Parker brothers close shop

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Re: Parker Bros. - done

Before, the disparity between US and CAN prices have been attributed to the difference in the exhange rate. 5 years ago the dollar jumped up and matched US at 1:1, sometimes even better. When people saw the prices not come down, the excuse was that the stock was bought at higher prices, and that they would loose money if they sold the current inventory at lower prices. 5 years later, some things STILL havent gone down in price. A lot of companies and business have adjusted their prices, but it seems that Parts Canada is pocketing the difference and driving business to close while holding the middle finger out.

What can i say....i'm looking out for #1
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

It's pointless. As long as the government continues to create debt and de-value our dolla more shops will shut down. Just open your eyes and look at all the closed up stores.

rbjeepthing said:
Support your local shop folks!
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Re: Parker Bros. - done

ShiftyEh said:
Yeah that'll be when pigs fly too and china pays their workers more then a buck a day... till then this is life. It appears Canadian companys get surcharged for the same product the US doesn't get surcharged. Or the US can just get the product cheaper due to volume or umpteen other reasons. Companies have to make that money back plus everyone wants a profit so the price we get chanrged in Canada is the price.

It is sad, but I agree with the charity comment, I work hard for my money so why spend more when I can get it for less. I am a big advocate for states side purchases, got my track bodywork, suit, helmet and many other things with an approximate overall savings in the thousands. Small stuff I can support the local establishments provided the extra money I pay is returned by way of convenience with the item in-stock and in my hands when I swipe my card. That appears to be what PB may have been lacking as well. But not kick a guy when he's down, I wish the owners all the best, I'm sure it's a really tough time right now.
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That hole volume excuse is load of crap. It really doesn't make sense that it's cheaper for me to drive down to the states and pick up a product than it would be for a big company to import it.

Don't get me wrong. I understand a physical store has higher costs but 30% higher and often double the price is wack.

Another excuse is that our season is short and we have long winters. Shops could get in to sleds during the winter. Ski shops do just fine. They sell bikes in the summer. Perfect example of adaptability.

I am in to all kind of niche markets for outdoor equipment. The difference in price between Canadian stores and giant US online retailers is small.
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

BLUE_KAWI said:
It's pointless. As long as the government continues to create debt and de-value our dolla more shops will shut down. Just open your eyes and look at all the closed up stores.
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Not at all. It all comes down to customer service. I currently manage an automotive based business that is celebrating it's 25th anniversary and guess what? Last year was our best year in business ever. Reasons we attribute this to: Pricing is competitive with the states, a strong internet store, enthusiasm towards good customer service. The market has changed and we have had to evolve. In a world where you can purchase anything online if you have a store front you need to make it worth someones time and money to come see you. If you cant figure out how to do that you will be dead in the water.

I have personally driven 11hrs round trip to drop a part off that was missed in a shipment and required that day. We probably lost $200 on that deal but the positive press from that gesture likely made thousands. When someone can post a negative review online for thousands to see you need to take care of these things asap. People know mistakes happen however the key is to manage their expectations on the solution and turn it into a positive. I tell my customers all the time we are not perfect but we try to be and that's the truth.

Adrian
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

rbjeepthing said:
Not at all. It all comes down to customer service. I currently manage an automotive based business that is celebrating it's 25th anniversary and guess what? Last year was our best year in business ever. Reasons we attribute this to: Pricing is competitive with the states, a strong internet store, enthusiasm towards good customer service. The market has changed and we have had to evolve. In a world where you can purchase anything online if you have a store front you need to make it worth someones time and money to come see you. If you cant figure out how to do that you will be dead in the water.

I have personally driven 11hrs round trip to drop a part off that was missed in a shipment and required that day. We probably lost $200 on that deal but the positive press from that gesture likely made thousands. When someone can post a negative review online for thousands to see you need to take care of these things asap. People know mistakes happen however the key is to manage their expectations on the solution and turn it into a positive. I tell my customers all the time we are not perfect but we try to be and that's the truth.

Adrian
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Its nice to see someone actually gets it
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

daught said:
That hole volume excuse is load of crap. It really doesn't make sense that it's cheaper for me to drive down to the states and pick up a product than it would be for a big company to import it.

Don't get me wrong. I understand a physical store has higher costs but 30% higher and often double the price is wack.

Another excuse is that our season is short and we have long winters. Shops could get in to sleds during the winter. Ski shops do just fine. They sell bikes in the summer. Perfect example of adaptability.

I am in to all kind of niche markets for outdoor equipment. The difference in price between Canadian stores and giant US online retailers is small.
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One of the issues is that, in Canada and where motorcycling is concerned, we have an effective extra level of distribution that takes its own bite of the pie. It's not a small bite either.
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

Rob MacLennan said:
One of the issues is that, in Canada and where motorcycling is concerned, we have an effective extra level of distribution that takes its own bite of the pie. It's not a small bite either.
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And as long as that happens my money goes to the US. The market will eventually correct itself. Maybe now that so many shops went out of business the distribution channels will go bankrupt too. This will make room for new ones that are reasonable.

Most shops have nothing going for themselves. The sales team doesen't really have any additional information than what is on the tag. Price is much higher. Stock is limited, for no one stocks tall sizes. Return policy is very strict.

BTW look at Pete. Great example that you can get very good prices from Canada. He should teach a class.
 
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Re: Parker Bros. - done

Lol, yea i agree about the lack of insighful information from sales people.

"what can you tell me about this helmet?" Looks at me, picks up the box and reads outloud what it says on it.....LOL

daught said:
And as long as that happens my money goes to the US. The market will eventually correct itself. Maybe now that so many shops went out of business the distribution channels will go bankrupt too. This will make room for new ones that are reasonable.

Most shops have nothing going for themselves. The sales team doesen't really have any additional information than what is on the tag. Price is much higher. Stock is limited, for no one stocks tall sizes. Return policy is very strict.

BTW look at Pete. Great example that you can get very good prices from Canada. He should teach a class.
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Re: Parker Bros. - done

I can't help, but feel that note was directed at people like me... who litterally live minutes away.

I did order some parts and visited the store often, but their stock was less than stellar. Most of their gear were brands I didn't much care for. The only thing that PB did have that I wanted was an Arai Corsair V helmet. They only had one which fit my head (XXL), but it wasn't the style I wanted... compared to others in the general area: Riders Choice and Envy (when it existed). They had much more selection and at a better prices. I ended up buying my helmet online because the online price was so much cheaper ($700 after taxes vs $1000+ before tax).

As for service, I first started going to Pro 6 right off the bat from a recommendation from a friend and never looked back. Those guys are great to deal with.

Overall, for me it wasn't the staff that turned me off from PB. They were great and always willing to help you out with anything. It was ultimately their lack of selection. I never bought a thing in store. It was all parts ordered in.
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

Never dealt with the store, sad to see it go. Seems to be a trend that companies cannot supply what the customer is demanding. the one example that always come to mind was years ago when a new buger joint opened up righ down the street from where I lived. I walked in and was greeted by a friendly proffesional adult, who then took my order while another adult made my food to perfection, they really cared and it showed. I went back a month later and only one of them was there and the rest of the staff were young kids, the attitude felt different and the care was slipping (food was still good) the 3rd time I went there the place was filled with drop outs they actaully seemed ****** when customers came in, they were not rude but not polite either and the food was skimpy and lack luster. The one thing that never changed was the price. this place was cutting service and quality to maintain the overhead. They closed...

Long story short, listen to your customer....then answer. It's a shame the motorcycle trade in Canada is less than steller we face alot of obsticles in order to enjoy what should be a simple,fun and inexpensive pastime. Sadly for the business owners and the customers it is anything but..
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

Wow, just saw this. This used to be the closest bike shop to me (in Etobicoke). I didn't buy much there, because I am one of those people who will look for a better deal, even if it's online. The only time I bought a few items from PB, I was desperate. $15 for a single LED to light up the license plate... Or a set of brake pads for GS500, which were always back ordered, and they kept telling me to wait, until I found them in stock at GP... or a Yuasa battery for CBR600, which took two+ weeks to show up (thankfully it was off-season). Never had problems with Chris at the counter though, great guy.

Regarding service, Pro6 opened up in the same area not long after PB moved to Kipling location...

Oh well, we still have Rosey Toes, Pro6, and Riders Choice (if someone is that desperate) in the area... and yes, please don't blame closing the store at cross-border shoppers... that's business.
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

Personally I couldn't care less that they are gone. I've only been there a couple of times and the service was poor (lack of interest).
Once I tried to order an air filter and it took them almost a month to get it, after 3 or 4 phone calls and some lame excuses. To top it off they wanted to charge me more than originally quoted.
I purchased the filter at another store.
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

I was interested in getting a stage 1 exhaust upgrade on my Bike at a dealer in Bowmanville...around $1700 were talkin...sent them a email asking several questions get a 2 sentence response no actual answers after 2 days. Ask again and waited several days for a response and had to send a another email to get them to respond and again I get a one sentence response. WTF! I send them a email saying ok cool you guys aren't interested in my business I'll try elsewhere. Then I get a paragraph from them saying the exhaust I want is not good for my bike and the dealer in Mississauga are too new and won't know much...lol. Ya ok.
I hear nothing but good stuff about the dealer in Burlington...I email I get a response in minutes...I discuss options they reply with a ton of info...they give me a quote ...they arrange to pick up my bike and give me a break on pickup and return trip. They do a awesome job...have done on time communication with several of them is perfect. I give them another job to do. The bike is returned and delivered perfectly no hassles.
Now that's the way to do business...and although further away I will always use them. The clowns in Bowmanville just lost $2g's in business just because they don't monitor their email or put two sentences together.
 
Re: Parker Bros. - done

its kind of sad ... my first jacket, gloves and helmet were from Parkers years ago ...
 
Stephen W. said:
I have not had any dealings with this company but you have to wonder about the
Victory dealer in Belleville who is actually a HUGE John Deer dealer.

View attachment 31476
http://www.deerhavenfarmandgarden.ca/
And they call Harleys, “Farm Equipment”...
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If you understood how technically advanced tractors combines and other farm equipment is nowdays you wouldn't be sayin squat about that. Check the prices and compare them to your lil scooter...lol. City folk...omg.
 
Someone told me that John Deere use Kawasaki motors.
Is that true?
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