I had recently been to Teknik Motors showroom in Ulsoor, Blore to have a look at the Classics. Although I had seen the C5 at the factory a few months ago, I wanted to see the differences with the domestic models.
Everytime I had been to this particluar outlet, I will invariably wait a minimum of 30 mins which goes upto an hour, regardless of what I have gone there for! I bought my 350 Electra from there and after 4 ’free’ dismissal services, I jumped service Centres.
I visit this outlet only due to the proximity to my house and thats why I went to check the C350/500. Surprisingly, a salesguy in the showroom asked me as I was admiring the C500 if he could help me for which I said I would like a test ride if available. I own a CI350 and a CI500, and I wanted to see how good the UCE500 was compared to the CI and A500.
The sales guy promptly took the keys for a C500 which was parked outside to go for a ride. Since it was raining, I waited for it to get over and told him the same. The wait went on for more than 30 minutes and as time went by, the sales guy ignored me more. At this point, I thought about the other showrooms wherein the salesperson never lets you unattended and is behind your back as long as you are on their floor!
Finally, when I gave him a long stare, he said he’s going to speak to someone and returns saying there is no petrol in the test bike and the person who has petrol is not available!(his first excuse was it was raining, when it has just finished raining!).
As far as my knowledge goes, Customer is king. He can make or break a lot of things for an organization. If the showroom was not willing to provde test rides, they should say so in the first instance and not make a customer stand and wait till he is given a lousy excuse!
I dont expect much from a REM showroom becuase their bikes speaks for themselves and do not need much talking to do for. And moreover, when we rode from Blore-Chennai and were relaxing at the AC reception of the factory after the factory tour, the receptionist actually said it is lunch time and we need to clear out! So I really dont expect much. But, there are basic things which needs to be looked into, not just selling Enfields and servicing them.
At the same time, I would like to mention that the REM brand store at Jayanager called me a day after I had filled an application out on the website for a test ride and that they would contact me soon as they start.
Also Sri Venkateshwara Motors in Mysore is the sole Authorized Service Centre/Showroom there and works within a small area and their Customer Service and repair results are amazing. Even though the the repair centre is filled with bikes, the owner makes sure you are attended to and the all the issues looked into. One of the reasons why my 500 stands out from the others today is because of Venkatesh and his crew!
Hope things would improve as the products are improving year by year..