Bikeshop loyalty

[madboy]

Know what you means Skelstar. I like going there too. That's where my bike came from, and I can't say I really gave too much consideration to the other shops around. If they can provide the item/service I want, then I go there first. Only if they can't, and I really want/need a particular part, would I consider going elsewhere.

In general, I don't think the bike industry is very good at the customer focus. It's not criticism of my local, TSS are brilliant, but they are brilliant in comparison to the market. The market itself is not brilliant.

Since I'm into sportsbikes, but I'm hardly Rossi, any one of the big four will do the job for me. Only criteria is that it's black and has 1000cc. Looks like an R1 will fit the criteria, so I'll be able to maintain my loyalty... in 2 or 3 years time when I'm back on the prowl.

[skelstar]

...my worker has been waiting for 7wks to buy a zxr250 from TSS in welly...

Ah yes the irony . Im sure that getting in peoples face (and bending their ear eh Fergus?) does a lot for loyalty from the bike shop.

[skelstar]

In general, I don't think the bike industry is very good at the customer focus...

I think its a lot to do with the product. People who shop at bike shops have already commited to the nature of riding. Not many window shoppers think "you know, Gerald would love on of these for Xmas, hes always talking about getting one". (apologies to all Geralds out there). Therefore a bikeshop could expect to get away with a little patience on behalf of the customer. Perhaps a trait you see in motor mechanics and some service industries too. Perhaps some bikeshop dudes can comment?

Since I'm into sportsbikes, but I'm hardly Rossi, any one of the big four will do the job for me. Only criteria is that it's black and has 1000cc. Looks like an R1 will fit the criteria, so I'll be able to maintain my loyalty... in 2 or 3 years time when I'm back on the prowl.

Yeah, they have the Yamaha dealership in Welly now...*low whistle* (and KTM). Some very nice bikes in there now. FJR1300 looking good (and enormous). They have also decked out the floor in texture metal plating...looks great.

[Lou Girardin]

And whats this shit these days with buggar all demo bike around....twice now I've almost brought a new bike [brand new] and since no-one local would provide a demo bike....its put me off...any of the bike shop workin lads like to comment on this....sarge? lou??

Can't speak for others, but shortages mean that most Hardleys sell as soon as they hit the shop.
Triumphs were scarce when first released.
We've only just got a KTM 950SM for demo.

[Bartman10]

Service is a big factor, I agree.

Both the shops in the Hutt are better than any in town by a factor of about a million.

Both Stewart at TSS and Sparky Bills at Motomart have always been very nice.

Unlike a certain shop on Vivan street.

[skelstar]

Unlike a certain shop on Vivan street.

And Im assuming you dont mean one of the shops with curtains and a slalom to get through the door so you cant see whos inside .

[Zed]

I'm quite happy to give certain shops my repeat business in tyres and specific engine/electrical work, but when it comes to buying new or second hand bikes it doesn't matter too much to me what shop I buy from - whoever has the best deal at the time will usually get my money.

[skelstar]

I'm quite happy to give certain shops my repeat business in tyres and specific engine/electrical work, but when it comes to buying new or second hand bikes it doesn't matter too much to me what shop I buy from - whoever has the best deal at the time will usually get my money.

Yeah thats fair enough. Im sure that bike shops make very little money with new bikes (as they did with mine) and make a pile on aftermarket stuff and service.
Im sure I could buy a Honda Hornet (or whatever) from a Honda dealership and then get it serviced etc from my local.

[Sparky Bills]

Im not getting too involved in this thread..
But its good to see people actually sharing GOOD stories about shops.

Good on you all.
Its easy to put others down, but to compliment i so much better aye.

[Macktheknife]

I always prefer to deal with the people who look after me, If they dont have what I want I ask them to get it. If they cant get it I will go to my second choice (bike) if they have it. If that doesnt suit me then I will look elsewhere.
I have had great experiences with Sarge/Colemans; Lou/AMPS and Mike/Mt Eden. I am a strong believer in repeat business for good service. I am also a VERY vocal consumer, either for great service or crap service, I will tell every person I know, and some I dont know.
I believe that any shop of any kind needs to value their customers and if they show me they dont, thats fine I can spend my money elsewhere.
But thats just me.... Im strange.

[notme]

.............. but a lot comes down to the individuals you deal with. You can have a good bloke in a bad shop and vice versa. (hmmm is there such a thing as a bad bike shop? )......................

YES! A bad work environment of any kind will eventually wear down the good buggers among those who work there.

Thank god the really good ones usually move on before that happens - for example Dallas and a few others I have dealt with in the past. I tend to follow the people rather than the shop. Eventually you get the good people in the good shops, because it's a natural mix.

[justsomeguy]

I've kinda built up a relationship with a few places so go there, but being a poor bastard I always shop around first.

You'll find that once you form a good relationship with a shop they take care of you and usually either match/beat deals or give you high preference if you need something urgent.

So far Motohaus tyres is the best - provided Kerry is still the man running it. How many people/mechanics will say to you - nah mate that's a simple job - this is how you do it - I don't want to take your money for just doing that when you can do it yourself???

Botany Honda seem to be ok - first went to them cos they are the only shop close to where I work. Given me primo deals and service so far, however they are new so don't have all the tools needed, etc..... but they seem to be getting there. I'll need to deal with them a bit more to see how they turn out.

The colemans boys are great too....... except SARGE - I heard he strolls around at night kidnapping rats and spreading hatred between dogs and cats oh and Dover too, he has evil plans to take over all the toilets in the world

[R1madness]

I look for the bike i want. If it came down to 2 different brands and both bikes would suit me the same i would buy the one from the dealer that had given me good service in the past.
Life is not like that though..... bike sort of call ya (in ya mind at least ) and you know when its the right one...... or is that just me?????????????

[SlashWylde]

When I bought my bike I had a chioce of two very similar models from two different companies, and hence two different dealerships. Part of what helped make my mind up was the relationship I had with the dealership prior to making the sale. I had a good feeling about them, their integrity and their commitment to doing the best by their customers.

After the sale nothing changed, they treat me just the same, which I appreciate.

[skelstar]

When I bought my bike I had a chioce of two very similar models from two different companies, and hence two different dealerships. Part of what helped make my mind up was the relationship I had with the dealership prior to making the sale. I had a good feeling about them, their integrity and their commitment to doing the best by their customers.

After the sale nothing changed, they treat me just the same, which I appreciate.

Thats what Im talking about. The decision thats going to tip the balance. It might be the decision between a CB900 Hornet and the Yammy 600 nekid (cant remember its alphabet soup).

My relationship with my local is better than it was when I bought the bike.