 Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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OP
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Ok, I went to my local Triumph dealer in Dawsonville, Ga. today to see about getting a repair estimate for my America (ref. my post "Love my safty gear").
They told me to bring it in so they could go over it "with a fine tooth comb", and, that would take about two hours to do. Then I was told that this estimate would cost me $170.00 which would be charged to my insurance company. But, if I didn't want to leave the bike there until the insurance co. cut a check that I would have to pay for the estimate and bill the insurance co. myself.
I was floored. $170.00 just to find out how much it would cost to get the repairs done. So I called my agent and they couldn't beleive it either and said that they would be very reluctant to pay for that.
So, I'm curious if any of you have run into this "tactic" before, or if any of you know a reputable shop in my area that would give me a fair estimate without ripping me off. I 've already been through enough and I already know that this dealer WILL NOT be working on my bike.
Help---anyone! Thanks, Paw.
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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a bit out of your way but Ridge Motorsports in Batesburg, SC is a VERY good place. Had my baby rebuilt there after my accident in '04, they treated me VERY well. It's about a 188 miles from you, but I think you'd like them. A small mom and pop shop, but loaded with Triumphs, and very honest from my experience. They went out of their way for me twice even though I didn't buy my bike there nor did I do business BEFORE that point.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
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That comes out to $85/hr, a bit high but not unheard of. If they really do a very thorough check for hard to see damage, it could take 2 hrs. Now, where are all these places that offer free estimates when you need one?
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Even my crappy dealer wasn't that bad when I wrecked my TBA. They just wanted to make sure I was going to get the work done there after they did the estimate. Then when they kept increasing the estimate to more then what the bike was worth, I pulled out and took the money from State Farm. They just put the bike back together and State Farm had a salvage compnay pick it up. They even took my shield sissy/bar/easy brackets off for me, no charge.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Just make the claim. Your carrier will estimate it or pay them to estimate it. Hauling it around for the insurance carrier is not your job. You are doing too much work for them. If it can be driven legally set up a drive up appointment with the adjuster or have them take care of it by coming to you or towing someplace to have it looked at. If you have full coverage on it, you are not responsible for any expense for estimating or for hauling it around ever. Good luck, glad you came out of it ok 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
Even when a little old lady rear ended my 64 BMW and bent the stainless exhaust on it the adjuster came to me and cut me a check right then. I already had the cost of the parts and he gave me a generous labor estimate. Never fixed it since it isn't even noticeable and still ride the bike to this day.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Yeah, I agree with Ron. The dealer doesn't need to do an estimate your claims adjuster will come out and do it at the dealer or wherever your bike is. Those guys are jerking you around.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Dang!... We did estimates for free at TONG.. but then they went out of business  . Anyway.. depends on you carrier I suppose, some prefer to write their own estimates nowadays. Repair shops? .. I know a fella up in Dahlonega who will take care of it for you...  I hear he has extensive experience with Americas.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: May 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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If I had a bike that needed repair in GA, Chy would be the guy who would fix mine. His is experience with integrity, with no corporate quotas or agendas to fulfill.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Engle Motors here in KC, MO did my estimate for free knowing I was going to do the work myself. I think it's a bunch of garbage to charge for the estimate, even more crap PES that they require you to let them fix it. I'd say if the estimate is the best, I'll let you work on it. It's more of a bid to get the work if you ask me.
Aaron
04 "Green Bean" Freaked, AI removal, Bafflectomy, 6" Risers, and 30" Drag Bars.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
With sales off 30% and a nice fancy shop with uniformed employess to pay overhead on I'm not surprised that the Moto gang feels a need to charge. Let the insurance adjuster do his work, then take it to Chy ;-)
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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I work for a Triunph Dealer in OH. There is a such thing as procedure that is set by the owner or owners. I am a Service MGR. and know the time it takes to performe a proper est. The insurence company will pay so there is no out of pocket cost to the owner. We charge $150 for the EST. We do the best we can with what we have to work with. Maby you should give these guys another shot.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I work for a Triunph Dealer in OH. There is a such thing as procedure that is set by the owner or owners. I am a Service MGR. and know the time it takes to performe a proper est. The insurence company will pay so there is no out of pocket cost to the owner. We charge $150 for the EST. We do the best we can with what we have to work with. Maby you should give these guys another shot.
Do you charge to give an estimate when a customer request one for new pipes and a remap/rejet? No? Well then what is the difference other than scope? Seems to me that being as you are in the business to sell stuff (both labour and parts) you would more than want to give an estimate free of strings in the hopes of doing business. Instead you are making yourself out to be a third party adjuster paid for by the claimant. What's the need? The Insurance Co. does that as part of their service.
No hard feelings, just saying 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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I don't charge for web site estimates... jus'sayin'  
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: May 2010
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Quote:
I don't charge for web site estimates... jus'sayin'
Even if the websites "crashes", John???
Which begs the question: When that happens, would the website ever get so damaged that you'd have to just "total it for salvage"???
(yep, I can see it all now: "Hello Pinwheel. Have you got a good used secondhand front end element, a navigation structure, and a content management system that are not too beat up?")
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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The adjuster in my experience really doesn't do the est. He looks at the bike, looks at the est the dealership has done to make its reasonable and cuts the check.
2008 Speedy, AI removed, DIY airbox destruction with K&N filters, spectres, re-jetted and "custom" rattle can paint job.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Well, if a server crashes and there's no backup, that's pretty bad. Then you're hoping for an offline copy on the creator's system otherwise you're talking full rebuild from the ground up. Also, if you're using a content management system that isn't being supported any longer eventually it may succumb to security holes and/or advances in other bits of infrastructure. Just try running a CMS on PHP 3. I don't have to tell you that's a major no-no. Sorry I dropped into Louis/Gozer the Keymaster mode there for a sec... Quote:
Gozer the Traveler. He will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!
(Oh yes I did drop a Ghostbusters quote in here. That just happened.)
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Quote:
Engle Motors here in KC, MO did my estimate for free knowing I was going to do the work myself. I think it's a bunch of garbage to charge for the estimate, even more crap PES that they require you to let them fix it. I'd say if the estimate is the best, I'll let you work on it. It's more of a bid to get the work if you ask me.
I stopped in there for the first time earlier today. I walked out with a free can of cahin lube, a kickstand pad, and some brochures. Cost to me: riding through KC on I-70 while it was under construction.
Based on the thrity minutes perusing the showroom, I was pleased with the staff. They tried to sell some stuff, but were not pushy or rude in any way.
I will go back to them if I need a Triumph dealer. Used bike prices were'nt bad, either.
Although, $120 for an oil change seemed a lot high...
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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OP
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Hi Moe. That's how I feel also. The bike has very little damage to it and everything that was damaged I can install myself. If Moto gave me the estimate and I did decide to do the repairs myself, I still would have bought the parts there as well as a new jacket and helmet. I just felt like the shop mgrs. eyes lit up when I said "accident". I guarantee you that this estimate would not have taken them more than 15-20 mins.
So today I made a list of what it needs. If I went in there with the list and never mentioned that it was due to an accident, the parts people would have spent 45-60 minutes looking up and ordering them for me at no charge.
Loyalty works both ways. So now, not only did they lose a possible repair job, they have lost the sale of $600.00-$800.00 worth of parts, plus another $400.00 for a jacket and helmet, and a repeat customer. I know I won't go there again nor will I refer anyone to them.
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Adjunct
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OP
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Quote:
I work for a Triunph Dealer in OH. There is a such thing as procedure that is set by the owner or owners. I am a Service MGR. and know the time it takes to performe a proper est. The insurence company will pay so there is no out of pocket cost to the owner. We charge $150 for the EST. We do the best we can with what we have to work with. Maby you should give these guys another shot.
I understand what you are saying, however, my insurance people have been great. they had the estimator at my house in two days. Problem was, as Triumph is not an extremely common bike, they didn't have it in their database. They have gone out of their way to help me get this resolved. But when I told them what they wanted to charge "just for an estimate" they were disgusted, and indicated that they would most likely deny that part of the claim.
Like I said in my previous post to Moe, "loyalty works both ways". I've been thinking that in another year or so I may want to move up to a T-Bird, but if I do---guess where I won't be buying it!
Like Moe said, no hard feelings or anything, but customers do notice these things. You may want to pass that on to your "owners".
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Ditto, Engles in KC is top drawer. They've been a Triumph dealer since 1956 in the same location on Truman Rd. In the sixties all the cycle shops were located up and down that street. Great group of folks.
You should have let us know you were coming through KC. There are a lot of better routes than I-70, especially if you visit Engles.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:
I just felt like the shop mgrs. eyes lit up when I said "accident".
That's the way I felt after my accident. The dealer saw a cash cow. I did forget to mention that they made me pay $1000 up front before they would order any parts. I checked with another dealer in OKC and they all do that I guess. The dealer in OKC city said that was a little steep though.
Pawdiddle, I guess you could order the parts you need online from BikeBandit or somwhere since you said you could put them on yourself and put the extra money from the Insurance company in your pocket. Or like Bucky said, let Chy look at it and tell you what you need so you don't miss something.
Good luck.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
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I think the real problem is that most insurance adjusters aren't qualified to inspect a cycle, except for cosmetic damages. I know that when Engles checked out my nephew's T-100 after a wreck it took an hour. They went over it with a fine tooth comb and found things we never noticed. They ordered the parts before the insurance check was cut. When the work was finished three weeks later my nephew got substantial change back.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Don, Funny thing is, most stealerships are ahole predicated. Meaning that one day you get a complete derrière and another day you might be approached by the nicest down to earth person imaginable. Odds are that you get the ahole though which is sad. As in most everything these days, you have to take matters into your own hands. You have to know what you want and even what the part numbers are. Huh? Well order a rear brake light switch for our bikes. See if the counter person ask you if you want some banjo washers too. Chances are they won't and when the part comes in you will have to order the banjo washers and wait another week. So what happens when you find one of those rare and elusive mechanics who take pride in their work? Well they usually either end up getting a better offer and leave the stealership where they have suffered indentured servitude, or they go start servicing motorsickles in their Dahlonega pole barn. Now speaking of a great dealership parts department, and the place I order parts from, Second Wind BMW Triumph in Merrimack, New Hampshire. 603-598-2697. Ask for the parts manager: Joe Liebke. Simple, direct, and the parts are shipped to your door. Yes, I order parts from New Hampshire and live in Florida! Not too often do we find a mechanic whom we trust to service our bikes. Paul Reunion was one of those. Triumph Corporate stole him away though! There are a couple of guys locally who I would trust as well when those times call for a valued second opinion or the times call for a more involved repair. When Paul was around I wouldn't bother with small stuff. Paul would get the work. Were I in Lumpkin County GA, Chy would be seeing a lot more of Vera Lynn and Cinnamon Girl! But the 500 miles is a bit too far for chain kits and valve adjustments! Point? Don't write off Moto400. Keep em in your back pocket as one day you just might walk into the place and be approached by someone who gives a dern! I hope you get things sorted out soon. Wrenching with a dislocated thumb has got to feel real good. as does worrying about ripping out those 7 stitches. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I don't know how he works for an accident claim but Hermy has never asked me for money up front to order anything, ever.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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I love these kinds of posts. It shows that people with no working knowledge of a certain type of business understand how it works.
I am the owner of an independant shop and I can tell you that I ALWAYS charge when I do a wreck estimate.
Why? Because you are taking one of my technicians away from a job to look over your bike and taking up one of my lifts to put your bike on to look at it.
Is my time, my techs time, or my equipment worth nothing to you? It sure sounds like it by the way you are bad mouthing a business that is in business to make money.
Someone also said that the insurance would deny the amount of the cost of the estimate? I have never had an insurance company deny one of my estimates or any charges resulting from one. I can tell you that what happens is if the bike is repaired at my shop the cost of the estimate is applied towards to actual repair hours. If the customer picks the bike up and I do not do the work then the charges are due to my shop, either by the insurance or the owner of the bike, before the bike is released. No exceptions
So here is the reality of it for future knowledge.
You have already handled this it sounds like but, next time either take it to a shop that will do what you need and discuss money in detail with them or dont. Leave the machine at your house, let the adjuster come out to you, let him do his own estimate, you and he go back and forth about the actual cost of things associated with the machine and what needs to be repaired, and learn to work on your own bike yourself.
Haynes has motorcycle repair manuals readily available for you to purchase so you can be a "DIY" kind of guy!!!
Now I am sure I have offended someone on here by this and they are going to come at me with something like "nice business attitude", or "your shop must not be busy since you talk to people like this" etc, etc, etc,.
Let me assure you I have more than enough work to meet my goals and then some. I have this shop and work on motorcycles because I enjoy it, NOT because I have to!
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
first post eh? Mind filling in the blanks?
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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What blanks would you like filled in?
First post on this forum yes but not my first post ever.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: May 2010
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Well, "ironcurtain", maybe Moe's wonderin' where in East Germany your dealership is located!!! Actually, Iron ol' boy, I hear ya, and you made sense. (oh, and btw, welcome to the website!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
Quote:
Well, "ironcurtain", maybe Moe's wonderin' where in East Germany your dealership is located!!!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365
Adjunct
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OP
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Quote:
Now I am sure I have offended someone on here by this and they are going to come at me with something like "nice business attitude"
Nope, not me.
Even though I am the originator of this post, I do understand that for a business to survive it must show a profit. But, when the profit becomes so important that the business forgets that their customers are what generates that profit---that business at some point will begin to lose those customers.
I have had auto accidents in the past and have NEVER, not once, had to pay for a repair estimate. It is just one of the "costs of doing business", but when every single thing a business does has to have a dollar sign attached to it, something is not right.
And to tell me, without even seeing the bike, that the estimate would take two hours----sorry, I am just not that stupid!
Like I said before, "Loyalty works both ways". So, their "two hour" estimate charge has ultimately cost them the sale of at least $1,200.00 in parts and accessories, as well as the ongoing future purchases I would have made.
Paw
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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What I think you are not taking into consideration is the fact that this started with a phone call.
If someone called me and said "I wrecked my bike and I need an estimate how much would it cost?" I would reply 2 hrs.
That being said once I have the machine in my shop the price may go down. If the damages are superficial and cosmetic only, then I would not charge the full two hours labor. However, you must be able to look at the opposite end of the spectrum. What if what the customer says or thinks is "nothing major" turns out to be something major once we start pulling the bad pieces off and digging deeper into the damages? At this point you could spend well more than two hours looking everything over. However, my cost would never exceed the original quote of two hours labor.
All I am trying to get someone to see is that this guy threw in the towel and bad mouthed this dealership before really giving them a real chance to prove to him that they arent out to screw people over. I am not affiliated with them and I can only hope that they are providing a proper service. I am atleast willing to give them the chance to prove me wrong before I base my whole opinion on a phone call.
Think about this:
Calling someone on the phone for an estimate like this is like asking me how many bubbles are in a bar of soap.
I have no way of knowing until I see it for myself!
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Yeah yeah, "ironcurtain", I think most of here get it. BUT, the question remains...WHAT friggin' part of EAST GERMANY is your dealership IN, dude???!!! (okay, sorry Chris ...but, as that bad guy says to Clint in "Dirty Harry".."I gots ta know"..where your dealership is located and which brand(s) you carry???)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
(okay, sorry Chris ...but, as that bad guy says to Clint in "Dirty Harry".."I gots ta know"..where your dealership is located and which brand(s) you carry???)
or like Arnold in Kindergarten Cop-" Who is your daddy, and what does he do?" 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Wow, I'm really amazed at how long this thread has lasted. Interesting! Obviously I'm not the only one that is upset by the way dealerships (and independents) treat there customers. Quote:
What I think you are not taking into consideration is the fact that this started with a phone call.
Actually, the "fact" is that it WAS NOT a phone call. I went there in person, and this manager never even asked me how bad an accident it was. It was a flat 2 hours, regardless!
Quote:
All I am trying to get someone to see is that this guy threw in the towel and bad mouthed this dealership before really giving them a real chance to prove to him that they arent out to screw people over.
Well, Iron Curtain, I am "this guy", and I was there. You, on the other hand, were not! And I did not "throw in the towel". I have been dealing with this dealer since they took over the Triumph line, have bought many parts and assessories there, etc. The thing that ruined this relationship was the attitude! So how you run your independent shop is your business. But I have noticed that you still have not told anyone where your shop is, or the name of it. Perhaps if others reading this had this info and now know how you feel about the dollars, they, like me, would also be looking for a new shop to deal with!
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Quote:
What I think you are not taking into consideration is the fact that this started with a phone call.
If someone called me and said "I wrecked my bike and I need an estimate how much would it cost?" I would reply 2 hrs.
And therein lies the rub, I believe. If I called and someone just gave me a flat answer "without seeing the bike" I'd probably be a bit put off as well. If, however, someone told me, "It could take an hour, or it could take three hours. I'm sorry but I really can't say until we see the bike firsthand, but the average is approximately two hours", then I'd be OK with that answer.
Sometimes it's what you say, sometimes it's how you say it, and sometimes it's a little of both.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281 |
Quote:
Quote:
What I think you are not taking into consideration is the fact that this started with a phone call.
If someone called me and said "I wrecked my bike and I need an estimate how much would it cost?" I would reply 2 hrs.
And therein lies the rub, I believe. If I called and someone just gave me a flat answer "without seeing the bike" I'd probably be a bit put off as well. If, however, someone told me, "It could take an hour, or it could take three hours. I'm sorry but I really can't say until we see the bike firsthand, but the average is approximately two hours", then I'd be OK with that answer.
Sometimes it's what you say, sometimes it's how you say it, and sometimes it's a little of both.
Word!
Black '07 Speedmaster FTW!
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4 |
I stand corrected Pawdiddle. I misread where you said you had gone into the dealership. So I retract my statement pertaining to this starting with a phone call. Based on your response though and the tone I am sensing from you I would gather that you wouldnt be happy with anything unless it would be free at this point seeing as the damage has already been done. As far as my shop and where its located. I am just outside of Commerce, GA. My shops name is BG Motorsports. I started in the racing,(WERA, Bandolero's, Legends, etc.)industry and moved to the public world for grins. (and there have been plenty) I am not a dealership so I dont carry any brands. I am what some would call a "mom and pop" shop. I have a garage at my residence along with all licenses and state/Fed paperwork, so it is legit. I am an active rider and I know how exspensive this hobby can get so I try to help other riders with that exspense. If you would like to continue this conversation I would be more than happy to answer you via email, so that we can move on from here to something more productive and fun! My email is: bgmotorsports@rocketmail.comBottom line is you had a bad expierence with this dealership and you made the choice of not continuing your business relationship with them. Noone can fault you for that. I also dont think its fair to fault them for trying to run a business they way they see fit to do so. Even if everyone disagrees with it. I completely agree that the way we say things is often far more important that the actual words being spoken and maybe someone from that dealership is reading this and will take that to heart. Who knows? Maybe this will be a one time occurence and wont be repeated. Again, who knows? I wish you the best with fixing your bike and I am glad that you werent seriously hurt during the accident. Maybe one day our paths will cross and I can buy you a tall frosty one and we can laugh about this whole situation.
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Chris, Thanks for taking the time to, first, explain this issue from a shop owner's perspective, and secondly, tell us a little something about yourself and your business. Much appreciated! (oh, and even if you never decide to purchase THE best handling "Cruiser" style of motorcycles available on the market, i.e. Triumph America/Speedmaster, please feel free to come back and visit us here occasionally and share your insights and opinions with us at BA.com!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Rip off estimate?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365 |
Quote:
Based on your response though and the tone I am sensing from you I would gather that you wouldnt be happy with anything unless it would be free.
If you would like to continue this conversation I would be more than happy to answer you via email, so that we can move on from here to something more productive and fun!
Maybe one day our paths will cross and I can buy you a tall frosty one and we can laugh about this whole situation.
Well, to be honest, no--I do not expect things for free--just that they be fair and reasonable. I'm old enough and experienced enough to know what is going on, and if an estimate takes two hours (or more) to do, then obviously the bike is totaled.
Secondly, we don't need to take this off line, I'm not in any way upset with your feelings or opinions. Actually, I respect them. And as far as moving on to "something more productive and fun", heck, I'm having a great time. You're not?
And third----I'm allready laughing, however, I am gonna hold you to that offer of a "tall frosty one"--------- especially if you're buying!
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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