Are dealers too busy?

[Motormike]

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

Were any motorcycles injured?

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Were any motorcycles injured?

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-1-dead-in-douglas-county-officer-involved-shooting-deputy-injured/45D7MNNMERBBBHOIPERI65CGGA/

Doesn’t seem so. It’s close to the Cobb county line.

[lucky phil]

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. 

Knew I'd forgotten something.

Ciao

[lucky phil]

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.

That's true but to get an idea about the full package the dealer is offering you really need to visit the dealer not just flick them an email, that's a classic "I'm just interested in the last dime" buyer. It's about fostering a "relationship" with the dealer and you can't do that via an email. The up front cost of the bike is only a part of the package when buying a new vehicle and if you want to do it all via email then they can't attract you to the other benefits they may offer that negates a few hundred bucks more than the other dealer charges. I'd go so far as to say that any dealer that's happy to negotiate via email is probably the one that has the least to offer apart from a cheap up front cost. Not always, as some can trade on a great reputation but even those dealers will be reluctant to sell this way for the most part.

Ciao 

[trippah]

on the car side-my wife and i went to look for a gently used roguee-up to 25  k miles.  at the secod dealer we found one with upgraded interior,        price was good,   therewas ding on drivrs side headlight,,i asked if their body shop would fix it,  oh no, cars are as is, and the ding added character,
they lost a 30  k sale over 100 dollars body shop work ???
Crazy way to run a business.                         

[Wayne Orwig]

That's true but to get an idea about the full package the dealer is offering you really need to visit the dealer not just flick them an email, that's a classic "I'm just interested in the last dime" buyer. It's about fostering a "relationship" with the dealer and you can't do that via an email. The up front cost of the bike is only a part of the package when buying a new vehicle and if you want to do it all via email then they can't attract you to the other benefits they may offer that negates a few hundred bucks more than the other dealer charges. I'd go so far as to say that any dealer that's happy to negotiate via email is probably the one that has the least to offer apart from a cheap up front cost. Not always, as some can trade on a great reputation but even those dealers will be reluctant to sell this way for the most part.

What are we supposed to do when the dealer is 600 miles away?

[blu guzz]

I can only talk about the dealer I know well.  Most people give glowing reports of his service.

But, each situation is different of course, so just some generalities that may apply to other dealers.
First, it is a very small shop.  If it was a car dealer, you could only get 2 cars in his showroom space.  The service shop takes up most of the room which makes sense since he started as a used bike servicer and dealer and added guzzi later.  In the cold weather, there are usually only 2 people and the owner (who is often twisting wrenches) working there, one is a mechanic who never touches the phone. So, these 2 have to do everything it takes to keep the place running during their day.  When business picks up in the spring (late Feb.) he will often bring in another service writer/sales person and if one can be found, mechanic. 
While they are all personable, on a nice Saturday in March, there is not a lot of time for chit chat. 

So, my point was to explain why you might not have gotten the response you sought from this type of dealer.  What I said probably does not apply to multi-line dealers.  And I have had the same treatment at every Harley shop I ever visited except for the 2 I have bought new bikes from that were away from urban areas.  Back on topic, in spite of the challenges, I still don't really excuse non-answers from people you are trying to pay money to.  I was in sales for a number of years in the car business and some of my best commissions came when some other salesman said "they're just wasting time" and I went and worked with them and made a solid commission (one young couple just going to the movies comes to mind) they got to the movies late that day in a used Jaguar.

[Ncdan]

At the risk of controversy,  allow me to offer another side of the coin on the subject of email responses from dealer today.
Most all business today, car, motorcycle, appliances, clothing, well everything, has a website. Therefore if a business has a website then its fare to expect them to monitor it and respond accordingly, promptly and respectfully. If they can’t do that then don’t put up a website and just expect all of their potential customers to just walk through the door. I think we are living in a time when the majority of people start their shopping online therefore if they want everyone’s business they need to have a website. The way I do business is the exact same way Wayne did.
Bottom line for me is, if I email a business requesting information on their products and get no response or a rude or condescending reply, I simply scroll down to the next website for the business and product in question. That business possibly lost a sale that day and it was no skin off Mr Wayne’s butt. By the way Wayne, congratulations on your purchase of a great looking bike and hope you enjoy it a lot of safe miles.

Dan

[lucky phil]

What are we supposed to do when the dealer is 600 miles away?

Most sensible people would chose another brand.

Ciao

[sdcr]

With all due respect, Lucky, there is only one brand that has the unique characteristics of Moto Guzzi.

Most sensible people would chose another brand.

Ciao

[Chuck in Indiana]

Just what is this sensible you speak of??

[Bpreynolds2]

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. 

Hey Wayne, sorry you had this experience; yet, I’ve purchased about maybe 8 new motorcycles in the last 18 or so years and shopped countless others.  Yes, the dealer “may” have thought you were price fishing but honestly, sadly, I don’t think what you are describing is that uncommon anywhere in the dealer market. 

In my experience, if you want dealer attention, the best way to get it is to do your own shopping, come up with a price you think is fair for you and the dealer, then approach the dealer with something along the lines of, “I have owned many Moto Guzzis in the past and I am ready to buy this bike for my stated price out the door today if it is acceptable to you.  If so, send me a picture of the invoice with my name on it and we’ll talk final payment.  Again, I am not fishing and ready to buy. Please get back with me”.   

[wavedog]

  When purchasing things that do not appreciate in value always remember the golden rule - He who has the gold (you, the purchaser) makes the rules.
If the seller doesn't want to play, then take your gold and go somewhere else.

[Wayne Orwig]

  When purchasing things that do not appreciate in value always remember the golden rule - He who has the gold (you, the purchaser) makes the rules.
If the seller doesn't want to play, then take your gold and go somewhere else.

What, a Guzzi doe not appreciate in value? Especially after we farkle it up with nonsense and bling? 

[wavedog]

  Ha! Wayne in my mind it does, but my mind is a strange place.

[lucky phil]

With all due respect, Lucky, there is only one brand that has the unique characteristics of Moto Guzzi.

You say that like it's a good thing

Ciao

[elvisboy77]

I had a great experience with Cadre. Talked on phone, made the deal, he drove half way to me in Raleigh, took my Eldo in trade.

AND installed accessories that he sold me at a discount for FREE.

I think that is pretty darn good.  I will buy from him again. 

[Scott of the Sahara]

Wayne, My wife is hard of hearing so I know what you are talking about.
In my business (furnace and AC installation) I am always willing to quote a price over the phone. If they like my price, I will make an appointment and see the job. This has saved me many hours of going out to low price customers. I would have thought the dealer would have got you a "ballpark" price to get you to come in. Answering an E mail is not hard. I can usually cull out the junk E mail pretty quick.
I have only bought one Moto Guzzi and I still have it. The dealer hired me to put in a new furnace at his house.

[SIR REAL ED]

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. 

Not sure about the particulars of your situation Wayne, but in general my experience with email, texting, and even internet posting is that somewhere north of 50% of the people who engage in the above are illiterate.  Written communication takes a bit of effort and focus.  A two minute phone conversation generally equates to about 20-30 emails or texts.

Generation gap is probably a lot of it.

[lucky phil]

Not sure about the particulars of your situation Wayne, but in general my experience with email, texting, and even internet posting is that somewhere north of 50% of the people who engage in the above are illiterate.  Written communication takes a bit of effort and focus.  A two minute phone conversation generally equates to about 20-30 emails or texts.

Generation gap is probably a lot of it.

Agreed, and it gives the retailer an idea of the potential customer as well. Same the other direction. Bit like communicating here, it's inferior to a face to face meeting or even verbal communication and not always conducive to making an assessment of someone's personality. Good for relaying facts but not always the best for reading people.

Ciao

[kingoffleece]

I'm always leery about email and/or text that don't get a reply.  It may not have been received.

[Wayne Orwig]

A two minute phone conversation generally equates to about 20-30 emails or texts.

So if you are hard of hearing, you are out of luck?

And in my case, I DID include a couple of calls to both dealer, and they promised to follow up, but didn't to any real extent.

[lucky phil]

So if you are hard of hearing, you are out of luck?

And in my case, I DID include a couple of calls to both dealer, and they promised to follow up, but didn't to any real extent.

Pretty much I guess. If your hearing is so bad you can't use a phone then I guess you have a drive ahead of you to the dealer and some face to face.

Ciao

[Joliet Jim]

Pretty much I guess. If your hearing is so bad you can't use a phone then I guess you have a drive ahead of you to the dealer and some face to face.

Ciao

Or as in Wayne's case, the dealers lose a potential sale. Plenty of other good bikes out there.

[joe-dean]

sold my v85TT to wayne can't think of a better person to sell it to the georgia guzzi rep.  I was having trouble with the weight .

as I'm 71 years old I hope to buy a 2021 v7III special with is lower.  I traded a Milano for the v85TT which was a mistake

[Wayne Orwig]

I sent Enzo an e-mail this morning regarding a small rear rack for the Milano. He replied and I asked that he call when he had a moment. (I figure they are busier than I am.) He called me back about 30 minutes, he had what I wanted right there, and he is sending it to me today. Service fluids/filters and such arrive on my door step a day or two after I call him.
I'm pretty happy with that.

And that is what I have heard from the two dealers that I had issues with.

I guess my name is on a Guzzi $hit list. 

[SIR REAL ED]

So if you are hard of hearing, you are out of luck?

And in my case, I DID include a couple of calls to both dealer, and they promised to follow up, but didn't to any real extent.

Yeah, being hard of hearing does limit one's communication options.  Not so much with people who want to communicate, but definitely with the younger generation.

I know employers who say they can't get their employees to return their phone calls when they leave them a voice message that says "CALL ME BACK ASAP!"  The kids will text their boss back "What do you want?"

I know a yute who says "I can always tell when I'm dealing with a Baby Boomer.  They send you an email than call and ask you if you received and understood the email!"  Yep, see my previous post on illiteracy!

On the plus side, their refusal to communicate via your preferred mode is a good filtering tool that may save you the aggravation of buying from the wrong dealer should you later have a problem with your purchase.

"You can deal with me on my terms or I will take my business elsewhere!" is an excellent use of the free market!

Sounds like it worked out in your favor this time Wayne!  Kudos!

[Vagrant]

Look on the bright side. You saved $5,000. or so by buying used and your a better mechanic than 99.5% of the guys employed at dealers. Win, win!

[lucky phil]

Or as in Wayne's case, the dealers lose a potential sale. Plenty of other good bikes out there.

Yep, but you know what, the profit for a dealer selling a new bike is pretty modest. Most of the profits are in the servicing and accessories and spares etc. Most dealers probably don't sweat it too much losing a potential sale from 600 miles away as they are unlikely to ever see the customer again for the profitable stuff.
Lets face it you guys are the masters and champions of the "Take no prisoners" capitalistic system, can't see much point in complaining about it when it doesn't work for you in "all" situations. Gotta take the good with the bad.

Ciao 

[Travman]

It sounds like you really need quality hearing aids so you can communicate better.