| Author |
Message |
    
Daves
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 12:48 am: | 
|
Brian, those HD salespeople are probably just pissed because your scooter chair is faster than their scooters |
Daves
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 12:53 am: |
|
Corpmonkey
The markup at MSRP is/was about the same Buell to Sportster.
I do not know how other dealers pay but I worked on a base salary, plus bonus per bike (the same for all bikes) plus commission on the Buell parts I sold.
I sold the Buells
I sold the Buell parts
In my spare time, I also sold just about as many HDs as any of the other sales people did, and that's all they did.
I wonder what they did all day?
I have to admit, I am kind of a workamanic! |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 02:28 am: |
|
"Motorcycle company seeking Sales professionals with 5 years demonstrated experience, must be able to perform in multi line dealership and complete many tasks under pressure. Fun atmosphere, must past drug test"
There were 10 candidates all with over 5 years experience in the que for the interview. I walked in with none. While waiting for my 'turn' in the interview process I sold two bikes and took a deposit on a third. New to Harley, not new to bikes. Did insurance for 10 years, and military for 15. I gets my point across, I get information, and damnit I have some fun doing it. F'n newbee punk got the job  Been doing it now for 5 years, still dont own a pair of chaps, got a tattoo or a pair of leather studded concho festooned shirt. Like I said, you want somebody to think outside the box, find somebody that was never in it to begin with.
Commish on Buell used to be the minimum sales amount (known as a Mini) and I still sold the heck out of them. And you know at the end of the day who I would rather ride with ?!? Duh. Sure I get paid selling the Buells, but when it comes down to it, its passion, its what I ride, its who I hang with. I sell a few Harleys too |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:14 am: |
|
>>>I sold at ~75
I bought a 9.
I keep thinking I need to republish my 1997 "9 Ways to Sell a Buell" but I am not up for the aggravation.
MOST places just don't get it.
Imagine. . . . .here in my lonely hamlet of 8,750,000 folks, with motorcycle popularity (heck, I'm even riding now) exploding and no Buell presence.
I even tried to get a press bike for the TODAY show last year and Buell doesn't even have media bikes on the East Coast. It starts with a marketing group that things (and is damn good at) in an HD mindset and works it's way down to MOST dealers.
Some folks need to reread that "Different in Every Sense". I've sworn off getting involved any longer but will be watching closely. So many folks holding the key to the treasure, yet not knowing how to unlock it. |
Spiderman
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 08:03 am: |
|
Erik walks into a dealership and tries to order parts for an XB, how many people recognize him? I am guessing 10%, maybe?
Erik would just order from one of our sponsors |
Oddball
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 08:53 am: |
|
I've been in the 2 dealers in my area that sell Buells. First time in Annapolis a couple years ago and there were 2 Ulysses way in the back by some used HD's. Last fall I went to see if the 1125r had showed. They had a TT close to the front. I forget if there were any others. The salesman that day seemed to be enthusiastic about buells. Tried his best to sell me on the TT. By december, they had an 1125r (demo) and have had it and several other models right up front by the door. I don't think they've moved many. They are aways sitting there like statues. While in december the floor was slow enough to get a salesman's attention, (I had to go drag him over so i could sit on the 1125r) now a days you might as well be invisible. Probably just as well, don't think their prices were anything to write home about.
Old Glory has been friendly and I've talked to a couple of salesman there that were enthusiastic. Their display is kind of middle front location surrounded by a sea of HD. I've been warned away from them by one on a vrod board claiming shady practices. Don't know if true or not.
Ratbuell is like an hour away from here. Might have to go look around there someday.
As to buying oil, shirts etc from your local dealers. If I had need of a HD/Buell shirt I'd get one though I'd likely wait for a sale or clearance price. Oil? Like most things it's probably far cheaper at walmart or costco or something.
Hopefully Buell will keep producing better and better products. They may finally draw me in though currently I don't see much of a definitive edge in their favor. Honestly, I agree with the thought they'd look better with a bar and shield on the airbox cover. "The new 21st century sportsters" along side the XR1200, Nightster and the rest of the sportster classics. |
Ratbuell
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 09:33 am: |
|
I agree with the thought they'd look better with a bar and shield on the airbox cover.
I can see that side of things...but you think the corporate attitude is bad *now*? Imagine if they put the B&S on Buells. We'd have absolutely no hope of things ever being done the right way....and we'd be stuck with HD salespeople at that point. Who still wouldn't know the product, or if they know the product they wouldn't know the right (definitely NOT H-D) way to present it to a buyer.
Redheaded stepchild may be solved that way...but the brand image (and eventually the motorcycles) would become muddied. They'd grow chrome and whitewalls before five years. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 09:52 am: |
|
All the Harley-Davidson dealership and corporate mindset bashing in this thread, all the "they just don't understand Buell" talk, and "they" go and do this:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/375357.html?1215780754#POST1193758
Going to be an interesting year it seems.
Should be a very lively dealer's meeting in a few weeks.
Off to google up where my nearest MV/Cagiva dealer is just for grins.
= = = = =
googled:
http://www.mvagustausa.com/web-mvagusta/dealerlocator.html
Ah hah, but of course, my nearest dealership is Course, a Ducati shop that has added Suzuki and a few other brands.
Yep, going to be a real interesting year.
(Message edited by mikej on July 11, 2008) |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 10:06 am: |
|
The nearest MV Agusta shop also happens to be my newest BMW dealer. Could they be taking on Buell in the near future? |
Josh_
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 10:06 am: |
|
My closest MV Agusta dealer (Halls) also sells Husqvarna, Ducati and Gas Gas.
That dealership is about 1/4 mile from their Harley store, and they don't sell Buells. |
Crashcourse411
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 10:28 am: |
|
Stock's HD in Manitowoc, WI is already listed as a MV dealer.
I know this is not a true rumor thread, but would Buell be putting a MV engine in the new XB? |
Bigeasy
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 10:39 am: |
|
Rat,
Like to report a positive note! Called the service department thursday and here is how it went.
me"Tommy tell some good news"
"Art I have the parts."
"thats great thank you so much trackday on"
"Yep they were overnighted with your NAME on the box. You must know somebody up there. Will try to fit you in on Friday, call me at noon."
Now I dont know anyone "up there" but I let him think it anyway.
Thank you Ann whoever you are!! |
Jlnance
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 12:48 pm: |
|
Imagine. . . . .here in my lonely hamlet of 8,750,000 folks, with motorcycle popularity (heck, I'm even riding now) exploding and no Buell presence.
Wow. Contrast that with North Carolina. We have about the same population and 9 Buell dealers. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 01:49 pm: |
|
Did New York City Harley Davidson drop Buell while I wasn't looking? Last I looked, they were a Buell dealer too.
Across the river in Jersey you have Liberty, and on Long Island you have Nassau County Harley and Eastern Harley Davidson carrying Buell. Finally, in New Rochelle, you have NewRoc carrying the line. |
Ratbuell
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 02:58 pm: |
|
Bigeasy - great stuff!!
See if they'll keep the box for ya |
2kx1
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:19 pm: |
|
Well, my nearest MV dealer is in Winchester VA. They are Duc Pond motorsports, and the owner has also raced
bikes for a few years and are also a Ducati dealer.
In addition to my Buell ,I also have a Ducati, and I also hang out with quite a few Ducati owners.
I have never heard of any owner of any motorcycle so enthused about a dealership as they are about Ducpond.
If they were also to carry Buell it would be an absolute dream come true .
My understanding is that you must have an HD franchise before a Buell.
Hopefully this will open the door to dealers like Ferracci who do unbelievable things to motorcycles and could quite possibly get Buell into AMA superbike where the exposure would be way more than
anything they have before. |
Buellerandy
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:54 pm: |
|
Hey guys,
Sorry I haven't been on, I had a bad storm knock out my computer so I'm obviously getting into this thread a bit late.
The management has been talking about letting Buell go. I don't know what the decision is yet, but I do know it's not the easiest choice for the owner. The mechanics have expressed that they don't want to see Buell leave either.
Once theres something to report, you'll see it posted. |
Ferris_von_bueller
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:57 pm: |
|
We should take a ride up to Willow Grove one day, 2kx1 |
2kx1
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 08:56 pm: |
|
In about three weeks name it Ferris!!! |
Hooper
| | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 12:29 am: |
|
Yo Ratbuell - I'll shoot for a visit tomorrow morning. I'm planning a long ride through MD and VA. Please lay out a Buell t-shirt in XL and women's M. Ha ha...just kidding...looking forward to being up in the hills! |
Ratbuell
| | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 09:06 am: |
|
Hooper - I'll keep an ear out for a cooling fan
Don't park too close to my orange Uly though...wouldn't want any of the crap and bugs to jump ship and end up on yours! |
Chrisrogers3
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 10:04 am: |
|
FWIW
I went to Appleton HD and Buell on Friday and relayed my concern for Appleton's potential decision to keep or drop the line. As of then, no decision had been made I was just told that it was an option.
I have supported Appleton HD and Buell since 05 when I bought my first Buell from DaveS and my latest Buell coming from BuellerAndy. In the last three years I have owned 5 of them (unfortunately though only 2 have been bought at the dealership due to lack of availability.) I still however buy all my parts and tires from there and it may help for the rest of the guys in the area to show Appleton HD their continued support.
Remember support your local dealership. Its nice and all to complain about what dealerships in general don't do but in the case of Appleton HD they have multiple times gone above and beyond and for that I will continue to support them. |
Gtmg
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 10:31 am: |
|
Remember while it is a passion for us it is a business for the HD store owners. They have to see a plus in it for them.
As some one said above people go to the path of least resistance....have to work to sell Buells or have a specialist salesman....too much trouble. just sell the HD brand and names.
Another fact is that many dealer belong to the Lemco group..a consulting firm for motorcycle dealerships. They are not Buell positive generally. Very focused on numbers, marketing and maximizing profit.
One final thing to keep in mind many talk about the buyers being sport bike people. I am not sure but I think the demographic of the Buell buyers is very very similar to the demographic of Harley buyers...men in early to mid 40's. Someone might correct me here if they know different. |
Doerman
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 11:09 am: |
|
Dealerships have a contract with HDI up for renewal every so often. Whether it is the Buell or HD that is to be renewed, there is great scrutiny and much gnashing of teeth at renewal time. It is after all a business relationship.
In the case of a Buell contract renewal, there might be so much contractual BS to go through on the dealer side that they just simply don't want to deal with signing up for changed quotas, floor plans, increased floor space for apparel and Buell goodies... you name it. So the dealer says.. well, all this for 3% of my business? Screw that! I'll concentrate on Harley then. That is the peril of the inside HD box thinking that serves as a detriment to promoting the Buell brand at the dealership level.
I am guessing here, but I believe I am somewhere in the ballpark when it comes to the core of the problem.
I know that two of the Buell dealers in my neighborhood does well. Skip Fordyce in Riverside has one of the few "Buell Stores in the store". That is a huge investment and along with hiring a Buell enthusiast to sell the bikes they turn the Buells over. By the way, if you are from around here (LA) stop by and visit with Rob Kreiner. He's a lot of fun to talk with and is up on all the latest and greatest regarding all things Buell.
The other store is Glendale. They don't have a fancy schmancy store for either HD or Buell. They have Buell proficient people in sales, parts and service. They are known in the area as they guys who race Buells with success and are in it for the long run. Buells don't gather dust sitting on the floor there either.
Two different paths, both yielding success. And who says that HD and sportsbikes don't mix! Glendale had their monthly customer appreciation day yesterday with a the obligatory grill serving up burgers and such, but in addition, they had a Lingerie show, Mechanical bull riding, massage therapist (needed after bullriding) and a cigar specialist. A great afternoon of fun. Their marketing manager is good at getting the word out. And here is a Ducati 1098S rider having at it on the mechanical bull.
Who says that sportbike enthusiasts and Harley Stores don't mix. There's hope for the MV Agusta/Buell/HD store yet!  
(Message edited by doerman on July 13, 2008) |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 06:45 pm: |
|
This is where this thread could really become interesting. At the July 27th dealer meeting, Harley announces that it is setting up new MV Agusta / Buell / Cagiva dealerships. ABC dealerships.
In the past a stand-alone Buell dealership couldn't make, and the only one that did - Modesto - decided to get out of the Buell market and concentrate on Ducati. (Good move, by the way - they are one of the best Ducati dealers around.)
With an ABC dealer there would be enough interest, momentum, and product to make it work.
Happiness all around.
Just hoping.
Jim |
Hughlysses
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 08:22 pm: |
|
I listed to the audio of the Harley teleconference on the MV Agusta purchase thinking they might drop a hint, but I didn't hear anything of interest to Buell owners.
Jim- When I first read your post, I thought "Hmm, that might be cool", then I thought, "wait a minute- what are there, ~10 MV Agusta dealers in the whole US?". I just looked at their website and it looks like there may be more MV Agusta dealers than there are Buell dealers. Maybe you're on to something. |
Chellem
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 08:43 pm: |
|
THAT was the first thing I thought of. I don't know for sure, but my thought is that dealers who have MV Agusta probably also have a few other lines - and that Buell would fit in nicely with those lines, probably.
Would be a smart move, in my opinion as well. Not add MV Agusta to H-D dealers - that strategy hasn't really played out well with Buell - but add Buell to MV Agusta Dealerships.
We'll just have to wait and see. I can't decide if other H-D dealers will be pissed or relieved if that happens.
We're a wacky bunch.
->ChelleM |
Xb9er
| | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 10:05 pm: |
|
I agree as well, put the buells in with the MV dealers. Sportbike salesmen will sell sportbikes, not a hard, bald harley rider. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 03:45 am: |
|
Oh you had to bring thinning hair into it.. next you will be talking about shrinkage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVHRWSl1z8U |
Chellem
| | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 10:57 am: |
|
HEY our salesman is bald BY CHOICE!
And HE rides a Buell! So take THAT!
(Kinda gives ya nightmares, don't it? ) |
Odinbueller
| | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 10:00 pm: |
|
You think that's scary, check these out;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3zAiga2u1c
and...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4zH-nX1Lv8 |
Edstevens
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 01:41 am: |
|
A second to 2kx1 on the Ducpond dealership in Winchester, VA. I live 15 miles from Winchester and when I stopped in. The owner was enthusiastic and friendly. I looked at a few ducati's and then went into the other showroom and there she was. A 2008 MV Agusta Brutale. You just stop and stair.
I believe this dealership could be a great environment to sell Buell's in. And if nothing else a good salesman training ground. |
|
