Does Anyone Here Work at a Motorcycle Dealership?

I recently accepted a job as a salesperson at my local Honda-Yam-Suz-Kaw Dealership and was wondering if anyone else on the forum worked at a motorcycle dealership and/or as a motorcycle salesperson. I know this is a lousy time of year to start as a salesperson, but I'm hoping to send a few christmas gifts out the door. They also have ATV's, dirtbikes, dual-sports, etc.
Anyway, just looking for feedback from people that work at the dealerships, or any advice from this great motorcycling community.

Mike

Durham, NC

Soon to be working at Triangle Cycles in Durham !

 

Hey Mike. I work at a Yamaha/Kawasaki dealership in Winston-Salem. I've been in the business for @9 yrs, having worked for Honda and running my own shop for a breif time. You should do pretty good around this time of year. We are selling alot of small dirt bikes and atvs right now. After Christmas it dies out for awhile then picks back up around late Feb.
You are also working with some great guys. I bought my 06 VFR at Triangle and the guys were great. Norm was especially helpful.

 

It's encouraging to hear good things about Triangle Cycles. They have been there FOREVER, and I did actually meet Norm before I applied for the job.
Do you do sales at the dealership in Winston-Salem?
I'm not sure what kind of training they provide or what exactly to expect, but I love bikes, and I'm looking forward to being around motorcycles and riders all day long. Also, they give us discounts on buying new bikes...I'm trying to decide if a 600RR or a 900RR will join the VFR in the garage

Mike

Come see me down at Triangle Cycles in Durham, NC !

 

Do you do sales at the dealership in Winston-Salem?

Mike


I do everything except sales. My main job is warehouse manager, but if I'm needed, I'll work service(as a tech or fill in for manager), parts, etc. For me, working in the industry is the best job a motorcyclist can have, and usually most dealerships are fun places to work. When I went to pick up my bike at triangle, it seemed like it would be a fun, laid back place.

 

Here is some good advice. I never worked in a bike shop but I have owned a lot of bikes. Nothing pisses me off more than a dealer who can't do enough for you when your buying your new bike. Then when you go back for service or to order something they forget who you are or act like your wasting their time. Our local YAMAHA dealer did it to me after I had bought 4 bikes from him. And when I bought my V-Rod the sales manager ( who sold me the bike ) did not have time for me. I thought maybe it's me... So after talking to some of my friends it turns out that is the way they are. Two of the guys bought R1's last year and traveled to get them as not to have to deal with our local dealer again. And I would NEVER own another Harley as long as I live. I must have been smoking CRACK to purchase that uncomfortable 90 miles to a tank of gas heap.... So keep in mind after someone buys a bike and they come back for anything treat them right, chances are good they will buy another bike someday.

Brit

 

I sell at Heart of Dixie and Riders HD in B'ham area. It's great that you have ATVs and dirtbikes to sell at Christmas.

Our sales slow down but don't stop over late Fall early winter.

This too will pass. I love the industry, hope you do too!:blah:

 

Jev: Once again, thanks for the encouraging words about Triangle Cycles. I start my first day tomorrow and I'm pretty psyched about getting even deeper into the world of motorcycles.....wish me luck !

Brit: I am totally with you on what you said about how many dealerships treat their customers. I'm not the slick and sleazy type, and I believe much more in relationships than in just "getting a sale". I guess my approach will be heavily dictated by the corporate culture there and hopefully they will not put any pressure on me to be slick and sleazy....if they do....I'm outa there !

Legs: Good to meet another VFR guy that sells bikes. I agree, it's great that the shop sells ATV's and dirtbikes...I hope to send a few X-mas gifts out the door before things slow down in Jan.
Any tips for a sales guy newbie?

Mike

Come see me down at Triangle Cycles in Durham !

 

My $.02, be helpful, be honest & if some one ask's for a bottom dollar figure give them the actual bottom dollar figure. Nothing annoy's me more than a salesman that has to run & talk to his manager 50 times during negotiations. I've walked out on cash in hand deals because of this, just something to be wary of. Also don't pre judge your customers, I've seen several people in my business that didn't appear to have a pot to pi$$ in that flopped down $125,000 in cash on a a new semi tractor. Don't be pushy, but don't be stand offish either. If your good w/ names that helps to, there is a Yamaha dealership I used to do quite a bit of business w/ that now I may only go to once a year. The salesmen & the owners still know me by name, I seem to buy something everytime I'm there. Also don't let someone wonder around for extended periods w/o atleast going & intruducing yourself, giving them your business card etc. If your a younger guy, don't act overtly young it annoys older potential buyers & even not so old ones too. I avoid younger sales & parts people like the plauge, they have wasted alot of my time & money over the years. Don't be afraid to add free trinket items(hats, oil changes etc) in on a deal either, this will be easier after your sales record is established. But it does sweeten the deal for buyers that are on the fence & may swing a deal your way.

 

Well, it seems that luck is shining upon me. In three days, I managed to sell 3 ATV's, 4 dirtbikes, and a used 929RR. They think I am a god......8 units in my first half-week....whoa. I'd say it's at least 50% luck though....heh.
So far, my new co-workers have been extremely helpful, and while we are out there to sell bikes, I'm not feeling pressured to be a "sleazy sales guy" in the slightest.

T-Bone ~ I'm with ya on the price thing. It really sucks to have to go "see the manager" to talk pricing, but as it was explained to me, the dealership is simply not willing to give us carte blanche to negotiate prices, and ultimately effect the profit margins. I imagine as I get more experience, and they begin to trust my judgement, I will have more latitude in terms of negotiating price without having to go see the manager. I really wish we could just put the price on the tag, and just like Wal-mart....they price is the price. I guess they wouldnt need us sales guys then...hah.

As a side note, the dealership lets us take the demo and used bikes out for rides (oh my the RC51 likes to power wheelie !), the mechanics are more than willing to help us out with working on our own bikes, and they will even let me borrow Honda tools.

I think I will give the used '05 R1 a try next week.

Mike

Triangle Cycles ~ Honda & Yamaha Dealer
4503 Chapel Hill Blvd.
Durham, NC 27707
919-489-7478
http://www.trianglecycles.com/

 

:biggrin: Good for you!

I've had a great Nov. sales month too.

It's cool to have to make sure that you're wearing your earring before you go to work!:clap2: