How hard is it to say 'Hello' ?

[Number One]

Whats worse is when the person you get to help you doesnt know anything and they have to keep ruuning back to the other sales people to get answers to your questions...

OR EVEN worse when you can tell they don't know what they are on about but they persist with keeping up an unconvincing bullshit fest despite being prompted to ask someone who does know...then they get it wrong and end up either totally overcharging you for something that isn't right or damaging your bike because of their pig headedness!

[rottiguy]

Absolutely, had that quite a few times, that's why it is best to do a bit of homework first so you can tell if they are bullshitting you. Most times it doesn't matter but if they say " na that is fine with your bike" and ya riding down the road and it craps it's self, it is little consolation for thinking they were talking shit

OR EVEN worse when you can tell they don't know what they are on about but they persist with keeping up an unconvincing bullshit fest despite being prompted to ask someone who does know...then they get it wrong and end up either totally overcharging you for something that isn't right or damaging your bike because of their pig headedness!

[rocketman1]

I do a hell of alot of looking before I buy a bike and may go back to shops several times just to browse, Hey I like looking at motorbikes most KBrs do, but eventually I end up buying.
What I do appreciate from salesmen is those that really know their bikes.
After I have studied up on a bike i know a fair bit about them and it is annoying to have a salesman not able to add information to your questions.
And to be honest I like having a chat about bikes, to a salesman who knows their stuff, and not feel pressured to buy.
Boyds in Hamilton are one of the best if you ask me.

[Littlewheels]

recently went to buy a new helmet, knew what I wanted, wanted to try on and get price. Took husband for company (non rider knows nothing about bikes, doesn't want to either) the sales guy spent most of the time talking to my husband as if a) I couldn't speak & b) I wasn't paying for it, I didn't buy the helmet there funnily enough.

[Little Miss Trouble]

recently went to buy a new helmet, knew what I wanted, wanted to try on and get price. Took husband for company (non rider knows nothing about bikes, doesn't want to either) the sales guy spent most of the time talking to my husband as if a) I couldn't speak & b) I wasn't paying for it, I didn't buy the helmet there funnily enough.

Ahh, I've had the same thing happen to me on more than one occasion, when I was looking for my bike one guy didn't even say HI before saying something like "the scooters are over there" (needless to say I didn't spend my money there!)
I've since realised though that you can work their attitude to your advantage, and now purposely take male company along to distract the sales guy, lets me check out what I want to look at in peace. I can then either a) laugh at the stunned look on their face when they realise I know what I'm talking about or b) pull out the girls 'get out of jail free' card "hmm, its ok I guess, but I don't like the colour" and walk out

[Katman]

Its a catch 22 innit.?

It's not a Catch 22 at all.

No-one would be offended or annoyed by a salesman saying "Hi there, give me a yell if there's anything I can help you with".

Ever since I got involved with motorcycles 25 years ago I've been disgusted by the number of people who work at bike shops who think their shit doesn't stink.

[oldrider]

Ever since I got involved with motorcycles 25 years ago I've been disgusted by the number of people who think their shit doesn't stink.

Katman posted that? (lol) John.

[sidecar bob]

I had an expierence recently where i wanted to buy a pair of tyres for the RSV, The helpful & knowledgable salesman (a prominent KB'er) assisted me with the decision, when i dropped the bike off the service manager said "i suppose he talked you into XXX tyre" i said no, we agreed that would be the best tyre for the bike & my style (said kb'er having had an RSV in the family) The service manager then proceded to undermine the salesman & essentialy suggested he was an idiot , (something i would be nervous to do to said kb'er) for reccomending such a tyre choice.
The service manager had forgotten that at this point, His job was to S.T.F.U & fit some tyres, The hard work was already done.
The shop in question is without doubt the best shop by far in Tauranga, & is absolutely cranking with great staff & management & yet is being spoiled by one individual.
The tyres were a fantastic choice & the bike feels great, making even more of a fool of the service manager than he had already made of himself.

[Katman]

(lol) John.

You're clearly easily amused John.

[martybabe]

No-one would be offended or annoyed by a salesman saying "Hi there, give me a yell if there's anything I can help you with".

Bingo, that's exactly it for me, Acknowledge I'm alive, then keep one eye/ear open should I want assistance.

Easy as.

[scrivy]

Bike shops make me laugh actually.
I own 2 retail shops, and have approx. 60,000 buying customers a year.
I make it compulsory for my staff to acknowledge every single customer that walks in (and out of) the door. I do tests with each staff member to reinforce why we do it. Believe it or not, but over 95% of acknowledged customers buy something!! When you don't acknowledge them, they walk around the shop, can't find what they're looking for, and after 5 mins walk out.

I get sick of being looked down at by bike shop staff.

[Robbo]

Boyd Motorcycles. Glen was helping me.
Cheers Glen!

Yep, they are good guys there and you will also find that their workshop and parts dept also offer friendly and helpful service.

[Bikernereid]

Had one of the awkawrd situations today whilst going to check out bike leathers. I knew that sizing would be a problem as I am an odd shape. Did the obvious thing and asked where the female leathers were and mentioned the size that I was after. Assistant was helpful and pointed me in the right direction. What I didn't like was the young girl assistant who kept hanging round the changing room like a bad smell, making me feel like I was someone on the rob and was somehow going to sneak the leathers under my jacket (like there is space!).

Being helpful is one thing but I don't appreciate the limpet behaviour. Would be interested to know if these people work on a commission basis or not?

[-JT-]

Just wanted to add our recent experience at Boyds in Hamilton. My wife and I were looking for a bike and she went in to have a look at a particular bike in her lunch break. Was approached by Glen, had a decent discussion about what we were after (both new learners, first bike). She came away with a brochure and a price, and we bought it a few weeks later. Both guys out the front there are always chatty, even to us newbs. Even if we're just browsing on a rainy day (ie: not buying) they're still up for a chat. Glen offered and has been answering questions post-sale ... riding tips etc. Great service.

[madandy]

I had an expierence recently where i wanted to buy a pair of tyres for the RSV, The helpful & knowledgable salesman (a prominent KB'er) assisted me with the decision, when i dropped the bike off the service manager said "i suppose he talked you into XXX tyre" i said no, we agreed that would be the best tyre for the bike & my style (said kb'er having had an RSV in the family) The service manager then proceded to undermine the salesman & essentialy suggested he was an idiot , (something i would be nervous to do to said kb'er) for reccomending such a tyre choice.
The service manager had forgotten that at this point, His job was to S.T.F.U & fit some tyres, The hard work was already done.
The shop in question is without doubt the best shop by far in Tauranga, & is absolutely cranking with great staff & management & yet is being spoiled by one individual.
The tyres were a fantastic choice & the bike feels great, making even more of a fool of the service manager than he had already made of himself.

Pilot Powers?
I used them as recommended by the same said bloke. He knows his stuff alright.
Same workshop dunce gave me very similar 'advise' on the weekend - as I've mentioned in my earlier post.

Now I know who I'd rather meet down at the Cornerstone for a beer