I bought my first bike in '03 from the dealership in my town in Louisiana. Of course, they were all smiles and helpful and whatnot. Since then, I've moved to Maryland. When I bought my bike, I got the standard free t-shirt from the dealership it was purchased at. I wear my "I got mine at..." t-shirt quite often to show where I'm from and all that jazz. I've gotten quite a few comments on it from people that go to Louisiana and visit and love the culture there. Well, my shirt is getting a bit old and tattered so I figured when I was down home visiting last week I'd go see about getting another one. The lady at the counter told me to talk to the sales manager as those shirts are just for people buying bikes. I told the guy my history and said that I'd gotten lots of people asking about the shop and such. I asked him about getting a replacement shirt for myself. It went something like this:

Me: So I was wondering if I could get a new shirt since mine's falling apart.

Him: Uh huh.

Me: It's great advertisement for you guys and everyone comments on it all the time. It's just falling apart is all.

Him: So I suppose you want a free shirt, huh? Hell, why don't I just give you a BOX of shirts!

Me: (feeling his sarcasm) No, just one would be fine.

Him: Well, let me think. How many bikes have I sold to people from Maryland? Hmm, not a single one. Do you honestly think me giving you a new shirt is going to make me sell more bikes? I don't think so.

Me: Okay, so it's like that? Well then how do I go about getting a shirt since mine's falling apart and I still like to show my local colors?

Him: I tell you what, big shot. You buy a new bike from me and I'll give you a free shirt. Otherwise you're just wasting my time.

At that point I just walked out and said I'd never go back again. It's one thing to not want to give me a shirt but it's totally unacceptable to treat a customer that's spent several thousand dollars at your business like a piece of crap. What a douchebag.

 

What dealership. I want to make sure I don't drop any $$ there if I am ever in the area.

Regards,

Bill

 

Why not just buy one? I would imagine that it could be expensive for the dealer to perpetually give away free t-shirts to everyone who bought a bike from them....well here I am again, remember my 'ole '74, well, I've been thru 28 shirts, how about another freebie...The 'freebie' that you want is passed onto other purchasers. If the dealer can't make money, they can't stay in business. Don't be a leach. Busting a dealer for this is unfair IMHO.

 

Yeah, you see stuff like this all the time. Unfortunately too many businesses in America today have the same philosophy, not just the Harley dealerships. Customer service ends once they have your money.

Now, in no way was the dealership required to replace your shirt. It was an unusual request. Had it been me running the sales floor, I would have given you a new shirt right away. The simple fact that you were pleased enough with the service you received at my place of business should have been more than enough reason to part with a shirt that at most cost me $10 to produce. One jacket sold off the floor as a result and I get more than 10 times my money back anyway.

Remember, what you see in the dealership is only indicative of society at large. It's not just the dealers.

 

I can see you trying to get a free one (why not try) and him not wanting to give any away but his attitude is totally unacceptable. You can say no and be a lot more customer friendly or just flat curtiousthan that. What a jerk, you were nicer than i would have been by just walking out.

 

Yeah, I would replace at T-shirt at my dealership's expense...how about if the 20 you gave away was coming out of your check???? Again, ain't fair to bag the dealer on this one

 

It was Cajun Harley-Davidson in Lafayette. Honestly, that's the first negative experience I've had there. I'd gone in a few other times since my initial bike purchase to get accessories or visit when I was in town and such. It's just a shame that it was the sales manager that was the jerk when the other employees are all nice and friendly.

BillK, I wasn't necessarily EXPECTING anything, but it was worth asking. Like I said, he could have just told me no without the attitude. I would have bought one if he'd said I could but I was told the only way to get one of those shirts was to buy a new bike. A shirt isn't worth $15k to me. It's just poor customer service, not me being a leech.

 

Name the place so they can get the bad PR they deserve. There is no reason for anybody to be treated so rude. At the very least he could have figured out the dealerships cost for the shirt, added a few bucks to that figure and offered it for sale.

 

Post deleted,,,,,uncalled for

 

Crap, you beat me by 4 seconds. Nice to see you around Dick, it's been awhile.