I think most HD dealers are cool places to visit... lots of cool bikes, shirts, and shiny stuff to look at. However, I wish I could walk in to an HD shop JUST ONCE and not be swarmed with sales reps like white on rice.

Last week I went to pick up an o-ring and a gasket to do some maintenance, and I wanted to look at a couple other items (and bikes) during my visit. I knew I wasn't going to spend a ton of cash, so I didn't wish to bother the paid staff and waste their time. I still had 5 people seek me out and try to sell me everything in the place.

I know they need to make their nut, but man, I couldn't get outta there fast enough. I never did spend the quality time perusing the store like I wanted too. What started out to be a casual fun trip to the candy store left me with a sour taste once again. And I probably would have impulse-bought a $40 tee shirt had I been left alone, but not this time.

Come to think of it, I've never bought a single HD branded shirt / accessory... my only HD tee shirt was a gift.

Oh well, rant over, I guess.

 

Funny, I've seen posts where people complain about going to buy a bike and nobody pays any attention to them so they walk out. I guess each one is different because all we get around here is a big hello and let us know if you need anything.

 

When I walk into the local dealer here... they let me browse and maybe once in a while let me know IF I need help, they're there.

You have to remember, on the flip side many people will be ticked and walk out if someone does NOT come offer to help within seconds.

From the employees perspective, they can't win for losing... 50% of the people want to be left alone, 50% of the people want to be helped. How do you decide which 50% any customer is?

 

I only go when I don't want to wait 4-6 weeks for a part from lshd1. Or if they are cooking free steaks,burgers,or hotdogs.

 

They don't really bother me when I tell them "just looking", but I have noticed that if a buy a part and have the bag in hand, I can look at new bikes all I want without sales people approaching me.

 

Good point on the fact that customers are hard to please! I guess being ignored is worse than swarmed. mmcbeat, good tip on the purchase / shop technique!

 

Great idea! Just save the bag from your last purchase & bring it with you when you just wanna browse.

 

I bet you'd be pegged as a shoplifter pretty quickly if you walked in with the bag.

I usually only go there to purchase something, so I wouldn't feel bad about hanging out after a purchase for a little while.

 

I have no idea how many dealerships I've made donations to through the years, bit it's a lot and also includes many states.

I like to check the new models out and browse through the parts and accessory sections, and some even have cafe's inside the dealership that serves some darned good food!

Most dealers have tables or benches on their grounds and I like to hang-out and BS with the other customers.

 

Ventura, CA Harley where I bought my bike, for sure.

Glendale, CA Harley where I go for routine things, getting better.

New York, NY Harley when I first started riding, used to dig much.