Is it just me, or does it seems like dealers are still a pain in the ass? You would think with the economy going into the toilet they would be more apt to throw you a bone to close a sale.
After reading what I wrote, I guess this is an *rico gripe. So here's my tale... And on second thought, I'll * out the name of the dealer to protect the innocent.
I called *rico last week before finalizing the purchase of my multistrada. I spoke with a sales guy over the phone, asked him if he had an 07 or 08 multi 1100s, he said they only had an 07 1000. I said, "ok, thanks, but no thanks." At that time, I was still leaning toward the new 08 1100s over at Fay. They believe it or not had given me a smoking deal on a new one. Had I not found mine in Texas, I woulda jumped on it in a second. So I keep chatting with the guy a bit, and I explain that I have a good deal on the one at Fay. He asks, "Do you really wanna deal with them?" My answer, "I wanna deal with whomever has the best price. His reply, which shocked me was, "Then deal with Fay". Ok - click. Maybe he was having a bad day, maybe he didn't think I was a serious buying being that it was over the phone. Maybe he was a Fay employee mole planted at *rico to detour sales back to Fay? My mistake, I didn't know it was worth a premium to get reemed at *rico.
Don't get me wrong, *rico has the best looking shop in town without a doubt. But it's still staffed with idiots. Case in point #2:
I go in there last night to look for some Dainese pants. They apparently no longer carry them, but now have Rev-it. The sales guy says they like the Rev-it because they are better able to keep stock, and that they are the only premier dealer in town, and they get great pricing. So I look at a pair, and they are still full retail, $400 and some odd dollars. Hmm, best pricing in town, yet still MSRP. Yup they must be making a killer return on sales.
I make the mistake of going to check out an exhaust system in back, basically get into a arguement with the guy over the fact i "MUST" run a ECU or PCIII. Well friend, I'll take my chance with a stock airbox, and a CO adjustment for now, like countless others have successfully done, and go from there. I'll add one IF needed. I inquire about a price, he fumbles around, picks up the phone, says the Arrow supplier is closed as it's 5:30 MST, and replies: "our best price is going to be MSRP" without ever locating his cost, or price. Wow, here's my credit card I'll take 2!
So, I'll order my $1200 exhaust and order a pair of $300 pants elsewhere. *rico, you stil don't get it. Maybe I caught the few bad apples this week, but I'm not so sure.
Ok, last rant. Who the hell closes at 6pm?
my experiance at Erico was basically the same. When I decided to buy an RS about a month and half ago, I knew I wanted an 07, any color. Called on the phone, talked to the "manager", went in. Long and short, was told that there was no way any dealer would let an RS go for a substantial discount, even if it was a leftover 07. I wasnt a stroker, I was ready to buy on the spot. Finished at Fay, bought the last black S4RS for 12450 after all the crap fees. Sounds like 2500 off MSRP, and there was ZERO brain damage. I had a back experiance with Fay a long time ago, but things have changed my perception completely. The morale is, apparently they like being a showroom, as opposed to a dealership
You didn't learn before?
Not sure what they can do now, but way back when, TK got me a smokin' deal on my Arrows for the Monster. Call Faster and see what they can do for you.
BMS would probably be able to help you out, as well.
Well, I gave em a shot on the Monster service, and they actually did a good job. Just thought they might want some aftermarket sales, and apparently that's not the case.
See you kids tomorrow.
PM sent re: pipes
I won't go into the bullshit I went through the last time I dealt with them but I can tell you it was the worst buying experience of my life and I'll never buy anything there again.
They think that holding the line for a $200 part they lost was worth losing me as a customer... Maybe but It was far costlier than the 200 bucks they couldn't live without. I spent nearly $6000 on extras that could have been purchased through them, instead I bought them through another local dealer (not online).
Everyone I talk to, and I'm very active and talk to a LOT of people, are steered toward other shops. In fact just yesterday A fellow came up to me and said He'd been looking for my exact Triumph jacket and wanted to buy one ASAP, asked me where I got it... I sent him to Foothills Triumph. Went on a big ride with over 50 guys this weekend, everyone was sitting around talking about the bikes and then they began asking about Ducati's and where to go in Denver. Guess who was on the "stay away" list!!!
What goes around comes around, they really are the worst dealer in town regardless of how cool the shop looks.
Anybody reading this who's never dealt with this dealership do yourself a favor and drive as far as it takes to go somewhere else. [beer]
Quote from: flynbulldog on June 30, 2008, 01:32:53 PM
What goes around comes around, they really are the worst dealer in town regardless of how cool the shop looks.
It's the people and processes inside the cool looking building that makes or breaks the dealership.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on June 30, 2008, 03:14:48 PM
It's the people and processes inside the cool looking building that makes or breaks the dealership.
I second that.
Some of the best service I have ever received was at TK, when they were in the old space on Wyndot. A very cool place to hang out.
And that shop looked like...?
Quote from: flynbulldog on June 30, 2008, 01:32:53 PM
Anybody reading this who's never dealt with this dealership do yourself a favor and drive as far as it takes to go somewhere else. [beer]
As far as travel time to buy from a decent shop, here's an idea:
There are a couple of us that live up north or spend alot of time up north. If anyone needs something, order it from Northern Colorado BMW Ducati. One of the northern peeps can pick it up and bring it down for a thursday Gov's night. You can get shipping on anything you want for the price of a beer! [drink]
I always viewed Erico as more of a scooter shop ... until I went in there. Then I saw all the Ducs, Triumphs, and the ONE APRILIA FALCO there -- and lo it was a Bol d'Or edition. They wanted full retail for it, but what's worse, no one in the whole shop knew anything about the line. I know this is a Ducati forum but sheez, if you are going to be in sales, know what you carry and know SOMETHING about them more than the customer does.
Yeah, Erico looks nice, yeah Erico is a cool place. I've never bought anything from there and don't think that I would. I get the impression that the sales folks are tools who have nothing better to do than to sit on their barstools and surf the net all day (that's what they've done every time I've been in there). Oh and let's not talk about the squids that were in there too, crawling all over the 1098's, and throwing specs and facts (I use that term loosely) back and forth about Ducati and how the Hayabusa is a much better bike.
Where were the sales folks? Surfing the net, oblivious.
I took a friend there this past winter, and he was looking for his first (FIRST) bike ... when I finally got a sales guy away from his computer, we didn't get past "looking for first bike" before the sales guy tried to sell him a new Triumph Daytona. I mean come on guys this person has never been on a bike before ... seems to me that you'd suggest something more generic, used and easier to take care of (and less drama) ... like a Jap bike. THEN he should upgrade.
Or maybe I'm missing something. *shrug*
The dealers on TOB have been beaten up, but I gotta say these days I'm impressed with Fay Myers. I've not had any issues with them to speak of, and they've gone the extra mile for me more than once.
I think on TOB there was plenty o' dealer bashing.
I don't think we need to go there on here.
But, we can talk about our experiences in the manner we have so far.
That's all.
Carry on.
Hey guys,
It's no secret I work at BMW-Ducati Colorado Springs. The above just made me want to say a couple of things to give some perspective:
Nobody here at our shop, including the owners, are getting rich off this place, or by charging MSRP. I wish I could go further into that, but dealers get beat up more than anybody when it comes to what things cost. I know parts are expensive, hell I can't afford a lot of stuff I want (pipes) at my employee discount. But nobody walks into Walmart to haggle price! Maybe that's a horrible analogy, but it's one I think about from time to time.
And day in, day out, getting beat up by customers and being played against the other dealers on prices, it gets old. Good, bad, or indifferent. I'm not trying to change anybody's mind here, just giving you my perspective.
Don't be too hard on the employees. They have bosses telling them to stop giving stuff away so they can keep the shop open, or actually make a profit. If you had a business, you'd probably want to turn a profit that made it worth continuing.
That said, I know we mess up from time to time. Customers get unhappy, and sometimes they have every right to be. No Dealer is perfect, because they're run by people! If you have an issue, ask to talk to a manager or whatever, explain your case. BE NICE! If you're hot and bothered, you're not likely to get as favorable a response. Nobody likes getting yelled at, and if you're cool, you might be understood and a compromise can be made.
To Smitch's point, the net profit level at dealerships (at least car dealerships, I'm assuming moto shops are similar) is extremely low compared to other industries.
Depending on the dealership, a $100 discount would require tens of thousands in other revenue to make up the difference. No lie.
However, we should support the dealerships that provide good service.
And we can vote with our wallets against those that don't.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on July 01, 2008, 02:11:04 PM
To Smitch's point, the net profit level at dealerships (at least car dealerships, I'm assuming moto shops are similar) is extremely low compared to other industries.
Depending on the dealership, a $100 discount would require tens of thousands in other revenue to make up the difference. No lie.
However, we should support the dealerships that provide good service.
And we can vote with our wallets against those that don't.
[thumbsup] You're exactly right on all counts bro.
Quote
However, we should support the dealerships that provide good service.
And we can vote with our wallets against those that don't.
And that is precisely why I'll continue to do business with Southern Colorado Ducati and Boulder Motorsports [beer]
Hooray for those guys [thumbsup] [moto]
If you're a Dealer or Dealer employee remember this: It's not the mistakes that count, it's how you remedy the mistakes...
Quote from: flynbulldog on July 02, 2008, 08:01:31 AM
And that is precisely why I'll continue to do business with Southern Colorado Ducati and Boulder Motorsports [beer]
Hooray for those guys [thumbsup] [moto]
If you're a Dealer or Dealer employee remember this: It's not the mistakes that count, it's how you remedy the mistakes...
I have not had the opportunity to support Southern yet. Someday soon I will have to go down and meet the guys.
BMS = [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
Quote from: Bick on July 02, 2008, 08:09:39 AM
I have not had the opportunity to support Southern yet. Someday soon I will have to go down and meet the guys.
BMS = [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
+1
I cant believe the stupid shit on the LOUNGE forum bashing BMS.
My favorite line was that BMS'S 1098 finished last at Pueblo like that had anything to do with BMS when it really has to do with
the rider. All of the worthless bashing for no reason [bang]
I guess they just got lucky and developed a WSB team. Yeah RIGHT [laugh].....
Im not bashing the lounge but that thread is just plain dumb.
Ive had nothing but good work done there. Brian spent a hour one day doin dyno work on my S4r and he charged me $40
when anywhere else it would of been 4 times that amount. He has done some work that I thought was a bit high but the
quality was top notch.
Ive never met such a warm place to go with very friendly people.
Quote from: MAD ISON on July 02, 2008, 09:36:40 AM
I cant believe the stupid shit on the LOUNGE forum bashing BMS.
??? Did you forget who the LIZZARD is? ???
Quote from: Bick on July 02, 2008, 10:16:21 AM
??? Did you forget who the LIZZARD is? ???
Yes I did.
I guess I should just leave it alone.
Thanks for the reminder :-X
I have had a tough time at the LoDo shop too, but I picked up my 1098 at Fay, and had an easy sale. It was pure dumb luck that i found my bike. I was not a huge Fay advocate either but this was a good one to build on. BMS was a friendly shop, nice folks.
You guys can have BMS, Brian did not work on my bike and I'm still not riding. >:(
Tanya
Quote from: T-byrd on July 16, 2008, 08:49:44 PM
You guys can have BMS, Brian did not work on my bike and I'm still not riding. >:(
Tanya
My bike is there now, so I'm a bit concerned to hear this. Wanna shoot me a PM about it?
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on June 30, 2008, 03:14:48 PM
It's the people and processes inside the cool looking building that makes or breaks the dealership.
hmmm hate to have one of my first posts in a bash thread, but wow, how I concur. I know some of the people there from my scooter life (although rico does NOT support the vintage crowd - visit casa lambretta next door for OUT OF THIS WORLD service) they don't even pay attention to me, and I am one of the few scooter people with a lot of disposable income, and we have beers together!
I entertained buying my wifes first bike from there, we were looking at triple if you must know, but I can't support J&T after the way they run there stuff. We (the scooter people) tried to support them when they came around, but they gave NOTHING back. They are only interested in selling new plastic scoots for full price (not that theres anything wrong with that if you're nice about it).
Now I finally have my ducati, and it pains me that I don't feel like I could go to the service department. I went in to get some basic stuff, and check on a few things that I needed to order for my new to me 900ss, and the counter guys wanted to argue with me. NOT SMART with a guy holding out his credit card already. I left with a bottle of motul fluid only because I was low from a leaking slave....
sad.
Try Fay for goodies... Max usually takes care of me with atleast a 10% off parts and accessories deal.
Sure you can find stuff online, but every now and again, I want something NOW :)
Have to say that I've never had a problem with Erico. Bought my bike there 2 years ago and the owner still remembers me (by name) whenever I come in. Service department has been good to me - brought the bike down 3 weeks ago for a service and they turned it around in less than a day. I was in Fay this spring and couldn't get anyone to go get a pair of boots for me to try on....guess everyone has good and bad experiences everywhere.....
Quote from: ejw24 on July 24, 2008, 09:09:08 PM
Have to say that I've never had a problem with Erico. Bought my bike there 2 years ago and the owner still remembers me (by name) whenever I come in. Service department has been good to me - brought the bike down 3 weeks ago for a service and they turned it around in less than a day. I was in Fay this spring and couldn't get anyone to go get a pair of boots for me to try on....guess everyone has good and bad experiences everywhere.....
Exactly.
No dealership is perfect and they all make mistakes...my best experiences have been in the Springs at BMW Ducati, extremely nice sales, very knowlegable and Erick is a huge help.
I've gone into Erico a bunch of times, and I always seem to leave feeling deprived, somehow.
There is an air at that dealership, and I don't really understand how they got it.
Any dealer who thinks that they should get $2k over MSRP for every bike they offer is on something.
Then they get mad at you for shopping elsewhere.
"But you get an hour with the mechanics who then set the bike up for you"
I'm sorry, but the 696 doesn't have an adjustable front suspension, so what are they possibly going to do for an hour?
Setting the rear sag takes 5 minutes.
You're not getting several hundred bucks from me to set the rear sag on a bike.
Just not happening.
I've bought two parts from Erico.
A shift lever and a brake light lens for a '97 Monster 750.
I think I'll leave it at that.
I do my own services on all my Ducs, so aside from actual parts or a new bike, I don't actually need anything from the dealers.
That reminds me, I need to inspect the valve and belt clearances on the 696.
Just under 600 miles on her now. ;)
BC.
I bought my lefotver 07 s2r1k at Fay in March - this was the day AFTER I was at the downtonw shop - ready to buy - good to go. That is until a certain person on the floor stepped in and told me no way, no how would there be a discount or negotiation. "we are here to make money" was one of the statements. So - I walked out and called Fay to see what they had. Showed up at 9am Friday morning and was out by noon on an 07 with approx $3k in parts/access/labor - all at a price I couldn't pass up. My experience was great, I bought some other extras - helmet, seat - again nicely discounted.
Needless to say - I am a very happy customer of fay and I didn't overspend which left me some $$ to add other coolio pieces. I get business, and know you have to make money to stay in business, but holding the line and sending people elsewhere aint gonna keep a shop running either... remember 0% of 0 is still 0 - unless math has changed recently!
Anyways - I know some of you here from other spots!
Cheers
Quote from: 1kduc on August 15, 2008, 12:35:33 PM
I bought my lefotver 07 s2r1k at Fay in March - this was the day AFTER I was at the downtonw shop - ready to buy - good to go. That is until a certain person on the floor stepped in and told me no way, no how would there be a discount or negotiation. "we are here to make money" was one of the statements. So - I walked out and called Fay to see what they had. Showed up at 9am Friday morning and was out by noon on an 07 with approx $3k in parts/access/labor - all at a price I couldn't pass up. My experience was great, I bought some other extras - helmet, seat - again nicely discounted.
Needless to say - I am a very happy customer of fay and I didn't overspend which left me some $$ to add other coolio pieces. I get business, and know you have to make money to stay in business, but holding the line and sending people elsewhere aint gonna keep a shop running either... remember 0% of 0 is still 0 - unless math has changed recently!
Anyways - I know some of you here from other spots!
Cheers
Ha ha, not that it matters much, but this guy is OK in my book:) Well guess that's party cuz he's a Sconnie!!!!!! (ah he's from wisconsin for those that don't speak cheesehead:)
Just had the 7500mi. service done on my 07 MTS1100s, had full valve shim adjust, no oil and filter( do it myself), the rest factory schedule. caught a $1003.00 , 9.75 hr. bill, I know I'm cheap, but that seems a bit much. Anyone have this experiance before??
holy crap thats alot! i would of done it for 400 and some beer [drink]
I just had my 7500 done on my multi. Valve adjust only was $225.
They adjusted belts also..
Did it over at Fay...
Quote from: Munch on November 28, 2008, 11:33:56 AM
I just had my 7500 done on my multi. Valve adjust only was $225.
They adjusted belts also..
Did it over at Fay...
How many shims needed adjustment? Not all eight, it sounds like. Maybe two?
Got with the shop the last few days about the bill, found an error in the shop time, simple mistake really, they adjusted the billing and are sending Me a check. the whole thing was handled professionally and quickly,I would like to thank everyone involved for this and will continue to support the shop through their new changes. ride safe everyone [thumbsup]