Raising Labor Rates
I Capitulated For A While, Then Made The Decision When I bought my shop, the labor rate was $45. I immediately raised it to $48, then $60 the next year. A few years later, we hit $95, then $99. Some time ago, at our weekly meeting, I raised the specter of going over the $100
Don’t Be Afraid!
The real point is that I want salespeople around me that have a somewhat pragmatic view of sales.
Enough of Milquetoast Machinery
What about the brands that hang on forever even though they may be past their best use before date?
Will History Repeat Itself?
Recently, there has arisen two relatively new players in the American motorcycle market. They are, of course, Victory and Indian, and they are changing their own futures.
Create A Community Environment In Your Shop
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ecently we talked about being part of the motorcycle community. This month I would like to look at whether your shop is a community. When you founded or purchased the shop which you now own, what were the circumstances? More than likely, you were an enthusiastic rider who loved being around motorcycles. As the shop
Are You Part Of The Community?
Most of us are in this industry because we enjoy riding, fixing, talking and dreaming about motorcycles. We like being around them. We like people that like being around them. We belong to the powersports community. Does your shop belong to the powersports community?
Your Best Price
Don’t be so eager to please [dropcap]I [/dropcap]was recently reading a column in a consumer motorcycle magazine, and came across one issue concerning people who want “your best price.” It was written, obviously, to advise consumers about shopping for the best deal, and giving the shop a break. This column was couched in delicate terms,
Helmet Head
Recently, a friend of mine was hit by a car, flew 25 or 30 feet, and landed on his face. He ended up with a severe concussion, and a messed up face. He was wearing what I would call a “Beany.” No, it wasn’t his fault. He used to wear a full-coverage helmet, but decided
The Best of ‘Unknown Dealer’: Some Say Our Hero Has Struck a Chord
Who’s Got a MAP? (May 2015) There has been talk recently about more manufacturers invoking MAP policies, which is Minimum Advertised Pricing. They set a price which they think is fair, and anyone who advertises their goods at below that is cut off from supply of said goods. I give kudos to those manufacturers who have
Could Cell Phones be the Root of all Evil?
I have often played with the idea of installing a cell phone jamming device in my store, but, of course, I find myself relying on it more and more for business purposes. Maybe I’m part of the problem. Cell phones are a useful tool, but I’m finding them more and more annoying as time goes on.
Do You Pull the Band-Aid Off Slowly, or Quickly?
Do you prolong decisions or make a decision quickly and deal with consequences later?
Save the Manuals: Dual Clutch Transmissions Coming
Will Honda’s AFrica Twin With DCT breakthrough in North America? [dropcap]I[/dropcap] see that Honda is once again experimenting with Social Engineering. I’m referring, of course, to the new Africa Twin with DCT. From my experience in the past, DCT has not been a sales success, certainly not in North America. Yamaha has tried it with
