Frustration at purchasing advertised products

**Pogo2** · 24th November 2008, 13:33

I've seen a pair of summer gloves advertised in the December issue of Kiwirider.

I log onto the importers website to see who the retailers are.

I travel to 7 bike shops of which 5 are on the importers website as their retailers and none have the item in stock. Some say that they can get it in but I wanted to buy in there and then (Implusive purchaser).

I realise that they cannot hold the entire range, especially in the current economic climate, but you would think I would at least strike one shop that stocks that variant. Expecting too much?

Have sent an email to the importer to see if they can assist me.

Have you had similar frustrations?

Ah feel better now I've shared that!

**alanzs** · 24th November 2008, 14:35

I have had the same situation occur on a number of times. I call now before I go to the shop...

**Skunk** · 24th November 2008, 14:51

Why advertise something that your resellers don't have? That's a waste of the advertising dollar. I've given up on buying bike mags as every bike is the greatest (and I mainly buy secondhand bikes so the test mean even less) and I can never find advertised products (either at all, or at the price the mag claims).

I have no answer to the issue as too many variables are involved.

I feel better now. Cheers.

**wysper** · 24th November 2008, 15:25

Originally Posted by alanzs

I have had the same situation occur on a number of times. I call now before I go to the shop...

Yep. the phone is your friend.

**Hitcher** · 24th November 2008, 15:49

Distributors of motorcycle apparel RARELY advertise anything to do with size or fitment details. Those of us with larger-than-average heads, feet, hands and waistlines could assume from this that such distributors will have something that meets our needs.

Wrong.

This is one omission from nearly all advertisements that appear in motorcycle magazines that really fucks me off, particularly from helmet manufacturers. It takes little extra effort or space to inform people that helmet sizing extends from XS to XL, or when additional sizing at either end of that range exists.

We may also assume that if distributors don't have something available that meets our needs then they will arrange the prompt delivery of such, or provide advice as to alternatives.

Wrong again.

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

**MotoGirl** · 24th November 2008, 18:25

Originally Posted by Hitcher

This is one omission from nearly all advertisements that appear in motorcycle magazines that really fucks me off... It takes little extra effort or space to inform people that helmet sizing extends from XS to XL, or when additional sizing at either end of that range exists.

Wow, you must feel passionate about this to use the "F" word.

I'm at the other end of the scale, wearing size XS in most things. Finding a product to try on is the exception and definitely not the norm. I'm coming up due for a new helmet and have my eye on an AGV. Do you think I can find a size XS to try on? I wish they would advertise what they have in stock!

**tommorth** · 24th November 2008, 18:25

I cant figure out why all 9/10 pairs of gloves are made for childs hands who wears them 12year old girls?????

**rat biker 08** · 24th November 2008, 18:38

Yes when i get glovesi have to get 2xx to fit

**Pogo2** · 24th November 2008, 18:46

The ad says available in XS - 4XL.

What is doesnt tell you is that no friggin store stocks the product. LOL

Interesting that I emailed the distributor about 1.00pm today and no reply , not even a "I'm looking into it"

By my estimations it's a well known distributor rather than a dodgy backstreet outfit, but I'm starting to wonder.

Customer service. Yeah right!

**Creeping Death** · 25th November 2008, 02:34

Let your fingers do the walking....you can do it gloveless even...

**FJRider** · 25th November 2008, 04:24

Pretty pictures in a bike mag rarely entice me to get the credit card out. I have to see the actual product. See if it fits and is actually what I want/need. Finding the ideal bike gear that suits MY requirements is always ongoing and not to be rushed. Retail shops that don't have what you want, wont make a sale... they will learn. The hunt for the "right" gear is the fun. Never go past a bike shop without looking to see what stuff they have that you MAY want, or work better than what you have...

**Taz** · 25th November 2008, 05:09

Originally Posted by tommorth

I cant figure out why all 9/10 pairs of gloves are made for childs hands who wears them 12year old girls?????

Sadly alot of products are made in asian nations (and pakistan) Maybe they only have small hands

**Big Dave** · 25th November 2008, 08:04

Originally Posted by FJRider

Pretty pictures in a bike mag rarely entice me to get the credit card out. I have to see the actual product.

I agree - and I construct a fair bit of what you see.

What good ads do is invite you to take the first or next step towards a purchasing decision. They are rarely the stimulus for that decision on their own.

In the case of the distributors - they would like to see a full range of every colour and every size in every shop and advertise that they are making the goods available.

Then there is the reality of retail.

**Pogo2** · 25th November 2008, 18:18

so I am loathed to buy over the net. And if it is in stock then the chances of purchasing are greatly enhanced!

Great service to date! No email reply as yet despite the website saying that they are oneof, if not the biggest distributor of motorcycle products.

No wonder the industry is losing out to the internet if they cant answer a simple consumer question.

**FJRider** · 26th November 2008, 19:21

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I agree - and I construct a fair bit of what you see.

What good ads do is invite you to take the first or next step towards a purchasing decision. They are rarely the stimulus for that decision on their own.

In the case of the distributors - they would like to see a full range of every colour and every size in every shop and advertise that they are making the goods available.

Then there is the reality of retail.

They invite you to visit their web site ... then you speak of reality...
Distributors of all products would like the same thing...