| Author | Message | ||
     Ljm |
So the Mrs. and I are down taking a break from the snow and single digits at home. Went into a dealer for new tires on the 1125, picked up a screw in one and figured mught as well do both while here. Sales huy i bought the X1 from said he had an 1125r w 1400 miles, 5995 and they would "work w us". Bottom line: 7800 out the door. Add in dealer prep, doc fees, tax (I'm exempt), service (700). WTF?? Went to another to look at a CR. On the phone, 6899. In person, base increased to 7299, and add ons: 2k more. WTF???? CRAP! Unbelievable!!! | ||
| Tbolt98 |
That doesn't make much sense to me... did you call them on it? | ||
| Iamike |
I don't buy from any dealers that play games. Have walked away from several deals that do that. I think I actually got a salesman fired when I was helping my daughter buy a car. We went through all the negotiating, shook hands and told him I'd be back tomorrow. When I came back all the figures changed by $1,400. I told them that wasn't the deal we agreed on and left (made the mistake of not getting a copy of the paperwork). When my daughter said that she really wanted that car we went back and told the owner about it. He helped us finish the deal and when we came back to pick up the car I wanted to talk to the first salesman and they told me he didn't work there anymore. | ||
| Skinstains |
I will never ever give a single red cent to the dealer near me. I would crawl the extra 30 miles to give someone else my money. Someone there has been effin' me over for parts owed since April 2009. I have bought new bikes from them and have been maintaining 7 XB series buells with parts bought from them for years. I suppose pedaling all of that Chineese made American flag waving Harley clothing s**t is where the money is. Do yourself a favor and buy a used bike and parts from Craigs list on feebay or right here on our good ol' reliable Bad-Web ... | ||
| 86129squids |
Tom B. is cool peeps- a BW sponsor, *fast* rider (but very smoove at speed), and a generally good fella. I've still got good buddies at the dealership where I spent about 5 years selling, including the owner- the past few though, with nothing but "obsolete" stuff (XB9SX and a Shovel), I just go to hang out at the GREAT concerts they like to put on. One of my best buds is the A/V brain. I REALLY, REALLY miss walking into a bike shop and the first sensation is the smell of oil, 2 strokes, and seeing previously loved machines with their patina intact. Seems they're long gone- the only remedy is Wheels Through Time over in Maggie Valley NC.  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I always tried to structure the deal like I would want it structured if I was on the other side of the desk. I think this is the best way to do business. So does Tom. Keep in mind that under the roof of every dealership there are 5 distinct profit centers: Bikes Sales Service Parts and Accessories Motor Clothes Finance Each must be profitable for the enterprise to survive. Most don't understand the profitability of the finance department. There MUST be revenue above and beyond what it costs to pay and provide benefits for the finance folks. They don't work for free. If the finance department doesn't have separate charges, they will be reflected in the price of the bike. There are only so many ways one can squeeze the balloon, but in the end revenue must exceed cost or the dealership is dead. While I have had the privilege of working with Tom and Bumpus HD, I have only seen what is "fair". This means good for the customer and good for the dealer. It's one of the reasons why Bumpus has some of the highest numbers of repeat customers in the business. Identify good and bad dealers and do business with the good ones! | ||
| 86129squids |
Well put, as usual, Jeremy! When I was still selling, the worst nightmares for me were the customers I'd worked with for weeks, months, some even YEARS before they'd pull the trigger- then cut me off at the knees for $50 or $100 somewhere else... After I'd done way more than my level best to serve, educate, WIIFM back and forth, and just help any way possible. Loyalty is a VERY rare commodity. Don't miss those days at all... | ||
| Datsaxman |
Greeson Victory/Kawasaki Hot Springs, Arkansas Said they had a 2009 XB12XT with 2400 miles on it. Quoted me a price. So I went out to look at it. Made some coffee, kicked the tires, bench raced a bit. No pressure, no upselling at all. Price was as quoted, bike was as new, so I bought it. Very good folks. | ||
| Ljm |
This was not a trash the dealers thread, at least wasn't intended to be. About have my almost 30 bikes came from dealers and i even financed through harley motor credit (paid it off when I got home). I've dealt with good ones and particularly the crew at HOH in Anvhorage. Price quoted was price paid. However, when price goes from 5900 and we can beat that to 7900 including our special 40 point inspection, service fee, tax (exempt, don't live here), license (don't need it, not licensing it here), emissions (see above), doc fee (see above, paying cash just give me the signed title). So, I realize that folks have to make a living and I am good w that but really? 2k bait and switch? The old "40 point inspection? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I agree, the deal quoted was not on the level. You did as you should have, you walked away. Or. You could have challenged the numbers and sought a "fairer" deal (assuming you didn't). | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I do miss when the economy was good, and the fun was in the biz. Really the final nut kick was when they closed Buell - It sucked all the fun out of being there for me. I felt more and more like Office Space every day. | ||
| Court |
The shame has been the ambivalence with which those in business so readily accept poor workmanship and service. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The really sad part is the hindrance of excellence in people under the administration of poor leadership. I currently am working for low skilled, limited vision leadership who regularly squander high value resources. "We deserve better leaders" is evidently not a statement limited to politics. | ||
| Cataract2 |
I'm on the verge of thinking about selling mine because I can't seem to figure out how to get hard bags installed on mine. The Givi universal kit doesn't appear to be available anymore. Welders here won't bother with it. That Yamaha Super Tenere is looking better and better. | ||
| Satori |
+1,000 Ft_bstrd I have seen, and unfortunately worked with some of the most inept "leaders" and management in the last few years. My previous boss, whom I fired, was to say the least a Petulant Narcisist, the rules would change based on what meeting he just came out of, if he got some love the night before, and if or how bad he was hung over. Dont miss dealing with him. I can say though that I am now blessed with my current boss, great guy, supportive and as long as I do what I am supposed to, just leaves me alone. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
My previous boss was the best employer I've ever had. Unfortunately, he was forced to sell to the worst employer I've ever had. I was hijacked mid flight. My current boss' guiding light is whatever gets more money out of my pocket and into his. As an example, at the beginning of 2011 I was entered into a bonus program. "That's great!" you say. Not so fast. It's a bonus program I pay into so that my boss can use to give a bonus to the support staff. I already pay between $.60 and $.70 of every dollar to my boss just to do business with my company. I desperately hoping for a change of employer/career for 2012. The sad part is that I am really good at what I do. If you guys hear of a company needing an experienced Boardroom level sales and presentation specialist, let me know! | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'm with you Fatty. Hoping I can land a new job in 2012. Got a good line on an IT Project Manager position. Really hoping I can get the job, but competition is tough and comp is a good $10,000 less than it was a few years ago. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Shoot me your resume. I might have a lead. | ||
| Slowride |
Chad, From one PM to another... I have two great leads on PM jobs in Brentwood, TN. I have been looking at them, but I am not sure I want to leave Texas for TN. Shoot me a private message and I will hook you up with the recruiting company sourcing for these positions. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Fatty, Guessing your not working at Bumpus anymore. Did he sell one of the dealerships? And back to the OP's thought's and questions: I give a big thumbs up for Bumpus in Memphis. Went there in 2010 just to look around while my brothers did the same / bought some HD swag. Went to the parts guy and asked if they had any Buell gear left. He said he was sorry, they just shipped it all to the Murfreesboro store, but that they did have some service parts in stock. Bought 2 Omega gaskets and two inspection gaskets. Then chatted about Buells for a few minutes. The guy was a fan and great to talk with. Then went over to merch. Was able to just look around without being pestered. A sale's lady answered some of my questions, and I bought a quick release for my helmet. It was not only made in the USA, but sold for a fair price as well. Great over all experience. This year (summer 2011), lost a belt and needed a few odds and ends. Ordered from Murfressboro, arrived quickly and without much fuss. - Got tagged for an extra $5.00 shipping, but over all a good transaction. Bumpus and American Sport Bike are where I look for Buell parts first. Then it's BWB, and fleebay. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Fatty, Guessing your not working at Bumpus anymore. Did he sell one of the dealerships? And back to the OP's thought's and questions: I give a big thumbs up for Bumpus in Memphis. Went there in 2010 just to look around while my brothers did the same / bought some HD swag. Went to the parts guy and asked if they had any Buell gear left. He said he was sorry, they just shipped it all to the Murfreesboro store, but that they did have some service parts in stock. Bought 2 Omega gaskets and two inspection gaskets. Then chatted about Buells for a few minutes. The guy was a fan and great to talk with. Then went over to merch. Was able to just look around without being pestered. A sale's lady answered some of my questions, and I bought a quick release for my helmet. It was not only made in the USA, but sold for a fair price as well. Great over all experience. This year (summer 2011), lost a belt and needed a few odds and ends. Ordered from Murfressboro, arrived quickly and without much fuss. - Got tagged for an extra $5.00 shipping, but over all a good transaction. Bumpus and American Sport Bike are where I look for Buell parts first. Then it's BWB, and fleebay. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I am hoping 2012 brings a new life to the job, economy, location, love, and garage 2011 took its victims. | ||
| Tnxbrider |
Fatty was discussing his other (real Career) boss (I Hope). I'm still in Murfreesboro, and still love being in the motorcycle business and serving real motorcyclists. We've had 60 and sunny today, and the world seemed full of riders. Great way to end 2011. Happy New Year all, hope to see each of you on the road somewhere in 2012. T | ||
| 86129squids |
Same to you Tom- have a great one! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Yes. Sorry for the confusion. Selling Buells and Buell gear was my fun job. When Buell ended, so did my fun job for the most part. I am still able to work with Tom to help him move the gear he has left and to find other opportunities as they arise. It's my "real" job that sucks right now.  | ||
| Oldog |
Any one that knows Tom / You knew that you were not talking about him...... Sorry to hear that the primary has crawled down the sewer, a question is it feasable for you to start a CO that offers the expertice that you have? perhaps its time to take a leap of faith? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Part of it is my current employer. Part of it is the current economy. Much of it is the change my industry is going through. I have an interview with another firm. We'll see what happens. |
