Motorbike shops...

[Sparky Bills]

Things a bike shop needs

1. Staff. There are some dealerships around where a stun grenade could be thrown into the shop with no risk of hurting anybody.
2. Staff who would rather make a sale than talk to their girlfriends on the phone.
3. Friendly staff.
4. Friendly staff who aren't afraid to admit that they don't know everything.
5. Friendly staff who if they make an offer (like a test ride) then don't fuck off out the back and start polishing bikes and ignoring you.
6. Friendly staff who aren't looking around the showroom for somebody more interesting to talk to when you want to talk with them.
7. Friendly staff who will follow up on your queries.
8. Friendly staff who aren't afraid to venture out from behind the counter and take an interest in whatever it is that you may be interested in.
9. Demo bikes. What's the point of not having any?
10. A range of helmet sizes. Not everybody has a pin head.

You can keep your beverages. I'm not fussed by instant coffee in a plastic cup. And if I'm at risk of dehydrating while waiting for service, I'll go somewhere else.

My GOD!!!
You should have said just act like Martin!!

[Hailwood]

Every time (and that is every time) I go to Wellington motorcycles I get an offer of a coffee straight after the usual friendly hi, hows things?

The parts guys know their stuff (Mike, Jono and Helmut) and always answer my dumb questions without taking too much piss...always helpful with questions about gear as well.

As for test rides...never an issue. I guess it comes down to making an assessment..is this person really interested in looking at this bike or just wanting a blat for free? Which is fair enough given that they are handing over the keys to some pricey bikes....my opinion anyway.....

The other great dealership is TSS Motorcycles in Lower Hutt....same deal..great service, always happy to help....

Two businesses that have it right in my opinion....

[disenfranchised]

Things a bike shop needs

10. A range of helmet sizes. Not everybody has a pin head.

Definitely agree with this...at least one of each size from each brand would be good...same with boots.

Plus be more helpful about ordering gear / parts.
I've seen a thread on here with a retailer complaining how ordering off the internet damages the local economy, or forces the local shops to keep prices high, or something like that...
How about jumping on the bandwagon and ordering parts (even ones not normally on your list) for customers if they want them...could maybe try and use a noticeboard in the shop to advertise special orders, and let others get in on it, to reduce shipping costs.

Oh and staff that can explain simple mechanical maintenence type stuff...along with reasons...like what chain lube suits best etc.....so that we n00bs don't have to guess.