Coleman Suzuki - Rip off of the month

[uksteve]

I'm not a person who normally gets irate, whats the point, life is too short and who needs to be bitter and twisted. This incident however did make my blood boil.
My low beam headlight bulb on the gixxer had blown so I went onto the Colemans website to enquire what the price was. I entered all the details into their enquiry screen and waited a couple of days for a response.As usual there wasn't one, infact I don't know why I bothered because I have never, ever recieved a response to any of the enquiries sent via that site.
A day later I rang up and enquired on the price. The guy on the phone said "if you want a genuine one that'll be $150", shocked by this I said 'how much?" to which he replied 'we have accessory ones from Narva for $55." Surely no one in their right mind would be happy to pay either price.
I rang Narva and they sell the same unit for $16 retail. Now I know you have to make a margin on these things but this can be classified as a blatant rip off. How many other items are they ripping the bag on?. Like me have you been or potentially been a victim of their merciless greed and their total dissrespect for their clientele?

[EJK]

You deserve a bling for that :yes:

I really really really agree

Colemans... :no:

[boomer]

ahahhaha but they have over heads and children to feed don't ya know!



:lol:

[uksteve]

thats right my kids can go hungry instead:oi-grr:

[HTFU]

was like that in the cycle industry in the 90s and early 00s. Example a rear drop out on a frame would cost the shop $40 so to make a margin you were looking at $70 retail, which is just plain crazy. Now the same dropouts are 15-20 wholesale so sell for $35-40. Whats changed ? China I think.

I went to get a plastic indicator for my GN from local Suzuki shop . $110 for one. Amazing for a piece of plastic. I bought an after-market set for $35. Would love to know their wholesale prices and the wholesalers prices. Crazy industry this motorbike one.

[boomer]

THE IMPORTERS ARE THE REAL ROBBIN BASTARDS!


PS.. you'll like this Steve... Whats the difference between batman and a scouser...??

























































































Batman can go out without robbin...

[uksteve]

ay go ed whack

[P38]

Yep

Stealerships know how to charge alright.

Sad thing is everytime they quote a ridculous price people tend to get resourceful and shop around.

It aint hard to find better prices on the net, eg Ebay, Trademe etc.

My local Suzuki dealership quoted $599 for a Nolan helmet I am about to purchase.

I can order it on the net and have it delivered for around $350.

Just another sale they wont make.

[EJK]

Yep

Stealerships know how to charge alright.

Sad thing is everytime they quote a ridculous price people tend to get resourceful and shop around.

It aint hard to find better prices on the net, eg Ebay, Trademe etc.

My local Suzuki dealership quoted $599 for a Nolan helmet I am about to purchase.

I can order it on the net and have it delivered for around $350.

Just another sale they wont make.

If we all do that, how would the dealers make money? :msn-wink:

[uksteve]

If we all do that, how would the dealers make money? :msn-wink:

Too right EJKDDORAI. It is a small world now and any one can import, with the US NZ$ cross rate being so favourable why would you pay retail prices?

[Richard Mc F]

Yet they get away with it and do it with a straight face...............hapens every where

thinks...........how do I get a piece of that action....:devil2:

[Sparky Bills]

Yep

Stealerships know how to charge alright.

Sad thing is everytime they quote a ridculous price people tend to get resourceful and shop around.

It aint hard to find better prices on the net, eg Ebay, Trademe etc.

My local Suzuki dealership quoted $599 for a Nolan helmet I am about to purchase.

I can order it on the net and have it delivered for around $350.

Just another sale they wont make.


And you wonder why the prices are high?
Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!:stupid:

[boomer]

And you wonder why the prices are high?
Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!:stupid:

Hey Sparky Bills.. NEWS FLASH... curtains are sooooo 80's.... every ones' into blinds these days...


The look is simple, elegant, clean and unfussy.

JAPANESE PANEL BLINDS ARE THE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE FOR LARGE WINDOW SPACES and look fabulous in modern apartments, patios and luxury penthouses. Japanese Panel blinds STUNNING LOOKS will enhance the sophistication of your room and window space.

http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/extremely-versatile.gif JAPANESE PANEL BLINDS CAN DIVIDE AN OPEN SPACE INTO TWO SPACES - ANYTIME. Transform a living room into an intimate dining area or private work place - ON DEMAND.

http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/designyourlook.gif Choose FEWER, WIDE WIDTH PANELS OR MORE NARROW WIDTH PANEL. <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="410"><tbody><tr valign="top"> <td class="articletext" width="220"> Choose from a collection of rich colours and fabrics including: LINEN, COTTON, HESSIAN EARTH AND SUEDE TEXTURES.

POLYSCREEN FABRIC ALSO AVAILABLE, combining privacy, maximum view and feel of openness.</td> <td width="20">http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/20x20pxspacer.gif</td> <td width="170">
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</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3">http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/30pxspacer.gif</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Sparky Bills]

Hmmmmm...
Yeah thats my bad haha.

Well I was born in the 80's, so what do you expect?:whistle:

[Pussy]

From memory, UK Steve, it was a "plus 50" H7 bulb from Repco in that headlight. Approx $20.00

[cowpoos]

Hey Sparky Bills.. NEWS FLASH... curtains are sooooo 80's.... every ones' into blinds these days...


The look is simple, elegant, clean and unfussy.

JAPANESE PANEL BLINDS ARE THE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE FOR LARGE WINDOW SPACES and look fabulous in modern apartments, patios and luxury penthouses. Japanese Panel blinds STUNNING LOOKS will enhance the sophistication of your room and window space.

http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/extremely-versatile.gif JAPANESE PANEL BLINDS CAN DIVIDE AN OPEN SPACE INTO TWO SPACES - ANYTIME. Transform a living room into an intimate dining area or private work place - ON DEMAND.

http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/designyourlook.gif Choose FEWER, WIDE WIDTH PANELS OR MORE NARROW WIDTH PANEL. <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="410"><tbody><tr valign="top"> <td class="articletext" width="220"> Choose from a collection of rich colours and fabrics including: LINEN, COTTON, HESSIAN EARTH AND SUEDE TEXTURES.

POLYSCREEN FABRIC ALSO AVAILABLE, combining privacy, maximum view and feel of openness.</td> <td width="20">http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/20x20pxspacer.gif</td> <td width="170">
http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/panel-fabrics.jpg
</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3">http://www.perfectblinds.com/site/jap-panels/images/30pxspacer.gif</td></tr></tbody></table>
you must spread rep around...blah blah blah blah... boomer again.

[hospitalfood]

I get pissed off with colemans. there is something about them that makes me go elsewhere, and its not just the price.

[The Stranger]

And you wonder why the prices are high?
Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!:stupid:

How much backup can you give someone for a light bulb?

[limbimtimwim]

And you wonder why the prices are high?
Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!:stupid:The computer industry went through the same in the 90's. Margins went from 100% to not a hell of a lot. And at the same time prices on the kit went through the floor. A basic keyboard used to cost over $100. Now a basic one is $30. The changes like that destroyed businesses like my old man's. In the space of just a handful of years he went from raking in the money (Huge house, a yacht and a house in the Sounds) to not a hell of a lot (Small house, no yacht, useless section).

But it means for you, you get considerable choice in your purchases and you get an absolute truckload for your money.

So in a similar fashion; I'd expect the traditional motorcycle retailer to nearly disappear. The only way a traditional motorcycle shop will survive is if it does something that a website or a shop on razor thin margins staffed by goofy teenagers can't. I offer no suggestions on what that is.

Like a modern computer, a modern motorcycle will become a commodity item. If it breaks, throw it away and get a new one. Same with the gear; you won't fix those pants, you'll just chuck 'em out and get this years colours because that is less hassle and you'll look cooler.

I'm not saying this is a good thing, I'm just asking you to not look so surprised when you notice in a few years it all looks quite a lot different. Websites killing accessory sales is probably only the start.

[tri boy]

Like a modern computer, a modern motorcycle will become a commodity item. If it breaks, throw it away and get a new one. Same with the gear; you won't fix those pants, you'll just chuck 'em out and get this years colours because that is less hassle and you'll look cooler.




The car industry is heading that way fast. New gearboxes on certain Subaru's/Mitzi's are sealed items.
Thats right folks, if it needs a bearing, tuff shit, throw the box away because it just isn't worth repairing.
And as for people buying Jap 4x4's for their Towing ability:killingme
Its a brand new set of rules out there now.

[Sparky Bills]

How much backup can you give someone for a light bulb?

When did i mention a bulb?
I quoted the dude buying a helmet over the net didnt I?

[The Stranger]

When did i mention a bulb?
I quoted the dude buying a helmet over the net didnt I?


Sorry, my bad, I thought for a minute there that you were referring to the principal in general with comments like.

Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!

However, my experience so far is that backup on a helmet is not too dissimilar to that required on a light bulb.

[Storm]

The problem is, everyone has a story about how they/their mates got ripped off so hard their arse bled for weeks, and is only too keen to shove one up a dealer.
At the end of the day, if a dealer is doing ok by their customers, they'll be right. And vice versa of course

[Kittyhawk]

The reason why parts are expensive is because there are few stores and they have the monolopy...

Its very similar to music shops...

[bucket boy]

you get pissed of ive been getting some parts in for a binned zx14 i brought stealership priced all of parts so far out of ball park eg the silly little air duct plastic there not even 1 foot square $450 ebay oem $22 in wrapper and it was like this for every part so good job when they have no customers days are over ripping customers of like theyve done for years

[kro]

The fine line between profit, and profiteering. A business has to be making around 30% margin to grow.
If for arguments sake, the bulb is $12.00 from the importer, then it should retail for around 17-20 in a store that wants to be both competitive, but not undermine its margin. $50.00 for a bulb, and an aftermarket one at that, is excessive.

I see this constantly in my industry, our main competitor will quote a price to a customer, who then comes and tries us instead, and we are heaps cheaper on our bog standard book rate, which we can sharpen up again, and our competition lose a sale, and often a regular customer.

[boomer]

Sorry, my bad, I thought for a minute there that you were referring to the principal in general with comments like.

Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!

However, my experience so far is that backup on a helmet is not too dissimilar to that required on a light bulb.


bwahahhahahahahah ... owned!

[James Deuce]

At the end of the day, limited customer base retail outlets like motorcycle shops and musical instrument shops rely on relationships built over years.

Some salespeople understand that and are prepared put years into being friendly with people to get a small sale, because often that small sale translates into business worth a few thousand dollars a year. In some cases I've bought nothing, but a friendly attitude and a bit of respect may swing a sale their direction come new bike time. I've bought bikes from salesmen in bike shops who would have no idea if I'd ever seen the inside of their shop. Others I have somehow ended up buying a can of Red Bull for the salesman whenever I visit the shop.

There's a large group of newbies emerging into the market at the moment and they need to know that you can got to Repco and buy an H4 bulb for less than $20, or an oil filter for less than the OEM part rrp of $120. Dealers need to understand that 250% markups over some other outlet's retail price will get them sprung, mostly thanks to communities like this.

[kevfromcoro]

Yeah it pisses us off allright...these guys just seem to charge what they like..
You should see the prices of outboard motor parts
Anything with marine written on it is way over the top...

[James Deuce]

Yep

Stealerships know how to charge alright.

Sad thing is everytime they quote a ridculous price people tend to get resourceful and shop around.

It aint hard to find better prices on the net, eg Ebay, Trademe etc.

My local Suzuki dealership quoted $599 for a Nolan helmet I am about to purchase.

I can order it on the net and have it delivered for around $350.

Just another sale they wont make.

I get a big enough discount from my crack, err, motorcycle dealer to make shopping overseas not worthwhile. A crack dealer, err, motorcycle dealer relationship goes two ways, if you want to put the effort in.

[Elise]

I get pissed off with colemans. there is something about them that makes me go elsewhere, and its not just the price.

Agreed
I bought a GN from them a couple of years ago, it had a fucked carburettor, and “idled” around 4000rpm, made it a bitch to ride as id be at the lights and when they turned green, I’d release the clutch and almost throw myself into the car in front of me. For a beginner rider this was quite scarry.

Took it back 3 times to colemens to fix, and every time the bike came back with the same problem...

[Sanx]

THE IMPORTERS ARE THE REAL ROBBIN BASTARDS!


PS.. you'll like this Steve... Whats the difference between batman and a scouser...??
Batman can go out with robbin...

...without Robin. Sheesh.

[Swoop]

Like a modern computer, a modern motorcycle will become a commodity item. If it breaks, throw it away and get a new one.
So true when discussing suzukis...:rolleyes:

[EJK]

Anymore rip offs we should care about??

[Conquiztador]

Wanted NV400 head gaskets. Local shop quoted $99/gasket, was told had to come in from Japan. Bought from a chap that is also on here (Honda shop) for half price and had them inside 3 days...

[boomer]

Sheesh.



kebab?!



.....

[limbimtimwim]

Don't buy spark plugs for your Honda RVF400 (NC35) in New Zealand. Get them from somewhere else.

[Edbear]

The fine line between profit, and profiteering. A business has to be making around 30% margin to grow.
If for arguments sake, the bulb is $12.00 from the importer, then it should retail for around 17-20 in a store that wants to be both competitive, but not undermine its margin. $50.00 for a bulb, and an aftermarket one at that, is excessive.

I see this constantly in my industry, our main competitor will quote a price to a customer, who then comes and tries us instead, and we are heaps cheaper on our bog standard book rate, which we can sharpen up again, and our competition lose a sale, and often a regular customer.



When I was running my own business back in the '90's my accountant told me I had to make 33% GP or I wasn't viable. In five years I increased turnover four-fold and my GP from 26% to 43%. Even at 43% GP average, which on my biggest seller meant a 110% markup, I was still considerably cheaper than my competition! For example, a torch I sold for $65.00, was $84.00 from my competition, yet I made as much or more per item due to me being the importer's largest reseller giving me better buy rates. The funny thing is, my cometition was, (is), a national chain. However the Energizer batteries I only made 5-10% on and often sold them at cost. My second biggest selling item was the same price as the supermarkets yet I still had a 30% GP on that. But I sold it in bulk and bought by the tonne ex-factory.

Many of the items I sold as a one-man show were cheaper than the big stores and my business was growing faster than I could capitalise. I was about a month away from doubling turnover on the bulk stuff when I got sick.

Lesson? Don't work yourself into the ground, listen to your accountant and take it in stages, take care of your health and you'll survive to be competition to the bigger shops who can take the knocks and still be around. There's a reason why Coleman's are still in business despite being typical of the seemingly rip-off margins on some items.

The car/bike parts industry is always about these stories. I ordered my VA lowers direct from the manufacturer in the States as Suzuki NZ didn't have anything for my bike and they arrived in four days at a very reasonable $195NZ at my door including shipping insurance! In 6 months, Bikesport Helensville was unable to get the leather tank protector from Suzuki NZ despite it being a listed accessory and despite repeated assurances it would be "in next week". Mathew gave up and cancelled the order and suggested I get it myself from the States direct.

[Robert Taylor]

I'm not a person who normally gets irate, whats the point, life is too short and who needs to be bitter and twisted. This incident however did make my blood boil.
My low beam headlight bulb on the gixxer had blown so I went onto the Colemans website to enquire what the price was. I entered all the details into their enquiry screen and waited a couple of days for a response.As usual there wasn't one, infact I don't know why I bothered because I have never, ever recieved a response to any of the enquiries sent via that site.
A day later I rang up and enquired on the price. The guy on the phone said "if you want a genuine one that'll be $150", shocked by this I said 'how much?" to which he replied 'we have accessory ones from Narva for $55." Surely no one in their right mind would be happy to pay either price.
I rang Narva and they sell the same unit for $16 retail. Now I know you have to make a margin on these things but this can be classified as a blatant rip off. How many other items are they ripping the bag on?. Like me have you been or potentially been a victim of their merciless greed and their total dissrespect for their clientele?

If a rip off is a rip off then fair enough. But the danger with internet forums is that the other party may not get a fair hearing and there does seem to be a kangaroo court reaction. With respect to indicators the aftermarket accessory ones are predominantly made of tissue paper comapred to oem. Cheap comes at a price, normally dissappointment not too far down the road.

[Max Preload]

Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.

And just how would that be any fucking different?

[P38]

I get a big enough discount from my crack, err, motorcycle dealer to make shopping overseas not worthwhile. A crack dealer, err, motorcycle dealer relationship goes two ways, if you want to put the effort in.

Yeah well if there was $50 or so in it I probally wouldn't bother.

As for relationships I just wanna buy stuff at a reasonable price, not marry the theiving bastards.

And I've found there's more reward in puttin effort into sniffin out the bargins.

Sometimes thats the local guy, Sometimes Not.

[P38]

And you wonder why the prices are high?
Remember if you do that, there will be no backup from any shops for you.
Its people like you who are ruining this industry.
I garrantee, you will be the first to complain when shops stop bringing curtain items in.
Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan!:stupid:

What do you mean "Its people like you who are ruining this industry".

By this Do you mean people like me who refuse to get ripped off?

Do you like getting ripped off?

Would you not buy a similar item if you found it elsewhere at a better price?

Be honest with yourself now.

I buy stuff from overseas on a semi regular basis, and your right sometimes you do need back up.

One electrical item I bought recently from a Chicago company failed. I emailed them, they replied overnight and I sent the item back. 10 days later the goods were returned all fixed. Thats probally better service than what I'd get from down the road.

Your also right when you say "Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan"
I expect thats why theres thousands of Jap import Cars on our roads.
I would even go so far as to say You probally own one.

Maybe we should ask "Why buy a bike here"? They too are much cheaper elsewhere.

Maybe we dont need Stealerships, Maybe they will dissappear, Maybe no will care

As long as the goods people want are still avalible to them through some other means maybe no one will miss them either.

[Conquiztador]

Not long now before all NZ service is done from Philippines.

"Ooo golli gosh, you need servise sir"

[boomer]

Yeah well if there was $50 or so in it I probally wouldn't bother.

As for relationships I just wanna buy stuff at a reasonable price, not marry the theiving bastards.

And I've found there's more reward in puttin effort into sniffin out the bargins.

Sometimes thats the local guy, Sometimes Not.

i prefer sniffin glue, however there's little reward in it.


ps.. i'm an import; Brought in at a huge cost. i don't believe i'm wafer thin. or am i an export.. i always get confused

[Max Preload]

Not long now before all NZ service is done from Philippines.

"Ooo golli gosh, you need servise sir"

Firstly, your impression is more stereotypically Indian than Filipino.

Secondly, most Filipinos I've met speak (and no doubt write) better English than NZ'ers. I'm sitting next to a Filipino at work these days, and his English is just fine and his manner is couteous and helpful. He's been here 6 months. On my other side is an Indian, only 1 year the country, and he's the same.

So I say, the sooner the better! Who the fuck would want to speak to Lynn of Tawa?

[Katman]

Would you not buy a similar item if you found it elsewhere at a better price?





Believe me, we're out there. You just have to look past the flashy dealership signs.

[boomer]

Secondly, most Filipinos I've met speak (and no doubt write) better English than NZ'ers. I'm sitting next to a Filipino at work these days, and his English is just fine and his manner is couteous and helpful. He's been here 6 months. On my other side is an Indian, only 1 year the country, and he's the same.


I bet you three have great fun striving towards your 2nd Ronald Mcdonald Trainee star

[Max Preload]

I bet you three have great fun striving towards your 2nd Ronald Mcdonald Trainee star

I didn't know mechanical and project engineers qualified.

Of course the main reason they've had to get so many immigrants is that NZer's simply aren't up to the task. Why don't you ask some of your pals on the night shift restocking shelves at Pak 'n' Slave with you if they even finished high school...

[insane1]

colemans arent that bad at all have had some really good deals from alastair and willnot shop anwhere else.

[boomer]

I didn't know mechanical and project engineers qualified.

All that time at school wasted.

Never mind, another 2 stars and they'll let you make the difficult stuff.. like a Big Mac and Chicken Burger ;)


Of course the main reason they've had to get so many immigrants is that NZer's simply aren't up to the task. Why don't you ask some of your pals on the night shift restocking shelves at Pak 'n' Slave with you if they even finished high school...


finished...??? finished....??? you have to 'start' to finish!

[Robert Taylor]

What do you mean "Its people like you who are ruining this industry".

By this Do you mean people like me who refuse to get ripped off?

Do you like getting ripped off?

Would you not buy a similar item if you found it elsewhere at a better price?

Be honest with yourself now.

I buy stuff from overseas on a semi regular basis, and your right sometimes you do need back up.

One electrical item I bought recently from a Chicago company failed. I emailed them, they replied overnight and I sent the item back. 10 days later the goods were returned all fixed. Thats probally better service than what I'd get from down the road.

Your also right when you say "Why buy a car in NZ? They are soo much cheaper in Japan"
I expect thats why theres thousands of Jap import Cars on our roads.
I would even go so far as to say You probally own one.

Maybe we should ask "Why buy a bike here"? They too are much cheaper elsewhere.

Maybe we dont need Stealerships, Maybe they will dissappear, Maybe no will care

As long as the goods people want are still avalible to them through some other means maybe no one will miss them either.

Would the last person to leave NZ please turn the lights out. I am in the position of seeing it from all sides and without time to engage in a large diatribe it is not as black and white as many of you guys see it. Suffice to say the cost of doing business in NZ is very high, the returns at the end of the day are very average and an isolated country of low population magnifies many of the stocking issues for distributors. How can everything be stocked with a good stock turn when we have such a small population, half of it on welfare....
Every overseas purchase is a kick in the guts for the employment prospects of joe average New Zealander, FACT.

[James Deuce]

Yeah well if there was $50 or so in it I probally wouldn't bother.

As for relationships I just wanna buy stuff at a reasonable price, not marry the theiving bastards.

And I've found there's more reward in puttin effort into sniffin out the bargins.

Sometimes thats the local guy, Sometimes Not.

The retail stuff I buy is the least of my purchases at my friendly dealer. You'd be surprised how quickly stuff will get turned around for you if you behave in a friendly and polite fashion.


There usually is only $50 or so difference, mostly less, in Internet purchases. The whole shipping thing from the US is a nightmare. Fed-Ex and UPS charge a freaking fortune including insurance which some vendors insist on.

I bought stuff of Shaun Harris for the Zed. He got the Ohlins sprung and setup for my bike before it went out the door. It cost me no extra, but it was right first time, no screwing about, and he genuinely gave a shit about how it had worked out for me. I'll taken personal service over a muntered box and no recourse any day.

[The Pastor]

at the end of the day, $150 for a light bulb is a complete ripp off. I hate having to pay $60 for some o rings, $100 for a set of bolts. $300 for a waterpump.

[vifferman]

Something no-one's mentioned is that I'd imagine brand dealerships have to stock and obtain factory parts, and don't necessarily have the luxury of obtaining parts through alternative sources.
That doesn't excuse shit service though.

I value loyalty very highly: I tend to be loyal to stores that treat me OK, and if I'm committed to buying goods or services with them instead of shopping around for the cheapest I can find, I expect they'll treat me OK in return.

That's why I keep going back to Motohaus: Kerry is pretty much straight with me, so I buy as many of the things I need from him as I can, and because I do that, he gives me good prices in return. However, the bottom line is I know he has to make a living, so I don't expect him to do stuff for free (although sometimes he does), or to sell me stuff at a loss, just to meet a price I saw somewhere else.

The best example of pragmatic thinking I've come across is a computer supply /service company that used to share the premises of a software company I worked at in the late 90s. This was the time of expensive IBM products and cheap clones starting to come on the market. The owner aimed to make 30% margin overall, which meant a profitable company. Time and again, he had customers saying, "Why are you so dear? I can get this product at Joe's Computers down the road for $150 less!"
His answer: "You buy it there then, if price is important to you. But I'll see you six months down the line, when the computer craps out and Joe's gone out of business."
And more often than not, that's what happened. :yes:
Heh. There was one building in our street that saw a procession of one 'fly by night' PC importer/dealer after another - something like 6 or 7 in two years. All but one went bust; the one that didn't had such a good business model that they had to move to bigger premises.

[uksteve]

I agree its not all about price. Quality, lead time then price. If you haven't got the first two then price is irrelevant. I do also agree about relationship building. I'll give you a good example of this. I brought a charger for an i-pod off an internet sight in NZ. When i ordered online a conformation e-mail was sent immediatly notify me it was in stock and would be shipped the next day. The next day i received an e-mail to say that it had been shipped with the tracking number. That day i receved the goods. It was packaged well, proffesionally labelled. When i opened the box there was a complimentary pen and a thankyou note for buying their product. The next day i received a call to make sure i had recived the goods and if the service was satisfactory. This going the extra mile didn't cost them much at all, although I became one of their best salesmen, telling all that would listen what a fantastic company and service they provided. Colemans have the same opportunity but decline to use it. Why??????

[The Pastor]

cycletreads also take not of what uksteve just said.

[pzkpfw]

For the record, I needed a new bolt for my Z. (One fell off; another story.)

Used www.Kawasaki.com to get part number of bolt.

Ordered from Motorad over the phone.

Got here in just three days. (Two nights)

Only $7.50 so I got two, just in case.

(I don't think that's a bad price for a genuine - made in Japan exactly the same as the other three similar bolts still on the bike - bolt).

They were friendly too.

[MarkDv]

I agree its not all about price. Quality, lead time then price. If you haven't got the first two then price is irrelevant. I do also agree about relationship building. I'll give you a good example of this. I brought a charger for an i-pod off an internet sight in NZ. When i ordered online a conformation e-mail was sent immediatly notify me it was in stock and would be shipped the next day. The next day i received an e-mail to say that it had been shipped with the tracking number. That day i receved the goods. It was packaged well, proffesionally labelled. When i opened the box there was a complimentary pen and a thankyou note for buying their product. The next day i received a call to make sure i had recived the goods and if the service was satisfactory. This going the extra mile didn't cost them much at all, although I became one of their best salesmen, telling all that would listen what a fantastic company and service they provided. Colemans have the same opportunity but decline to use it. Why??????

Customers are a great sales tool, but the old saying is "People will tell 10 people (or hundreds if they piss off a KBer) about bad service and one about good" Personally I agree with the above comments, Jamie at Whangarei Yamaha provides great service at good prices, has done since i went to him to get parts for my last bike. in fact was good enough I bought my XVS off him this year.

The 2 things to remember is know your prices and build a relationship with a parts retailer (either dealership or Repco type company)

[Dave Lobster]

At the risk of being sent to the corner with the D hat on..

I've found Coleman's to be alright. I'm buying a brand new bike off them today. Matt the salesman has always been alright with me. Always friendly and chatty, even though I've never bought anything from them in the past. Never hassled me into buying anything, or to go out for a testride on things, just to force a sale. He's even knocked me a fair few bucks off a bike that was already up at a discount price.

I've never bought any 'spares' from them. But to be honest, if I was buying a bulb for a bike, I'd have gone to Repco anyway.

[Tank]

The best example of pragmatic thinking I've come across is a computer supply /service company that used to share the premises of a software company I worked at in the late 90s. This was the time of expensive IBM products and cheap clones starting to come on the market. The owner aimed to make 30% margin overall, which meant a profitable company. Time and again, he had customers saying, "Why are you so dear? I can get this product at Joe's Computers down the road for $150 less!"
His answer: "You buy it there then, if price is important to you. But I'll see you six months down the line, when the computer craps out and Joe's gone out of business."
And more often than not, that's what happened. :yes:
Heh. There was one building in our street that saw a procession of one 'fly by night' PC importer/dealer after another - something like 6 or 7 in two years. All but one went bust; the one that didn't had such a good business model that they had to move to bigger premises.

And the problem is as soon as someone did it cheap AND well IBM died. Dell took over and everyone who purchases a machine off them has the machine made to order in Singapore (or somewhere). Whens the last time you saw someone buy a new IBM pc?

This is whats happening to dealers. TRADEME is allowing loads of cheap 'shops' and its becoming a de-facto choice when shopping around.

[James Deuce]

IBM Sold their PC business to ACER. About 5 years ago.

[Swoop]

Not long now before all NZ service is done from Philippines.

"Ooo golli gosh, you need servise sir"
This is exactly what Air NZ is doing. "Let's get our long-haul airplanes serviced in china!"...

Fucked if I'm ever flying international with that airline again, until the maintenance is done elsewhere.

[Kickaha]

This is exactly what Air NZ is doing. "Let's get our long-haul airplanes serviced in china!"...

Fucked if I'm ever flying international with that airline again, until the maintenance is done elsewhere.

I think you'll find they still maintain the planes in NZ, after looking at doing it in China and deciding against it.

[cave weta]

Well! this thread is 5 years old! and when I google 'Colemans Suzuki' this thread is at the top of the list- which means that it is the most viewed internet site that mentions the words Colemans Suzuki.
Fuck Im glad that it is not MY business!

[scumdog]

I went to get a plastic indicator for my GN from local Suzuki shop . $110 for one. Amazing for a piece of plastic. I bought an after-market set for $35. Would love to know their wholesale prices and the wholesalers prices. Crazy industry this motorbike one.

:crazy::eek: Worse than Harley prices!!

[Road kill]

:crazy::eek: Worse than Harley prices!!

I never found Harley prices to be that bad, but "after market" Harley prices were certainly a whole different subject.

But then again I always got good service at reasonable prices from Colemans,so what would I know.

[BoristheBiter]

We have purchased most of our bikes (road) from Colemans and have never had anything but excellent service.
Same goes for the service department but I would never get parts or my bike serviced there due to their prices.