Triangle Cycles, North Danville, VA

[airmen2090]

Wow, this place is the first place I have been to where they charge to do an estimate. The guy at the service department stated and I quote, "Everyone charges for estimates". I told him that not everyone charges, as I already have quotes from two other places and have not been charged. I guess that they don't need my business. I was given high praises for this dealership and even the owners name from a friend who has spent money there. I asked to speak to him by name and was told he was busy, and the service guy said he didn't care - if I wanted an estimate, I would have to pay. Very rude.

 

[BajaRon]

It is not uncommon to charge for an estimate depending upon what is needed. Usually, that amount is credited against any work that is done. For example, if you want a price for a standard installation, then that will usually be at no charge since it's a known procedure. But if you are asking for the cost to correct some unknown cause for an electrical issue. That will probably take some disassembly, testing and inspection to get an idea of what will be required.

Employees don't work for free. The owner has to pay them. If it takes an hour to do the research necessary to get you an estimate. It's not unreasonable to pay an hour labor rate.

Since you were able to get 2 previous estimates at no charge. This leads me to believe you might be in the 1st category. If this is the case, then expectation of a free estimate is not unreasonable.

The other thing you will find in most any service oriented business is that if they don't want to do the work, they will simply raise the price hoping you'll go away rather than simply saying 'No'. If you still want the work done at that price, they are making so much on it that it's worth it to them at that point.

The fact is, most dealerships don't like working on the Spyder. I think it's because the Spyder is so different from every other vehicle. It's so much easier when that's pretty much all you do.

 

[airmen2090]

Ron I understand what you are saying but I could have described what was needed. This was a Can-am dealership. Guess it hit it right when you said they just didn’t want the business. Being in the service industry you are aware that you just don’t need to be rude. This should be a simple repair of a 2017 Spyder RTS rear back mud flap, fender, and license plate bracket.

 

[BajaRon]

Ron I understand what you are saying but I could have described what was needed. This was a Can-am dealership. Guess it hit it right when you said they just didn’t want the business. Being in the service industry you are aware that you just don’t need to be rude. This should be a simple repair of 2017 Spyder RTS rear back mud flap, fender, and license plate bracket.

You're right. Even if they had to look up parts prices, they should have been able to quote you for that job. And you're right again that there is never a reason to be rude. But if these guys are otherwise good. I'm not sure I'd write them off for 1 strike. Though it sounds like you have options. Not everyone is so fortunate.

Hope you got the work done for a good price.

 

[ARtraveler]

Title edited for legal reasons.


:bowdown:

 

[broderp]

There is not enough information to comment on the original post.

What was the estimate for?

If you are looking at something like an oil change, new tires etc. then that should be a quick price with no "estimate" required.

If you wanted them to install an accessory, such as OEM heated grips, then they should have the info and expertise to give you a very close price (that job is pretty evasive if done correctly).

If you are asking for a one-off custom job or something like collision damage then they should provide a "ball park" OPEN estimate as there may be undiscovered issues once the job is under way.

Electrical gremlins I feel would be a fair practice to charge a DIAGNOSTIC fee to have all the systems checked for codes and other abnormalities to then provide an free estimate of the potential work required.


We rely on their expertise as an authorized dealer to have experience and the working knowledge to to look at what they are being asked to work on and quote or explain some charges and costs when making any estimate. Example (totally made up for the example) - collision damage: If a control arm is bent then they may suggest or tell you that every one they have done also require the steering ball joints to be replaced.

I disagree with the notion that charging for an estimate should be a normal practice. Maybe in some areas this may be true but not near where I live -but it has been a few years since I needed an estimate and then it was for a car, not a Spyder. Why anything with the work "motorcycle" or "Can-Am" automatically changes the rules or adds 30% to the price is beyond me and a topic for another thread!

:cheers: