Why does no one talk to me?

[Radar]

captain_andrey - Its easy. Just front up to the sales person of your choice and tell them outright that you are getting your full in a few weeks, have $15k to spend, and you need some info on their bikes. They should stick to you like glue but if its a crap shop and they couldn't give a stuff, simply walk out and go elsewhere (and if you want to feel better, let them know why you are leaving and where you are going).

In other words, don't fall into the victim role. Be assertive. Why don't they pay attention to you in the first place? Maybe you are too young, too old, too bald, too hairy, whatever, or maybe the sales guy is tired from the last 8 people who were complete time wasters. Just go past it and take action.

Sometimes I don't want sales staff to bug me so I don't look at them and try to look like a 'time waster'. At other times I put on my Ulysses Club hat and tell them how much I have to spend and when I want the bike - and they treat me appropriately.

BTW, I wish I could part with $15k for a new bike!

[LardEmbargo]

No, I don't think it's just you either.

I mean, unless maybe you actually are invisible or something, I don't know.

I struggled to get noticed when I was trying to get into bikes, I struggled to get noticed trying to buy gear, I'm looking forward to struggling with it when I (finally) get round to upgrading and stuff.

I know they must get a huge number of like annoying pimply tyre-kickers but it's kind of annoying when you arrive with Giant Cash Wodgezilla in your back pocket and just need pointing at something suitably shiny.

Some bike emporia definitely seem worse than others, some are generally better, but they all seem a bit patchy to be honest. Apart from one particular example the inconsistent thing's a pain, but so far at least it's meant that if I go back and try again there's a chance it'll work out better next time.

Stick at it, anyway, there's some good guys around it seems just sometimes you have to wander in at the right time.

[klyong82]

No problem with the various shops in Auckland I have been into. Most of them will start asking me about my bike and what I have done to it mods etc...never had issues with test rides...I know one shop who always let me take any of their bikes back for a weekend if I was thinking of buying it.

But I think if you are looking for a bike then let the sales person know what you are after...they will try to sell you something then...I just do my part by asking them for a good price and a whole load of stuff bundled into the deal.

edit: I also think it is depends on what you ride....I think if you rock up in a late model 1000cc would definitely catch their attention.

edit 2: captain_andery you can buy my Fireblade for $15k

[P38]

Is it common for sales people in bike shops to completely ignore you? I get my full in a few weeks and I am planning on getting a brand new 600cc supersport. So I decided to visit some dealers, have a look at the bikes in flesh rather then the photos I've been looking at.
Is there some secret hand shake or something that I have to perform to get any attention? I was often the only customer in the shop and still no one would approach me or even look my way.
The longest conversation I had with the sales person:
me, pointing at an R6: is that the 08 model?
salesperson: yep
What gives?
Can someone please help me spend the $15k+ that is burning a hole in my pocket?

Dont take it personally mate.

They bloody ignore everone.

Thats why I buy over the net.... their loss my gain

[McJim]

There are some bloody lucky buggers on this thread - when I walk into a bike shop they won't STOP trying to sell me stuff- it's a real pain.

I will buy a bike when I want to buy a bike. It will be of my own choosing and the shop assistant will not affect my decision one iota!

's prolly coz you ride a Hyosung. If you believe some of the threads on here Hyosungs are the absolute shizzle so why would anyone buy anything else after riding a Hyosung?

Seriously though it's a dilemma of salespeople the world over. "If I approach the customer will they feel pressured and fuck off - if I leave the customer alone will they feel neglected and shop elsewhere?" Damned if they do and damned if they don't. As I've pointed out I would be more than happy to receive the treatement you complain about and you would be happy to receive treatment that I would complain about.

[325rocket]

im in exactly the same position (time and budget) and have been hitting the bike shops pretty hard lately. i have to say ALL four of the bigger shops around wellington have been fantastic. when i first got my license and went into shops i found i was ignored but now its all good. maybe its a confidence thing, ive got to that point where it really doesn't bother me to admit im not 100% sure what im after or that i dont really have a fuckin clue what im talking about.

maybe it would help if we shopped together and had a budget of 30k haha


btw ... the coffee at WMCC isnt that bad!

keep yours eyes off the CBR600rr out the hutt!!!

[Str8 Jacket]

keep yours eyes off the CBR600rr out the hutt!!!

It's reaal purdy, eh!

[PrincessBandit]

...
Is there some secret hand shake or something that I have to perform to get any attention? I was often the only customer in the shop and still no one would approach me or even look my way.

When did you last have a shower? (only kidding!!!)

captain_andrey - Its easy. Just front up to the sales person of your choice and tell them outright that you are getting your full in a few weeks, have $15k to spend, and you need some info on their bikes. ..
In other words, don't fall into the victim role. Be assertive.

Pretty much wot he sed. Don't be afraid to make the first move; salespeople often get flack from "not enough customer attention - to - being a complete klingon" and not much in between. But yeah, a simple "need any help there mate?" (then hanging round for a bit to check) should be easy enough. What I hate is when they consider yakking to another staff member or reading a mag more important than seeing if a potential $ spender needs help. From experience it is always best NOT to assume that every second person who comes in is just a "tyre kicker".

[325rocket]

It's reaal purdy, eh!

oh it's reeaaaal purdy

[Pickle]

Do what we did, go to Palmerston North & see Bruce at AFC then after purchasing your bike come back to Wellington & park it outside of the dealer of that brand, go into the shop waste time & if they pay any attention to you then simply tell them they are too late & walk out.
Or go to AFC & buy one of our ZX636's that are for sale up there, better road bike than the latest crop of sports bikes.

[jtzzr]

maybe it would help if we shopped together and had a budget of 30k haha

If kbers all went in together and we had a budget of 30k , we would end up with some real crappy bikes.

I do see your point though.

[Jerry74]

Ask to see the manager and complain that the staff are idle and you want some service

[captain_andrey]

It just saddens me that I have to convince the sales people that I am a potential customer. Even if I was just a tire kicker, its their job to make me feel welcome. People window shop for bikes just like everything else. Even though they cant afford it right now, you never know whats going to happen the next day.

I was in a BMW showroom in Munich last year, drooling over the new M3. I was greeted at the door and then let loose in the showroom. Once I started oggling the M3, one of the sales guys approached me with a glass of bubbly and asked me if I wanted to sit inside. Made some small talk about Formula 1 etc. When I was leaving, he shook my hand and thanked me for coming in.

No I dont expect the same from a Wellington bike shop, but a simple Hello would be freaking awesome.

Sigh, I guess I will have to try harder next time since we are kinda stuck with the shops we have

[Ducky848]

Is it common for sales people in bike shops to completely ignore you? The longest conversation I had with the sales person:
me, pointing at an R6: is that the 08 model?
salesperson: yep

They get a shit load of ppl 'kicking tyres' and are piss poor at spotting genuine buyers from dreamers. Explain you really do have $15k burning a hole in your pocket and you'll get plenty of action.

This works even with Casbolts

One thing that REALLY pisses me off (this goes for any shop not just bikes) is a salesperson who stops the conversation with you to answer the phone and then proceed to discuss why they dont carry a crank for a 1984 RG250 in stock. Its just plain rude and I vote with my feet and wallet.

[martybabe]

maybe it would help if we shopped together and had a budget of 30k haha

SIZE]

That's a very sound idea, If ya get together with the Captain, find a shop that sells both the bikes your interested in, I'm sure you could do a very tasty deal in your favour. There's nearly always room for maneuver on price and with a double order, every ones happy.