Dealers

[fontana]

Another thread got me thinking about this.
I generally dislike dealerships.
I've been treated very badly by many in the past, especially in regard to servicing work,
However there are two dealers here in the South West that I have huge respect for, and admire greatly for their attitude to the customer.
They are GT motorcycles, and Ocean BMW, both in Plymouth.
It's not rocket science.
Offer the customer a fair deal.
Look after them if things go wrong, and treat them respect and courtesy, even when all they're buying is a cup of coffee.
Sounds simple, but I've come across so many in the past who do not grasp this simple concept.
The one's I have mentioned do, and go much much much further,
Who are your favourite dealers and why ?

[boxerscott]

I do not want to have a go at any dealer for the sake of it but I know from lads in the trade that they have to follow the manufacturer line especially the solus ones. They have to spend a fortune just to keep up the corporate image and then put up with a load of gentlemen who just want to keep warm and talk bollox have a social and a free cup of coffee. I think dealers in the main are not having it easy these days. I have never had a bad experience with any dealer although a local BMW one was not flexible in carrying out a service task that I required because "it was not on the menu".

Chris

[fontana]

They have to spend a fortune just to keep up the corporate image and then put up with a load of gentlemen who just want to keep warm and talk bollox have a social and a free cup of coffee.

My local dealers organize ride outs, and actively encourage riders to use their premises as a social hub, and for good reason.
It's much better to have a showroom full of potential customers drinking free tea than it is having it empty with sales staff twiddling thumbs.
It's good for business.
I remember years ago the manager of a local branch of Motorcycle City telling me that after installing a coffee machine set on free vend, bike sales increased markedly.
That's no coincidence.
I've bought a bike on the strength of nipping into a dealers where I knew I'd get a free coffee.
Had it not been for that, I'd probably have just gone home.
I know for a fact that the cafeteria in one local dealership near me actually loses money, but they keep it on.
I wouldn't underestimate the marketing power of a free cuppa.

[Paul]

Jack Lilley Triumph Is a my favourite dealership in my neck of the woods. They organise rideouts and their product launch events and summer open house evenings are always well catered and well attended. They alway have an interesting array of old bikes on display as well as some customised bikes they make and sell, so you are not just going in to look at the bog standard current production models, there is always something interesting and unexpected to see. Servicing can end up being expensive tho', since they will loan you a bike you are interested in rather than a basic spec Bonnie for the day. That's how my 1050 became a 1200 Explorer

My most indifferent experience was with my local Honda dealer about 15 years ago. I wanted to test ride a VFR (don't worry, the subsequent therapy was completely successful) which they graciously allowed me to take out for 45 minutes rather than the initially offered 30 minutes. When I brought it back to the shop, the guy took the bike back off me and wheeled it into the showroom. No attempt was made to engage me in conversation on my thoughts about the bike, or indeed to show any interest in me whatsoever... Needless to say, I've never been back.

Cheers,

Paul