Harley Davidson woes

[Nandy]

Well, not HD fault... I went to this HD store in Concord while I was riding out with the girlfriend. This is an independent owned store and it is huge, right here by the nascar race track. Im not a brand hog but since I started riding I prefer not to own any HD unless it is super necessary. I just dont see the reason why to wear HD stuff specially when I ride a different brand bike. Anyway, the gf wanted some riding boots and we went there to check prices. She saw a few boots that she liked and I ask her to just hold and lets go other places to check. I went to the restroom and by the time I was out she was paying for the boots. I told her she might as well wear them out of the store. That is where trouble started. The left foot (she never tried both) would not easily go in as the heel part boot was kinda twisted, hard to explain. I told her for $120.00 she needs to have boots that fits perfectly, so we ask for a second pair. They dont have one, I say lets return it then and maybe another store will have them... They let us do that after much resistance but they would not give us the money back or put it back in her card. Her policy on credit cards returns is to give the credit back in a HD card. That was displayed in their store along with 2 best seller worth of stuff to read... I was so pissed, we talked to the manager, we told her we had not even left the store but they would not give in. She end up getting another pair that she did not like as much and we had to pay more.
As a manager, I understand policies, they are there to keep people from abusing the system, make it fair or just lock the customer. However, as a manager I also know policies can be bent on a one to one basis. Yes, they got our money now but they will not see a cent more from us. As new bikers we still have plenty of gear to buy, their loss...
Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I ride a Yamaha Stratoliner with my HD boots on. Got them at Sears.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

That's BS! You should have been refunded the cash! That's why I ride an old 1974 XLCH 1000 Harley... The new dealers are for RUBS (rich urban bikers).... I wouldn't even call them bikers "If I have to explain you wouldn't understand" Just not fair bro!

 

[scipper77]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

call your credit card company and tell them you want to dispute the charge. The credit card company will not pay them. Then see what they are willing to do for you.

 

[JB]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

Your bad experience was with one particular store and manager. Do not blame HD for her behavior.

I agree with scipper77. Your credit card company will see to it that you are fairly treated.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I think I made it clear in the first sentence that it is not HD fault but it did happen in a HD store. I did told the gf NOT to buy anything she did not liked, a charge back was going to be my last resort. Funny thing is while looking at craigslist later that afternoon I found a guy selling a gift card from the same HD store and by the tone of his ad you can tell he was not happy to have the giftcard and was not wanting to go back to the store.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

My advice would be that you call H-D's customer care department and fill them in on what happened.
If they have a rogue dealer they would want to know.

Don't know what consumer rights laws do in your part of the world, but here the store is not obligated to refund or even exchange...for many various reasons that stuff gets returned...you decide you don't like the colour, the style etc.
Sales are final, if that is the way the store wishes to operate. (the market will offer them feedback on their policy..)

But in your situation, where there is a defect, and ESPECIALLY when you have not even left the store, they have only two options....get you another pair of exactly what you bought that are OK....OR...refund your money. (obviously if you and the store MUTUALLY agree on something that works for you, that is OK as well)

You might want to verify what the consumer protection laws are in your jurisdiction.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I agree. I would write a letter to Harley.

I have a Harley and see no need to buy Harley branded stuff myself. Its good quality, typically, but around 30% more expensive than non HD.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I agree. I would write a letter to Harley.

Bet they have a 1-800 number....although a letter always does get more attention.

 

[CVX20SPRINT]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I get a kick out of all the people that wear HD stuff that don't even ride.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I get a kick out of all the people that wear HD stuff that don't even ride.

People can wear anything they want. Doesn't make me think less of them for it.

 

[magster65]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

I sold my FXSTS and FLH when my son was born but while I was riding I never did feel the need to have all Harley gear. Other than a few t-shirts I had none.
I know our local dealer fairly well... he says t-shirt sales keep the doors open. Maybe that shop that Nandy was at is in financial trouble?

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Harley Davidson woes

Eh, next time forget a dealership for you HD boots. You can find them all over the place for much cheaper. I buy most of mine new at flea markets, usually for around 60 bucks a pair. Heck, even Super Shoes sells 'em.....Of course HD doesn't make the boots. They are now made by Wolverine. They used to be made by Double H....On a postive note, I have been wearing HD branded boots for about 15 years and never had a pair fall apart.

Seeing that you are in NC, you should go to the swapmeet at the Charlotte Metrolina this weekend. It's a pretty big event. I'd guess you could find some bike goodies there you may want.