Honda letter of complaint

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

I am writing to complain about the way in which I was treated by a sales representative at your Honda garage, Stratford Rd, Shirley, Birmingham.

I have held a full motorcycle license now for 2 years and owned several bikes. Currently I own a Yamaha Thunderace but am looking to upgrade to a new bike. I have been to several dealerships for test rides including Buell, Triumph and Yamaha, all of whom were very helpful and keen to get me on one of their bikes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the service I received from Honda.

I had heard through several internet bike chat sites that Honda we’re encouraging test rides, this was also confirmed by a huge banner outside the garage stating “Come and book your test ride now”. I entered the garage and spoke to the first available sales rep, who, I must say was one of the most unhelpful, unprofessional people I’ve dealt with in such a position. I felt like he looked down his nose at me and had no interest what so ever in letting me take one of the bikes out. It was almost as if this man was doing me a favour and putting himself out just talking to me, let alone trying to make a sale. I was also told that I would need a credit card or cash to put down a deposit on the bike before I would be allowed to take it out! I have test ridden at many dealerships before and never have I been asked to put a deposit down before hand. At the end of this awkward conversation I was told that they were shutting the garage in 5 minutes, therefore he hadn’t got time to arrange anything with me now, he took my details and claimed he would call me the following day, not surprisingly, this didn’t happen.

As you can imagine I was most disappointed. Honda bikes have a good reputation and I have never had the chance to ride one. Considering that I am looking to buy something brand new, I would have expected much better service than this. If this is the way your sales staff are going to conduct themselves then you are likely to loose many potential customers.

I am still interested in booking a test ride and would be grateful if someone could contact me by either telephone or e-mail. Details of which are at the top of the letter.

That should get me a free CBR!!! What you reckon?

wantser · Trackday Trickster Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

What do you actually hope to gain by sending that letter? Go to a different Honda dealer to get a test ride and to spend your money.

wantser · Trackday Trickster Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Karma :

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

To be totally honest I wouldn't mind if I didn't even get a response. I just felt so pissed off with the way that the guy spoke to me I felt something needed to be done. It's just annoying to think I could have strolled in there with £8000 in my back pocket looking to spend it with them and they act like they're doing me a favour. Bike shops like that should be boycotted (sp)!!!

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

lurker · Trackday Trickster Joined: 18 Sep 2004 Karma :

B4 you send the letter correct the spelling of the word "loose"
There's only on "o" in it.

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 May 2004 Karma :

paulthewitt · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2004 Karma :

its nice just to have a rant when mistreated sometimes isnt it!
im sure you will get an apology letter,an invite for a test ride and also a key fob (if you ask when at the dealer)

Well done for taking the time

Paul

Zoffo · Brolly Dolly Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Karma :

WHere exactly did you send the letter

........................wasn't Mr Honda, Japan. Was it? Wink

____________________
https://hyperbikes.forumsplace.com/

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Did you give them names of the sales representatives who you were dealt with by? Confused

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

wantser · Trackday Trickster Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Karma :

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

biggerjohn · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Karma :

I would sent a letter into some of the bike mags and get some real payback by hiting then where it hurts….the BANK

EDBANGER · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2005 Karma :

Zoffo · Brolly Dolly Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Karma :

The reason us Brits get treat like shit at home is that we're crap at complaining.
An American sales rep for Honda would probably not treat his customers that way because he'd know fine well that the letter of complaint would be on it's way the second the Yank customer got home.

You did right complaining....and more of us should do the same.
I think Honda would be very interested to know that the person they employ to represent them is a total twat. They may not jump down the guys throat straight away but if he really is that bad then it won't be noe letter of complaint they get about him it will be lots and at some point he'll be out on his ear. And rightly so.
____________________
https://hyperbikes.forumsplace.com/

fuzz · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

I'm glad you changed your avatar Si, I know who you are now! I wondered if you'd been on the site yet.

I assume you're talking about Avonvale. I popped in there a few days ago just to have a look around, and everyone was really helpful. Even though the sales rep knew I wasn't buying anytime soon, he still gave me loads of info on some of their stock. Talk to Mark Kilner, he's helpful.
____________________
https://www.bikepics.com/members/fuzzbcf/
Bikes: '99 NSR125R, '00 SV650S, K1 GSX-R600, '97 CB500, K3 SV1000S, '16 VFR800