I am the workshop manager for one of the largest dealerships in NZ

[Maha]

Jesus fucking Christ on a pony!

Aren't they the same person?

[Fatt Max]

Aren't they the same person?

Lol, laugh of the day that, just spat me tea out all over the fecking keyboard.......

[Hiflyer]

Give me a discount here and there if I keep coming back, maybe remember my name and do the job well and that's all I'd want. Oh and a loan bike if I need one.

[Gremlin]

Ok... I'll bite and log in specially for this. If it helps shops, why not... so far the posts mostly haven't been very helpful. (edit, took me so long to finish, more helpful posts had been done).

Bear in mind, I have basically two dealerships I use. A honda dealership for my Hornet and a KTM dealer for my KTM. I don't play off dealers against each other, and value long term relationships with my dealers.

So, I like having a relationship. It goes both ways. The shop squeezes the odd job in when necessary, they get all relevant business no questions asked, and also know who has been working on the bike (ie... them) and I try to let them know whats a priority job, what can be shuffled for their other priority jobs etc. I know the mechanics, they know the bike, and basically, they do whatever is necessary to keep the bike in top condition. Any surprises, ideally they ask before hand. I also like being told when things are done, bike is ready to be picked up, I've noticed many shops fail to do that, and you have to waste everyone's time, just to be told yep, been ready for a few hours. Loaners are also a given... gotta get away from the shop somehow. Doesn't have to be anything flash, as I have other bikes, and its usually just used to get to it (unless its a good bike, then I'll take the opportunity to learn it, with the possibility of recommending it to people). I generally don't quibble on the bill as they look after me, and I'm on whatever discount scheme (mind you, each shop gets thousands a year - so not too surprising).

What do I hate? Being jerked around basically. Telling me one thing, doing something else. Telling me it will be ready then, then it isn't. Back to relationship with shop, mine don't do that to me, know I'm reasonable with time it takes to do a service etc.

The biggest thing that often manufacturers and dealers don't realise... I will not buy a brand/model of bike if there isn't a decent dealer to look after it that I trust. I know others who believe the same, and have sold bikes and shifted to something else as the dealer could not be trusted. Currently, I have no problems buying a KTM or Honda (hence why I have them) because the dealers who look after them are fantastic (and they know it because I tell them so).

Dealers to me are not just a place to buy a bike and not see again for a couple of years. Both bikes are being serviced several times a year - usually about 3-5 times, plus all the other bits of work, tyres etc. I'm normally visiting (odd... sometimes they call it perstering? ) either shop at least once a month, discussing work, problems, accessories or whatever.

[sidecar bob]

I have run my own automotive repair business for about 15 years & id say the best advice i can give is to "Do what you said you were going to do, when you said you were going to do it".
Also, Communicate the problem & required fix to the client, covering all repair options & the benifits & pitfalls of each, for example, new parts vs used & the costs involved, dont be afraid to over explain things, nobody will complain about that. Use sample parts or pictures from the service manual to make yourself understood as to why things needs to be done.
Stick to quote, and inform at the earliest possibility as to how much it will go over quote if its going to, & exactly why.
Spend sufficent time with the client to make them feel fully involved & part of the repair process every step of the way.

[NONONO]

I remember...long long ago...taking my old Goldie into Spectrum Motorcycles for another service, only to be told to bugger off after they had checked it over. No cost, no superfluous parts, just a gentle reminder to stick to the service intervals and not try and make them rich with unnecessary work.
Always had time for my stupid questions, never too busy to listen.
That's the kind of service I come back for.

[bogan]

I have run my own automotive repair business for about 15 years & id say the best advice i can give is to "Do what you said you were going to do, when you said you were going to do it".
Also, Communicate the problem & required fix to the client, covering all repair options & the benifits & pitfalls of each, for example, new parts vs used & the costs involved, dont be afraid to over explain things, nobody will complain about that. Use sample parts or pictures from the service manual to make yourself understood as to why things needs to be done.
Stick to quote, and inform at the earliest possibility as to how much it will go over quote if its going to, & exactly why.
Spend sufficent time with the client to make them feel fully involved & part of the repair process every step of the way.

good advice for any buisness, though I would be sure you can do what you say you will.

[Rogue Rider]

Jesus rides an M109R

Jesus would ride a Triumph, he would be gallant and righteous riding a Triumph fueled with fire not rice lol.... 2 corr 2:14? lol.


With regards to the mechanical service issue,

I like dealing with people I trust. This usually means I get to know them a bit, and they know and value me. I'm not a customer, I'm a fellow biker..
I don't like surprises, I like my bike work completed fully as agreed for the price suggested. No frilly extra un-necessary charges.
I like all the bolts and parts fiddled with checked and double checked, by senior mechanic. I like the right bolts put in the right places, to the right tension. (surprisingly I have picked up my bike from places and found bolts only finger tight, including handlebars.
I like easy payment terms, being able to pay things off is huge, especially when costs are high.
I like being able to get free advice, and being shown things I don't understand.


I use Warkworth Motorcycles for all my work. They are a small dealership, but have a very knowledgeable team there. They work on all my bikes and do a tremendous job. They have what I call good old fashioned service, which goes a long way in my book. I have an account and can get all my gears there. Most places are poohs and offer no payment terms. Sometimes you need some time to pay for things.........

[dipshit]

Jesus would ride a Triumph, he would be gallant and righteous riding a Triumph fueled with fire not rice lol.... 2 corr 2:14? lol...

It was Moses that road across the desert in triumph.

[Smifffy]

My cage mechanic sends me txts when he has my car. We both find that very convenient.

I like service Dept managers that ask their customers what they like, and deliver it, rather than an internet forum that can't even agree on what motorcycle Jesus rides.

[Smifffy]

Double post FTW!

[sidecar bob]

The money lending industry is a completely different field to vehicle repairs, I wouldnt choose a bank based on their ability to fix my motorcycle, & neither should a repairer be chosen on their ability to lend money.

I like easy payment terms, being able to pay things off is huge, especially when costs are high.
Most places are poohs and offer no payment terms. Sometimes you need some time to pay for things.........

[sinfull]

Aren't they the same person?

Lol, laugh of the day that, just spat me tea out all over the fecking keyboard.......

Ok... I'll bite and log in specially for this. If it helps shops, why not... so far the posts mostly haven't been very helpful. (edit, took me so long to finish, more helpful posts had been done).

Bear in mind, I have basically two dealerships I use. A honda dealership for my Hornet and a KTM dealer for my KTM. I don't play off dealers against each other, and value long term relationships with my dealers.

So, I like having a relationship. It goes both ways. The shop squeezes the odd job in when necessary, they get all relevant business no questions asked, and also know who has been working on the bike (ie... them) and I try to let them know whats a priority job, what can be shuffled for their other priority jobs etc. I know the mechanics, they know the bike, and basically, they do whatever is necessary to keep the bike in top condition. Any surprises, ideally they ask before hand. I also like being told when things are done, bike is ready to be picked up, I've noticed many shops fail to do that, and you have to waste everyone's time, just to be told yep, been ready for a few hours. Loaners are also a given... gotta get away from the shop somehow. Doesn't have to be anything flash, as I have other bikes, and its usually just used to get to it (unless its a good bike, then I'll take the opportunity to learn it, with the possibility of recommending it to people). I generally don't quibble on the bill as they look after me, and I'm on whatever discount scheme (mind you, each shop gets thousands a year - so not too surprising).

What do I hate? Being jerked around basically. Telling me one thing, doing something else. Telling me it will be ready then, then it isn't. Back to relationship with shop, mine don't do that to me, know I'm reasonable with time it takes to do a service etc.

The biggest thing that often manufacturers and dealers don't realise... I will not buy a brand/model of bike if there isn't a decent dealer to look after it that I trust. I know others who believe the same, and have sold bikes and shifted to something else as the dealer could not be trusted. Currently, I have no problems buying a KTM or Honda (hence why I have them) because the dealers who look after them are fantastic (and they know it because I tell them so).

Dealers to me are not just a place to buy a bike and not see again for a couple of years. Both bikes are being serviced several times a year - usually about 3-5 times, plus all the other bits of work, tyres etc. I'm normally visiting (odd... sometimes they call it perstering? ) either shop at least once a month, discussing work, problems, accessories or whatever.

I remember...long long ago...taking my old Goldie into Spectrum Motorcycles for another service, only to be told to bugger off after they had checked it over. No cost, no superfluous parts, just a gentle reminder to stick to the service intervals and not try and make them rich with unnecessary work.
Always had time for my stupid questions, never too busy to listen.
That's the kind of service I come back for.

Jesus would ride a Triumph, he would be gallant and righteous riding a Triumph fueled with fire not rice lol.... 2 corr 2:14? lol.


With regards to the mechanical service issue,

I like dealing with people I trust. This usually means I get to know them a bit, and they know and value me. I'm not a customer, I'm a fellow biker..
I don't like surprises, I like my bike work completed fully as agreed for the price suggested. No frilly extra un-necessary charges.
I like all the bolts and parts fiddled with checked and double checked, by senior mechanic. I like the right bolts put in the right places, to the right tension. (surprisingly I have picked up my bike from places and found bolts only finger tight, including handlebars.
I like easy payment terms, being able to pay things off is huge, especially when costs are high.
I like being able to get free advice, and being shown things I don't understand.


I use Warkworth Motorcycles for all my work. They are a small dealership, but have a very knowledgeable team there. They work on all my bikes and do a tremendous job. They have what I call good old fashioned service, which goes a long way in my book. I have an account and can get all my gears there. Most places are poohs and offer no payment terms. Sometimes you need some time to pay for things.........

Double post FTW!

I used to say FTW but now i just burn my used oil !

Joke of a thread ! Spesh since the jesus gettin done on a pony !

[Smifffy]

I used to say FTW but now i just burn my used oil !

Yeah, but nah, but yeah, anyway FTW has been "redefined for the new millenium" or some such, and doesn't mean to the web 2.0 generation wot it used to mean to us older buggers.

Teh internets FTW!

[Racey Rider]

Helpful staff.

That photogragher should be whipped for only getting two out of four cleavages!