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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | Kudos to you guys for stepping up. I'm very impressed and if I knew what dealership your from I would send folks to you in a heart BEAT. Thanks for thinking outside of the box.
nightvision - 2010-07-02 6:27 AM
Another curve ball. We had a customer buy a KP from us a few years ago, then moved to that area for work. He refused him service also. Customer has gone to him multiple times for work and is denied. When this first happened, we contacted the delaer representative for florida, and he said "I can't really stand most of my dealers here in Florida, Unfortunately alot of them are like that." I was behooved when I heard him say this. The customer did try 2 more dealers before finding one to service him. Before he found a dealer to service him. We loaded the things we needed in the trailer when we went to bike week when the vision was released. We serviced his bike, installed handlebars, highway bars, exhaust, and driving light in the trailer in walmart parking lot! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Sorry varyder, I can't back you on this one. At this stage in my life, the number one thing I am looking for is customer service. I can buy everything for my bike online but I use my dealer every chance I get because it always comes back to me in spades. We all know that we are not Victory's customers, our dealer is their customer. There is no direct pipeline between us and Victory/Polaris. When issues like this come up, this forum is the only avenue people have to get the word out. If I ever got disrespected by anyone at Victory I would use this forum to blow the lid off of it. I have zero tolerance for it. It is one thing to buy a product from someone else then go to your local dealer and not get preferential treatment. That is fair. If I bought from them, I expect a certain level of favoritism. But to be basically thrown out and refused service for a product that you sell is way over the line. You have the right to do that as a businessman but I have the right to name names when the story comes out. Having said all that, I am really impressed with Jim's ability to man-up and apologize to all of us here. He didn't have to do that. I think the change is genuine and am confident that his business will be better because of it. Four pages of responses and nearly 4,000 hits on this topic prove that this forum works, even if it is painful to watch sometimes. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I stated up front it don't matter if anyone agrees, and maybe one in a thousand might. But let us not assume that we will change the world on a forum, or rely upon any real good information as a whole be found here. If I became dependant upon data here on the forum and seperated out what I only wanted to know about the Vision I could discern that it is the worse bike on the planet, but I know better personnally the reality of it.
I came across a dealer along the "Victory Highway" who offered a VMC discount but never frequent the forum. They were unaware that the V2V would be rolling through in front of their shop, nor were they aware that it even came their way. To me, not a big deal as I would hope they were dealing with their customers fairly and not surfing the web. Given how I feel about this, there's a lot of negative experiences that I no longer feel necessary to share on the forum and know personally, face to face, that other feel the same. To smear it on a forum like this would not serve any good purpose. However, a letter to the manager and a letter to Victory with a copy sent to the manager is a more professional manner. In essence, my feeling only, you ganged up to virtually beat this guy up until he humbled himself and "saw the error of his ways". Okay, mission accomplished, is that how we are going to deal with every disagreement with every dealer?? Have at it gentlemen.... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Travler - 2010-06-23 9:26 PM
I bought my Vision from Jim at Best Buy and I have never been treated better buy any dealer of any product, time and time again he has gone above and beyond to help me. You may not be happy about being told that if you went out of state to save money you are on your own but put your self in his place. He is trying to keep the lights on by selling Motorcycles not changing oil. I am sure this will have most of you howling at me but he is a good guy and doesn't deserve all of the scorn.
If I buy a car I can go to any dealer (usually more than 50 miles from the selling dealer) to get my car serviced. ALL motorcycle dealers should have the same requirements as a "dealer" or "franchise" holder. Yes, those franchise and dealer contracts can and do have requirements. If you think I should be restricted to buying my car from my local dealer you are an ass. It's a GLOBAL world. If Victory does not REQUIRE their dealers to perform warranty work on any Victory no matter where bought they need to change their franchise contract. And why would I let someone do warranty work on my bike if they aren't willing to do my oil change and normal service. Shop rates these days at dealers are not cheap and most dealers want the service work. It's CASH FLOW! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | varyder - 2010-06-23 12:13 PM
not to put a pin in anyones balloon I find that this type of complaint has been around for a very long time, with the threat to Victory, aka Polaris, and I'm just curious how many "dealers" have been closed because of the complaint?
Also, if that be the case, learn to do your own service, or take it the extra mile or so to get it done. I figure it this way, if they are as bad as you say they are their doors will close soon, or they will be dropping the Victory line all together. Just as it is their perogative to refuse service to you, it is your perogative to take alternate measures. Forcing them, if it were possible to do, to work on your bike now would only cause greater heartache in which will cost you the most in the long run.
One of the dealerships I dealt with victory pulled away from them ! And they had a nice show room! Now there is a new much smaller victory dealer up the street. I don't know the truth about why, all I know is that dealer is still selling Honda's and when you ask them
Why thy dont sell victory they won't talk about it... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | Have you contacted the better Business Bureau and filed a complaint with them? Also drop a nastygram on the Consumer Protection Dept. of the states attorney Generals Office., Every time you talk to another rider put the gris-gris on the dealer and tell folks you wouldn't send your ex wife's new husband there.
You and a couple friends as witnesses, might even consider standing on the sidewalk (public space) in front of the dealership on a nice day with a short but unhappy message about the dealer, isn't a thing he can do if you are on public property, just mention the first amendment if he comes out and tries to mess with you. You can really mess a dealership up with the 'jungle telegraph' style of diss-ing them. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Having been in the retail business for over 45 years before I retired, If all the facts on this incident are correct, this arrogant jerk deserves to go out of business ASAP...He is not doing Victory/Polaris any favors with his "stick it up your ass" attitude cause you bought the bike elsewhere...Maybe he should check his pricing stuctures, if indeed, the same bike was purchased considerbly cheaper elsewhere....I know a lot of times on this board the actual facts and other pertinent info get left out.....Maybe there was an "attitude" problem on both sides of the equation?????? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
San Antonio Texas | Mr B at Best Buy Victory,
I doubt that I ever meet you in person as I live in San Antonio.If I am ever in the area I will certainly stop in and visit. You have publicly admitted to your mistakes and have offered to make amends. That is a hard thing to do and I commend you. As with most of us here, we ask only for fair treatment at a fair price. I wish you good luck with your new attitude. And to my friends on this site, please give this dealership a chance to prove they have changed. Everybody deserves a break in this economy.
JB |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Hello everyone....This old thread was started in June of 2010 and resolved rather quickly. It is an interesting read for its history but it is not an active issue for any of the parties originally involved with this post.
Just thought I would put this thread in its proper context.
Ride Safe |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
Edmonton AB, Canada | It's obvious that you had an argument with this dealer and he won the argument.
He and his staff are probably busy making excuses and blaming you for the mistake.
His argument that you chose not to be his customer is invalid, it is he that chose not to service you.
I am certain that his motivation is purely pride before the fall.
Yup he may have won the argument but he will learn a valuable lesson;
You can only win an argument with an ex-customer. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 105
| In the HD world it is common to work on bikes purchased at other dealers. The general rule is if you bought the bike at the dealership, yours is first in line for service. If you didn't buy it there, then you have to wait at the end of the line. That is a fair way to handle the situation. Why would any dealer send service AWAY from his shop?? Do they not price their service work to make a profit? What a small minded asshat. Remember you don't have to pass a test to get a business license.
Jim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
Litchfield Park, AZ | radioteacher - 2011-08-20 7:08 PM
Hello everyone....This old thread was started in June of 2010 and resolved rather quickly. It is an interesting read for its history but it is not an active issue for any of the parties originally involved with this post.
Just thought I would put this thread in its proper context.
Ride Safe
+100......This thread should be locked immediately. The issue was addressed last year. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Hey Rapid City Honda / Victory is a top shelf dealership I was broke down and was clueless to what happened and they had me out the door in under 2 hours. I was easy prey and they just did the right thing.
Maumee Honda/Victory another class shop great folks very friendly.
I'm glad I have not run in to a bad dealer it would suck being far from home and stuck.
Keep your VRA up to date the tow is a blessing when needed.
I also suggest putting the 800 # in your phone because the cards deteriorate |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I'll have to admit I've never heard of a dealer treating a customer that way. I spent 30 years in new car dealers, saw some crazy owners but this takes the cake. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | drdarren - 2010-06-23 6:42 PM
Hey guys, thanks to all of you for your support and those that emailed him. As i stated in my email, i did try and buy a bike from him first and because of his pricing and financing and could not afford it. In fact, another friend of mine may be interested in a Vision and this jerk will never see the deal. You are right,he does have the choice to service me but it was his arrogance that surprised me. He couldnt care less that i tried to buy a bike there. The fact that i did not buy it is what pissed him off. He blatantly told me to get the hell out of his store.
Happens all the time here on the Emerald Coast... All the brands... Harley, Honda, Victory... they all seem to take it personally like they own your business and if you buy somewhere else it's personal. In a smaller market the dealers are less willing to negotiate, partly because they are less educated and don't know how to and partly because they figure that they have you trapped.
Buy a bike somewhere else for $3000 less and your're the bad guy... so it's fzxz you get your service somewhere else. I have given in... I put out the $129.99 for a service manual and am doing my own warranty and any other work on my bike. Just wish Polaris would refund the part of the bike price that covers the warranty repairs. Have already fixed my rear brake problem that 3 dealers couldn't... my cruise control problem that Polaris is ignoring as a whole... of course though I am a troublemaker and should just grow up and quit complaining.
PS... Chattanooga has 5 dealers within a 100 mile radius... maybe the dealer who went out of business did so for reasons other than price... maybe he was just stupid. |
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Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | Idiots! I wonder if they / him are related to the dumbasses here in Lansing at Full Suckle Motorsports? Full Throttle...
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Parkersburg WV | Hi, on a positive note.....there are dealers just the oppisite out there. I was shoping 2 dealers when I decided to buy a Vision. I HAD to have an '09 Blue Ice. Both dealers had to call other dealers and find one. They both found one but the Ohio dealer was much cheaper than the WV dealer. Needless to say I bought my bike from the Ohio dealer but have been in the WV dealer since and him knowing I bought a bike somewhere else he still treats me well and has even gave me some discounted parts. He has never once acted like he had a grudge and because of his attitude he has me as a customer as long as I own Victory's.
I must say that all the Victory dealers I have been in so far have been far more friendlier than other brand shops. That's one of the things that swayed me to Victory.
Maybe we should all have a ride in Florida and go in his dealership as a group and see if he tells us to get out. We could act real interested in buying something he has in stock and then tell him....naw I'll find it cheaper somewhere else.
Bob Scott |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | XRsteve - 2010-06-29 11:10 PM
Have to say, the dealer no matter what the reasons sounds like He's seen the light. A sale is one thing and continuing service is another, money is money and shops make it on service and sales. Good fortune to both of you...........
In regards to second chances and seeing the light... Leopards cannot change their spots. Buyers beware!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | radioteacher - 2011-08-20 9:08 PM
Hello everyone....This old thread was started in June of 2010 and resolved rather quickly. It is an interesting read for its history but it is not an active issue for any of the parties originally involved with this post.
Just thought I would put this thread in its proper context.
Ride Safe
Thanks RT. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | phoenix9 - 2011-08-20 9:58 PM
radioteacher - 2011-08-20 7:08 PM
Hello everyone....This old thread was started in June of 2010 and resolved rather quickly. It is an interesting read for its history but it is not an active issue for any of the parties originally involved with this post.
Just thought I would put this thread in its proper context.
Ride Safe
+100......This thread should be locked immediately. The issue was addressed last year.
The specifics of this thread may have been about an incident that occurred a year ago, but this self righteous behavior by dealers, especially here in Florida continues to be a sore spot for many Victory bike owners. Why are you so anxious to lock the thread? Are you the mighty censor come to save the day? If you don't want to participate in this particular thread you may make a free choice not to click your mouse on it... leave and opt out of follow up. I would be more interested in whether or not this dealer is keeping his bargain or not... the dealers over here on the Emerald Coast continue to deport themselves as self righteous assholes on this issue.
Edited by Handyhoward 2011-08-25 3:05 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Handyhoward,
This issue was resolved because the drdarren named the dealer, location, what happened and the date it happened in a NEW post. He did not tag along on many existing posts.
Have you tried this method of correcting the problems at the dealerships you visit? It was effective for drdarren it could work for you!
In the end it was resolved by the dealer after Victory inquired about the incident. Yes, Victory can help. Everyone learned something from this incident.
Like you, I am just a guy that posts info here. I try to be open and helpful in every way by keeping my posts on topic and constructive in nature.
When I die, hopefully many decades from now, I would like people to remember me as that guy who helped them solve an issue they were having...........not as a big pain in the rear that whined all of the time.
God Bless and Ride Safe |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | radioteacher - 2011-08-25 4:20 PM
Handyhoward,
This issue was resolved because the drdarren named the dealer, location, what happened and the date it happened in a NEW post. He did not tag along on many existing posts.
Have you tried this method of correcting the problems at the dealerships you visit? It was effective for drdarren it could work for you!
In the end it was resolved by the dealer after Victory inquired about the incident. Yes, Victory can help. Everyone learned something from this incident.
Like you, I am just a guy that posts info here. I try to be open and helpful in every way by keeping my posts on topic and constructive in nature.
When I die, hopefully many decades from now, I would like people to remember me as that guy who helped them solve an issue they were having...........not as a big pain in the rear that whined all of the time.
God Bless and Ride Safe
First of all, my issue is with Victory/Polaris directly not necessarily any of their dealers... second of all, CEO Wine and his management team at Polaris has chosen to ignore my complaint without even the courtesy of a response. I wonder where the dealers get this kind of behavior??? Thirdly, if I choose to continue to "whine", would you please just skip my posts and go on with your wonderful life... thanks. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| Just emailed the DEALER as we have a place down there. live in ky. bought my vision here but go down there alot. Wonder what he will say in his response to me? |
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You wont believe what this Victory dealer did to me!!READ THIS
