H.D survey?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: Denver, Colorado
First of all, let me put out a disclaimer: I am not nor have ever been an employee or agent for HD. But I have been in the automotive industry for over a decade, and understand how the surveys affect a manufacturer.
OK, the question was who do the surveys affect? US, the HD owners. Why? Because when an HD dealer is trashed, it is trashing HD. Now if you had a problem with the dealer pertaining to the transaction or the service, take it up with the owner and/or the general manager. If they're f'ing up, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! But when you "look them in the eye" and proceed to thrash HD, it affects YOU as an owner. Hmmm, why? Because when the brand is receiving negative feedback, the potential buyers/owners shy away from the product. So what's the problem with that? Supply and demand, my friend. When you are ready to trade-in or sell your darling, do you want maximum return, or do you want to be hawking damaged goods, since the feedback from owners is negative? Protectionism? Damn straight. I love my FXDF, and appreciate the compliments I receive on it, and want the appreciation of it to continue, ESPECIALLY WHEN I GO TO SELL IT.
So in summary, the survey falls under the "Think GLOBALLY, act LOCALLY" mantra. Trash HD, you're trashing the product you just put out hard earned dollars for, and are affecting your future market value.
But then again, maybe you don't belong in the HD family anyway, if you're not going to be loyal to the brand. Like they say, if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. And if you don't get that, I will be more than happy to direct you to the nearest Honda or Kawasaki dealer.
OK, the question was who do the surveys affect? US, the HD owners. Why? Because when an HD dealer is trashed, it is trashing HD. Now if you had a problem with the dealer pertaining to the transaction or the service, take it up with the owner and/or the general manager. If they're f'ing up, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! But when you "look them in the eye" and proceed to thrash HD, it affects YOU as an owner. Hmmm, why? Because when the brand is receiving negative feedback, the potential buyers/owners shy away from the product. So what's the problem with that? Supply and demand, my friend. When you are ready to trade-in or sell your darling, do you want maximum return, or do you want to be hawking damaged goods, since the feedback from owners is negative? Protectionism? Damn straight. I love my FXDF, and appreciate the compliments I receive on it, and want the appreciation of it to continue, ESPECIALLY WHEN I GO TO SELL IT.
So in summary, the survey falls under the "Think GLOBALLY, act LOCALLY" mantra. Trash HD, you're trashing the product you just put out hard earned dollars for, and are affecting your future market value.
But then again, maybe you don't belong in the HD family anyway, if you're not going to be loyal to the brand. Like they say, if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. And if you don't get that, I will be more than happy to direct you to the nearest Honda or Kawasaki dealer.
FWIW, I answered the first survey they sent out honestly and I'm sure the dealer was appreciative. The others that came in the mail are in the round file.
Last edited by Bonker; Oct 7, 2009 at 02:05 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
Tray, while I get everything you said, the corollary just isn't there. A dealer survey as laytonj1 and others have said is to evaluate the dealers performance on the transaction plain and simple. It's for HD, not for some third party to say negative things about HD itself. And if I had a problem with the dealer, I'd bring it up at the time. If it continued or wasn't made right then, yes I should put on the survey what the situation was. And to be clear, no one here except you said anything about trashing a dealer. Honest comments that may be less than perfect do not equate to trashing. And to say that negative feedback on a specific experience at a specific HD dealer given to HD corporate is trashing HD itself...that's making a pretty big leap that I would hope corporate has more sense than to make.
Really, Doobie? What color is the sky in your world? Don't know what your profession is, and if it IS in the automotive/motorcycle industry, I apologize. But have you heard of J.D. Power? These third party "experts" dictate public opinion AND perception. Why do you think the survey is run by a third party? And perhaps you need to re-read my post: for GLOBAL consumption, I will ALWAYS give top scores when it come to HD. For LOCAL, I will deal directly with the dealership LIKE A MAN, or take my business elsewhere. In case you didn't know, HD is currently experiencing a decline, which isn't good for me OR you. I will do anything I can to bolster their standing, as I believe in the product. It's about loyalty. Obviously you don't get it. If you had a problem with the dealer, then WHY did you do business there? Seriously. Or instead of whining on the survey, why didn't you address it up front? Tell them you're not happy, and to earn your business, they need to serve YOUR needs, not theirs. That's what we genuine HD riders detest, the posers acting like women, yet still wanting to co-op the HD image. Think about it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City Mo
I just filled my second one out ,, I have it here.. it doesn't go to JD Powers. it goes to Harley Davidson's main offices. I think it's so HD can keep tabs on how well their dealers are doing there jobs.
anyway there is brand loyalty and just flat out lying. I don't feel the need to "cover up" any issues I had with the dealership. as far as product satisfaction I am very pleased.... I have had issues with the service department , I did bring to to their G.M's attention. I was blown off and treated like it was nothing. Well that goes into the survey to Harley (not JD Powers).
anyway there is brand loyalty and just flat out lying. I don't feel the need to "cover up" any issues I had with the dealership. as far as product satisfaction I am very pleased.... I have had issues with the service department , I did bring to to their G.M's attention. I was blown off and treated like it was nothing. Well that goes into the survey to Harley (not JD Powers).
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga.
what i took from this was two things:
1- tray launched into a full fledged counterpoint argument on something bubba didn't even say. he said he looked the guy in the eye and told him he would report honestly on his expierience...all of it. he never said if that would be good or bad- i just took it to mean he was telling the salesguy to step off, that he would give his own answers.
2- ou812's avatar RAWKS!
1- tray launched into a full fledged counterpoint argument on something bubba didn't even say. he said he looked the guy in the eye and told him he would report honestly on his expierience...all of it. he never said if that would be good or bad- i just took it to mean he was telling the salesguy to step off, that he would give his own answers.
2- ou812's avatar RAWKS!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I bought a new street glide in August , last week I got my survey from Harley care of added value, was there any benefit anyone got out of sending in the survey? Did you get more junk mail afterwards that's what I a concerned about. Who really benefits from these surveys??
You shouldn't get more junk mail because of the survey. It's really just a dealer report card, and it's how they get more bikes next season. Bought my 09 in May, and they told me that I'd be getting the survey, and to give them a good grade so they could get a few more bikes to put on the floor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,023
Likes: 1,352
From: Virginia
So What you're saying is we shouldn't answer the survey honestly? Because that was all Bubba said he was going to do, or did you not read that part? Just asking because it seems you jumped to a conclusion that he was going to be completely negative and he didn't say that.