It's adieu.

[Ixion]

But only part. And of course a part of almost all advertising is actually marketing. The difference is the time scale. Hardly ever do we remember last years advertisments. Not specifically, at any rate. But people will insist on Brand X, not because they have seen an advertisment, but because "thats what everyone buys" or "because I've bought brand X for 40 years".

I doubt Lou or Sarge DIRECTLY influenced many sales (though there were doubtless a few). But INDIRECTLY, there may be people go buy a helmet or jacket at AMPS in 10 years time, just because AMPS kicks of "lou" in their mind and that invokes a "good people" memory. They trust AMPS, it has "good vibes" . Of course, if you don't intend to be around in 10 years time, its academic. Lou and Sarge were building the brand, much though I hate that phrase

EDIT Interesting discussion, BTW

[Big Dave]

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

Old and grumpy?

[Ixion]

I have never bought accessories at AMPS from Lou - it's not because he's on KB or not.I don't go to AMPS because I can't park my Pajero....simple as that,it's a shit location and I don't go there.I can park at Mt Eden,Red Baron and the old Motomail.I don't ride bikes to shops because I want to carry what I buy home again.

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

Meh.Have you not heard of bungee cords? And backpacks? And saddlebags? Anyway , as far as ACCESSORiES go, why do you have to CARRY it home. Wear it home, or fit it on the footpath, thats what bikers do.

[sAsLEX]

Old and grumpy?

Biker in a cage maybe, as a lot would be during the week

Ixion : http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...2&d=1109028929

[Motu]

Meh.Have you not heard of bungee cords? And backpacks? And saddlebags? Anyway , as far as ACCESSORiES go, why do you have to CARRY it home. Wear it home, or fit it on the footpath, thats what bikers do.

It used to be that way,and I used to scorn people who only rode a bike for leasure on sunday afternoons - but as I've often found much to my dismay...sometimes you find yourself in the very same situation you said you never would do.(I like Spank's sig...let's visit him in 20 yrs).

As I get such little time to ride these days I hate to fill it up with pointless running around the city - I need to be out in the open,away from people and cars.Another time,another place....and yes,it'd be homemade panniers from plastic oil drums and fish bin top boxes.

I bought a tyre from Cycletreads last week - drove over and parked my van over the road.....went to the tyre rack and made my choice unmolested,one staff member walked down my isle to pick put a tyre and said G'day....no pressure,no can I help you.I made my choice,paid and walked out and tossed it in the van.That's how I do it.

I can't believe people ride their bikes in there and get a nice man to do it for them - I'd never do that!

[Ixion]

,,
I bought a tyre from Cycletreads last week - drove over and parked my van over the road.....went to the tyre rack and made my choice unmolested,one staff member walked down my isle to pick put a tyre and said G'day....no pressure,no can I help you.I made my choice,paid and walked out and tossed it in the van.That's how I do it.

I can't believe people ride their bikes in there and get a nice man to do it for them - I'd never do that!

Well of COURSE not,they CHARGE you for fitting. Y' buy your tyre, pay for and sling it round your neck, and ride home to fit it. Isn't that what everyone does ?

[Big Dave]

Well of COURSE not,they CHARGE you for fitting. Y' buy your tyre, pay for and sling it round your neck, and ride home to fit it. Isn't that what everyone does ?

Shit no - the yarn with Kerry at motohaus while he fits my tyres is always a pleasure.

[Krayy]

I reckon the way to go is, as you're signing the sales agreement for the new bike and negotiating some extras, get them to throw in 10 hours of KB time for Lou.

I'll do that when I pick up the Hornet (or the XB12Ss if I've been a good boy).

[Swoop]

Shit no - the yarn with Kerry at motohaus while he fits my tyres is always a pleasure.

Which brings us back to the beginning.
Having a chat about bike stuff. If you know the person or have known them online, the the bikeshop will get repeat customers out of it.
If someone comes in to buy a "thingammewhatsit", has a good experience and feels "part of the family" because they have a tangible link (via KB) with that shop, then everyone is happy.
Except the boss apparently...

[AMPS]

We would like to advise you that you can still contact Lou, through AMPS, if you have any enquires related to Motorcycling. You can email accessories@amps.co.nz or parts@amps.co.nz You could also phone 09-3007500
We are more than happy to help you. Most of the staff here at AMPS ride motorcycles and we do have a good understanding of customers requirements. We have a large range of customers in Auckland and wider a feild.
We are heavliy involved in all aspects of motorcycling weather it be a MX rider, Sport bike rider Drag Bikes or cruisers. When it comes down to it the aim of the game is to ride your motorcycle and enjoy it. We wish you all safe riding.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I happily represent them at trade shows and industry launches etc.

is it bad that I read this as "industry lunches"

mmmmmmm lunch.

who said there was no such thing as a free lunch?

[Lou Girardin]

I have never bought accessories at AMPS from Lou - it's not because he's on KB or not.I don't go to AMPS because I can't park my Pajero....simple as that,it's a shit location and I don't go there.I can park at Mt Eden,Red Baron and the old Motomail.I don't ride bikes to shops because I want to carry what I buy home again.

I know I am a little different from you lot....but how many are like me??? huh????

You should have said Motu. I tell you what, next time call me and I'll meet you at the door and park the Pajero for you.

[Ixion]

Do AMPS not still have that praking in the house across the road?

[Zapf]

Re AMPS...

Althou Lou might not seems to be selling products directly on KB, little did the Powers that be knows that Lou updates us using KB re new products or specials and hence keeps in contact with customers that way. As a result we walk into AMPS looking for that product Lou mentioned and its then converted to a walk in sale.

So while Lou don't sell anything as such on KB, he time is used on marketing the products and gives AMPS a presences on KB.

Regards,
4 digit customer to AMPS

[merv]

Lou who in the chain of hierarchy at AMPS told you to stop and what did they actually say and were you not able to make a case they would listen to at all?

In this electronic age most of us have got lazy and as others have mentioned in the old days for entertainment we used to haunt the bike shops on Friday nights - now we do it on our PCs at home - but the action is the same, making connections with people, getting to know and trust them and then make a purchase. I doubt your bosses if they are so last century will ever understand this.

I know its not much but the last tyre I bought I sent Mrs merv out to Sparky Bills with the wheel. Why, because I've met him on KB, I pm'd him, got a price and had it all sorted in advance, then just sent Mrs out there and said see Sparky and this is what he will do for you. In the end he charged less than quoted and carried the wheel to the car for Mrs merv - she was impressed with his service.

Without KB I probably would have just taken it to Sawyers. I had rung them, and while others talk highly of Kerry I am totally unimpressed with the way he relates to me, he doesn't seem to understand my needs at all - he's too kind of dismissive and sharp in my view. While I relate OK to Brendan I would be more impressed if there was a regular presence by him and his staff in some way on here and not just relying on me calling all e-mailing them.

So I think the bosses at AMPS are making a bad mistake, they are not embracing the new age of communication and its their loss.