Salesman made me walk away...

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guyitsover14

New member
I was shocked to see a "Entering a Recession Free Zone" sign on the Harley dealership I go to here in Renton, WA. I took it as pretty dang arrogant but Harley prices are already like that so maybe I read it the wrong way.

Welcome to the forums btw!
 
I don't know where in Virginia you're located, but just wanted to let you know about a dealership that I consider to be pretty far above average.

It's Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax, VA. I'm sure that some customer somewhere has had a bad experience with them, but I've never met one or heard of unhappiness. They run a very customer-satisfaction-oriented business, and I always enjoyed heading over there when I had the chance.

Like others have mentioned, I've heard of them calling around to other dealerships in an effort to find the bike a customer wants. If you're located in northern Virginia, it might be worth your time to give them some consideration.

(Hope you didn't have your bad experience at Patriot! )
 
A good dealership will earn your business because it is a win win situation in the long run. My local dealer did not have the bike I wanted, but he gave me the lowest price for it and got it from another dealer. A few months later a customer came in looking for a used sportster and he call 3 of my phone numbers to let me know that someone might be interested in buying my Sporty on a private sell. This dealership did not sell used bikes and instead of pushing a new one, the dealer helped me out and gave the customer another option. I trust Barger HD and I'm a customer for life. When you have a customer's trust you can expect years of purchases, shoptime and good word of mouth for the dealership. The quick-buck sales guys are bad for business and the sooner the sales manager or owner finds out about it the better.
 
Some Harley dealers are still learning how to sell vehicles in the real world. Car dealerships have plenty of tools to look up inventory online to see what's nearby. They learned a long time ago to work together to survive. I don't blame the salesman for trying to sell you current stock, floorplanning bikes costs money and sales are down. That said, once you had politely declined his offering and reminded him what you wanted to purchase it should have been the end of that discussion and on to satisfying you. Gloss black Street Glides aren't a hard sell, and they should have at least checked around to see if any other dealers wanted to do a swap. Good business depends on happy customers and fair play on both sides, you did your part.
 
i think 1 call to the sales manager would add a few extras to your new scoot when it comes in. tell him you were so turned off by the salesman that you were thinking about going somewhere else. hey was trying to play you, and you should turn it around and play him. if nothing else you were gonna go somewhere else anyway.
 
I have spray-can painted my bike for more than 20 years, flat black that is. I have liked that look as long as I can remember. It is cheaper, easier to cover chips, and theives tend to look at other bikes. I will hear people cry about their $1000-plus paint job with rock chips and chuckle to myself 'cause I can spray over the ones I get and go riding.
I always used high temp as it 'seems' not to fade too soon. The best was Harley high-temp engine, before the EPA ruined the mixture. Many times I might tape newspaper over that which I didn't want painted and spray away.
When the 'denim' paints came out at HD, I kinda liked the looks and the black is OK in my 'book'. But I don't know about the 'fade factor' of these finishes. I think the salesman was trying to move his stock as is his job, but you are right to hold out for what you want.
Just my .0002 cents
 
hey nuts, thought you thought this forum was bs and you "weren't coming back" I knew you'd be back. You get that beeyatch beaten today or just medicated? Great to have you back.
 
He didn't "make" you walk away .. .you chose to walk away . .
HOWEVER,
I'm in sales and I just don't, for the life of me, understand the stupidity of (sales) people who DONT or REFUSE to listen.
He could have made a friend for life; gotten a "ton" of referrals from you - just by doing the right thing - he's a jerk.
I don't do that - and, I never will - I will ALWAYS help the customer get what they want - whether it's a "right now" deal; or a deal three or four months down the road.
And, why the heck would he "put down" his own company that he works for by making erroneous statements about the paint? What a dick.
Just as easy for you to grab the sales manager - explain your concerns - and, if they won't comply with what you WANT; then leave.
Too bad for them.
And, not all salesman are stupid.

DENIM BLACK IS GREAT!
I have the Black Pearl.
Best of luck,
-Len in Tucson
 
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