"Don't have it, but I can order it..."
- Thread starter KenR
- Start date
truespode
Moderator / Wheelie King
- Jun 30, 1999
- 7,985
- 252
I think most dealers stock what they know they can sell. I don't blame them for not having a lot of stuff in stock. They are a dealer, not a warehouse.
I recently needed a waterpump seal. No dealer had it in stock, nor the gasket. They all could get it the next day. That was good enough for me.
Ivan
I recently needed a waterpump seal. No dealer had it in stock, nor the gasket. They all could get it the next day. That was good enough for me.
Ivan
- Dec 26, 1999
- 19,765
- 1
It's no wonder that Internet sales are hurting the local shop. If you need anything other than a spark plug it's a special order item that will be in next week. Mind you these are shops that have no problem stocking every possible T shirt, helmet, or ball cap that Fox, Thor, TLD, etc... cold think of. So I keep trying to figure out the up side to driving an hour to place my order that should be in next week and may or may not be right all for full ticket when I can call Service Honda or MX South and pay less plus have it delivered to me in the same or less time. Now I'm not griping that they don't have a rear axle for a 1970 CT70 just some basic items for popular bikes. Oil filters, air filters, tubes, brake pads, maybe even the odd BOLT!
truespode
Moderator / Wheelie King
- Jun 30, 1999
- 7,985
- 252
Lately I've ordered a good bit locally and I just call them and have it the next day usually. No driving until I want to pick it up.
I actually have to wait longer with Svc Honda (even if I have it shipped next day air) b/c they have not had the parts in stock and had to wait until they receive it before they can ship it out to me.
Ivan
Bill Hibbs
~SPONSOR~
- Aug 25, 1999
- 537
- 0
Doesn't matter if you stock it anyway. The customer will just check it out, make sure it fits, waste your time, and then go order one off the internet to save Tax...
I call my dealer, tell them what I want, and go pick it up when I get around to it. They know me, give me a discount, and act like professionals.
I will never understand why people shop online to save tax money. For other reasons, but not because of taxes. Furthermore, if you race and ride at local venues, you should support the dealers that provide discounts and support to racers.
I will never understand why people shop online to save tax money. For other reasons, but not because of taxes. Furthermore, if you race and ride at local venues, you should support the dealers that provide discounts and support to racers.
- Oct 20, 2000
- 2,963
- 2
I've been asking my dealer to order me No-Toil for 8 months and it never comes in, ya think they ever ordered it?
I found another small local shop that ordered it for me in a big jug and I'll pick it up tomorow.
The thing that gets me is when dealers get products in and tell you they are the best. You buy them and come to the realization that hey, this is good stuff! The next time you go back to get more they no longer carry it and aren't going to ever get anymore. Oil is a prime example. I guess I'm a little more brand loyal than some, when I find something I like I prefer to stay with it.
I found another small local shop that ordered it for me in a big jug and I'll pick it up tomorow.
The thing that gets me is when dealers get products in and tell you they are the best. You buy them and come to the realization that hey, this is good stuff! The next time you go back to get more they no longer carry it and aren't going to ever get anymore. Oil is a prime example. I guess I'm a little more brand loyal than some, when I find something I like I prefer to stay with it.
OregonMagoo
Member
- Dec 23, 2000
- 17
- 0
I rode a Suzuki RMX for several years. I tried on numerous occassions to purchase parts locally. When I wanted rear wheel bearings they had 2 when it calls for 3. When I wanted to rebuild the top end they had the piston and no rings. The list goes on and on and on. I tried to give my business to the local shop when they should have been trying to earn my business. Thus, I purchased the majority of my parts over the internet.
When I decided to buy a Gas Gas enduro three years ago the closest Gas Gas dealer was 120 miles away. Guess what? They didn't stock any parts either. I ordered all of parts over the phone from MotoWest in California or Smackover in Arkansas. Now we have two shops in the local area and I try to give each of them some of my business.
The bottom line is this...these shops are in the retail business. That means they either take care of the customer or the customer goes somewhere else. Oh, by the way, there is no sales tax in Oregon.
Oregon Magoo
1999 Gas Gas EC 250
When I decided to buy a Gas Gas enduro three years ago the closest Gas Gas dealer was 120 miles away. Guess what? They didn't stock any parts either. I ordered all of parts over the phone from MotoWest in California or Smackover in Arkansas. Now we have two shops in the local area and I try to give each of them some of my business.
The bottom line is this...these shops are in the retail business. That means they either take care of the customer or the customer goes somewhere else. Oh, by the way, there is no sales tax in Oregon.
Oregon Magoo
1999 Gas Gas EC 250
I would not mind paying a reasonable price for parts from a local dealer. The problem I have where I live - When I was riding Kawasaki, the local dealer's employees were all to eager to get into the back and show their friends all the cool stuff and act important. Tried to ORDER a front sprocket one time and the kid behind the counter did not even know how or what sprocket to order. My nearest KTM dealer treats me like I am bothering him any time I tried to do business with him. I actually went in with my forks one day and said I need new seals, stiffer springs, and two new tires. The response I got was aaah sh*t....just a minute and I'll see what I can do. I just walked out and yes I now do the majority of my dealing over the internet and have it delivered to my front door.
Lew
Lew
I give the local guys a share of business except for the Suzuki shop. 10 Bucks for an oil filter? Give me a break. I call with the part numbers and they don't have them. They don't even stock jets for Carbs. I guess they just don't want my business. I don't got into the shops to try it on only to leave and by it online. I might do it if I get crappy service, but if they help me and are nice I will buy there if I go there to look at it.
If a Dealer doesn't make any money, discounts everything and is in the business to make friends then that same Dealer cannot afford to stock parts.
The parts Distributor doesn't give dealers the parts for free. The parts distributor can 'carry' that dealer for just so long and then they have to have their money. When a dealer doesn't have your part , however simple that part may be, and he tells you that #%&@*& distributor just never has parts when I order them you should stop and consider what I just wrote above. Motorcycle shops are not owned and operated by the governement. If the owner of your shop is standing behind the parts counter then the bloke is not making enough money to support a parts guy . He deserves to be able to make a reasonable living. Just like you deserve to make a living at your job. Would you work for less? You do spend most of your work day on the interent reading these forums, don't you? Retail is not a dirty word. There has never been a time in my life that I have gone to Target or Home Depot and said 'hey cashier I see this item is $20.00 I'll give ya $12.00. " Same with my grocery bill if I want that steak I will pay the price. I can't bargain my way to the door. Our industry is sick is this regard. If you can't afford the retail part then perhaps ( IMO) you can't afford this sport. Is it expensive? Yep? Is everything today expensive ? Yep. Is dirt bike riding/racing a neccessity? Nope ! It is a luxury and an expensive one. If you want the guy to have the parts then you have to allow the guy to make a living. If you think you are so smart that you just know that it doen't cost that much to run a retail business then ya just aren't thinking clearly.
The parts Distributor doesn't give dealers the parts for free. The parts distributor can 'carry' that dealer for just so long and then they have to have their money. When a dealer doesn't have your part , however simple that part may be, and he tells you that #%&@*& distributor just never has parts when I order them you should stop and consider what I just wrote above. Motorcycle shops are not owned and operated by the governement. If the owner of your shop is standing behind the parts counter then the bloke is not making enough money to support a parts guy . He deserves to be able to make a reasonable living. Just like you deserve to make a living at your job. Would you work for less? You do spend most of your work day on the interent reading these forums, don't you? Retail is not a dirty word. There has never been a time in my life that I have gone to Target or Home Depot and said 'hey cashier I see this item is $20.00 I'll give ya $12.00. " Same with my grocery bill if I want that steak I will pay the price. I can't bargain my way to the door. Our industry is sick is this regard. If you can't afford the retail part then perhaps ( IMO) you can't afford this sport. Is it expensive? Yep? Is everything today expensive ? Yep. Is dirt bike riding/racing a neccessity? Nope ! It is a luxury and an expensive one. If you want the guy to have the parts then you have to allow the guy to make a living. If you think you are so smart that you just know that it doen't cost that much to run a retail business then ya just aren't thinking clearly.
MX2_motorex
Member
- Jan 7, 2003
- 124
- 0
Argh its agrivateing, I'm still trying ot get a needle for my RM and out of all four suzuki dealers in Spokane and post falls not one of them even carrys one needle for that bike and I had to resort to bending my current needle back to shape and use that until the new one comes in 2 weeks from now.
Bill Hibbs
~SPONSOR~
- Aug 25, 1999
- 537
- 0
The sad thing too is there are a lot of dealers out there that are getting by with poor customer service because the Motorcycle industry is thriving so much right now. I guarantee if the popularity curve goes down a lot of these guys will be out of business. I'm a buyer for a multi-store bicycle company. We built our business on good customer service and not discount prices. People will pay more if you treat them right and stock the majority of the parts they need. You'd be surprised of the simple, everyday parts that the DISTRIBUTORS run out of! The dock workers strike hurt us pretty bad as well since a lot of the parts and even bikes come from over seas. I'm sure it hurt the Japanese Motorcycle industries as well. The bicycle industry has been tough for the last few years and many of our competitors have closed their doors. But the point is many of them made money when times were good despite their poor customer service. We do get agrevated though by "regular" customers who shop us and find a better bargain online.
A price we would have Matched if they'd given us a chance. But, even though we'd Love to tell them to hit the road, we grin and bear it. That's what customer service is all about I guess.
A price we would have Matched if they'd given us a chance. But, even though we'd Love to tell them to hit the road, we grin and bear it. That's what customer service is all about I guess.
I buy 90% online, I plan ahead and try to order it before I need it. I also have a good local guy, that dosn't sell bikes, but does repairs and can order you stuff at pretty good prices and I don't mined paying him a little extra for good service. My local dealer is way over priced and can't compete.
Well, the idea of supporting your local dealer. No.
Yesterday, I called up "Cycle World" in Baltimore, about a clutch cable for my 93 KX 250. First time around, after holding a bit,the guy came back and said no we dont have it, and hung up without so much as offering to order it.
Then I called back, and asked directly about ordering it. 4 to 5 days and $37.50!
For GOds sake, I can order it from Dennis Kirk for $11.99!!!! and still get it in 4 to 5 days, even WITH shipping of $6.00 Im still saving $20.00!!!
THe internet has been a great leveler. THe average Joe now has some serious purchasing power. Its like Walmart. The one I frequent started carrying grocery items, and guess what? The are so much cheaper than the grocery store, I dont spend half of what I used to at the Grocery store anymore. And no, I dont feel bad about it at all.
Besides, Cycle world is a BIG operation. THeres no way they shouldnt have it in stock, and at a reasonable price. I guess they cater to BIg daddy, who bought junior one of them there dirt bike thingies.
Personally, there is a guy who runs a SMALL shop in my old neighborhood, and I use him for the VERY FEW things I dont do myself in the area of machine work, even though its a drive and his prices are not the best. Hes been there for years, since I was a kid. I believe in supporting the little guy when you can, but I cant let some multi million dollar operation like Cycle World rob me blind.
Yesterday, I called up "Cycle World" in Baltimore, about a clutch cable for my 93 KX 250. First time around, after holding a bit,the guy came back and said no we dont have it, and hung up without so much as offering to order it.
Then I called back, and asked directly about ordering it. 4 to 5 days and $37.50!
For GOds sake, I can order it from Dennis Kirk for $11.99!!!! and still get it in 4 to 5 days, even WITH shipping of $6.00 Im still saving $20.00!!!
THe internet has been a great leveler. THe average Joe now has some serious purchasing power. Its like Walmart. The one I frequent started carrying grocery items, and guess what? The are so much cheaper than the grocery store, I dont spend half of what I used to at the Grocery store anymore. And no, I dont feel bad about it at all.
Besides, Cycle world is a BIG operation. THeres no way they shouldnt have it in stock, and at a reasonable price. I guess they cater to BIg daddy, who bought junior one of them there dirt bike thingies.
Personally, there is a guy who runs a SMALL shop in my old neighborhood, and I use him for the VERY FEW things I dont do myself in the area of machine work, even though its a drive and his prices are not the best. Hes been there for years, since I was a kid. I believe in supporting the little guy when you can, but I cant let some multi million dollar operation like Cycle World rob me blind.
I'm in California and this idiot of a governor we have isn't going to get another red cent from me if I can help it. He just raised vehicle license fees triple!! (and without going through the legislature to do it either). I don't care I it cost me more to order on-line, I'm going to do everything I can to avoid paying taxes in this state until there is someone in office who will quit spending my tax dollars on illegal immigrants medical and education costs.
Solid State
Member
- Mar 9, 2001
- 492
- 0
About the "support" concept - the only people I feel I must "support" is my wife and kids. I do not accept the notion that over-priced parts or bad service should be condoned. If a local shop wants my business, they will have to earn it. That generally means decent prices and friendly, knowledgeable employees. If I am treated fairly, I will be back. It’s as simple as that. Treat me like crap and your competition (the Internet) will benefit.