletters
- Good luck Mate!

[beyond]

Some great ideas and suggestions. :)
My two pence worth.

I spent a year dribbling over bikes in different showrooms. I probably came a across as a bit of a tyre kicker especially on the second and third occassions without buying anything.

I did a lot of research online before narrowing my bike choice down. Then when I actually got real serious, I took two bikes for a test ride. One was a Bandit and one my current GSX1400. Took the missus with me as well.

After the test I bought the 1400 within ten minutes of coming back.

What am I saying: Service service and service. Even if you look like a tyre kicker, everyone in bike shop looking at bikes, is more than likely going to buy one soon and how you treat them is the deciding factor on if and when they buy off you.

How you treat people in your shop is so important and this goes for all staff.
I know that sales people and or mechanics etc, are busy and do get sick of the same old questions, but if these people treat everyone like they were the first person they ever dealt with and wanted the customer to be completely satisfied, they would have customers for life.

I know when my bike is in for service, just getting a bit of paper with the total bill falls a little short. I like to speak with the mechanic briefly just to see how everything is or what needs looking at short term etc. You learn a lot about your bike in those few minutes.

Also, the expense of demo machines is a big overhead, but hardly anyone is going to buy a bike just off someone else's online review. People want to make sure that what they buy is suitable. I would be very reluctant to order and buy a bike without having taken one for a demo ride and I know many more people are like that.

[White trash]

I'm not sure if anyone's mentioned this or not but I can't be fucked waiding through 18 pages to check.

Everyone wants knowledgeable, friendly, honest service. So you want motorcyclists staffing this wonder shop.

Alot of people (including the thread starter) have said that they want Sunday trading. Right-Oh. So you want McDonalds staff working there.

Which one's it going to be.

Bike shops should not be open Sundays in my oppinions. Simply because the staff should be motorcyclists and therefore out riding with other motorcyclists.

[Swoop]

Bike shops should not be open Sundays in my oppinions. Simply because the staff should be motorcyclists and therefore out riding with other motorcyclists.
So they cannot ride on a Saturday, or even through the week - when the roads are quieter and the rozzers might be shuffling paper in the office?

[White trash]

'Course they can. All by themselves while their mates work. Sounds like fun, where do I sign?

[Ixion]

Well, of course , many motorcyclists do ride alone. And "sunny Sunday only" riding may not inspire great confidence in the depth of his experience?

[Lou Girardin]

I don't understand this compulsion to shop 7 days a week, get a bloody life.
We used to be able to do all we need to do in 5 working days, and I'm damned if I'll give up my Sundays, I'll quit first.

[The_Dover]

And most of us go to church on sunday anyway.

[sAsLEX]

Bike shops should not be open Sundays in my oppinions. Simply because the staff should be motorcyclists and therefore out riding with other motorcyclists.

You dont need the full complement in there on a Sunday, so mix the working week up a bit give someone a mid week or friday day off to complement working on Sunday, they can have a day on deserted roads or spend it with the kids while the mrs works? Dont need your staff working 7 days to have the shop open for that.


And most of us go to church on sunday anyway.

Might start when I am in the UK next year!

[White trash]

You dont need the full complement in there on a Sunday, so mix the working week up a bit give someone a mid week or friday day off to complement working on Sunday, they can have a day on deserted roads or spend it with the kids while the mrs works? Dont need your staff working 7 days to have the shop open for that.



Might start when I am in the UK next year!
Fine, so your service suffers. Sorry, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

[sAsLEX]

Fine, so your service suffers. Sorry, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

What do people want on a sunday? You have one mech instead of two to cover emergency repairs etc?

[Lou Girardin]

You dont need the full complement in there on a Sunday, so mix the working week up a bit give someone a mid week or friday day off to complement working on Sunday, they can have a day on deserted roads or spend it with the kids while the mrs works? Dont need your staff working 7 days to have the shop open for that.



Might start when I am in the UK next year!

So you'd be happy with some part-timers who don't know their arse from their elbow to advise you on your new kit?
Besides, I want my Sunday's to spend with my wife if I want to, not have a week day off while she works.

[SARGE]

So you'd be happy with some part-timers who don't know their arse from their elbow to advise you on your new kit?
Besides, I want my Sunday's to spend with my wife if I want to, not have a week day off while she works.



hey.. wassamatta with zit-factory part timers ?...


McDonalds uses them

[The_Dover]

Besides, I want my Sunday's to spend with my wife if I want to, not have a week day off while she works.

I think there is something wrong with your marriage Lou.

That kind of behaviour is not normal for a man of your vintage.

[Fatjim]

Tyres, tyres, tyres. Thats what I end up needing in the weekend, especially the long ones. Nothing pisses me off more than a puncture saturday morning just before the bike shops shut!

Hey dover, what bike is in your avatar?

[The_Dover]

Hey dover, what bike is in your avatar?

Which one? There are three.

[Lou Girardin]

hey.. wassamatta with zit-factory part timers ?...


McDonalds uses them

Yu wan flies wit you MV?

[Lou Girardin]

I think there is something wrong with your marriage Lou.

That kind of behaviour is not normal for a man of your vintage.

I'm bottle aged and she's a lot younger than me. So I'm allowed.

[SARGE]

Yu wan flies wit you MV?



i saw a McD's ad on tv last night .. i think we should bitch about Truth in Advertising ..

the burgers looked great and the counter drone spoke english