Riding Red was not meant for me

[bbbom]

The salesman I deal with at my local Honda Dealer provides fantastic customer service must be because we have 4 Honda's in the garage!

He greets me with a kiss and takes me to lunch and even takes me out for dinner & drinks. He's more than willing to go riding with me anytime, helps pick my bike up off of me when needed and is always a great help with repairs & maintenance.

Couldn't ask for better customer service!! :) :)

 

[smb_racing]

I don't believe I'd want bbbom's kind of customer service from my local shop :eek:

 

[zio]

Originally posted by evenslower
I have often wondered how people can work around motorcycles/dirtbikes/quads/pwc and have such poor dispositions. Don't you think that if you got work on or around bikes all day that it would more than compensate for the fact that you have to deal with the occasional moron

That's what I was thinking. The only jobs I'd rather have is GNCC Pro, or Harem Supervisor.

 

[biglou]

Sandwich tester. Oh, wait, Julius has that job. :D

 

[326mx]

Matress Tester

 

[XRpredator]

zio opined that these may be the best jobs:
That's what I was thinking. The only jobs I'd rather have is GNCC Pro, or Harem Supervisor.

District Secretary is a pretty good gig. :D

 

[G. Gearloose]

Funny story (wasn't funny at the time)...
Holiday shopping for a stereo component, I waited a long time for a salesperson and finally got someone to help, and was about to get my paperwork started...
Then this Commander McBragg-looking guy walk into the soundbooth and says in a booming voice:
"BUHR,HUR,HUR, I'D LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING IN THE BOSE!"

Well every damn salesperson immediatly spun their heads and dropped all of us like last month's milk, this guy had four people at his attention, just about shining his shoes with their ties.

Never had to do that, our local bike dealer is pretty darn nice.

 

[a454elk]

Zio, you in charge of a Harem reminds me of the fox and the hen house!

bbbom, here in Cali, they always great you with a kiss!:)

 

[zio]

I'm the fox, right?

 

[Joepro9]

Wow, Sorry to hear about all the bad experiences, Just remeber, they are not employed by honda :)
Myself on the other had Had a great experience from the dealer I purchased my bike off of. This dealer has 2 locations, one a honda yammy place the other zukes ktms and cdales. Well the zuke store had the bike I like, a 00 cr250, so I went up there on a saturday. Walked in, wow, there were seriously 15 people looking at bikes. It was saturday, ans there was only one sales man there! Well about after 10 mins of browsing, A blur of a man went flying past with a wad of papers, stop and turned, and said, "hey I didnt see you guys, I am really busy, I will be over to see if you need help in just a min." Well looking at how many people were there I was thinking, "ya right!" Sure enoughm 5 mins he came over, excusing himself from another customer, and asked if we needed help. We talked a deal on the bike I liked. He was helping customers while doing my paper work, so he showed me and my dad to his office to watch tv....I was thinking god this must be saying it will be awhile. He can in an checked on us periodically. I was amazed at his skills and personability. My father, service manager at a car dealer ship turned to me and said, "that guys good" Wow, I though this coimg from my dad, he must REALLY be good. Well I went on long enough, he had us otta there in 45 mins, despite the other 15 people in the show room. I think he sold 5 or six bikes that day.... While waiting on us, going to r=un some paper work I remember hearing him say to another customer, "hey if you see something ya like, feel free to sit down, I will be with you as soon as I can."
Sorry for going on so long, but it was a great expericence. Just remeber its hard to find good help these days!
www.cernics.com
Joe
ps, anyone from western Pa before, Im sure you herd of the dealer and I highly reccomend then, Cernics

 

[Whoops]

Okay, here's another spin on this topic.

How can a person, that wants a new dirt bike so bad he'll put his money down, sight unseen, let a sales guy get between him and the object of his desire? If I understand this correctly, this person stands in the show room for 20 30 minutes and doesn't utter a single word? I don't get it. How can a person just stand around and be a "victim" and then have the nerve to send a letter to the editor complaining about Honda? Where was all that nerve in the showroom? Passing on the CRF450, which is a great bike, just because a sales guy doesn't know his job is pitiful.

Whoops

 

[BSWIFT]

Originally posted by Whoops
Okay, here's another spin on this topic.

How can a person, that wants a new dirt bike so bad he'll put his money down, sight unseen, let a sales guy get between him and the object of his desire? If I understand this correctly, this person stands in the show room for 20 30 minutes and doesn't utter a single word? I don't get it. How can a person just stand around and be a "victim" and then have the nerve to send a letter to the editor complaining about Honda? Where was all that nerve in the showroom? Passing on the CRF450, which is a great bike, just because a sales guy doesn't know his job is pitiful.

Whoops

Point well taken WHOOPS. However, I do not feel the need to get irate to buy a motorcycle, a car, or anythings else for that matter. If every dealer in my area did business this way, I would likely not buy ANY make of motorcycle locally. I don't HAVE to have a new motorcycle, I don't NEED a new motorcycle, I WANT a new motorcycle. If the right deal is out there AND I run across it, I'll do it. My letter could have been full of spiteful cursing that might make me feel better but would really not portray the situation appropriately. In my line of work, I deal with customers daily. Most times it is pleasant, sometimes you do your best not to say what you are thinking. My customers like me, even when I have bad news that will cost them major bucks because they trust me. If I have to yell at someone or get in their face it is very doubtful they will respect me or trust me. Respect and trust go much further than harsh, inappropriate words.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

My local Honda/Yamaha dealer is ok. They help me if I ask, and sometimes ask if I need help, but usually I have to ask them for help finding stuff. In Victoria I went to a shop, SG Power, that was awesome. The salesman came up to me, asked if I needed help, helped me find the barkbusters I needed, was friendly. There's a Honda dealership an hour away that has good service but few parts.

 

[Chili]

Originally posted by Whoops
Okay, here's another spin on this topic.

If I understand this correctly, this person stands in the show room for 20 30 minutes and doesn't utter a single word? I don't get it. How can a person just stand around and be a "victim" and then have the nerve to send a letter to the editor complaining about Honda? Where was all that nerve in the showroom? Passing on the CRF450, which is a great bike, just because a sales guy doesn't know his job is pitiful.

Whoops

I think you miss the point in that BSWIFT was a potential customer who was ignored and as such they failed to "EARN" his business. I feel no obligation when spending my hard earned cash on a bike to "barge" into a salesman's conversation to make a deal if he can't be bothered I'd rather deal with a salesman interested in why I'm in his showroom. As for the fine line in dealing with tire kickers I'm more than happy to tell the salesman "no thanks, I'm just kicking tires at the moment but I'll let you know if I have any questions" When we purchased an 02 TT-R125L for my son earlier this year we went to all Three Yamaha dealers in my area and we ended up purchasing from the one furthest from our house, Why you ask? Since the price was the exact same at all dealerships it came down to one thing GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Now excuse me while I get off my soap box :)

 

[Whoops]

BSWIFT

Who said anything about being irrate? I'm talking about not waiting for someone else to take the first step. Work up the nerve to actually approach the sale person instead of waiting for him to come to you. No knock against against sales people, but a lot of them aren't very good at their jobs. If you know what you want and you know how much you want to pay for it, the salesman is just a formality. You will get their full attention when you approach them and explain that you are there spend money. This approach has always worked well for me, but it's proabably not for everyone since it's based on being friendly, outgoing and happy to be standing in a room full of new motorcycles.

The bottom line is, don't make a judgement against an entire corporation base on a face to face experience with the sales person. Save that for the parts department! :)

Whoops

 

[BSWIFT]

don't make a judgement against an entire corporation

Didn't intend that at all. The dealership lost out, Honda Corporation just lost out for the time being. Sorry, just not my style.

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

Originally posted by Whoops
BSWIFT
Work up the nerve to actually approach the sale person instead of waiting for him to come to you.

Those of us that know swift know that this is not a character flaw on his part. I really can't see him standing off in a corner like a scorn puppy patiently waiting for someone to break the ice. In fact I'm a bit surprised he didn't use the sales person for a berm as he drove off in the truck. :aj:

 

[motometal]

The sales guys at our Honda dealership are very friendly, but they are not real knowledgeable on the dirt bikes. For this same reason, I actually prefer to have car salesmen, motorcycle salesmen, etc. stay away and let me browse, and I will find them when and if I am ready to get serious. I don't want to feel rushed or pushed. But, that's just me.

Being in the sales business myself, I can totally relate that the "warm fuzzy" part of buying any product or service can be very important. I guess I just have so little faith in the knowledge or ability of sales people these days (due to bad experiences) that I expect very little.

 

[justql]

Those of us that know swift know he's as easy going as they come. I understand your point swift. The last new bike I bought was my sons kx 60. I walked in the door and immediately was approached by a "part" time salesman. When he asked if he could help me I told him I wanted to look at the new 60 they had just got in. About that time the owner of the shop who was behind the counter waiting on a customer, speaks up and tells the salesman a price for the 60. The salesman looks at me shocked and says "WOW, thats $200 cheaper than he's quoted it to everyone else." I bought the bike and used him as my dealer for over a year after that. I asked him to tell me when he got a new DRZ in. He called me when it came in. I got to the shop that day. He took me to the shop where there was a unopened crate. We opened the crate and there it was a DRZ. I then asked the price. It was $200 higher than sticker. :| I tried to get him to come down, no go. He agreed to continue to give me the same discount he had been giving me. I left haven't been back. I guess he figured that I was hooked and would buy from him no matter what. After buying one new bike and parts for four from the guy he could have atleast sold the bike at list. Other dealers were selling them below list.

 

[jeffd]

I had the same experience 2 times with a N. Texas Honda dealer. This is a large shop with a sponsored race team (name withheld... but you can figure it out).

I was buying 3 new bikes and working with 3 dealers. I had financing secured and all that was needed was for the dealer with the best price to step up and take a shot. I got numbers back from the 2 Yamaha dealers, but the jerks at the Honda shop wouldn't even return my numerous calls. I pleaded with them and told them I was ready to pull the trigger on 3 friggin' bikes and a trailer! Needless to say I bought 3 new Yamaha's that same day. Never heard from the arrogant sob's at the Honda shop.

Attempt number 2 I was trying to get a 4 wheeler for my Dad. I had to literally track down a salesman after being in the store for 30+ minutes. I felt I was basically an inconvenience to the salesman because he was not very interested in securing literature or a working up decent sales price for the quad. I did my homework and this guy just threw a number at me (which I had to ask for a business card and a pen so I could quote the sales price he gave me :think: )

I am a 37 yr. old well-groomed adult here. I am reasonable and intellegent. Why is it that Honda shops don't even try to assist customers or sell their products??

Riding blue in '02,
-jeffd

 

[Ol'89r]

Originally posted by a454elk
I couldn't understand why ALL the salesman at the Suzuki delaer helped me load my bike up?!:think: I thought I heard laughter when I was leaving but wasn't sure cause the elk drowned out the noise!:):)

Elk.

That's because they couldn't believe someone actually bought one. :scream:

They wanted you out of there before you changed your mind. :)

 

[txvintage]

Originally posted by jeffd
I had the same experience 2 times with a N. Texas Honda dealer. This is a large shop with a sponsored race team (name withheld... but you can figure it out).


Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These guys must hate customers!

Obviously, I too have had trouble spending money at Honda's satellite backed 125 dealer team.

I once pulled into the parking space right in front of the door 10 minutes before closing time on a Saturday in need of a clutch basket, plates, piston, rings and all assocotiated gaskets for a CR. They locked the door on me as I reached for it. I yelled through the door what I needed, and he just said come back Tuesday because they were trying to get out of there for the weekend!

That is my worst experience there, but I have had so many bad experiences at the parts counter it's no longer worth it to keep track.

Sad thing is, I actually like the race team but now can't bring myself to support their owner......................

 

[mx547]

i've had nothing but good experiences with my honda dealer. they actually called me friday to let me know that a 03 cr 450 came in, in case i wanted it.

 

[motometal]

wow, someone that actually wants to sell a bike! those seem to be harder to find every day!