FLTRI Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 I find an interesting thread under Hexhead 'Renching about adding a GT instrument bezel to an RT. Then, I go to an online site and find the part number so I can call my dealer before I go down and see if it's in stock. I could easily just buy the part online, but I figure I would rather support my local dealership. Now, my days off are Saturday, Sunday and Monday and I found out the hard way after buying my RT that they are closed on Sunday and Monday. Fine, I'll just have to make sure that if I need something from them I'll do it on Saturdays. I call them up, and guess what? I get the "Sorry, we are current closed message." It's the 5th of July. Friday was the holiday, so why would they be closed the day after a holiday? Saturday has to be one of their best sales days, after all... It just irks me that they make it hard to do business. I don't want this to turn into another H-D vs. BMW thread, but BMW's customer service sure could take a lesson from Harley's business plan, they are open every day of the year except Christmas... It doesn't surprise me when I read threads about the lack of available BMW dealers. Maybe if they would make themselves a little more user friendly, they would sell more bikes...
David Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 Maybe they wanted to be with their families for a long weekend.
notacop Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 1+ for David's reply. Stop the world You want to buy something, self centered doo-doo!
bmwscoot Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 Normally, I'd jump on your bandwagon here! It has been customary 'round here for dealers to close for the entire 3 day weekend around summer holidays. I always thought it to be a bit odd, too, because up here this is BUSY season. I'm not just talking BMW, but most brands do this.....except Harley as you note. The only thing I can think of is that employees at dealerships here have been working very long days typically from early May on. I suppose this is a way for dealers to give their wrenches time to re-charge their own battery. And it could also be that most people head out of town for the 3 day weekend, thereby leaving dealerships a bit "light" afa customers anyway. I typically do order parts online. I used to use Chicago BMW (20% off list), but experience some long waits at times for the parts. I have received good service from Hammersley and MAX BMW online. Just my $.02
Marty Hill Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 When I was working I often took a 3 day weekend. Thought it was a great idea...if you couldn't take 4 day weekends.
ericfoerster Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 When I was working I often took a 3 day weekend. Thought it was a great idea...if you couldn't take 4 day weekends. I like your style, Marty. I'm headed home after a nice week at the beach. Took some time with the dogs to play in the surf. To heck with the customers
FLTRI Posted July 5, 2008 Author Posted July 5, 2008 Maybe they wanted to be with their families for a long weekend. And I'm not unsympathetic to that. I worked yesterday so other guys I work with could spend the 4th with their kids. I'm just funny that way, being a self centered doo-doo and all It just surprises me that in the 24/7 town that Las Vegas is, that they would be closed...
gordiet Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 I don't know where you live but in Washington state you won't find a Harley Dealer open on any Monday all year. However Ride West BMW is open 6 days a week. Closed Sundays. The shop is even open on Saturday. But I do feel sorry for ya!
notacop Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 You have my condolences for working the Holiday, I too also worked the 4th and am working today the 5th. Being junior guy gets me to work most of the holidays...Waaaah!
FLTRI Posted July 5, 2008 Author Posted July 5, 2008 You have my condolences for working the Holiday, I too also worked the 4th and am working today the 5th. Being junior guy gets me to work most of the holidays...Waaaah! Seniority comes eventually, it's how I managed to wrangle Saturday, Sunday & Mondays off after all... I will usually work the "kid holidays" for the junior guys. They only get one chance to see their four year old in their first Halloween costume, after all. AFA my original post, it does come off as a bit selfish. It's difficult at times to express oneself via the keyboard vs. face-to-face. Apologies to those that find it offensive, it wasn't my intent...
russell_bynum Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 Maybe they wanted to be with their families for a long weekend. Selfish bastards.
tallman Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 Save you the trouble. It's not in stock. Most dealerships won't stock something like that. Not when they can get it overnight. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.
Wheels Rollin' Posted July 5, 2008 Posted July 5, 2008 Seeking a balance between serving the needs of customers and those of one's employees is... well... it's a never-ending challenge, FLTRI... Candidly, some manage to 'walk the beam' better than others -- as you have most certainly seen in your interactions with service providers over the years... I suspect the 'business hours' decision here was based on a multitude of factors, the least of which is ensuring their attainment of at least 'breakeven'... After all, the pursuit of 'profit' is a both noble and necessary thing... Some of their likely 'ponderables'? What resources will we need to provide the experience our customers expect? What will it cost us to provide those resources? By doing so, do we have a reasonable chance to operate at 'breakeven plus'? Ya' know, it may well be the dealer simply decided the 'cost' of being open on Saturday of a 3-day holiday weekend exceeded any potential benefits they could realize... In other words? The upside, in their view, overtook the potential downside... Just my $.03 (adjusted for inflation, of course... I... uh... have my costs too, ya' know...) <> ~ Bill
Rinkydink Posted July 6, 2008 Posted July 6, 2008 My brother owns his own business and it never ceases to amaze him the people that ask him are you open on Christmas/New Years etc. He just asks them, are you working that day? That shuts 'em up real quick. Basically it costs him more to be open on holidays than he makes so..... it ain't worth it. FLTRI you could always change your days off to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday lol
RichEdwards Posted July 6, 2008 Posted July 6, 2008 I hate it when those extended weekends occur. Fills up the golf courses and motorcycle roads with people who should be at work.
EffBee Posted July 6, 2008 Posted July 6, 2008 Save you the trouble. It's not in stock. Most dealerships won't stock something like that. Not when they can get it overnight. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend. Tim, you're right about most dealers not stocking something like that. However, as to "overnight" please allow me to clarify. A part that expensive can be obtained overnight for an added fee. FedEx doesn't work for free either.
outpost22 Posted July 6, 2008 Posted July 6, 2008 Our local BMW dealer was open Saturday, as was the KTM dealer, Harley dealer, Yamaha dealer and Motorcycle Superstore . And those are just the ones I visited or drove past. I can only imagine in Vegas that a lot of people ride more in the fall, winter and spring to avoid the searing heat? Thus making a summer closing more acceptable? Anyway, I wood find it an absolute crap shoot that a part like you're looking for would be a "stock" item anywhere.
Tony_K Posted July 6, 2008 Posted July 6, 2008 It's not in stock. Most dealerships won't stock something like that. DING DING DING!!!! Your're the winner!!! And with that, this thread can be put to bed.
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