Complaining

[uwillbe]

So those "other" bikers "planned" their breakdown? How very efficient of them.

Depending on the shop (brands, location), most work is booked servicing, repairs, insurance work, etc with some time (the tricky bit) set aside for urgent repairs. On the upside if a shop is booked out for several weeks ahead it is probably safe to assume they have a really good service dept.

[Tank]

Im one of those who is happy to complain. however - when I get good service I often put a lot of effort to get name, and call the manager / owner the day after to compliment the staff member concerned. If I go back for good customer service (anywhere not just a bike shop) - I want the owners to be aware of who the guy is that one my business and that it is acknowledged for him / her.


But the other point is a separate issue (One I have raised myself before) -

2: You may be able to mail order a part from an overseas dealer quicker than your local dealer can get it. Your local dealers HAVE to order parts through the NZ importer. They are not trying to be difficult, support them or you will eventually have to mail order all your parts!

Now when Im looking for aftermarket parts - I dont even call my local dealers - I shop overseas.

Better range, far better prices delivered to my door, and often better service (esp. from the US).


Thats not a complaint, its simple economics. Regardless of how nice the sales guy is - if Im paying a 100% premium to buy local - then the overall experience is not good customer service.

I raised this with Suzuki head office and they just blew me off (rudely I thought) and Im hoping to mention it to some of them this weekend at the Boulevard Rally meeting at Suzuki HQ Saturday. Who knows - if people complain (in a nice manner) then they will see they are doing something wrong and loosing customers - they may do something to fix the problem.

[nonferrous]

[QUOTE=uwillbe;1532330]Its just my 2 cents worth but...

There seems to be a lot of people on these forums complaining
.. blah blah

this forum enables us to Name & Shame those operators (bike shops) engaged in serious / almost criminal behavior ripping ppl off - the problem is they don't even realise know that they are doing it

[AllanB]

I took a dozen of Tui's finest to Casbolts after they were down a man in the workshop and busy but fitted in my Hornets first service (and I didn't buy it from them!).

I agree with the chap who said lean on the importers for parts and spares, its a global market now with the internet and people will shop around.

[Headbanger]

On the upside if a shop is booked out for several weeks ahead it is probably safe to assume they have a really good service dept.

I'd suggest they were under staffed and providing poor service.....

[EJT]

I am quick to praise service where given

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=68999

But if I get crap service I do as most do and go somewhere else. Any shop that makes me feel welcome will get my business - simple as that. Even if I don't get the best deal.

[Mike748]

I will always vote with my money, good service I will reward with prompt payment and repeat business, simple as that.

Just got my bike back from Haldanes and they have done a great job. In particular the service and clutch work has turned it into a new bike again. Thanks guys, wish I'd given it to you sooner!

[Rogue]

But the other point is a separate issue (One I have raised myself before) -

Now when Im looking for aftermarket parts - I dont even call my local dealers - I shop overseas.

Better range, far better prices delivered to my door, and often better service (esp. from the US).


Thats not a complaint, its simple economics. Regardless of how nice the sales guy is - if Im paying a 100% premium to buy local - then the overall experience is not good customer service.

I do the same

[Sparky Bills]

Its all been said before.
Thats not a complaint..... Its just a fact

[cowboyz]

I go to work to do a job. I am good at my job and I get paid to do the job well. I dont expect anyone to come round praising me to do what I am being paid to do. However, if I do fuckup I expect to be brought to task on it - as I do.

And I dont get anywhere near the $70 per hour that bike shops are charging.

If I do the work myself and fuck it up and it ends up costs me more to fix it then that is fine. A pissoff but fine. If a mate is working on my bike for nothing and fuck it up then fine. Not really fair to take someone to task for doing you a favour.

However, if I are paying for a job to be done then I expect it to be done well. I dont see they need to be held up and praised for doing what they are being paid to do. And at the price they charge, they should damn well be good at it too.
Well at least learn how to put brake pads in the right way round...........


Oh, in saying that I was also going to remember an old saying I picked up years ago. No credit cause I dont remember where I got it from:

Good,fast,cheap........... pick any 2.

[Ixion]

Oddly, I have never had any complaint whatsoever about any bike shop for doing work on my bike.

[XP@]

When I get my bike back from a service I expect it to be in a safe condition so when:
* the rear tyre are 40+ psi instead of 29
* The oil filter is not on properly
* sharp metal shards sticking out of the brake pedal (from a little slide)
* Tyres as 18psi instead of 29psi
* problems they say they have been fixed are not, and have not been tested.

Oh, and taking 3+ months to get parts from honda, now how do i get a wof without a wing miror???

[homer]

compliment?

The ultimate compliment a shop, any shop can have from me, is my money, and to have me return to give them more money.

If this fails to happen, then its their fault, They failed to do their job to a standard that is worthy of my time and money. Its not like I'm looking for reasons to get pissed off, I want the shop to have my money, that's why I'm there in the first place.

totally agree with that ,
good if you get crdit there though

[LilSel]

I've moaned about bike shops... I've also praised bike shops...
cuts both ways

[Hitcher]

People generally complain about sub-optimal service for good reason. Retailers can feel miffed and try to offer an alternative reality as a defence, but word of mouth is a powerful communications tool. A pissed off customer is like the proverbial woman scorned.

Motorcycle shops can generally be categorised as being owned and operated by people who love motorcycles. These folk often know little about managing customer expectations and doubly damn themselves by operating in a low margins industry where monkeys are rewarded with peanuts.

Fortunately there are some refreshing exceptions where the proprietors and their staff understand what's involved in providing good customer service. I wish them every success.