Customer service should always be a sales person’s top priority. I think the biggest problem with sales people is lack of training and apathy. I never bought a new Harley but I’ve dealt with quite a few car salesmen. I bought a new truck last year. I went to the dealership and asked the salesman some questions. He couldn’t answer any of them. It amazed me that the guy was trying to sell a truck that he knew nothing about. The best sales people know their product inside and out. The people that get my business are knowledgeable, polite and willing to help me get the product that I want, not just try to get a quick sale.

 

drop the names of the bad dealers,,,word will get out and maybe they might change for the "good of the order"

 

That musta been in Nebr., Joe. Ain't nobody dressed like that in SoDak, is there? Well, okay, maybe Mac. Gawd, don't tell him I posted that !!!! Bwahahaha

We have a dealer down in the Cities, with pretty much the same attitude as the OP says. When Momma and I ride down that way, I LOVE to pull in there with the chop. About the time they git the camera out, we wave and pull out. Act like a jack butt, git treated like a jack butt. We "USED" to stop there to shop, but I refuse to spend my $$ at a place that treats ppl like chit, let alone, buy a shirt or top for Momma that has their name on it. And I don't buy 'new' scoots, so they gots nothin' for me there.

 

Greetings,

I think what's happened at a lot of the Harley dealers is they got fat and lazy. Too many years of paying list or more for bikes, not having to really work. The metric dealerships have always done what they could to get the sale. Discount a bike? Not a problem. Discount service plans or accessories? Not a problem. That's why your larger metric stores are surviving quite well even though the economy isn't the greatest.

 

I've had positive experiences from both Sweetwater Harley in National City (San Diego area) and also El Cajon Harley. Treat you well and not arrogant or aloof towards you.

 

I didn't buy a Yamaha once, because the stoner salemen, were more interested in watching "knack-knacks" on a video to talk to me.... then there's a local shop who charged me 20% over MSRP for a $24.95 part... after I bitched about it... I told the parts guy, I would keep the part, as well as the receipt. I printed the part data from the web page, and show it to folks when they talk about buying from there...
so that makes Metric and HD's even in the local crappy dealers... and the Metric and HD dealers also have GOOD dealers nearby...
heck it's YOUR money shop around....Thank GAWD I have plenty of dealers to check out... I pity the folks who don't have the options

 

I used to ride a metric cruiser. Was on a trip a while back and my fuel pump packed it in. Went to the local dealer and the service manager busted a hump to get my bike fixed but because of weekends and holidays I wound up cooling my heals in this little town for 5 days waiting for parts. I was pissed to say the least and I was wandering around the Harley store across from my hotel and stared at a Road King for 20 minutes. There was nobody else in the store! The lone "salesman" was a kid with his hat on sideways and ignoring me. Had he shown the least interest in me, he probably would have had a sale. He finally hollered across the store at me and I figured the best information he was capable of providing was where a good bar was. He performed well in that regard but didn't sell a bike.

However, I have run across a lot of metric dealers with "attitude" also and on the other hand a lot of Harley dealers that really tried to earn my business. Regardless of product, there are good and bad. Find a good one and stick with them. Sorry, I forgot you used to be a dealer - probably a good one. Maybe you should try to pick up one of the crappy HD dealerships that will inevitabley come available and turn it into a great store.

 

That exactly describes my local experience. It's either an indy or the internet, period.

 

Very well put. Now that HD has to actually try and sell units, they're completely over their heads. The product knowledge of your average HD salesperson is embarrasing. But, in all fairness product knowledge was never necessary when every Tom, Dick and Harry wanted one. One of the reasons why the Buell line is languishing is because they're advanced enought to be somewhat competitive but those selling them have no concept as to their function, performance and technological features. A Buick salesman will never be able to sell a Porsche. Ray

 

I wont buy from my local dealer, just by choice. THe parts and service guys treat me like a king, but the sales manager is a bit of a jackass. I don't need my *** kissed, but I don't need to be jerked around. THeres plenty of other good dealerships that have treated me good, Ill go there.