Is it unethical to walk to a bike dealership and....?

[sid_for_speed]

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....sit on their bikes, talk to salesman about the bikes, have their promotional free coffee and then walk right out without actually purchasing anything???

Are supershows only way to "sit" and "feel" the bikes or do you guys go to dealerships and do it as well?

 

[geoff-9]

not at all, i test drove a camaro and mustang at a dealership and had no intention to buy it. ever since ive told people what great cars they are etc and i will likely buy one when there a little cheaper in a few years. so in the long run that salespersons 20 minutes was worth it to the company imo.

 

[Macs]

No and if the dealer knows what they're doing they treat everyone that walks through the door as a potential customer. The reason I drive what I drive is because the dealer that had the car I originally wanted were incredibly rude.

As long as you say you're just researching and comparing they probably won't even try the hard sell.

 

[Mina]

not at all, i test drove a camaro and mustang at a dealership and had no intention to buy it. ever since ive told people what great cars they are etc and i will likely buy one when there a little cheaper in a few years. so in the long run that salespersons 20 minutes was worth it to the company imo.

That salesperson could have spent that 20 minutes with a serious buyer and made his/her commission instead of wasting his/her time on tire kickers/dreamers.

 

[TwistedKestrel]

....sit on their bikes, talk to salesman about the bikes, have their promotional free coffee and then walk right out without actually purchasing anything???

Are supershows only way to "sit" and "feel" the bikes or do you guys go to dealerships and do it as well?

1. Coffee is very cheap.

2. They are targeting exactly the mindset you have. You have an interest in motorcycles, and are willing to talk to the salesmen? The conversation will entirely be them looking for an angle on which they can sell you something shiny.

 

[Jampy00]

Sales is not always about the product and/or service. It's also building relationships, just because someone is not a customer today does not mean they won't be tomorrow. Any good salesperson knows that. So continue doing what you are doing, that is why the showroom is there.

 

[imnothng]

That salesperson could have spent that 20 minutes with a serious buyer and made his/her commission instead of wasting his/her time on tire kickers/dreamers.

Yeah, because there's always a line up at dealerships. Haha. I have yet to have to wait for a salesperson EVER.

 

[SunnY S]

Most salesmen ignore you anyways, so whats the big deal?

 

[fusion]

That is why dealers are there.

 

[cknowles]

If the sales people are always rude, I expect you've been profiled...
When I go into a dealership in my "Saturday Clothes" (blue jeans and T-shirt) I get ignored.
Dress for a wedding or funeral and you'll be amazed at how courteous the sales people are.

 

[BNKN]

If you truly know your motives you'll know whether it's ethical or not. Wasting peoples' time and energy can never be ethical.

 

[gerry]

All dealership advertising is aimed at getting you in the door, you had no intention of buying, but they still got you in the door ( the signage above the door is advertising).Maybe you will buy in a month / year/maybe never, thats the start of a relationship which could lead you to buy something in the future. Thats not wasting anyones time, and imo is perfectly ethical.
Gerry

 

[crankcall]

If the sales people are always rude, I expect you've been profiled...
When I go into a dealership in my "Saturday Clothes" (blue jeans and T-shirt) I get ignored.
Dress for a wedding or funeral and you'll be amazed at how courteous the sales people are.

This may be part of the reason there is a lot of turnover in sales staff at some dealerships. There are some stupid saleguys out there.

Some I the guys I socialize with are ligitimate millionaires, on saturday they look like they mow lawns for extra cash.

 

[fastar1]

It's actually a good test of a dealership to go in there, take up a lot of their time, and NOT buy anything. If they are helpful and polite throughout (and not trying to get at your wallet), then that says a lot about the quality of their management.

You're the one with the power in the relationship because you have the money. If you're not willing to throw your weight around then will be taken advantage of.

 

[Lightcycle]

Some I the guys I socialize with are ligitimate millionaires, on saturday they look like they mow lawns for extra cash.

^This.

Most salespeople already know this. If you don't pick this up fast, you don't stay in sales very long. People who get dressed up to impress the salesguy probably aren't salespeople themselves.

 

[Meemperor]

I did this at BMW yesterday. Although I am looking for something I figured they wouldn't have it, and they didn't. But salesman was polite nice, and took down my contact info if they did get something in.

 

[OpenGambit]

^This.

Most salespeople already know this. If you don't pick this up fast, you don't stay in sales very long. People who get dressed up to impress the salesguy probably aren't salespeople themselves.

I walked into Brampton Powersports and they didn't recognize this. So I spent my money at GP.

The guys at work recognize this too, they actually joke that I have an alter ego on the weekends because I dress... well the way I used to before I had to dress up for work.

 

[arent_we_sarcastic]

Ya I went to the Motorcycle show a few years back just to look around and do some comparisons with no intentions of buying.....left with a new bike and helmet..

 

[BNKN]

The guys at work recognize this too, they actually joke that I have an alter ego on the weekends because I dress... well the way I used to before I had to dress up for work.

Fascinating, tell us a little about yourself. Very intrigued.

 

[honduhmatic]

I usually ask permission nicely and make it clear I just want the opportunity to sit on the bike.

No one's turned me down, or turned up their nose at me yet.

I think you're a prick if you talk like you mean business and waste their time but have no intent of buying. If you're nice and say, "hey, that's my favorite bike, could I sit on it - that was really nice, thanks", that's totally fine.

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