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If the dealer were to send a runner to get the part for the cutomer, what should they get paid for that service? The dealer was willing to get one shipped, but the cutomer needed the bike ASAP. Should the dealer charge the rate of the runner back?
In this particular scenario I would like to think the dealer would do this for the customer as a good will gesture taking in account all that the customer is already being charged for. The "runner" could be anyone in the dealership. Not necessarily a tech, heck the tee shirt gal who is paid by the hour could jump in the car.
Some dealers will bend you over when they know you're from out of town and they will probably never see you again. They aren't worried about loosing a regular customer.
As a customer you are at their mercy and they know it.
I agree 100% Dealer should have sent a runner for the part NOT make the customer go for it. That's just s poor and lazy choice!
Strange, I wander how the bike owner went for the one way 1 hour trip to get the part when his only source of wheels were down, and he's travelling from out side of the area?
Two years ago I was on a trip out of state and dumped a lifter that took out my cams, oil pump and cam plate. The tech had to cut one of my adjustable push rods due to it being beat on so bad by the failed lifter. Well to make a long story short the dealer was out of the push rods. The tech working on my bike had a set on his bench at home for a build he was in the middle of. He went home and got them to finish the job to get me back on the road the same day. Found out when the job was completed. Now that is taking care of your customer! And I took care of that tech as well! This is how things are done at a good dealer.
If the axle was frozen, it's good business practice for the tech to get with the service writer to go and speak with the customer and explain that the axle is frozen and if it breaks coming out, then he will need another axle at his cost. Again, I don't know both sides of the story, but I'd certainly work with the customer.
This is the way it should be handled. And if that's the case, then I think the customer should get some kind of discount for getting the part themself.
i went through something similar and the dealer said they didnt have the part but the closet dealer was 25 miles away. they picked up the part and send me on my way. about 4 hours later but they got it done. but to pay for something they broke i wouldnt pay a dime. unless they for warned me that the part would break when removed if not there gonna pay not me. but thats just me. ride safe
Broke a pushrod up in the White Mtns, called four dealers, none had an adjustable rod in stock, couldn't beleive it, and none would come get me until the next day. Found an indy shop, they went out of thier way to come to our aid and din't even charge what I thought was fair for running to get the pushrod and bringing it out. I tipped the guy $50 as he was the only thing between getting back on the road and being raped by a dealer.
But, in another case, needed a tire and the dealer got me right in and out in 1 hr without an appointment, so I guess you just never know what you are going to deal with.
BTW, the broken pushrod was a defective aluminum ultralight, but I would have taken anything that fit.
After what I've seen from some Harley dealers, I completely believe the customer. The customer is also a fool for a) paying for the axel and b) driving to go get it! He should have told the dealer, you broke it so you pay for it and go get it.
Never fails to amaze me at what some sheep...I mean people will put up with. Which is why the dealers have no problem pulling this crap.
So let me get this straight, 9 year old bike that the serviceing dealer has NO history with, the axle is stuck because the last yahoo that put a tire on it didnt do HIS job properly, the servicing dealer HAS to get the axle out to change the tire the customer requested to have done and its the dealers fault? GMAF***ING break.
They offered to get one coming but its not in HIS time frame so thats thier fault too?
The dealer should have a disclaimer for potential frozen parts.
Its called common sense, bring me a 9 year old bike that hasnt been properly maintained it AINT my fault when stuff breaks the first time I work on it!
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