Why spend your money in NZ with this service?

**jellywrestler** · 12th December 2009, 19:28

I want a set of air filters, easily available off Ebay, or Show and Go motorcycles in Aussie but thought I'd try the local importer W Whites ltd
Asked two simple questions, price and availability, bikes a wee while off so absolutely no hurry as follows
hi folks,
looking for a set of k and n air filters rc 2454
do you have a price and availabliity so i can order through my local dealer please
thanks
graeme

Hi Graeme,

Sadly we do not carry this filter. We can if, ordered through your local dealer, order it in for you approx eta 4-6 weeks.

Best regards,

Marc Wilson,

Customer services,

W White (wholesale) LTD

Hamilton,

New Zealand.

Phone +64 7 849-5493

Fax +64 7 849-6493

Web www.whites.co.nz

www.bits4bikes.co.nz

I replied expressing my concern that he was so sad about not having these in stock, explaining that (A) he didn't answer one of my two simple questions, and could he please answer this (B) that I was in no hurry whatsoever and that was a couple of weeks ago. No word since. Anyone else had similar dealings with W Whites?

No wonder people spend their money overseas...

**PirateJafa** · 12th December 2009, 19:46

The price is less than appealing in NZ too.

For the cost of a slip-on muffler here in NZ, I bought a carbon-fibre Yoshimura, a Power Commander III and a K&N air filter off Ebay and still had $100 left in the hand after paying shipping and GST.

What can I say, I now love Ebay.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 12th December 2009, 20:25

Originally Posted by PirateJafa

For the cost of a slip-on muffler here in NZ, I bought a carbon-fibre Yoshimura, a Power Commander III and a K&N air filter off Ebay and still had $100 left in the hand after paying shipping and GST.

New, or used?

**PirateJafa** · 12th December 2009, 20:48

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

New, or used?

"New" to all of the above.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 12th December 2009, 20:51

Originally Posted by PirateJafa

"New" to all of the above.

That's certainly good buying then!

**Molly** · 12th December 2009, 20:52

My AGV lid: 170 pounds from the UK or $640 off the shelf in ChCh. They must think we're f'kin' stupid. Books are another big, big f'kin rip-off. Australian author, printed in China - 8 pounds from Amazon.co.uk or $50 bastard dollars from Borders.

I'm all for supporting local business but the best they tend to be able to do is say: "I can order it in for you". If you can't be arsed to carry the stock, I can't be arsed to buy from you.

**CookMySock** · 12th December 2009, 20:58

Businesses aren't here to kiss your arse.. they are here to line THEIR pockets with your money, and then go buy toys with it. That's what businesses DO. Perhaps you have a better idea how they might make money, but I bet you don't know better than they do.

Steve

**Taz** · 12th December 2009, 20:58

Cue Robert Taylor around now......

**jellywrestler** · 12th December 2009, 22:04

Originally Posted by Molly

If you can't be arsed to carry the stock, I can't be arsed to buy from you.

I was pretty sure thay wouldn't have any of these in stock as its for an old GS1000 and prepared to wait to. There are so many different makes and models and what with a lot of people dealing direct overseas, quicker freight times than it used to be, its no wonder local stock is limited.
Point is I tried local and got no where.

**McJim** · 12th December 2009, 22:12

It's all about population and numbers - if they can guarantee shifting more units then they can afford to drop the %age margin in an effort to win market share - this is why branded stuff is so much cheaper in UK, US, Europe, Japan and even little old Oz (which I still consider to have a small population).

New Zealand and Australia will remain small populations because (despite being populated almost 100% by immigrants) they are both incredibly unfriendly places to emigrate to.

**Quasievil** · 12th December 2009, 22:33

First , its up to the retailer to set the pricing RRP is only that a RRP, 2nd they gave you and ETA 4-6 weeks, what else did you want?

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

**bikerboy011** · 13th December 2009, 01:25

Ebay is the way to go, its cheaper and it takes less time to get stuff but shipping is a bit high.

**Brian d marge** · 13th December 2009, 03:26

Originally Posted by Quasievil

First , its up to the retailer to set the pricing RRP is only that a RRP, 2nd they gave you and ETA 4-6 weeks, what else did you want?

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

Hang on !!!!

I am here in Japan and I bought stuff from you ,( back protector )

service was great , product was great , value for money excellent

BUT

I deal a lot with NZ suppliers , as noted before I choose first NZ , then overseas
pretty much ALL NZ suppliers are friggen useless at communication

Except F1 in Hamilton ,,Steve is pretty good at communication and his Job

Ya get one chance Ya screw up ( and I am lenient ) I place order overseas ,( doesn't mean they are any better , but for a brake lever , Rapid proto try 100 us , NZ 750 Nz dollar

Honestly Kiwis has NO idea about customer service ,,,( ya really dont )

its MY money if YOU want it HELP me/ friggen provide a Friggen Service

Stephen

**Owl** · 13th December 2009, 07:52

Originally Posted by Quasievil

buying overseas is always an option of course, each purchase is another nail in the NZ bike industry coffins, even if the price is better blah blah blah..................sad but true

You're right of course and it is sad to see motorcycle shops close.

However, they do need a wake-up call in terms of service. It pisses me off no end when I do my homework, find a product I want (in NZ), only to find it's no longer available here. Shop shows it's still available and the importer often shows it's still available, but websites never seem to be updated.

A couple examples just to prove a point: Do a google search in NZ for an "Alpinestars TZ-1 Jacket". I was informed over 18 months ago that this jacket was no longer available here and the shop needed to update its website (Sorry bout that

). Yet I see the same outfit still has it advertised???

Six months ago I wanted a battery charger, read reviews etc and decided on the "Optimate 4". Sorry, no can do, yet Northern Accessories still have that listed on their website.

I'm pleased to see Cycletreads have updated their's though.

Ok rant over and I will still do my best to support local bike shops. A new one opens here very soon, which will be focused on customer service. Saturday workshop dedicated to WOF and tyre fitting only. Hell, I'm going to make the most of that!