[size=3]Harley Parts Department – Austin, Texas
These guys might as well be cashiering at Wal-Mart!

If you hadn’t guessed by now, this is a post born out of absolute frustration, disappointment, and utter disbelief! This is a long one. Bear with me if you would.

First thing this morning, I decided to get a list together of some items I was looking to get over at the local dealer. Not having the best of success in doing this just here recently, I picked up the phone with some reservations in mind. Nonetheless, I made the call (I now wished I hadn’t).

The first guy I spoke with in parts sounded as if he had just woken up, had tied one on the evening before, and was in no frame of mind to entertain customers as of yet. In talking with him about some of the parts I wanted, it was painfully evident that he had absolutely no clue as to even the most fundamental knowledge and aspects of the bike in question; an '06 Heritage. He put me on hold…….and never returned. Don’t know about you folks? But that really pisses me off!

I call back and ask for the parts department once again. This time, another gentleman picks up. I go through the whole ordeal with him. When it came to question and answer time, he too was rendered clueless; so much to the point that he attempted to make **** up as he went along. I guess in the hopes that I would be as clueless as he and not know any better? I finally asked him point blank, “Guy, do you even know what you’re talking about here? Because from this side of the fence, it seems as though you’re trying to sell me a line of bull.” He tried to save face only to later admit that he really had no knowledge of what I was seeking. Thanks, bye.

I then made yet a third call; this time to the other HD dealer in town. The guy who picked up the phone in parts did nothing more than ‘recite’ to me the exact verbiage contained in the HD parts catalog. Hell, I can read. I could have (and did) done that. I wanted some information; not a recital. He, too, started to make up **** as I began asking him a few questions as it relates to the fit and adaptation of some parts on the bike. When confronted, he did the ol’ stumble, mumble, and recant. Again, thinking I wouldn't call him on his bullshit.

Now, I know a lot of you have HD parts guys who are first rate. This thread isn’t about those guys. This thread is about the idiots who think that they are some type of HD Biker Bad *** just because they get to work at an HD Dealership, put on an HD shop shirt, and treat those of us who know what we want going in as if we’re just going to stand by and absorb every line of made up bullshit they try and sling our way!

I’m fed up! I’ve decided that I can do one of two things at this point. Bear in mind, this isn’t the first time I’ve been treated like **** (as have friends of mine) at the dealership; the South one in particular. I can either take my business elsewhere. Or I can take the position of making some noise. Guess which option I chose? You guessed it. This is my hometown and I’ll be damned if a few ‘high on the hog’ jerks are going to cause me to shop elsewhere as a result of their incompetence! In my book (as a business owner), you either do it right or you're gone!

[font=times]What am I doing? Well, for starters I’ve set up a meeting with one of the owners of the shop for next week. This meeting is to take place at MY off

 

I can understand your frustration. I can still remember when every parts guy was a dyed-in-the-wool biker.
Nowadays, they're just a step above Rotten Ronalds Fry Cooks. [:@]

 

From what I hear from the folks around here...it's not exactly a "Highly paid position". One of the local dealers here (we have two) just lost a really good service guy and a really good parts guy due simply to the fact that they weren't being paid very well.

An employee told my then parts store manager Mother that "you pay minimum wage...you get minimum intelligence". Though he had a fair point...she still fired his sorry self!

 

I hear ya man.[:'(] I persoanlly refrain from official HD aftermarket products and take my business toa respected and trusted indy - oldest in the county.they've beendoing biz long before most of the parts/service folk at the local dealer(s)got outta grade school.

your first recourse would be the same as mine, air out the complaints and see what happens? having option "b" in the wings.
IMO go easy on the guys who agreed to meet on your terms and turf. its a good initial sign.

lastly. brother what's up w/the small fonts? made for a rather difficult read. FYI -I'm fairly young and work on computers all day, so my eyes are good - just a neutral observation. good luck!

 

I can somewhat understand where you're coming from with regard to wages vs. quality of employee. I'm an employer myself. I know well that people often times get exactly what they pay for in terms of employee vs. wages earned. However, as a business owner, I also know that the moment you hang your hat open for businss, hire employees (regardless of wage), start asking and taking customer's monies, that you'd better be 'spot on' each and every time. It's NOT a concern either to nor for the paying customer 'what' any particular employer pays its employees. I don't care if you make .01 an hour or $100.00? All I (paying customer) am concerned with is the quality of service I receive upon entering said venue.

 

Good for you, dude. Maybe if everyone whois treated the way you were does something about it, such as you are doing, these jerks will finally get their **** together.
Maybe you should also mention how many people belong to these forums and that an dishonorable mention here will probably cause people in his area tothink twice about spending their money at his shop.

 

Yeah, good point. I did the text in Word; where my default is 10pt and just copied it over. I can see where it'd be a touch read for many. Sorry about that, folks. I edited it to make it bigger. Hope this helps?

 

Pick your battles. When I recieve poor service, as you have, I'll just shop somewhere else and relate the experience to everyone I know. Maybe talk to management if I'm really pi$$ed. Our society has just come to accept mediocrity in the sevice business. You can waste your time fighting it or just turn your attention to something more positive. If they're as bad as you say, they'll be gone eventually. Word of mouth is very powerful.Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

Here's a solution that will keep that large vein on your forehead from popping. Call Hales HD in Mansfield Ohio. 419-522-8602. Ask for Jim in parts. Not only does he know what fits and what doesn't, he's a straight shooter. I called up there a while back with a list of stuff for my wife's 07 Deluxe. When I told him one of the parts I was looking for, he said "you don't want that.. yet. HD has had some wiring issues with it." You will save 20%, no tax, and LOW shipping.

 

Very true and unfortunate is your statement in that people in today's society have come to accept mediocrity as the norm. Hell, nowadays, we're almost surprised and overly pleased when people......lord forbid.....do exactly what they are supposed to be doing in the first place!

And I'm not quite confident that individuals of this type will be gone eventually? Some of these guys have been there a while. They've only been allowed to stay there as a result of two things: improper management and supervision and customer's turning a blind eye toward the service they might receive. I'm well aware of picking my battles wisely. I didn't get to having my company with offices in 5 states for some 20+ plus years thinking otherwise. But there comes a point where enough is enough. Sure, I could just as easily shop online or what have you. But in doing that, in some respects I'm the loser. I've conceded. I've given up. And frankly, that's just not who I am.