Are dealers too busy?

[Wayne Orwig]

About a year ago, I started to get curious about the V85TT. A number of people recommended a dealer in North Carolina, about three hours away. So I sent off an email, I got no reply. I sent another email or two. No reply (or the reply was a simple 'call us', I've forgotten). I did not follow up, because I wasn't sure where life was leading me at the time anyway. But I was disappointed that I did not get a LITTLE better response.

Understand that I have hearing issues. Normal face to face conversation is a struggle, conversation now with the masks is a real struggle, and phone calls can be a disaster. So I like emails, or maybe a text.

So anyway, that went nowhere. It was annoying, BUT I was likely wasting their time anyway because of my situation, so I let it go.

Fast forward a year. Things have changed for me a lot again. I am really thinking again about going out and exploring some gravel roads. And the V85TT may be a good tool for doing that.
So I email a nearby dealer. I actually got quick feedback, but with an out the door price that I felt was too high.
So I email that North Carolina dealer hours away about getting an Adventure. He replies that he has a Travel. I email that I really wanted the Adventure and I asked how much for the Travel. He replied only with 'yes, he also has the Adventure'.....  Maybe I will get there after thirty more questions.    At this point, HE is wasting his time and my time. So another email asking if he does have an Adventure, and how much. Yes he said he does. Still no price. So I call, and I think he said he would answer my email, I think. Hard for me to understand on the phone. So yes, he now replies to my email with a lot of questions. Am I a service member, do I have a trade in, etc. Finally, making some progress. I answer the questions, sending info on the trade, I never got a follow up reply.

In the mean time, a few people recommended a dealer in Ohio. I emailed them, no reply. I emailed again, I get a reply that said call. I emailed about my bad hearing. No reply. I called and they said I need to talk to the guy that I have been emailing. They said they would tell him to email me. No reply.

Last weekend I encountered a Georgia rider, selling a used unmolested V85TT Adventure. He now has money, I have a V85TT.

Why did the dealers care less about following through. I can overlook my initial emails where they may have thought I was just wasting time, as I actually did one year ago. But with repeated email follow ups AND phone calls, and I was still ignored. Very confusing.

I did not use dealer names because these dealers are highly thought of, and some people will have their tender feels hurt if I used names.    

So I'm sure I am missing something. As in, I have money, and they don't need it, or something. 

[guzzisteve]

I heard Joe was getting a black one and will be selling his multi colored one, used little bit.

You must have it, hey "YOU are now NOT the problem"

[Wayne Orwig]

I heard Joe was getting a black one and will be selling his multi colored one, used little bit.

It is in my garage.
He said too heavy for what he wants.

[Chuck in Indiana]

All is well that ends well. 
On another note.. Dorcia is wanting a hard side camper. After much research, there is one she might like and it's manufactured in Indiana. Their phone number just said to look at their web site.    I emailed them to see if we could look at one.
Crickets. Days pass. Finally got a return email showing their dealer locator. As if I couldn't find that..  we are closer to the manufacturer than any dealer..
Finally got another email saying we could come and look, but they may or may not have one like she wants..
Ah, we need a little trip anyway.

[kballowe]

I rode >100 miles to check out a multi-powersports dealer.  Walked around the showroom for 20 minutes and no one even spoke to me.  They seemed to all be stuck to their cell phones.

[80CX100]

     I only buy used, usually at good prices, (guzzi content lol), but a while back I took a hard run at getting one of the few remaining new Stelvios, in hindsight I'm very glad it didn't work out.

     A couple of years ago, I tried to buy a NOS Stelvio from a dealer out of town, I got the same treatment you did, it was like they didn't care at all, we were only a couple of hundred dollars apart, but rather than sell it and free up cash and floor space it languished in their show room or warehouse forever.

     I have a couple of theories about dealers selling MG's in my area of the world. They hate to deal with anyone that really knows the brand, and especially anyone from out of town, prepared and willing to do their own service and work.

     I think that their profit margins are probably slim and they count on selling bikes to people that don't know the brand that well and are held hostage to the dealer doing all the service and work on the bike and THAT is where they make their profit. jmho fwiw

     
     Wayne, I'm really happy that you got the bike you wanted at a fair price; wishing you many safe miles and smiles   

          

     

[Dirk_S]

I rode >100 miles to check out a multi-powersports dealer.  Walked around the showroom for 20 minutes and no one even spoke to me.  They seemed to all be stuck to their cell phones.

There’s a difference there. That’s a passive interaction opportunity. Some sales folk choose to just let people browse rather than give them the treatment, whereas Wayne was actively reaching out, seeking a response. I’d be quite annoyed, then again, if business is happening, then they can afford to not respond. Fascinating (and frustrating) how supply & demand often affects the balance of who seeks whose attention.

[kingoffleece]

I prefer the salespeople leave me alone.  I'll find them if I need them.

[guzzisteve]

Talking about dealers, one in Cobb Co had multiple people shot just yesterday. Mountain Motorsports.

[Ncdan]

Like I have said here even recently, NC had no MG dealership in reality....as far as I’m concerned anyhow.

[bettythebear]

It doesnt get any better than AF1, in my opinion. They have two long term sales guys, and they don't do commission, so they actually sped time with you. They just haooen to have a used 2020 Adventure right now, too. They also have a couple of new ones, I was just there the other day.

https://www.af1racingaustin.com/used-inventory/2020-moto-guzzi-v85-tt-adventure

[Bisbonian]

It doesnt get any better than AF1, in my opinion. They have two long term sales guys, and they don't do commission, so they actually sped time with you. They just haooen to have a used 2020 Adventure right now, too. They also have a couple of new ones, I was just there the other day.

https://www.af1racingaustin.com/used-inventory/2020-moto-guzzi-v85-tt-adventure

It was worth it for me to fly out to Austin last January and then ride home on my new V85. Ed at AF1 was very responsive via email and my experience was quite positive.

[bad Chad]

I have been in more than a couple cycle dealers over the years, that entirely ignored my presence,  I just don’t get that?    IMO a good shop will acknowledge your presence, ask if they can help and then let
me be until I do just that.

[Milosh]

Like I have said here even recently, NC had no MG dealership in reality....as far as I’m concerned anyhow.

The place in Charlotte is no bueno?

[egschade]

I reached out to a couple regional dealers by email about some other makes and received no response. My local multi-brand dealer did answer my initial inquiry about a used Triumph Scrambler XC but there was no follow up (suspect the bike was sold).

The new Indian dealer in Monmouth, NJ carries MG but I wanted someone who has some experience with the brand. Once I decided on the V85TT my decision to go with Jim Hamlin was a no brainer. Very knowledgeable and extremely responsive - well worth the 90 minute drive.

[moto]

It doesnt get any better than AF1, in my opinion. They have two long term sales guys, and they don't do commission, so they actually sped time with you. They just haooen to have a used 2020 Adventure right now, too. They also have a couple of new ones, I was just there the other day.

https://www.af1racingaustin.com/used-inventory/2020-moto-guzzi-v85-tt-adventure

Not to get too off-topic, there's an interesting, orange side car outfit in the background of two of the photos of the V85. Anyone recognize the model?



Moto

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Not to get too off-topic, there's an interesting, orange side car outfit in the background of two of the photos of the V85. Anyone recognize the model?



Moto

Maybe the Ural Gear Up: https://www.imz-ural.com/gear-up

[bettythebear]

Yeah, AF1 is a Ural dealer also

[Moto Vita]

About a year ago, I started to get curious about the V85TT. A number of people recommended a dealer in North Carolina, about three hours away. So I sent off an email, I got no reply. I sent another email or two. No reply (or the reply was a simple 'call us', I've forgotten). I did not follow up, because I wasn't sure where life was leading me at the time anyway. But I was disappointed that I did not get a LITTLE better response.

Understand that I have hearing issues. Normal face to face conversation is a struggle, conversation now with the masks is a real struggle, and phone calls can be a disaster. So I like emails, or maybe a text.

So anyway, that went nowhere. It was annoying, BUT I was likely wasting their time anyway because of my situation, so I let it go.

Fast forward a year. Things have changed for me a lot again. I am really thinking again about going out and exploring some gravel roads. And the V85TT may be a good tool for doing that.
So I email a nearby dealer. I actually got quick feedback, but with an out the door price that I felt was too high.
So I email that North Carolina dealer hours away about getting an Adventure. He replies that he has a Travel. I email that I really wanted the Adventure and I asked how much for the Travel. He replied only with 'yes, he also has the Adventure'.....  Maybe I will get there after thirty more questions.    At this point, HE is wasting his time and my time. So another email asking if he does have an Adventure, and how much. Yes he said he does. Still no price. So I call, and I think he said he would answer my email, I think. Hard for me to understand on the phone. So yes, he now replies to my email with a lot of questions. Am I a service member, do I have a trade in, etc. Finally, making some progress. I answer the questions, sending info on the trade, I never got a follow up reply.

In the mean time, a few people recommended a dealer in Ohio. I emailed them, no reply. I emailed again, I get a reply that said call. I emailed about my bad hearing. No reply. I called and they said I need to talk to the guy that I have been emailing. They said they would tell him to email me. No reply.

Last weekend I encountered a Georgia rider, selling a used unmolested V85TT Adventure. He now has money, I have a V85TT.

Why did the dealers care less about following through. I can overlook my initial emails where they may have thought I was just wasting time, as I actually did one year ago. But with repeated email follow ups AND phone calls, and I was still ignored. Very confusing.

I did not use dealer names because these dealers are highly thought of, and some people will have their tender feels hurt if I used names.    

So I'm sure I am missing something. As in, I have money, and they don't need it, or something. 

 A suggestion, start your email by explaining your hearing situation. In my experience there are too many people who love to anonymously waste time on the internet. If I were responding to your email I'd invite you to call unless I knew of your condition.

[Dilliw]

A hitch on the Mustang and you could kill two birds with one stone as AF1 has a used yellow one.  Then again, I don't think you are going to do better than what's in your garage.  You know I really like that sticker!!!

[Vagrant]

Not defending anybody here just an explanation as I see it.
Back in 1966 when I started drag racing and was broke to start with I sought out sponsorship from the family-owned auto parts store in Westmont Ill. I spent a lot of time there and watched as many times he refused to quote a price unless it was to a dealer he did daily business with and knew would buy from him. The rest got I have it in stock, or not, but, I won't quote the price on the phone. He told me that quoting the phone price was just eliminating him as they would keep calling others until they get the lowest price. Nothing has changed today other than the email is the new phone.
That being said and knowing your situation I guess I would try to identify the big boss/owner, email him with an explanation of the situation, and set a time you will call him for an OTD price. Not perfect but it might work.
The best news is you got a good deal on a great bike and will pay fewer sales tax too.

[lucky phil]

About a year ago, I started to get curious about the V85TT. A number of people recommended a dealer in North Carolina, about three hours away. So I sent off an email, I got no reply. I sent another email or two. No reply (or the reply was a simple 'call us', I've forgotten). I did not follow up, because I wasn't sure where life was leading me at the time anyway. But I was disappointed that I did not get a LITTLE better response.

Understand that I have hearing issues. Normal face to face conversation is a struggle, conversation now with the masks is a real struggle, and phone calls can be a disaster. So I like emails, or maybe a text.

So anyway, that went nowhere. It was annoying, BUT I was likely wasting their time anyway because of my situation, so I let it go.

Fast forward a year. Things have changed for me a lot again. I am really thinking again about going out and exploring some gravel roads. And the V85TT may be a good tool for doing that.
So I email a nearby dealer. I actually got quick feedback, but with an out the door price that I felt was too high.
So I email that North Carolina dealer hours away about getting an Adventure. He replies that he has a Travel. I email that I really wanted the Adventure and I asked how much for the Travel. He replied only with 'yes, he also has the Adventure'.....  Maybe I will get there after thirty more questions.    At this point, HE is wasting his time and my time. So another email asking if he does have an Adventure, and how much. Yes he said he does. Still no price. So I call, and I think he said he would answer my email, I think. Hard for me to understand on the phone. So yes, he now replies to my email with a lot of questions. Am I a service member, do I have a trade in, etc. Finally, making some progress. I answer the questions, sending info on the trade, I never got a follow up reply.

In the mean time, a few people recommended a dealer in Ohio. I emailed them, no reply. I emailed again, I get a reply that said call. I emailed about my bad hearing. No reply. I called and they said I need to talk to the guy that I have been emailing. They said they would tell him to email me. No reply.

Last weekend I encountered a Georgia rider, selling a used unmolested V85TT Adventure. He now has money, I have a V85TT.

Why did the dealers care less about following through. I can overlook my initial emails where they may have thought I was just wasting time, as I actually did one year ago. But with repeated email follow ups AND phone calls, and I was still ignored. Very confusing.

I did not use dealer names because these dealers are highly thought of, and some people will have their tender feels hurt if I used names.    

So I'm sure I am missing something. As in, I have money, and they don't need it, or something. 

I can almost guarantee you the problem was that the dealer figured you were a price fisher. People that only contact them for a price and availability so they can use it as leverage for a deal with another dealer. Dealers have been reluctant to do this type of communication for years.
When I was chatting to my Ford dealers finance controller whilst waiting for my new car he said it was common to spend an hour or more serving a perspective new buyer doing a test drive the whole nine yards, for the customer then to start phoning around the other dealers in the area in front of the salesman using his negotiated price as a bargaining point. They'd then walk out the door to the other dealer over a couple of hundred dollars.
Can't blame the dealers. The current obsession with screwing the dealer down to the last nickel on the price gets you this situation. I personally have formed relationships with a few dealer over the years and its served me well every time. Nothing like pulling the "I've bought 3 new cars here in the last 2 years" if you don't get the service you are expecting. So at the end of the day the consumer gets exactly what they deserve by and large, no sense wondering why or complaining.

Ciao

[wavedog]

Wayne, congratulations on the new to you V85. I hope it works out well for you.

[Huzo]

I can almost guarantee you the problem was that the dealer figured you were a price fisher. People that only contact them for a price and availability so they can use it as leverage for a deal with another dealer. Dealers have been reluctant to do this type of communication for years.
When I was chatting to my Ford dealers finance controller whilst waiting for my new car he said it was common to spend an hour or more serving a perspective new buyer doing a test drive the whole nine yards, for the customer then to start phoning around the other dealers in the area in front of the salesman using his negotiated price as a bargaining point. They'd then walk out the door to the other dealer over a couple of hundred dollars.
Can't blame the dealers. The current obsession with screwing the dealer down to the last nickel on the price gets you this situation. I personally have formed relationships with a few dealer over the years and its served me well every time. Nothing like pulling the "I've bought 3 new cars here in the last 2 years" if you don't get the service you are expecting. So at the end of the day the consumer gets exactly what they deserve by and large, no sense wondering why or complaining.

Ciao

This...

[Huzo]

Why are the pipes wrapped ?


I must admit, I like those Coastguard ones as much as my red.

[lucky phil]

Why are the pipes wrapped ?


I must admit, I like those Coastguard ones as much as my red.

To make them look ugly, attract road grime, and be of zero utility at all. Have I left something out?

Ciao

[Huzo]

To make them look ugly, attract road grime, and be of zero utility at all. Have I left something out?

Ciao

Not that I can see. But I do like the bike.

[moto]

Maybe the Ural Gear Up: https://www.imz-ural.com/gear-up

Bound to be. Thanks. Looks good in that color!

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Wayne, great buy! That’s a beautiful bike.

I’m going to go against the grain and say this is the dealers fault. Customer service has fallen off a cliff. Nothing wrong with price shopping. Finding and negotiating the best price with best customer service is required unless you’ve taken leave of your senses. Personally I lean towards better customer service. I.e. I’ll pay somewhat more if the dealer has good customer service. The dealers you reached out to were/are remiss for not following up a sales lead. They missed out on a sale because they would rather have the customer do all the legwork for them. The result in your case sucks for them but turned out good for you.

[Wayne Orwig]

To make them look ugly, attract road grime, and be of zero utility at all. Have I left something out?

Ciao

You forgot to add that it can trap moisture and rot out the pipe from the outside, while trapping in heat to rot out the pipe from the inside.