Totally underwhelmed by the dealer

[eddd]

I'm in the Milwaukee area visiting family and decide to stop by the local dealer. This was actually my first visit to any BMW dealer. (The nearest to home is in San Antonio, just under 300 miles, one way.)

 

I thought I'd check out some of the BMW riding gear, and any other brands they might have in stock. I was in the store for about 15 minutes without so much as a "Good Morning". If fact, I was totally ignored by the "workers" in the show room while I looked over their stock.

 

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

 

(BTW, there was no one else in the store at the time.)

 

[Stir]

I'm in the Milwaukee area visiting family and decide to stop by the local dealer. This was actually my first visit to any BMW dealer. (The nearest to home is in San Antonio, just under 300 miles, one way.)

 

I thought I'd check out some of the BMW riding gear, and any other brands they might have in stock. I was in the store for about 15 minutes without so much as a "Good Morning". If fact, I was totally ignored by the "workers" in the show room while I looked over their stock.

 

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

 

(BTW, there was no one else in the store at the time.)

 

Sounds like heaven to me. I don't want to be bothered unless I ask. It might be a cultural thing for the area.

[2wheeler]

I had a similar experience there last summer when I was trying to locate a GT. I was turned off. But then there's my dealer, Tag Sport in Geneva. Bill the owner actually yelled at me a year after taking a test drive on a used bike because I rolled it over 9000 miles. I thought they were in the business of selling bikes...

[Tasker]

I'm in the Milwaukee area visiting family and decide to stop by the local dealer. This was actually my first visit to any BMW dealer. (The nearest to home is in San Antonio, just under 300 miles, one way.)

 

I thought I'd check out some of the BMW riding gear, and any other brands they might have in stock. I was in the store for about 15 minutes without so much as a "Good Morning". If fact, I was totally ignored by the "workers" in the show room while I looked over their stock.

 

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

 

(BTW, there was no one else in the store at the time.)

 

Sounds like heaven to me. I don't want to be bothered unless I ask. It might be a cultural thing for the area.

 

I understand both sides of this issue. IMHO, the proper way to handle a situation like this is for someone at the dealership to say to the brousing customer: "Hey, welcome to XXX! We don't want to bug you so if you have any questions or needs, let us know. In the meantime, take all the time you want."

[eddd]

I'm in the Milwaukee area visiting family and decide to stop by the local dealer. This was actually my first visit to any BMW dealer. (The nearest to home is in San Antonio, just under 300 miles, one way.)

 

I thought I'd check out some of the BMW riding gear, and any other brands they might have in stock. I was in the store for about 15 minutes without so much as a "Good Morning". If fact, I was totally ignored by the "workers" in the show room while I looked over their stock.

 

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

 

(BTW, there was no one else in the store at the time.)

 

Sounds like heaven to me. I don't want to be bothered unless I ask. It might be a cultural thing for the area.

 

Being left alone to browse is fine, AFTER, a normal greeting and recognition that you are in their store.

[Tony_K]

I walk in with a sign on my forehead that says "I do not buy anything."

 

With that being said I go into dealers on occasion and mill about.

 

On most occasions i'm in there between 5 or 10 minutes before someone feels compelled to ask if I need anything. I say no but thanks though!

 

Imagine a guy like me coming in every 8 out of 10 times... Yeah you will tend to hold back a bit on the approach.

 

If you need help ask. I have found that they all respond well to being asked that.

 

I even checked out Fernando at Brown before he knew me. He was well engaged in a non bike conversation with a customer. I liked that.

[Stir]

 

Sounds like heaven to me. I don't want to be bothered unless I ask. It might be a cultural thing for the area.

 

Being left alone to browse is fine, AFTER, a normal greeting and recognition that you are in their store.

 

For you. I like it when they just leave me alone for 10 - 15 minutes so that I can find what I'm looking for. It is the same for Home Depot and car lots. I'm there to browse. "Hello, let us know if we can help you find something" is fine but not mandatory for me.

 

When I get "jumped" upon first entering the store, it feels like I'm being watched. I don't like that distraction. And, I think you will find other riders that feel the same way. It is kind of the solitary thing.

[wrestleantares]

I'm in the Milwaukee area visiting family and decide to stop by the local dealer. This was actually my first visit to any BMW dealer. (The nearest to home is in San Antonio, just under 300 miles, one way.)

 

I thought I'd check out some of the BMW riding gear, and any other brands they might have in stock. I was in the store for about 15 minutes without so much as a "Good Morning". If fact, I was totally ignored by the "workers" in the show room while I looked over their stock.

 

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

 

(BTW, there was no one else in the store at the time.)

 

As someone pointed out, BMW really must stand for Bitch Moan and Whine.

 

Should they have greeted you?

 

Absolutely.

 

Is what you described a good reason to come on this group and Whine about it?

 

In my opinion... no.

 

You should not have to ask for assistance - if the store is empty - but at the same time it would have taken less time and effort to ask rather than come on here and complain.

 

It seems to have gotten very popular all of a sudden to bash customer service. Unless I've asked for help and been snubbed, I always assume there is a reason that I haven't been checked with.

[Wyn]

Seems to be typical any place these days. I like to be left alone also. In fact I hate the "Can I help you? thing. However, a smile and a welcome goes a long way.

 

I think most dealers assume if you want something you'll ask. Or if your going to buy a bike you know already what it is and you want to buy a bike not be sold one. So they kinda ignore you.

 

My dealership would be: Hey, how ya doin? Coffee, soda? Is that your Hummer in the parking lot? Let me know if I can help ya. If your to busy to do that your to busy and there ain't no dealer that busy.

[DaveTheAffable]

Seems to be typical any place these days. <snip>

 

I agree. This is typical to MANY businesses and bike dealers. I have had that exact experience at Honda, H.D., Kawasaki, and Suzuki dealers here in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties.

[ghaverkamp]

Are you sure they weren't closed?

[Tony_K]

Are you sure they weren't closed?

 

 

BRILLIANT!

[leikam]

Personally I'm against irradiating store clerks to give them super mind-reading powers. The tumors are just unsightly.

[Paul Mihalka]

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

Please don't judge ALL BMW dealers when you have visited ONE...

[eddd]

I'm in the Milwaukee area visiting family and decide to stop by the local dealer. This was actually my first visit to any BMW dealer. (The nearest to home is in San Antonio, just under 300 miles, one way.)

 

I thought I'd check out some of the BMW riding gear, and any other brands they might have in stock. I was in the store for about 15 minutes without so much as a "Good Morning". If fact, I was totally ignored by the "workers" in the show room while I looked over their stock.

 

What a great introduction to the world of BMW dealers!

 

(BTW, there was no one else in the store at the time.)

 

As someone pointed out, BMW really must stand for Bitch Moan and Whine.

 

Should they have greeted you?

 

Absolutely.

 

Is what you described a good reason to come on this group and Whine about it?

 

In my opinion... no.

 

You should not have to ask for assistance - if the store is empty - but at the same time it would have taken less time and effort to ask rather than come on here and complain.

 

It seems to have gotten very popular all of a sudden to bash customer service. Unless I've asked for help and been snubbed, I always assume there is a reason that I haven't been checked with.

 

Hardly would call it whining. If they don't have basic human courtesy, then scr** 'em. I'll look else where. This forum is the exact place for "observations" or "experiences"...it lets others know what to expect, and if we are really lucky, the dealer might read the comments and insist that staff exercise common courtesy.

[wrestleantares]

 

Hardly would call it whining. If they don't have basic human courtesy, then scr** 'em. I'll look else where.

 

Of course you don't. No one likes to think of themselves as a whiner. But, I'll call it as I my opinion dictates.

 

If it were a case where you asked for help and didn't get it I'd wave the flag right along with you. But, if it is as you described, I'll give the dealer the benefit of the doubt and ASK a person for assistance before I get my panties all in a wad, run home and post negative comments about them.

 

You claim, common courtesy, but where's the courtesy involved in whining on a public forum about lack of service at a dealer without asking for assistance.

 

I've been to dealerships at both extremes - those that meet you at the door and hover and those that let you meander about and wait til you ask for help.

 

I've had to ask people to leave me alone to look and I've also had ask for assistance. I have never had trouble when I've asked for assistance, on the other hand, I have had hovering salesmen still refuse to leave me alone.

 

I'll take the no greeting and assistance as I ask for it any day.

[ChrisM]

I absolutely loathe hovering sales people. I don't mind someone asking if I'd like help, but I'm not offended if help is not offered. When I'm browsing, I don't want the sales people standing over me. When I need help, I ask for it. If, at that point, I can't get someone to help, then I am offended. But not until I've asked (or tried to ask) for help.

 

I guess it's a matter of different strokes for different folks, and we each will end up in the shop where we are most likely to get the treatment we want.

[Heck]

Are you sure they weren't closed?

BRILLIANT!

 

+1

[bmwsit]

For every negative, there is a positive. At my local shop, once through the door, you are greated by the receptionist or the first sales guy who just says hi, asks how it is going and then they always move on. If you hover by a bike for a while and sit on it, then they offer to answer any questions and then move on. I dont know how many times I have just gone in to check on new items, sit on a bike and dream and then grab a cup of coffee and flip through the newest catalog they have. Almost more of a club house feel to the store.

 

Actually bought a bike Tuesday and was still low key and friendly. No pressure to buy farkles right then and there. A great experience. I dont like giving away that much money, but at least when you like the people and they appreciate your business (and the bike is awesome) then it takes away some of the pain of the cost.

[outpost22]

My experience is just the opposite of the O.P. The local bike shops here ignore everybody until you tackle them for help which usually involves invading the spaces in "the back" to find someone with a pulse. The local BMW dealer always welcomes you and offers to answer questions if you have any, but leaves you alone if you wish.

 

Standing over a customer is obnoxious, but lack of any acknowledgment that the customer exists is not acceptable and worse.

[NoLongeraK1200RSRider]

"Hey, welcome to XXX! We don't want to bug you so if you have any questions or needs, let us know. In the meantime, take all the time you want."

That sounds like my experience at A&S in Sacramento.. a greeting and left alone until I had questions. Also had a good experience at the dealer in Walnut Creek and that makes me wonder why more isn't said about this particular dealer on this forum. Maybe no one else here goes to them?

[TowJam]

If you want to hang around a bike dealership but don't want a salesperson to come come within 10 feet of you, just walk into a Harley dealership wearing this:

 

 

and this:

 

and these:

[Paul Mihalka]

A bit of hijack but a neat experience. A few years back, attending the Finger Lakes BMW Rally in Watkins Glen NY on Labor Day weekend, I ride on rt. 15 a bit south of Corning, probably around Mansfield PA. A large Harley Davidson dealer (are there any small ones?) well visible from the road. Also well visible a BIG sign: "Welcome BMW riders. Come in for coffee". I made a U-turn, went in and had a coffee and a very nice conversation with a young employee lady about good roads in the area

[RichEdwards]

On the few occasions that I have had to enter a Harley dealership, I have found them much friendlier than the average BMW dealership. And I've visited BMW dealerships throughout the country.

[AnRSguy]

Greeting EVERY customer that walks into a place of business is just plain GOOD customer service.

 

For those of you that want to be left alone, I'd ask this question. If you go into a dealership where you are known on a more personal level(perhaps you bought a bike there), is it ok for them to not at least say "Hi"?

[wrestleantares]

Greeting EVERY customer that walks into a place of business is just plain GOOD customer service.

 

THAT, I agreed with. However, as I also pointed out - I would never assume the fact that they did not do this was a slight and then come on a public forum and whine about it. I would assume there was a reason.

 

-Those that saw me thought someone else greeted me

 

-They were preoccupied looking for something a call-in customer needed

 

Or a myriad of other possibilities.

 

I would not get upset and vindictive until they slighted me when I attempted to get service.

 

For those of you that want to be left alone, I'd ask this question. If you go into a dealership where you are known on a more personal level(perhaps you bought a bike there), is it ok for them to not at least say "Hi"?

 

Absolutely. Hapens all the time. The dealer where I get parts/disposables and sometimes gear, hardly anyone greets me until I get to the service counter and ask for assistance. It changes from time to time - new salesmen are more likely to come up to me and ask if I need assistance.

[UberXY]

If you want to hang around a bike dealership but don't want a salesperson to come come within 10 feet of you, just walk into a Harley dealership wearing this:

 

Interesting theory.

 

On Tuesday I went to a big celebrity press event at an HD dealer, wearing a BMW riding suit, BMW boots, and Schuberth full face. I was invited right into the VIP/press area, no questions asked, and then ate well. Not sure why, but sometimes, why ask why?

 

I've owned 3 BMWs, still have two, and in the last 21 years, I have never had free lunch at a BMW dealership, though I like the local one a lot.

[donbmw]

My first job was in retail sales and the owner told be greet the customer when they come in but let them look around first before asking if they need help. Most of the time you can tell when they may need help in finding what they want. I hate going in a store and as soon as you walk in they start asking you if you need help and then a short time after the first time your are asked again and again and again.

 

Don

[OoPEZoO]

On the few occasions that I have had to enter a Harley dealership, I have found them much friendlier than the average BMW dealership. And I've visited BMW dealerships throughout the country.

 

Try walking into a BMW dealership when you are under the age of 30. I've been snubbed so many times I lost count.

[Lets_Play_Two]

My first job was in retail sales and the owner told be greet the customer when they come in but let them look around first before asking if they need help. Most of the time you can tell when they may need help in finding what they want. I hate going in a store and as soon as you walk in they start asking you if you need help and then a short time after the first time your are asked again and again and again.

 

Don

 

In college I worked in a men's clothing store and we were always told to say hello to everyone that walked by. If you did not have a customer you were to ask if they needed help finding something, if they said no, you covertly watched to make sure they weren't shoplifting, but you didn't hover!!

 

I believe a motorcycle shop is different from a clothing store or other small goods retail store. I would still say hi, and my dealer does as I make my way to the free food table (there is always free food)!! If I want help I ask. BTW, at the Harley store somebody always says hi too. But if they don't I am usually able to avoid an existential meltdown.

[HexHead]

I can't imagine getting your panties in a wad because someone didn't greet you upon walking into a store. Especially to the "I'd never buy anything there" point.

 

My peeve is when I do need some assistance, there is nobody around. You know, kind of like trying to shop at Sears.

[Tool]

"Try walking into a BMW dealership when you are under the age of 30..."

 

 

 

 

Oh, Grasshopper, If only....

 

 

I'll wager there are MANY members here who WISH they had another opportunity to do that; for me those days are long-gone! But seriously, I started riding at a tender age, and I cannot even recall WHERE the local BMW shop WAS in my hometown, let alone remember ever setting foot inside.

 

 

As for being greeted at my local shops now - I really don't care when I get greeted, as long as I DO get a greeting - from someone, anyone working there - at some point during my visit.

[hANNAbONE]

eXACTLY wHY I don't shop at Gina's and I do all my shopping at EngleMotors in KC.

 

And yes, they sold me both my BMW KRS & my Triumph STA

[bakerzdosen]

I have never had free lunch at a BMW dealership, though I like the local one a lot.

The dealer formerly known as BMW of SLC had a GREAT BBQ the last time we were up there (last month). A friend test rode the k12r they had there. Not exactly a VIP box, but the ribs were fantastic. We honestly were treated (if you included the food) better there than the Ducati/Aprilia dealer we went to next. However, both dealers were just fine (especially since the salesman just returned from his sisters funeral the day prior).

 

I personally like to be anonymous at times and recognized others. I usually am of the opinion "I hate sales weenies" (in general, not just motorcycles), but those that can sit there and talk to you about whatever - without seeming to care if you buy something or not, even though they really do - can make the experience pleasant to say the least. Sadly, they seem to be in the minority.

[Stir]

A bit of hijack but a neat experience. A few years back, attending the Finger Lakes BMW Rally in Watkins Glen NY on Labor Day weekend, I ride on rt. 15 a bit south of Corning, probably around Mansfield PA. A large Harley Davidson dealer (are there any small ones?) well visible from the road. Also well visible a BIG sign: "Welcome BMW riders. Come in for coffee". I made a U-turn, went in and had a coffee and a very nice conversation with a young employee lady about good roads in the area

 

That's a Harley dealer that understands that BMW riders love motorcycles. I buy shot glasses and tshirts for the kids at every Harley dealer I run into. A lot of Harley dealers actually get it and are okay with people on other brands.

 

Biggs in Escondido, I rode there on my BMW and the sales guys said, "Great Bike" I will get a Harley someday just for toodling around town; unless someone gives me a million $ tax free to give it up. I love the look. I don't want to go to Torrey on it, but I would love to take the wife to dinner on it. (Wife looks hot in leather.) I will be buying it from Biggs.

[Stir]

"Try walking into a BMW dealership when you are under the age of 30..."

 

 

 

 

Oh, Grasshopper, If only....

 

 

I'll wager there are MANY members here who WISH they had another opportunity to do that; for me those days are long-gone! But seriously, I started riding at a tender age, and I cannot even recall WHERE the local BMW shop WAS in my hometown, let alone remember ever setting foot inside.

 

 

As for being greeted at my local shops now - I really don't care when I get greeted, as long as I DO get a greeting - from someone, anyone working there - at some point during my visit.

 

HA!!!! I've wanted a BMW motorcycle since I was 11. I somehow picked up a mag, circa 1973(?), about a woman who rode her BMW motorcycle from Maine to the tip of South America. They talked about how the bike got dumped in the ocean when they were transporting it past the Amazon or something. She got it on land, flush the water out. Changed the oil and it started right up. On the rough roads, she started losing parts and was using coat hangers to hold things together. I knew when I read that article that I was going to own the motorcycle that would let me do that! Oh well, I have the GT, but someday...maybe a GS. :-)

[eddd]

... However, as I also pointed out - I would never assume the fact that they did not do this was a slight and then come on a public forum and whine about it.

 

Yes, we know, you've whined about my "whining" three times already.

[pbbeck]

Greeting EVERY customer that walks into a place of business is just plain GOOD customer service.

 

There has to be a balance, though. Look at what Walmart has done. A posted "door greeter" paid to stand there and say hello smacks of phoniness.

 

There's a Greek restaurant across the street where I live with outstanding food. Since it's right across the street, I will call down for a grilled chicken salad or some such several times each week (I'm a bachelor.) Every day, the owner stands blocking the entrance, waiting to give you a big hug and a handshake as you enter the restaurant. At first I thought this was quaint, and clearly a cultural feature of Greek hospitality, but after years of this, I just want to go in a get my food. To actually go in and pick up my food without shaking hands with and hugging the old man is a challenge of Seinfeldian proportion. I don't like the idea of shaking hands before I eat.

 

Sorry for the hijack. I've been meaning to get that off my chest for a while now.

[tallman]

Is the glass half empty?

My experience has been that many customers who walk into a BMW shop take it as a sign of respect if the "workers" give them some space.

The majority of BMW customers have a wealth of knowledge about the product.

Those that don't generally ask.

Best wishes.

[David]

Greeting EVERY customer that walks into a place of business is just plain GOOD customer service.

 

There has to be a balance, though. Look at what Walmart has done. A posted "door greeter" paid to stand there and say hello smacks of phoniness.

 

They aren't standing there to say hello. Saying "hello" makes it a little less awkward while they scan for shoplifters working against the flow of traffic.

[Yukon]

Maybe they should post a greeter like Wal-Mart! I'm a big boy, just leave me alone. If I need help, I'll ask thanks.

[AnRSguy]

Greeting EVERY customer that walks into a place of business is just plain GOOD customer service.

 

There has to be a balance, though. Look at what Walmart has done. A posted "door greeter" paid to stand there and say hello smacks of phoniness.

 

They aren't standing there to say hello. Saying "hello" makes it a little less awkward while they scan for shoplifters working against the flow of traffic.

 

One of the best ways to thwart shoplifters is to acknowledge them, they don't want to be seen, once you let them know you've seen them, many will leave. BTW, shopliting is a gigantic problem for retailers, probably not that big for BMW dealers - kind of difficult to get that GT under your coat.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

The GT, maybe but a couple pairs of Held Steve's will put a nice dent in the profits for the day. It's a problem anywhere goods are on display.