It's adieu.

[Lou Girardin]

The powers that be have decided that the profile and sales achieved through my presence on KB are not sufficient to justify the time or bandwidth.
So my future presence will be in my time and involve personal matters only.
If any members want info, quotes, or whatever related to AMPS you'll need to revert to non-KB communications.
I'll be joining Sarge in semi-limbo.

[Colapop]

Did you get a spanking? You're naughty...

[SARGE]

its not so bad bro.. the in-flight movie is Snakes on a Plane...

[Blackbird]

I suspect that my employer would ask questions too......

Look forward to your private posts. By the way, enjoyed your letter in the Listener in response to the Joanne Black article. A nice, succinct reply to the other respondents who had completely missed the point. I'd lay odds that the other respondents all wear trilbys whilst they're driving and have no idea that they're the sourse of many accidents:shutup:

[SARGE]

so lemme get this straight .. there are NO bike shops in Auckland represented on KB now ???


yipee-ki-ay motherfuckers

[kickingzebra]

Damn powers! I've had a few run ins too, but seeing as they know I'm leaving, I doubt they will pursue!
I bet it only serves to sharpen the sarcastic wit!

[simpson]

How many of you tossers do this and get paid for it in work time.. yeah ....:nono:

[Big Dave]

so lemme get this straight .. there are NO bike shops in Auckland represented on KB now ???


yipee-ki-ay motherfuckers

Superweetard is on the floor at motomail.

[SARGE]

Superweetard is on the floor at motomail.

ok.. i sold him an MV Brutale 910R recently..hope he appriciates it ... :doh:

[kickingzebra]

How many of you tossers do this and get paid for it in work time.. yeah ....:nono:

I have never once tossed in work time!

[Big Dave]

I'll be joining Sarge in semi-limbo.


You'll be able to get much lower than him. Although I believe he knows a few low bars too.

I'll still come and vist you maaaaaate and buy Buell trinkets.

[onearmedbandit]

In my employment I can do both. I have the freedom! Actually others work to make me money, I just make sure they're doing it.

[Big Dave]

ok.. i sold him an MV Brutale 910R recently..hope he appriciates it ... :doh:

He 'ppreciates all the finest things in life - a man of infinte good taste....except for the life size cutout.

[McJim]

Well if Superweetard is the only representative of Auckland Bike shops on KB the I'll be forced to get a Cagiva Raptor when I get my full licence. A real shame coz I was considering the VTR1000 at one point or the SV1000....we'll see if anyone buys my cars first though.

Can't afford (or justify ownership of) any MV Augustas ever.

Alora, Ciao Lou. A doppo.

[dawnrazor]

The powers that be have decided that the profile and sales achieved through my presence on KB are not sufficient to justify the time or bandwidth.
So my future presence will be in my time and involve personal matters only.
If any members want info, quotes, or whatever related to AMPS you'll need to revert to non-KB communications.
I'll be joining Sarge in semi-limbo.


Ah ya probably spent to much time here anyways, its not good for the eyesight you know!

[Paul in NZ]

Bummer - I'll miss Lou's observations from the shop floor...

[ManDownUnder]

so lemme get this straight .. there are NO bike shops in Auckland represented on KB now ???


yipee-ki-ay motherfuckers

Ya meat head. I mean it clearly doesn't make any sense to communicate with your customers in a non direct sales manner. Building relationships, trust and familiarity with potential are all overrated.

You should see if you can get some sales or marketing experience... you'd find out.
MDU

[SARGE]

Ya meat head. I mean it clearly doesn't make any sense to communicate with your customers in a non direct sales manner. Building relationships, trust and familiarity with potential are all overrated.

You should see if you can get some sales or marketing experience... you'd find out.
MDU

right ... i NEVER sold 10 bikes a month to KB'rs unless they came into the shop first ...no one ever asked for me by name.. etc...

[ManDownUnder]

right ... i NEVER sold 10 bikes a month to KB'rs unless they came into the shop first ...no one ever asked for me by name.. etc...

And as for influenced revenue... y'know spares, parts, service etc... I s'pose you reckon that could be affected too...

And what about those sales you didn't get (but someone else at Colemans did)...

MDU

[Lou Girardin]

its not so bad bro.. the in-flight movie is Snakes on a Plane...


Great, my two favourite things.

[The_Dover]

All you pricks should be doing some real work instead of fucking around on KB.

What is this? A youth club?

[merv]

I can't believe this as I would have thought in your role your bosses would have appreciated how you got to know such a wide customer base - how else could that happen without any capital outlay.

The personal touch goes a long way. The only reason we bought our DR650SE from WMCC was because White Trash was there at the time and got to know me through this site.

[Lou Girardin]

I've lost count of how much you guys have bought, but it includes 3 Microns, 2 Power Commanders, God knows how many sets of kit, tyres and helmets all over the country. Far more income than a few Gigs of bandwidth is worth. Not to mention the people who now know AMPS sell more than Harleys.
Amazingly short-sighted I think. But I'd say there was a lot of grumbling from people who weren't allowed to surf their (non-work) sites.
But the golden rule applies, "He who has the gold, makes the rules.

[Smokin]

I for one am now going to boycot AMPS soley due to your employers decision to remove your input from this site. :bye:

Ummm, Where is AMPS again?

[Ixion]

Meh. How 20th centruy. When are NZ bikes shops going to realise that the demographic they are selling to has abandoned the quill pen.

[Lou Girardin]

I for one am now going to boycot AMPS soley due to your employers decision to remove your input from this site. :bye:

Ummm, Where is AMPS again?

About a thousand k's north of you. But thanks for your support.

BTW folks, let's not seriously talk about boycotts and all. I don't really care too much. I joined KB as a biker not a flogger of bike bits.

[The_Dover]

I joined KB as a flogger not a flogger of bike bits.

Ne'er a truer word said, Louberace.

[Lias]

Well I for one just brought parts off you recently purely because of your presence on KB. Hopefully "they" come to their senses soon sir.

[Patch]

right ... i NEVER sold 10 bikes a month to KB'rs unless they came into the shop first ...no one ever asked for me by name.. etc...

it was always Oi! Old Cunt, where the bloody hell is my bike



Always respect your elders, by giving them shit to remind them they are elder :rockon:

Got a real bike yet OC? :shutup: or you still riding that bored out 2fiddy? :woohoo:

[Swoop]

"He who has the gold, makes the rules.
I thought it was "He who has the Gold is a merchant-banker".

[Edbear]

Probably at least partly due to the recent publicity on TV about employees stealing time by surfing the Net. If everyone emailed AMPS and showed them how many bikers appreciated Lou's posts and the "free advertising" AMPS got from this site, the resultant jam up of their email inbox, may cause them to reconsider?:innocent:

[scumdog]

The powers that be have decided that the profile and sales achieved through my presence on KB are not sufficient to justify the time or bandwidth.
So my future presence will be in my time and involve personal matters only.
If any members want info, quotes, or whatever related to AMPS you'll need to revert to non-KB communications.
I'll be joining Sarge in semi-limbo.

So how much was it costing the tight-arses for the time/bandwidth??
Sheesh, you would think they were NZ Polce by their tightness.!!!!!

[Titanium]

I'll just import my own Schuberth from Germany then ......

Hell, the margin on that was probably a years worth of internet usage......

[spudchucka]

About a thousand k's north of you. But thanks for your support.

BTW folks, let's not seriously talk about boycotts and all. I don't really care too much. I joined KB as a biker not a flogger of bike bits.

Are they letting you keep the AMPS log-on or is that down the toilet too?

At least your employer didn't covertly filter your internet usage / e-mail content and then spring it on the media for browny points.

[Finn]

My boss was really concerned about the amount of time I spend on KB. He was worried that he wasn't providing me enough of a challenge so he insisted on giving me a pay rise. He doesn't want to lose me.

What a guy.

[The_Dover]

My boss was really concerned about the amount of time I spend on KB. He was worried that he wasn't providing me enough of a challenge so he insisted on giving me a pay rise. He doesn't want to lose me.

What a guy.

Yeah, bitch. You can suck my cock twice a day to keep you busy.

[myvice]

What?
I have to wait till I'm home first!
And then kick the kid off!
I can always come in and see you tho...
But I'm not going to...

[Lou Girardin]

Are they letting you keep the AMPS log-on or is that down the toilet too?

At least your employer didn't covertly filter your internet usage / e-mail content and then spring it on the media for browny points.

It's all gone.
And, I haven't surfed porn sites. Maybe I should have.

[myvice]

It's all gone.
And, I haven't surfed porn sites. Maybe I should have.

Bike porn?

[andrea]

hmmm:mellow:

[beyond]

Man, that's a real bummer :(

I betya if they knew just how much business you have really brought in from your presence on KB and the spin off business because of your knowledge base, they would seriously reconsider.

This sucks :(

[SARGE]

it was always Oi! Old Cunt, where the bloody hell is my bike



Always respect your elders, by giving them shit to remind them they are elder :rockon:

Got a real bike yet OC? :shutup: or you still riding that bored out 2fiddy? :woohoo:



yea Patch .. i remember what my old man used to say to me all the time ..

" age, experience and treachery will always overcome youth, strength and skill.."

you dont think i got this age on good looks alone eh?

and yes im still on the bored out 2fiddy.. anytime you feel like you wanna run to 100 you just let me know youngster..


i'll bring a tea towel to dry behind your ears...



Man, that's a real bummer :(

I betya if they knew just how much business you have really brought in from your presence on KB and the spin off business because of your knowledge base, they would seriously reconsider.

This sucks :(


pretty much the same thing that happened to me at my last shop..


hey lou.. considering you sell HD's and Honda's .. maybe a kiddy - porn site would boost your sales ..:dodge: :shutup:

[pritch]

I've lost count of how much you guys have bought,

And there'd be a few dyno runs too :-)

[Badcat]

yep - it's pretty sad that bike dealers can't see that Lou and Sarge were actually DOING THEIR JOBS online.
well - i'll no longer support either of those dealerships. (i have bought 5 bikes from colemans) not dealing with AMPs is easier, as Lou (and the english guy in parts) are the only humans there.

[SARGE]

yep - it's pretty sad that bike dealers can't see that Lou and Sarge were actually DOING THEIR JOBS online.
well - i'll no longer support either of those dealerships. (i have bought 5 bikes from colemans) not dealing with AMPs is easier, as Lou (and the english guy in parts) are the only humans there.



well .. since i am no longer AT Colemans .. go for your life man ... :done:

its all about presence .. you have to get face time with your prospective client base ..customers tend to like doing business with someone they know.. this is one of the greatest networking tools for the m/c industry in NZ ..even if the ones working at th shops and using it are not nessasarily talking strictly about bikes ..(lord knows some of Lou and i's political debates have gone way outside the box...)

sorry the shop directors cant see that .. thier loss i guess..

[Swoop]

Lou, I did notice your online presence and to me it appeared that you were around in the early mornings. I guess that there would not have been many walk-in customers to deal with "one-on-one" at that time, but you were always able to deal with all of us. The inclusion of many bikers from all around the country who asked questions and had goods sent to them, all because of the portal of KB, needs a mention as well.

I guess we'll see you during your lunch hour then?:dodge:

[The Pastor]

How many of you tossers do this and get paid for it in work time.. yeah ....:nono:

I do :innocent: but I don't take advantage of the offer, sleeping at work is more productive.

[DemonWolf]

Look forward to your non-work related posts! Though I haven't brought anything from you.. I did get a couple quotes.. but were unfortunately too poor to take up the offers (as much as I would have loved too.. my partner deterred me!). If a couple emails to your employers would help to shed some light on how effect you were at highlighting the services the company had, then I'd be more than willing to send them an email. Let us know.

[inlinefour]

yipee-ki-ay motherfuckers

What you talking about Willis?

[Warr]

My email to AMPS


bruce@amps.co.nz <bruce@amps.co.nz>

Please pass on to them that control the purse strings at AMPS.

Quote - Lou
" I've lost count of how much you guys have bought, but it includes 3 Microns, 2 Power Commanders, God knows how many sets of kit, tyres and helmets all over the country. Far more income than a few Gigs of bandwidth is worth. Not to mention the people who now know AMPS sell more than Harleys.
Amazingly short-sighted I think. But I'd say there was a lot of grumbling from people who weren't allowed to surf their (non-work) sites.
But the golden rule applies, "He who has the gold, makes the rules ""

I personally have ample access to notable shops in my area. But where did I buy my last helmet and boots ?
Your shop.

Not because of your flash advertising but because of one member or your staff, Lou Girardin, as a member of the web site Kiwi-Biker.

Regards
Warren Nancekivell
Hamilton
VFR750

PS "When are NZ bikes shops going to realise that the demographic they are selling to has abandoned the quill pen. - Ixion"


Was the only email I could find on the AMPS site so hope it gets to the right place :)

[Ixion]

Reflecting on the problems that Sarge and Lou (and others) have reported with their employers' attitude to KB involvement, causes me to wonder about a significant change in the nature of bike shops over the years.

It seems to me that bike shops are no longer involved in the biking community, and vice versa, the way they once were.

Perhaps this is a lingering side effect of the way that the biker community nearly self destructed in the 90s. At the same time almost all of the bike shops went under. The few that survived, and new ones that are now starting to appear, don't seem to have the the same connection to the now renascent biker community. The community is rebuilding but the bike shops don't seem interested.

When I was younger , before the Great Implosion, the bike shops were run by people who were well known identities in the biker community. Bill White, Len Perry, Percy Coleman, Bill Russell, Laurie Summers, Mr Weston-Webb (oddly, he was always "Mr") were part of the biker scene, and their premises (noteably, almost always called by their name) were always alive with bikers. Looking, drooling, talking, appraising. The owners, and the bike shop staff, were an integral part of this scene.

It is a shame that so few of the old shops survided the Great Implosion. I do not know if Colemans is the smae business as Percy Colemans in Wanganui, or if Panmure Motorcycles has any connection with the original of the name. Other than that I do not think offhand of any that have been in business since the 70s or even the 80s

Nowadays the bike shops seem a remote and divorced aspect , unrelated to day to day biker activity. They do not seem to provide any input to the biker world, the shops are always like graveyards, I never go into a bike shop now and see groups of leather clad guys clustered round the bikes .A few people wander in and out, the salesmen are attentive, but the buzz, the activity, the COMMUNITY are missing. One gets the impression (doubtless false, I realise) that the bike shops are all run by accountants, who would be just as happy selling cheese or garden ornaments. And those running them do not appear to provide any leadership to the community. Or seem interested in doing so.

And when staff such as Sarge or Lou attempt to establish an interaction with the community, the bike shop management cant see any point in it! How extraordinary. Most businesses , if given the opportunity to be integrally involved in a community of thousands of prospective customers for high ticket goods would be over the moon at the opportunity. Indeed they pay many thousands of dollars to attempt to create such communities via loyalty schemes and such like.

I think this is a bad thing for the bike shops and for the community. But perhaps it is just the grumpiness of old age. Feel free to tell me I am wrong.

I notice too, that scooter shops seem much more attuned to their community. What does this say?

[Biff]

I knew it Lou. You're a plant. Not the leafy kind - but placed here (on KB) by your capitalist superiors in an attempt to earn them more money.

I take it you failed?

And I had you down as a socialist.

Like Ixion.

[Big Dave]

<< It seems to me that bike shops are no longer involved in the biking community, and vice versa, the way they once were.<<

At AMPS:

Patrick rides and attends RAT events regularly.
Geoff attends HOG events and participates with their crew.
Ray still drag races Harleys at Meremere and is well known in those circles.
Lou does KB rides and participates still.
Bruce is at every round at Puke.
Greg is at all the motocross events when hes not too beat up or broken to be racing.
The parts boys have various participant interests.
I happily represent them at trade shows and industry launches etc.

Sponsorship is spread across all these sectors.

Your move.

[Lou Girardin]

Dave is right. The AMPS guys are involved in a lot of events.
I saw KB as a useful adjunct to my shop floor duties and it did pay off for them.
It beats me why knickers got twisted. After all, I was efectively working alone for 2 or 3 months when my last colleague left and all other work still got done.
I'd be sorry to see people not patronise AMPS just because of this. I didn't shun Colemans because they gave Sarge a hard time over it.
It's their business, life is too short to worry about it.
I have a far greater worry at present, why's my bike so f'in gutless?

[Ixion]

Yes, but are these people doing these things with their "shop hat" on, or in a private capacity. Lou, for instance, is certainly involved in the biker community. But his involvement (as he himself has said) represents Lou Girardin, not AMPS. And far from being supportive of that involvement AMPS appear to deprecate it.

I would assume that people who work in bike shops are going often to be bikers (not always). And being so will do biker stuff in their private capacity. But where is the "official" community involvement from AMPS?

F'instance what part do AMPS (or any of the other bike shops) play in the various runs such as the Westpac Helicopter run. I imagine they may kick in a few dollars. But they have no PRESENCE. Where is the presence of the bike SHOPS (not people who happen to work there) on things like BRONZ?

Back in the day, you could hardly get into Whites on a Frriday night, with all the bikers hanging round. Most of them WERE just hanging round. But the shop seemed happy with that, even encouraged it.

Nowdays bike shops are usually almost empty. Noone hanging around no group dynamic.

The bike SHOPS used to be part of the community, not just some of the people who worked there.

Maybe its one of those things that y'have to be old enough to remember what it used to be like, to see the difference

EDIT. I don't want this to come a cross as some anti-AMPS thing. I'm just using them as an example, substitute any other bike shop name. And I'm not pushing a "death to AMPS cos they hit Lous surfing" message. Just an obervation that bike shops don't seem to be the biker Meccas that they were.

[Lou Girardin]

As a Harley dealer, AMPS is heavily involved with HOG and they do a lot of charity fund raising. The shop is a major gathering point for the piglets at any time. The RAT involvment is on a lower scale, but still a presence.
They do as much if not more than most shops.
But you are right Ixion, the world has changed.

[Motu]

I don't know how much say Ray Pratt has in the running of his business these days,but he's always there.Ray would have more motorcycle involvment than anyone in any shop in the country.I remember Ray working in sheds and another small shop at the bottom of Kyber Pass even before he started Universal Motorcycles in a dark basement down an alley in Stoddard Rd,it was a dingey hole,but he slogged it out and built up a customer base before moving down the road to a bigger building with road frontage.He became a hero with the British bikers when he became dominant with his Norton speedway sidecar at Western Springs,cleaning up the Jap fours.

I don't go into AMPS much,but Ray nearly always gives me a nod or comes over to talk if I'm checking out a bike or jacket.I don't know if he recognises me from those days,but it's nice to have the connection....

[sAsLEX]

It's all gone.
And, I haven't surfed porn sites. Maybe I should have.

I dont understand.

The advertising they get on this site, one of the single largest portals to NZ bikers in the country, is essentially free!

Where did they go to business school the wananaganaga aetoeroa? or what ever its called?

[SARGE]

It's all gone.
And, I haven't surfed porn sites. Maybe I should have.

just surf TradeMe like all the other bike shops do...

[Big Dave]

I dont understand.

The advertising they get on this site, one of the single largest portals to NZ bikers in the country, is essentially free!




I think you over-rate it.
It's like selling stuff on talk back radio.
Soon as a product is mentioned someone pipes up with a better/cheaper alternative or a horror story about using it.

For bike salesmen and blokes like Quasi championing a product and meeting people it's pretty good.

For general retail and product sales there are much better returns on the time and effort.

[Macktheknife]

Either way Lou, I will still be in to see you when I need stuff.
What we know is that you are still there to provide the great service we have come to expect, cheers mate.

[scumdog]

Thread hi-jack here: Why do people (including outfits like Motohaus) insist on using the term "sort after model" when selling a bike.

What the hell is a "sort after model"????:wait:

[merv]

Thread hi-jack here: Why do people (including outfits like Motohaus) insist on using the term "sort after model" when selling a bike.

What the hell is a "sort after model"????:wait:

I think they mean sought after not "sort" and it means every one wants one so they reckon.

[Big Dave]

I think they mean sought after not "sort" and it means every one wants one so they reckon.

Nah - it's what I do after I take photos of an agency girl.


I'll pass it on scummy.

[Ixion]

I think you over-rate it.
It's like selling stuff on talk back radio.
Soon as a product is mentioned someone pipes up with a better/cheaper alternative or a horror story about using it.

For bike salesmen and blokes like Quasi championing a product and meeting people it's pretty good.

For general retail and product sales there are much better returns on the time and effort.

I disagree. In terms of specific advertising, you may be right. But in terms of public relations and marketing , the sort of exposure that Lou and Sarge gave their respective establishments could not be bought for many thousands of dollars. and in the long term marketing always outweighs advertising.

[scumdog]

I think they mean sought after not "sort" and it means every one wants one so they reckon.

Sorry Merv, I knew but was just being pedantic. (again!)

[merv]

Well I guess the joke would be do they call models they aren't selling very well sought after?

Like in real estate the "delightful bungalow" and the "attractive villa" that you have to be quick for.

[Big Dave]

I disagree. In terms of specific advertising, you may be right. But in terms of public relations and marketing , the sort of exposure that Lou and Sarge gave their respective establishments could not be bought for many thousands of dollars. and in the long term marketing always outweighs advertising.


Actually - I think you said the same thing as me in more words.

[Lou Girardin]

I think you over-rate it.
It's like selling stuff on talk back radio.
Soon as a product is mentioned someone pipes up with a better/cheaper alternative or a horror story about using it.

For bike salesmen and blokes like Quasi championing a product and meeting people it's pretty good.

For general retail and product sales there are much better returns on the time and effort.

Sorry, I disagree on that. The dollars prove otherwise.

Ixion is right again. After sarge got his marching orders, Colemans almost vanished from the KB radar. The same will happen here.

[Big Dave]

Sorry, I disagree on that. The dollars prove otherwise.




Yeah well - I'll show you my numbers on bang for buck when appropriate.

[Patrick]

At least your employer didn't covertly filter your internet usage / e-mail content and then spring it on the media for browny points.

Or was that "Brown Eye" points???

[Big Dave]

I disagree. and in the long term marketing always outweighs advertising.

I just went upstairs and had a great conversation with mrs MBA on that statement.
After several twists of semantics involving concepts of interdependency, componentry and a spirited debate over whether word of mouth was indeed advertising 5000 words I'll never type later - I stand unmoved.

[Ixion]

Hm. Too complex a subject for this venue, methinks. And me is just a simple chemist. But if we were talking commodity type stuff, I'd agree with you. But selling bikes is a more complex matter. Sausages is commodity - advertising is what does it, hit the consumer between the eyes, best price, buy NOW. But selling the sizzle is another matter. Starts years before. And people don't buy bikes on price or even specification, they buy on the sizzle factor. That brings in lots of stuff like trust, confidence, peer acceptance , heaps of shit like that. Which is what Lou and Sarge were doing, and what can never be done by buying advertising space. Becos people will BELIEVE a Lou or a Sarge (fools that we are), but noone believes advertising claims.

N'way, tis a moot point, cos we aren't going to change things no matter what we say. I suspect the real problem is that the owners of bike shops are too old, Old people are always suspicious of new technology, I remember how difficult it was for that fellow Gutenberg to get the orthographers to accept his moveable type.

End of the day it's Spankme's fault. Seriously. Once upon a time the only way for a biker to find out the latest buzz , was to hang out round the bike shop. Where he could also chew the fat with fellow bikers. Now we don't have to go to the bike shop for that, we can do it online, in forums. Like this. But the bike shops keep clinging to the outdated paradigm. Time will fix it.

[Big Dave]

And part of it is quantifyable data.

Accordingly I was looking for a quote half way down this page - but on reflection I subscribe to all of them I think:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/david_ogilvy.html

[Motu]

I have never bought accessories at AMPS from Lou - it's not because he's on KB or not.I don't go to AMPS because I can't park my Pajero....simple as that,it's a shit location and I don't go there.I can park at Mt Eden,Red Baron and the old Motomail.I don't ride bikes to shops because I want to carry what I buy home again.

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

[Ixion]

But only part. And of course a part of almost all advertising is actually marketing. The difference is the time scale. Hardly ever do we remember last years advertisments. Not specifically, at any rate. But people will insist on Brand X, not because they have seen an advertisment, but because "thats what everyone buys" or "because I've bought brand X for 40 years".

I doubt Lou or Sarge DIRECTLY influenced many sales (though there were doubtless a few). But INDIRECTLY, there may be people go buy a helmet or jacket at AMPS in 10 years time, just because AMPS kicks of "lou" in their mind and that invokes a "good people" memory. They trust AMPS, it has "good vibes" . Of course, if you don't intend to be around in 10 years time, its academic. Lou and Sarge were building the brand, much though I hate that phrase

EDIT Interesting discussion, BTW

[Big Dave]

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

Old and grumpy?

[Ixion]

I have never bought accessories at AMPS from Lou - it's not because he's on KB or not.I don't go to AMPS because I can't park my Pajero....simple as that,it's a shit location and I don't go there.I can park at Mt Eden,Red Baron and the old Motomail.I don't ride bikes to shops because I want to carry what I buy home again.

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

Meh.Have you not heard of bungee cords? And backpacks? And saddlebags? Anyway , as far as ACCESSORiES go, why do you have to CARRY it home. Wear it home, or fit it on the footpath, thats what bikers do.

[sAsLEX]

Old and grumpy?

Biker in a cage maybe, as a lot would be during the week

Ixion : http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7612&d=1109028929

[Motu]

Meh.Have you not heard of bungee cords? And backpacks? And saddlebags? Anyway , as far as ACCESSORiES go, why do you have to CARRY it home. Wear it home, or fit it on the footpath, thats what bikers do.

It used to be that way,and I used to scorn people who only rode a bike for leasure on sunday afternoons - but as I've often found much to my dismay...sometimes you find yourself in the very same situation you said you never would do.(I like Spank's sig...let's visit him in 20 yrs).

As I get such little time to ride these days I hate to fill it up with pointless running around the city - I need to be out in the open,away from people and cars.Another time,another place....and yes,it'd be homemade panniers from plastic oil drums and fish bin top boxes.

I bought a tyre from Cycletreads last week - drove over and parked my van over the road.....went to the tyre rack and made my choice unmolested,one staff member walked down my isle to pick put a tyre and said G'day....no pressure,no can I help you.I made my choice,paid and walked out and tossed it in the van.That's how I do it.

I can't believe people ride their bikes in there and get a nice man to do it for them - I'd never do that!

[Ixion]

,,
I bought a tyre from Cycletreads last week - drove over and parked my van over the road.....went to the tyre rack and made my choice unmolested,one staff member walked down my isle to pick put a tyre and said G'day....no pressure,no can I help you.I made my choice,paid and walked out and tossed it in the van.That's how I do it.

I can't believe people ride their bikes in there and get a nice man to do it for them - I'd never do that!

Well of COURSE not,they CHARGE you for fitting. Y' buy your tyre, pay for and sling it round your neck, and ride home to fit it. Isn't that what everyone does ?

[Big Dave]

Well of COURSE not,they CHARGE you for fitting. Y' buy your tyre, pay for and sling it round your neck, and ride home to fit it. Isn't that what everyone does ?

Shit no - the yarn with Kerry at motohaus while he fits my tyres is always a pleasure.

[Krayy]

I reckon the way to go is, as you're signing the sales agreement for the new bike and negotiating some extras, get them to throw in 10 hours of KB time for Lou.

I'll do that when I pick up the Hornet (or the XB12Ss if I've been a good boy).

[Swoop]

Shit no - the yarn with Kerry at motohaus while he fits my tyres is always a pleasure.

Which brings us back to the beginning.
Having a chat about bike stuff. If you know the person or have known them online, the the bikeshop will get repeat customers out of it.
If someone comes in to buy a "thingammewhatsit", has a good experience and feels "part of the family" because they have a tangible link (via KB) with that shop, then everyone is happy.
Except the boss apparently...:shutup:

[AMPS]

We would like to advise you that you can still contact Lou, through AMPS, if you have any enquires related to Motorcycling. You can email accessories@amps.co.nz or parts@amps.co.nz You could also phone 09-3007500
We are more than happy to help you. Most of the staff here at AMPS ride motorcycles and we do have a good understanding of customers requirements. We have a large range of customers in Auckland and wider a feild.
We are heavliy involved in all aspects of motorcycling weather it be a MX rider, Sport bike rider Drag Bikes or cruisers. When it comes down to it the aim of the game is to ride your motorcycle and enjoy it. We wish you all safe riding.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I happily represent them at trade shows and industry launches etc.


is it bad that I read this as "industry lunches"

mmmmmmm lunch.

who said there was no such thing as a free lunch?

[Lou Girardin]

I have never bought accessories at AMPS from Lou - it's not because he's on KB or not.I don't go to AMPS because I can't park my Pajero....simple as that,it's a shit location and I don't go there.I can park at Mt Eden,Red Baron and the old Motomail.I don't ride bikes to shops because I want to carry what I buy home again.

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

You should have said Motu. I tell you what, next time call me and I'll meet you at the door and park the Pajero for you.

[Ixion]

Do AMPS not still have that praking in the house across the road?

[Zapf]

Re AMPS...

Althou Lou might not seems to be selling products directly on KB, little did the Powers that be knows that Lou updates us using KB re new products or specials and hence keeps in contact with customers that way. As a result we walk into AMPS looking for that product Lou mentioned and its then converted to a walk in sale.

So while Lou don't sell anything as such on KB, he time is used on marketing the products and gives AMPS a presences on KB.

Regards,
4 digit customer to AMPS

[merv]

Lou who in the chain of hierarchy at AMPS told you to stop and what did they actually say and were you not able to make a case they would listen to at all?

In this electronic age most of us have got lazy and as others have mentioned in the old days for entertainment we used to haunt the bike shops on Friday nights - now we do it on our PCs at home - but the action is the same, making connections with people, getting to know and trust them and then make a purchase. I doubt your bosses if they are so last century will ever understand this.

I know its not much but the last tyre I bought I sent Mrs merv out to Sparky Bills with the wheel. Why, because I've met him on KB, I pm'd him, got a price and had it all sorted in advance, then just sent Mrs out there and said see Sparky and this is what he will do for you. In the end he charged less than quoted and carried the wheel to the car for Mrs merv - she was impressed with his service.

Without KB I probably would have just taken it to Sawyers. I had rung them, and while others talk highly of Kerry I am totally unimpressed with the way he relates to me, he doesn't seem to understand my needs at all - he's too kind of dismissive and sharp in my view. While I relate OK to Brendan I would be more impressed if there was a regular presence by him and his staff in some way on here and not just relying on me calling all e-mailing them.

So I think the bosses at AMPS are making a bad mistake, they are not embracing the new age of communication and its their loss.

[Motu]

You should have said Motu. I tell you what, next time call me and I'll meet you at the door and park the Pajero for you.

I think they should have a courtesy bus for customers - deck out that big van with luxury seats and monster sound system.I could just give them a ring and one of those drop kicks I always see standing around doing nothing could come out and pick me up....I'd check out some products,get a few freebees,courtesy meal....then they could run me home.Then I could go to Motomail and get them cheaper.

Why haven't they thought of this service? No imagination,just sooooo last century!

[Edbear]

We would like to advise you that you can still contact Lou, through AMPS, if you have any enquires related to Motorcycling. You can email accessories@amps.co.nz or parts@amps.co.nz You could also phone 09-3007500
We are more than happy to help you. Most of the staff here at AMPS ride motorcycles and we do have a good understanding of customers requirements. We have a large range of customers in Auckland and wider a feild.
We are heavliy involved in all aspects of motorcycling weather it be a MX rider, Sport bike rider Drag Bikes or cruisers. When it comes down to it the aim of the game is to ride your motorcycle and enjoy it. We wish you all safe riding.



Garn! I bet the real reason is that Lou was havin' too much fun on KB and all you's other guys wanted to get on here too, but it was jus' gonna be too much to have everyone doin' it, so's you said no-one can... Am I right...? :innocent: (I have been known to be close on occaision:yes: )

Or can you enlighten us as to the actual reason?:sunny:

[Big Dave]

is it bad that I read this as "industry lunches"

mmmmmmm lunch.

who said there was no such thing as a free lunch?

You probably read correct.

I go and man the Triumph stand at Big Boys toys and that sort of stuff for AMPS. I still help with the web site and do what I can to promote them in the print media.

Ray and Bruce have been fabulous with letting KR/me access bikes.

dc

[Hailwood]

Having read this entire thread now, I still dont get it....Lou is on here doing business for AMPS...everyone knows it, we buy stuff from AMPS (even me in Wgtn bought a pair of boots from Lou through AMPS) directly as a result of dealing with Lou on this website (Damn fine boots too Lou) and then he gets in the schtook for doing it........maybe AMPS is doing so well advertising elsewhere that the powers that be decided they didnt need Lou doing his good deeds....Previous comments have hit it on the head. People deal with people they can relate to..be that face to face or via sites like this. I certainly only dealt with AMPS because of Lou and his help here. Oh well AMPS' loss will certainly be someone else's gain...guess I will deal with my local dealer here now for stuff.

Wonder if the marketing guys at AMPS have any new projects..maybe they could do some marketing for Feltex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lou Girardin]

Re AMPS...

Althou Lou might not seems to be selling products directly on KB, little did the Powers that be knows that Lou updates us using KB re new products or specials and hence keeps in contact with customers that way. As a result we walk into AMPS looking for that product Lou mentioned and its then converted to a walk in sale.

So while Lou don't sell anything as such on KB, he time is used on marketing the products and gives AMPS a presences on KB.

Regards,
4 digit customer to AMPS

Gee thanks zapf, but I did sell quite a bit directly off KB.

[Zapf]

Gee thanks zapf, but I did sell quite a bit directly off KB.

lol... ok. maybe speaking for myself... I hear about something Lou talks about on KB and I walk in checks it out and then decides to buy it or not.

[oldrider]

Well Lou, I only bought a helmet from you but it was easier than going off to any town down here to buy it at a dealers shop.
I have found it very helpful having you on here talking about service and products (sometimes) and would not hesitate to contact you if I need something.
The delivery from Auckland to here is usually faster, (or at least as fast) than if I ordered locally too.
You didn't say you are actually leaving KB, so now that I feel I know you I would give you a PM or a phone call at AMPS, if I need something special.
Thanks for the past effort, Cheers John.

[Big Dave]

I feel I know you I would give you a PM or a phone if I need something special.


Dover's your man for that caper.

[sAsLEX]

........maybe AMPS is doing so well advertising elsewhere that the powers that be decided they didnt need Lou doing his good deeds...

blame that big aussy guy then!

[Big Dave]

blame that big aussy guy then!

Nah - Most of their stuff comes from in-house now.
I haven't been producing it for a long while.

[The_Dover]

Lou has certainly gone a long way to changing my opinion of AMPS. Every time I had been in previous to conversing with the italian dwarf I had felt that it was the most soulless and arrogant bike shop in town. To some extent I still feel that way about their sales team but at their last open day Lou was proactive and got me out on the 675 demo and had the customer service skills to make the AMPS experience a whole lot better than it otherwise would have been.

It would be to AMPS disadvantage if other prospective customers do not have the opportunity for Lou to turn around their opinion of the store, as if they have only experienced what I had in person (being the totally disinterested and busy with their coffee sales team) then I expect they will walk up the road to Mt Eden or somewhere where there is a bit of an atmosphere and a warm welcome.

Having said that I still haven't spent any of my own hard earned in AMPS, Lou just wouldn't go that little extra that the Dover requires. ;)

[oldrider]

Lou has certainly gone a long way to changing my opinion of AMPS. Every time I had been in previous to conversing with the italian dwarf I had felt that it was the most soulless and arrogant bike shop in town. To some extent I still feel that way about their sales team but at their last open day Lou was proactive and got me out on the 675 demo and had the customer service skills to make the AMPS experience a whole lot better than it otherwise would have been.

It would be to AMPS disadvantage if other prospective customers do not have the opportunity for Lou to turn around their opinion of the store, as if they have only experienced what I had in person (being the totally disinterested and busy with their coffee sales team) then I expect they will walk up the road to Mt Eden or somewhere where there is a bit of an atmosphere and a warm welcome.

Having said that I still haven't spent any of my own hard earned in AMPS, Lou just wouldn't go that little extra that the Dover requires. ;)

If ever there was a bike shop that needs an "Italian dwarf" (as dover puts it) make over, it has to be the Honda shop in Dunedin!
It's like visiting a bloody morgue!
Dover's description above reads like he was visiting that very shop!
Bet you would just love to live in the deep South Lou, although it is an acquired taste I have to admit.
The extra bit that Dover desires, sounds a bit unsavoury, don't bring that with you. Dovers OK, just the unsavoury bits a worry! :killingme Cheers John.

[Lou Girardin]

Having said that I still haven't spent any of my own hard earned in AMPS, Lou just wouldn't go that little extra that the Dover requires. ;)

I don't get paid enough to catch STD's.

[Lou Girardin]

As you can tell, I'm still on KB, but in my own time. I'm still more than happy to help Kb'ers, but you have to contact me by phone or email as in the AMPS post.
I don't always have time to check KB every evening.

[dangerous]

Cant be arsed reading through all the posts at the mo so I'll pipe up and say this...


I've lost count of how much you guys have bought, but it includes 3 Microns, 2 Power Commanders, God knows how many sets of kit, tyres and helmets all over the country. Far more income than a few Gigs of bandwidth is worth. Not to mention the people who now know AMPS sell more than Harleys.

Thanks for all the gears you have sent my way Lou, from bike parts to aprel and thanks for the bloody good deals you did on them.
Its just a bastard that the shop does not see how far your sales pitch travels.



As a Harley dealer, AMPS is heavily involved with HOG and they do a lot of charity fund raising. The shop is a major gathering point for the piglets at any time.
Rummer has it that the local HD shop here has been told by HD... to can there sales of other brands like Guzzi and Aparila, and that they are to sell HD only... if this is true then you can shove ya fucking hogs up ya arse yanks.
Who do they think they are? just another bike brand by me... ahhh well back to Oz for my parts and dealins again.

[Lou Girardin]

Rummer has it that the local HD shop here has been told by HD... to can there sales of other brands like Guzzi and Aparila, and that they are to sell HD only... if this is true then you can shove ya fucking hogs up ya arse yanks.
Who do they think they are? just another bike brand by me... ahhh well back to Oz for my parts and dealins again.

Thanks D. I doubt the single franchise rumour. They know you can't survive in NZ like that. As it is HD Aust is causing real grief in NZ.