Is the attitude normal
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Is the attitude normal
Notlost_NC hit the nail on the head
Zannotti's bends over backwards for their web based customers, Chicago HD also gets raves from fellow forum members.
Your local independent V Twin shop would love your business for aftermarket, if it is in the Drag Specialties catalog they can get it for you.
And as for the "motor clothing" that is where a dealer makes most of their money. Ever wonder why there is more space on the selling floor allotted to T shirts than bikes?
Zannotti's bends over backwards for their web based customers, Chicago HD also gets raves from fellow forum members.
Your local independent V Twin shop would love your business for aftermarket, if it is in the Drag Specialties catalog they can get it for you.
And as for the "motor clothing" that is where a dealer makes most of their money. Ever wonder why there is more space on the selling floor allotted to T shirts than bikes?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
RE: Is the attitude normal
I got a good one for ya,
Three of us went to two of our local Dealers and thought we could catch a break on 3 - 08 UCs. HA! not a chance, Niether would drop a dime off anything, They were nice because they didn't have our money yet but the bottom line is we got the impression that "If you don't pay this today, someone will tomorrow"
Ended up the numbers dude messed up and we all got an extra headset out of the deal.
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I dont buy Dealer shirts, It is advertisement for THEM, they should give them to customers.
They need to remember, WE \\;are the reason they can afford to unlock the door each morning. \\; \\; Mitch
Three of us went to two of our local Dealers and thought we could catch a break on 3 - 08 UCs. HA! not a chance, Niether would drop a dime off anything, They were nice because they didn't have our money yet but the bottom line is we got the impression that "If you don't pay this today, someone will tomorrow"
Ended up the numbers dude messed up and we all got an extra headset out of the deal.
 \\;
I dont buy Dealer shirts, It is advertisement for THEM, they should give them to customers.
They need to remember, WE \\;are the reason they can afford to unlock the door each morning. \\; \\; Mitch
Banned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 2
RE: Is the attitude normal
The new set up over at Granite State in Lebanon,NH is excellent. \\;\\\\\\; I stopped going to Twin States (old name) for various reasons and decided to give the new ownership a shot. \\;\\\\\\; I was very pleased. \\;\\\\\\; They exceeded my expectations. \\;\\\\\\; The work was well done and reasonable.
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The old managment refused to do any work on my HD because it was old.
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The old managment refused to do any work on my HD because it was old.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 283
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
RE: Is the attitude normal
In my part of the world (midwest), there are at least 5 HD dealers that are close enough to ride to. \\; \\; Fortunately, the closest dealer has always been cool, accomodating, etc. and have never left me feeling abused. \\; \\; Now, I will say, I'd like a "Cheers - like Norm" caliber of greeting after dropping $24K with them in one year (which I don't get), but I can deal with that. \\; \\; There are hundreds of others who've also emptied their pockets at that deallership.
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My point is that if you go a bit more out on the fringe (to a lower volume dealer), you'll likely find some very accomodating.
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On the Chicago HD subject, I actually was doing some business about 3 miles from there and decided to stop by and pick up some parts. \\; \\; The internet guy (don't have his card) was SUPER cool and gave me as much time as needed to answer any question I had (and I could tell he was VERY busy. \\; But it made an impression on me that he'd take care of my orders with equal care...)
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On the HD Clothing subject, I'm finding myself more and more seeking non HD stuff (I've only got one HD jacket and I should've put the money toward one that fit me better anyway). \\; \\;
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Think of Great Customer Service as a pursuit. \\; When you find it, celebrate it, tell others about it, and continue to spend your hard earned green there. \\; \\; Not too terribly different than any other service/product experience. \\; \\; Theres a reason why great customer service companies have such a high-retention rate. \\; \\; People like dealing with people they trust.
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My point is that if you go a bit more out on the fringe (to a lower volume dealer), you'll likely find some very accomodating.
 \\;
On the Chicago HD subject, I actually was doing some business about 3 miles from there and decided to stop by and pick up some parts. \\; \\; The internet guy (don't have his card) was SUPER cool and gave me as much time as needed to answer any question I had (and I could tell he was VERY busy. \\; But it made an impression on me that he'd take care of my orders with equal care...)
 \\;
On the HD Clothing subject, I'm finding myself more and more seeking non HD stuff (I've only got one HD jacket and I should've put the money toward one that fit me better anyway). \\; \\;
 \\;
Think of Great Customer Service as a pursuit. \\; When you find it, celebrate it, tell others about it, and continue to spend your hard earned green there. \\; \\; Not too terribly different than any other service/product experience. \\; \\; Theres a reason why great customer service companies have such a high-retention rate. \\; \\; People like dealing with people they trust.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Is the attitude normal
I have found that complaining to corporate is usually the best way to go...
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may not change anything you can see, but rest assured that someone will ask a question if you address a letter to a VP.
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may not change anything you can see, but rest assured that someone will ask a question if you address a letter to a VP.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 16
RE: Is the attitude normal
One problem seems to be that they are so busy this time of year,that personalized service is impossible.Anyone that has a bike in for service wants it back yesterday.As far as the "Thats normal" deal,it follows the same line.They dont have time to answer every question you have unless you put it into the shop and they can have a look at it.
The four greatest things you can use to fix your bike are a good set of tools,a service manual,a bit of time and this forum.There are some sharp *** people here who most likely can help you out with any problems you have.
The four greatest things you can use to fix your bike are a good set of tools,a service manual,a bit of time and this forum.There are some sharp *** people here who most likely can help you out with any problems you have.
RE: Is the attitude normal
I think there is good and bad at every H-D Parts &\\; Accessories dept. Case in point... I dropped in to one of the local dealers that I've had good expereince with and got "waited on" by some guy I had never met before. All I wanted was a chrome allen bolt for an FLH shift lever. I didn't know the thread size (though I'm sure it's been standard for at least the past 50 years) but I did know it had to be 1" long. He suggested I pull the bolt off my bike and he would match it up. I told him it wasn't for my bike and suggested he pull a lever off the shelf and match that up with a bolt from inventory. He didn't move, and just stood there with a blank look. When it became obvious he didn't intend to lift a finger to help, I told him he was a lazy *****, and left.
I won't hold it against the dealership, but if he tries to "wait on" me the next time, I'll politely decline and tell him I'll wait for the next available person.
I won't hold it against the dealership, but if he tries to "wait on" me the next time, I'll politely decline and tell him I'll wait for the next available person.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
RE: Is the attitude normal
Same old story, there's good and bad everywhere, and it's like the news, only the bad stuff makes the headlines...
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I use a dealer called Baxter's in southern Ohio...yes, they're always busy this time of year, same as everyone else...I called last week, needing a new rear tire for my Train...it was about noon, and they told me if I could get it there by 3:30 they'd take care of me...charged me 3/4 of a $55/hour rate, when everyone else wanted a flat 1 and 1/2 hours at $70 per...also saved $25 on the tire...
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You gotta shop around, good dealers are out there...
 \\;\\\\\\;
I use a dealer called Baxter's in southern Ohio...yes, they're always busy this time of year, same as everyone else...I called last week, needing a new rear tire for my Train...it was about noon, and they told me if I could get it there by 3:30 they'd take care of me...charged me 3/4 of a $55/hour rate, when everyone else wanted a flat 1 and 1/2 hours at $70 per...also saved $25 on the tire...
 \\;\\\\\\;
You gotta shop around, good dealers are out there...
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
RE: Is the attitude normal
That's normal for the average Harley dealer.
If and when you ever find a good dealer
please don't hesitate to tell us.
They're making money too easily right now
but times are changin'
Soon they will have to WORK again to keep
a customer, and maybe even smile.
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Peter
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If and when you ever find a good dealer
please don't hesitate to tell us.
They're making money too easily right now
but times are changin'
Soon they will have to WORK again to keep
a customer, and maybe even smile.
 \\;
Peter
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