You get what you pay for.

[ribbert]

My LH Oxford heated grip has developed a thin spot after 90,000km's and 6.5 Winters.
The great thing about these is you can buy all the components separately. I looked up a LH grip on the net, $60. Hmmm, a new complete system with upgraded controller is only $125, no brainer really, buy a new kit.
Yesterday I went to my regular accessory store, put the box on the counter and he said "you're gonna love these" I explained that I already had them and had used them for years and why I wanted an new set.
He mumbled something, went to the other counter and made a phone call.
When he returned he said there would be a new LH grip sent overnight from Sydney, would be in his shop in the morning and there would be no charge. Sure enough, he rang this morning to say it was there.

He said the distributors often have bits and pieces lying around from broken packaging etc and it was worth the call to find out if they had one, and they did.

Like everyone, I buy extensively from the net but I buy what I can from this place. Even if paying a small premium, I am a big believer in supporting local traders. If you don't they will simply disappear. Try buying gloves, boots or helmets on the net without trying them on!

It's a two way street, I support them, they support me. Last year they ordered in 4 pairs of boots from interstate they would not normally stock for me to try on. They let me take things home to try or test ride and are happy to source items they don't normally carry it they can. Left your wallet at home? (as I did once) no worries, fix it next time your in. I have no affiliation with the proprietors other than being an occasional customer that they recognise by sight.

This is not a recent revelation for me, I have always valued service highly and happy to pay a premium up front for it, believing in the long run I am miles in front.

Experiences like this leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling and a reassurance that even in the world of cut throat commerce, they aren't all arseholes and that some companies out there still acknowledge the value of looking after customers.

Noel

[FJ_Hooligan]

A shift detent spring broke on my FZ.  I called all the local shops in my area and not a single one had that spring in stock.  The closest one was at a dealer 600 miles away but there were plenty in stock at the Yamaha warehouse in Atlanta.

Wanting to get it ordered as soon as possible so it would arrive quickly I asked one of the shops to go ahead and order it for me.  They refused, said I would have to pay for it first.  So I took off work early and drove over to the shop to pay for a "special order" part. 

The freaking spring was whopping $1.50.  I splurged and ordered 2.

[Arnie]

Gee Noel,

It almost sounds like you've been using that Tardis again.
I've had some good dealer relationships in the past, but none now.
Care to let us know who this gem of a dealer is?
Might give them a bit more business, or at least a bit of foot traffic.

Arnie

[ribbert]

Gee Noel,

It almost sounds like you've been using that Tardis again.
I've had some good dealer relationships in the past, but none now.
Care to let us know who this gem of a dealer is?
Might give them a bit more business, or at least a bit of foot traffic.

Arnie

Brian (the owner) at Bikemart in Ringwood.

Noel