Help me prove a point...

[SARGE]

just curious as to how many of you have purchased a bike off of me ( or Colemans) from KB.. i need to know what bike(s) and who you dealt with

how was the sales service?

how was the workshop service?

parts/ accessories service?

please be honest ..

[twinkle]

all very good so far :yes:

[DMNTD]

Bought two TL100S's from ya Sarge...excellent service too.

[Finn]

Ask and you shall receive...

Sales

I purchased an MV off yours truly a few months ago. The bike wasn't in the country then but Sarge kept me informed on a regular basis with updates, even when things didn't go as planned as the distributor frantically looked up the word "distribution" in the dictionary. The communication impressed me and I would put this down to the sales person being American - the land of service. Had he been a kiwi, I doubt I would have heard a thing until the bike was gathering dust in the shop.

Service

Grrrrrrrrr! Although I might add, one of the owners did contact me last week to discuss and I haven't got around to contacting him yet.

Parts etc

In line with everybody else I'd say

[Crisis management]

The parts guys are always very helpful and friendly, no complaints there. I have only had minor servicing work done, but that was carried out well and reasonably priced, again the workshop guys give good advice and are friendly... satisfied all round so far!

[Macktheknife]

I have bought from you and have brought you 1 other sale in the last 8 months, all good on the sales front. 9/10
Service Dept has been generally good but a couple of small disappointments, say 8/10.
Parts Dept, pretty good prices, reasonable service not the best nor the worst. 6/10.

[The_Dover]

Sales? I didn't like it when you tried to grab my arse sarge, that wasn't on. And that Mark fella is a bit dodgy, even if he did wash my bike for me.

Parts? I've never bought parts, I usually need to replace the whole bike.

Service? When my bike finally made it to a service interval, the job was done. I still have clutch issues though so I may be back with the thou to g et it looked at again.

[Lou Girardin]

I bought mine from Mark because I'm loyal, and also because I thought you were one of the hangers-on.
(No really, I was scared stiff of the guy in the corner foaming at the mouth)
Parts guys are good and helpful, but you don't meet them much because I have a Suzuki.
Workshop is OK, I've had a couple of niggles that I didn't feel were worth mentioning.
Little things like the tell-tale signs of a test ride burnout and half my pegs scraped away.
Overall, fairy nuff.

[vtec]

My dad got his Hayabusa and also his DL1000 from Colemans, and no complaints... Silence is often one of the best compliments.

[SARGE]

I bought mine from Mark because I'm loyal, and also because I thought you were one of the hangers-on.
(No really, I was scared stiff of the guy in the corner foaming at the mouth)

Little things like the tell-tale signs of a test ride burnout and half my pegs scraped away.
.


the burnout was Mark..my fault on the pegs though.. Mark bet me i couldnt get knee down on a bandit..

he was right..

[GR81]

Service? When my bike finally made it to a service interval, the job was done. I still have clutch issues though so I may be back with the thou to g et it looked at again.
i wouldnt have thought you have owned a bike long enough for it to need servicing! ;)

[The Stranger]

The parts guys are excellent, shame about the prices though.

What point are you trying to prove?

[The_Dover]

Hence the words you just quoted.

[mstriumph]

.................
Parts? I've never bought parts, I usually need to replace the whole bike.

..................................


oh chortle, chortle bling BLing BLING!!!!!

[hXc]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=33241

[Leong]

Don't know what point you're trying to prove...... curious to know.

I got my SV650S from Alan. At the time had no allegiance to any Suzuki dealer so visited Haldanes and Holeshot. Found Alan to be the most approachable, informed and cooperative. When offered a special deal by another dealer I chose to go back to Colemans to purchase if they matched the deal... they did.

More recently, and in my opinion, a better example of great service, I was looking to trade up to a GSX-R750 K6. Went to Alan for a look, but you didn't have any 750s. Again he spent a good amount of time talking and showing me the 600s you had. After taking your demo 600 for virtually as long as I wanted, about 2hrs I think, I gave him a deposit on a 750 due August. However, I later found out about the Philip Island demo 600s for sale at another dealer. After some consideration I decided that a 600, like the one I test rode would be plenty for me at my current riding level, and given the dollar savings compared to a new 750 I decided to get the demo 600. As I would have preferred to stay with Colemans I gave you the oppoortunity to do a similar deal on your demonstrator, but for good reason you were unable. So reluctantly, I got my 600 from another dealer. I have had salespeople become absolute pricks when when lose a sale in the past, but the service I received from Alan after learning about my purchase from another dealer was outstanding. No ill feeling and no problem cancelling my order and refunding my deposit (which I spent at parts anyway). Easy to provide good service when things go well, but truly good service is often only shown when things go wrong.

Parts dept seem good, but haven't had much to do with them

Service dept have been very helpful. Have used the pick up and delivery service which got the job done when I wanted (ie b4 a trackday) for a reasonable price.

I intend returning to Colemans to service the 600, and any future Suzuki purchases

[Edbear]

Haven't bought a bike off Coleman's but did get mine serviced there. The courtesy and price will ensure I recommend them and will return. When it comes time to update, I will check Coleman's out as each time I have been in, even as a "tyre-kicker" I have been treated with courtesy and respect with a cheerful "No problem!" when I said I was "just looking".

[Grahameeboy]

Bought my SV1000S from Mark...no complaints whatsoever...Trigger has always been really helpful and even fitted a rear disc for me at no labour charge.....oh and Craig did my suspension and forgot to re-connect the brake light which was funny.
What I like about Colemans is that it is all on one level, sales, parts, workshop so what you get is what you see.
Top shop....

[SkOrM]

ive bought 3 mirrors
and one tyre

i stopped buying mirrors because i stopped crashing (knock on wood)

an i stopped buying tyres of ya cause it was a bit expensive and the shop is too far away from me.

i might buy a bike off you guys if you've got the sort im looking for and if ive go the money

[paturoa]

almost bought a SV1000s ex demonstrator about a year ago - but got one privately for better price - good sales team, dunno why, but at Colemans I seem to have a chat, but at other stores I don't (except for Motohaus - always have a chat there too).

parts I'd rate as excellent - tells me when, what and how much and cuts a deal too.

service - only been once and had a very poor experience - wont be going back for service.

[Jantar]

I bought my 2nd RE5 from Colemans in 1979. I saw it advertised, rang up and bought it over the phone. On the way home (Central Waikato back then) I noticed a slight issue with the gear selector. Rang Colemans to talk about. Had the entire gearbox overhauled free of charge. Now that was service.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Colemans to anyone after that astounding service.

[Oscar]

I bought an LC4 off of Collie a coupla three years ago....

[The_Dover]

Jan in parts is always really nice to Maurice.

[Street Gerbil]

Really nice and friendly folks. The prices are prohibitive, but sometimes you guys have nice stuff on sale.

[TLDV8]

just curious as to how many of you have purchased a bike off of me ( or Colemans) from KB.. i need to know what bike(s) and who you dealt with


A bit before SARGE's time..

Coleman's :yes: ... A RM125S in August 1976..A RM125N in 79 ..... I seem to remember the salesman asking me how long i had been riding bikes (in 76) ..I said,i have never ridden a bike..He said,ok,good luck with the RM :laugh:

[M1CRO]

Purchased a GSX1100R from Colemans around 2000? brand new off the showroom floor... Not sure who I spoke to :(

Unfortunately, a little while ago, I bought the Busa in for a set of tyres. I rang the workshop and booked in a time and told them that I would be waiting around... Rang the day before, just to check that it was all sweet :)

When I arrived, I was asked to pick up the bike later that day.. I ended up explaining that I had rung and booked myself in at a specific time. Anyway, I ended up explaining this twice to two different people and ended up waiting for over an hour to get two tyres changed...

The guy that normally works on the Trails (cant remember his name - but I have known him since he worked at Mike Harvey Honda in Manukau 1988'ish) and he apologised to me which was excellent, except it wasnt really him that caused the issue.

Since then, I have not been back (and no intention of doing so)... Although not a Suzuki dealer, Botany Honda is on my "dealings" list, as I can ring them with a problem or for parts and they extremely helpful.. Have spent around 3K in bits and pieces over the last couple of months. They manage customer expectation and are on the phone to me if there is a delay... I dont need to pay a deposit for parts.. Anyway.. you get the point

[paturoa]

so what was the point u want to prove?

[Back Fire]

bought a GSXR 600 of you (SARGE) last year and swapped it for a GSXR1000 this year... also from you (SARGE)... I dred to think of what our parts must have totalled in the last year... but we have spent in excess of $50,000 in the last year I would imagine with you guys... and we had only just got rid of the mortgage... you b*stids....

[Zapf]

Bought GSXR750 off Colemans last year.
Bought GSXR750 insurance job to Colemans.

I tend to find Colemans good in the sales and parts department, but thought less highly of their workshop.

E.g I had a scott oiler installed on the GSXR750. The outlet was aimed at the chain in front of the sproket, is not what the instructions said. I had then questioned one of the workshop guys about it and he explained it'll be fine. Result of which I had the oil hitting the chain and then splatter over the side of the tire.

The Demo GSXR750 was not setup properly, tires not inflated only had twenty odd psi in them and front suspension way too soft.

The GSXR750 that was delivered to me had everything setup way too hard, which was one of the factors in me loosing the front end on a off camber corner resulting in an insurance job.

The insurance job, workshop go ahead and ordered all the parts without consulting me. Resulting in ordering a factory exhaust at a cost of $1'500 which I could have spend on an aftermarket system.

[dawnrazor]

got my GSXR600 from Mark, who has been a top bloke to deal with and even gave me a gixer1000 for a days test ride, which has had me saving up since.
I'll get my next bike off Mark, as it will be a trade in and more then likely another Suzzie or maybe one of those MVs....hmmmmmm.

The guys in parts are top blokes as well, got my decals and indicator after my off with no fuss and even offered to send my decals directly to the paint shop.

The two times I've had it in the shop all has been well, those guys seem pretty busy and are a little grumpy but generally make you feel like a good bastard.

Theres a good vibe off the place, no one walks around like their shit don't stink.


I thought you were one of the hangers-on.
(No really, I was scared stiff of the guy in the corner foaming at the mouth)


Yeah I'm with Lou on this one, I thought u where some homeless dude who slept in the corner of parts. Now that I have met you, I know thats only partially true...top bloke all the same :first: :first:

[Blind spot]

Allan sold me a 250 hornet then the DL650 when i got full lisense.
Bloody good vibes from all depts,parts guy gave me a helmet visor attachment thingy they had laying around when i broke mine, nice when shops do that sort of thing instead of try sell pair of them.

[race me!!!!]

hey sarge i bought a street magic off you from colemans loved it but it got stolen! i was going to buy a hornet 250 off you but found a better one at a better price! i will definately upgrade with you!!! and if you have any street magics i will buy another one from you
parts is good i buy my contis from there
work shop not sure but due for a service so i will find out soon

[pyrocam]

bought my rgv150 off someone who bought it off you, had it in for something somewhen and it was fixed in a jiffy and got to cruise around in the might EL250

bought my beautifull cbr of ya which im still super happy with, very impressed with the response when i was thinking about having it serviced recently (havent deceided anything yet)

also parts wise, the guys (specially dan, dont know the tall dudes name) are smart and helpfull, good customer service there

not sure the woman on service depts name but shes mighty helpfull and good when i call her up too

also tell your boss I wouldnt have bought the cbr if I hadnt known you from KB first.

[Marmoot]

Parts and accessories department is great. i purchased a few stuff from there.

Sales is nice. The old bloke I talked to (don't remember his name) was very nice, although he failed to differentiate my SP1 from normal VTR1000F. Need more bike knowledge there.

Service sucks. I got charged over $400 for a service where I got out with a totally worn rear brake pads undetected. I thought there was a point in the service where the technician checks these things?
And I almost couldn't get a loan bike. Cyclespot always get my loan bike organized whenever I need it.

This might be off topic, but since you ask for opinions then I'll give it to u:
Personally, I don't really fancy a shop that's too politicized.

[Lou Girardin]

So sarge, after all this. Are they going to let you play on the interweb?

[dawnrazor]

So sarge, after all this. Are they going to let you play on the interweb?

Ah so thats the "POINT" trying to be proved is it

[aff-man]

Parts department is excellent very helpfull.

Sales... well good for a yarn and will see what happens when I get a full time job more approachable than some other shops.

Service... Not that happy have had one or two bad experiences there so will probably take the gixxer elsewhere/ do it myself.

What was the point again?

[Ixion]

Hm. I can't contribute much here. Bottom feeders like me can't afford bike shop prices.

And I guess it shows, everytime I wander into a bike shop and look covetously at bikes I am completely ignored.

And I do my own servicing , and I haven't bought Suzuki parts from Coleman's since they were in Wanganui.

But, when I'm next in Coleman's I will say "Hi" to Sarge now I know he exists.

So, the interwibbly as a sales tool is definately valid. Just tell them to get you a dedicated connection and butt out. Trouble with bike shops, they're all managed by old coots who aren't up with modern technology.

[SARGE]

What was the point again?


just trying to improve customer services guys .. need to know where we need to improve ..any help is appriciated..

[merv]

To prove a point you must have had some point to prove with someone though - so did someone at your place need a tune up?

[SARGE]

To prove a point you must have had some point to prove with someone though - so did someone at your place need a tune up?


mate .. have you SEEN me?.. think i would have ANY problem dealing out tuneups where needed?? *giggle*

[Fub@r]

When I decided to get in to biking Colemans was the first place I went to and your sales guys were excellent and helpful and your new bike price was in keeping with everyone else. Although in the end I purchased a near new one off Trademe and used the savings to buy my kit.

Contacted Colemans on the phone a few weeks back about getting a Givi but whoever I spoke to seemed distracted or not interested so I went elsewhere.

Purchased some mirrors from your parts department last week. (no I didnt crash just my mirrors were useless) Guy behind the counter was excellent. I had gone to Colemans as I had been ignored at 2 stores in Barrys Point Road that I had passed in my travels that day. The mirrors were dearer (same item) than Barry's Point but not enough to justify my time travelling back over there to get them.

[Macktheknife]

mate .. have you SEEN me?.. think i would have ANY problem dealing out tuneups where needed?? *giggle*
Only to an enraged elephant perhaps! lol
even then I wouldn't bet on the elephant.