[CrazyFreddy]

"If He is obviously offering shady deals with his "Insurance" plan to new riders in anticipation of getting someone to pay for it and sign for it slid in there with all the other garbage you have to sign."

How is this obvious? Why would you even say this? Because you had a bad experience with a dealer in Indiana? Everything is fully discloused, signed in 3 different places and cost's way less than $500 a year. Probably more like $300+ a year. You shouldn't comment on what you don't know.





"He has also proved in this thread if you read into it of his poor business ethics with the admitted "bait and hook " scam with the Massapequa store and then sending him to Freeport to get the bomb dropped on him."

a $250 Bomb? That's some bomb!! Why would I ruin a relationship with a customer for $250? I apologized for the miscommunication and mistake of one or more of my employees and refunded the money plus extra for the customer's troubles.

[kaveman]

Originally Posted by CrazyFreddy

"If He is obviously offering shady deals with his "Insurance" plan to new riders in anticipation of getting someone to pay for it and sign for it slid in there with all the other garbage you have to sign."

How is this obvious? Why would you even say this? Because you had a bad experience with a dealer in Indiana? Everything is fully discloused, signed in 3 different places and cost's way less than $500 a year. Probably more like $300+ a year. You shouldn't comment on what you don't know.





"He has also proved in this thread if you read into it of his poor business ethics with the admitted "bait and hook " scam with the Massapequa store and then sending him to Freeport to get the bomb dropped on him."

a $250 Bomb? That's some bomb!! Why would I ruin a relationship with a customer for $250? I apologized for the miscommunication and mistake of one or more of my employees and refunded the money plus extra for the customer's troubles.

Fred did agree to refund the $250 that I was overcharged (I shall report back the moment I get the check in the mail). I said to him I would gladly take a free helmet/jacket if he wants to compensate me for the time I wasted and hassles I've gone thru but haven't gotten an answer from him yet.

In all fairness, Fred seems to care about his relationships with the customers. It's probably a few bad limbs in a big tree that's causing such a bad reputation for his business. If Fred can make me a happy customer again I wouldn't mind dealing with him in the future. However, I may not be ready to go back to the Massapequa store just yet.

And just like what Hammer said in one of his earlier post, it's the people who make up the dealership. I think the most important thing to do is to make sure that the employees are treating the customers with respect. The customers are here to give you money, there's just no way to mistreat them as what had happened to me. Anyway, I hope Fred can really do something and make sure that his employees are as professional as they can be.

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by CrazyFreddy

"If He is obviously offering shady deals with his "Insurance" plan to new riders in anticipation of getting someone to pay for it and sign for it slid in there with all the other garbage you have to sign."

How is this obvious? Why would you even say this? Because you had a bad experience with a dealer in Indiana? Everything is fully discloused, signed in 3 different places and cost's way less than $500 a year. Probably more like $300+ a year. You shouldn't comment on what you don't know.

I say this not because of my personal experience, but because I know how dealers operate. You are offering an "Insurance" for replacement. But I bet you or your associates do not make it clear that it is for an in store discount for less that replacement value of the bike and although you may not say it, it is your hopes that the customer believes it is for full replacement value. Yes they may sign a paper with the details tucked inside, but do you make it clear to the buyer of how this will work before their purchase? Or is it practice to sell the insurance to them and have the finance person get the signature while the buyer is signing the other mound of paperwork? It is probably legal to do what you are doing, but not ethically right IMO.





"He has also proved in this thread if you read into it of his poor business ethics with the admitted "bait and hook " scam with the Massapequa store and then sending him to Freeport to get the bomb dropped on him."

a $250 Bomb? That's some bomb!! Why would I ruin a relationship with a customer for $250? I apologized for the miscommunication and mistake of one or more of my employees and refunded the money plus extra for the customer's troubles.

Your management personnel has come on here and contradicted himself in this thread, showing what kind of staff you have working for you. I am an employer as well, so I do know how hard it is to find good honest people. But it is your job to find those people, it is not the customers responsibility to put up with their lies and poor ethics. Your employees are an extension of you and if they make a wrong decision it is still your reputation on the line. Yes you did make it right and I applaud your standing up to the plate and making it right. But now you know this is going on in your place of business, you need to prevent it from happening again to customers.

Just another thing to look at that would help your business image with the riding community is sponsor a riding clinic, or a track day. Both of those events proves to your customers that you are serious about supporting their sport. Motorcycle Safety Foundation

[CrazyFreddy]

Originally Posted by kaveman

Fred did agree to refund the $250 that I was overcharged (I shall report back the moment I get the check in the mail). I said to him I would gladly take a free helmet/jacket if he wants to compensate me for the time I wasted and hassles I've gone thru but haven't gotten an answer from him yet.

In all fairness, Fred seems to care about his relationships with the customers. It's probably a few bad limbs in a big tree that's causing such a bad reputation for his business. If Fred can make me a happy customer again I wouldn't mind dealing with him in the future. However, I may not be ready to go back to the Massapequa store just yet.

And just like what Hammer said in one of his earlier post, it's the people who make up the dealership. I think the most important thing to do is to make sure that the employees are treating the customers with respect. The customers are here to give you money, there's just no way to mistreat them as what had happened to me. Anyway, I hope Fred can really do something and make sure that his employees are as professional as they can be.

My secretary sent you a $100 gift certificate as well as your check. You can use it @ any store that I own. When you need something, call me and I will set you up with a wholesale account.

FRed

[CrazyFreddy]

Originally Posted by Hammer

Your management personnel has come on here and contradicted himself in this thread, showing what kind of staff you have working for you. I am an employer as well, so I do know how hard it is to find good honest people. But it is your job to find those people, it is not the customers responsibility to put up with their lies and poor ethics. Your employees are an extension of you and if they make a wrong decision it is still your reputation on the line. Yes you did make it right and I applaud your standing up to the plate and making it right. But now you know this is going on in your place of business, you need to prevent it from happening again to customers.

Just another thing to look at that would help your business image with the riding community is sponsor a riding clinic, or a track day. Both of those events proves to your customers that you are serious about supporting their sport. Motorcycle Safety Foundation

We do not sell the policy as insurance. It is simply a security system with #'s etched on the frame (which is free). It also pay's the customer $5,000 for the purchase of a new bike @ 1 of my stores in the event of total loss. We also include a 15% dicount on all plastics if the bike is dropped and not totaled. I can fax you copies of all the pre-printed bold contract and disclaimer for your review.


I agree with everything you said in your last post. I am responsible for my employees. I aways cover their mistakes and take credit for their positive actions as well.

Fred

[libike]

Originally Posted by CrazyFreddy

Just so you know, Crazy Freddy's has no affiliation with Tom C., Fred Rollo, or riverhead.

Did you have a bad experience in one of my stores? Most people on this thread have not, but heard that someone did. Things do get exaggerated sometimes after a story is told to many people... I have the best bunch of employees we have ever had. When we took over the store from Tom C, and Fred Rollo we got mixed up with their reputation way too often.


Fred

Understood about the mix up of rep and all that but I been in your stores. I had conversations with some of your guys, I used to ride with guys who worked for you. Makin jokes about suckers comin in and **** and stories gotta start somewhere. I mean I understand that some guys don't know **** about financing and all that but at the same time there's just too many people out on the road with the same story. Hey I hope for your sake and all of us out riding on LI that **** gets straight. You almost got the market covered round here and lord knows riding on LI's streets and trying to find some dirt to rip up is tough enough on the island. We need a place thats got our back. **** if the stories die out and guys feel like they are gettin treaded well everyone will be happy...no? It's also appreciated that you came on here and gave yer info and are willing to fix **** and be available if need be. That's a start...

[libike]

I aint tryin to dog ya either man...We just need a reputable spot on LI. Always been too much bullshit going round and since you got spots all over we need yall to be with us and not against.

[Getsome]

Originally Posted by Hammer

BHMS

I must be too tired this morning. No clue what the heck that means atm..

[kaveman]

Originally Posted by Getsome

I must be too tired this morning. No clue what the heck that means atm..

BHMS = Big Head Moderator Syndrome

[smoothrideronli]

If that was just an isolated incident I could understand, but its not...

[jhonda41]

Fred,

I am curious to know how you pull off the "buy one bike, get one free" deal.

As far as how your stores are perceived locally, there are 3 sides to every story (your side, my side and the truth) Unfortunately, bad news travels fast and the general consensus is to stay away from Crazy Freddie's. (although IMO 90% of the dealers suckaround here) You're obviously trying to improve your reputation but, as I'm sure you know, you have a lot of work to do.

I'm extremely skeptical, but it would be good to finally see a NY dealership with good, if not somewhat decent business practices.




-jh

[CrazyFreddy]

Originally Posted by libike

I aint tryin to dog ya either man...We just need a reputable spot on LI. Always been too much bullshit going round and since you got spots all over we need yall to be with us and not against.

As I have stated before, I can not change the past. I assure you we have 1000's of happy customers. We also have plenty of people that were not happy. The unhappy people make things worse for the dealer than happy people do good.

Out of the box we are a Motor Vehicle dealer. This ranks us on the top of the unpopularity list.


I just want to continue to strive to make as many customers has happy as possible. My stores are only about 2 years old. We had some growing pains. I know that things can only get better with hard work and sincerity.

I got your back. I can always be reached directly @ 516-795-6400 Ext 133.

It's my pleasure to get involved. I am looking forward to someone taking me up on my offer.


Fred Ippolito

[CrazyFreddy]

Originally Posted by jhonda41

Fred,

I am curious to know how you pull off the "buy one bike, get one free" deal.

As far as how your stores are perceived locally, there are 3 sides to every story (your side, my side and the truth) Unfortunately, bad news travels fast and the general consensus is to stay away from Crazy Freddie's. (although IMO 90% of the dealers suckaround here) You're obviously trying to improve your reputation but, as I'm sure you know, you have a lot of work to do.

I'm extremely skeptical, but it would be good to finally see a NY dealership with good, if not somewhat decent business practices.




-jh

No problem this is easy to answer.


In the begining we were giving away a free sport bike with the purchase and finance of a new sport bike 600cc's or greater. We were giving away Ninja 250's. They cost $3000 or so. I thought it was a cool promotion. It really worked. We gave away over 50 free 250's in a months time. The factory loved us. Customer's were happy, but some people wanted more than a free 250. Being that we ran out of 250's I decided to change the deal.

At the risk of my competitors reading this, I will still explain the details:


Buy and finance a new sport bike 600 cc's of greater and receive a 600cc bike at no charge.

The giveaway bike was a new GSX 600 (Katana) MSRP $6,399

Customer with a 720+ credit score finance's a new GSX-600R

Sale Price is $9399 (MSRP)
F&P that we charge is $890


$10,289 total plus tax.
I get a rebate back from some banks for a $10,000 loan with a 720 + score ($300-$500)

I get a special discount from Suzuki for buying 100 Katana's at a time.

Customer is responsible for F&P on the Katana as well as the GSXR 600.

So the total price is $11,179 for both bikes (plus sales tax where applicable)

MSRP for the 2 machines combined is $15795. My cost on both machines after applying all credits and rebates is about $10500 or so.

We usually average $200 or so per bike sold in accessories sales. 80% of our customer buy extended service contracts or Etch discounts, and 75% of our customers return to our dealership for service. There is no real way to measure the residual effect of selling volume other than knowing it exists.

We also do a tremendous referral and repeat business. As of 10/31/07, 52% of all vehicle sales for YTD 2007 were repeat or referral business. We are on track to sell close to 8000 bikes, ATV's, and watercraft this year so it's a big part of our business.

As for the 720 credit score, if a customer din't qualify for the promo we would usually give them the Katana with about a 75% discount off of MSRP.

I can't begin on telling you how many people with bad credit would give the free bike to a family member or friend in return for co-signing the financing for them!!!

We also had 100's of people who only wanted a real good deal for only taking 1 bike not two.

We did have a VERY SMALL issue from some people expecting a Gixer600 for $6,999 and second Gixer 600 for free. Maybe less than 10 people between all 4 stores and the 20,000 people who called from the ad. 5 of my BBB complaints were on that issue. The only resolution would be to oblige their request in which I choose not to.


Fred

[Maholli]

Now that is really breaking it down.. Sounds like not a bad deal at all.. You won't find to many dealers giving that info out.. I say for Freddy..

[Getsome]

Originally Posted by CrazyFreddy

No problem this is easy to answer.


In the begining we were giving away a free sport bike with the purchase and finance of a new sport bike 600cc's or greater. We were giving away Ninja 250's. They cost $3000 or so. I thought it was a cool promotion. It really worked. We gave away over 50 free 250's in a months time. The factory loved us. Customer's were happy, but some people wanted more than a free 250. Being that we ran out of 250's I decided to change the deal.

At the risk of my competitors reading this, I will still explain the details:


Buy and finance a new sport bike 600 cc's of greater and receive a 600cc bike at no charge.

The giveaway bike was a new GSX 600 (Katana) MSRP $6,399

Customer with a 720+ credit score finance's a new GSX-600R

Sale Price is $9399 (MSRP)
F&P that we charge is $890


$10,289 total plus tax.
I get a rebate back from some banks for a $10,000 loan with a 720 + score ($300-$500)

I get a special discount from Suzuki for buying 100 Katana's at a time.

Customer is responsible for F&P on the Katana as well as the GSXR 600.

So the total price is $11,179 for both bikes (plus sales tax where applicable)

MSRP for the 2 machines combined is $15795. My cost on both machines after applying all credits and rebates is about $10500 or so.

We usually average $200 or so per bike sold in accessories sales. 80% of our customer buy extended service contracts or Etch discounts, and 75% of our customers return to our dealership for service. There is no real way to measure the residual effect of selling volume other than knowing it exists.

We also do a tremendous referral and repeat business. As of 10/31/07, 52% of all vehicle sales for YTD 2007 were repeat or referral business. We are on track to sell close to 8000 bikes, ATV's, and watercraft this year so it's a big part of our business.

As for the 720 credit score, if a customer din't qualify for the promo we would usually give them the Katana with about a 75% discount off of MSRP.

I can't begin on telling you how many people with bad credit would give the free bike to a family member or friend in return for co-signing the financing for them!!!

We also had 100's of people who only wanted a real good deal for only taking 1 bike not two.

We did have a VERY SMALL issue from some people expecting a Gixer600 for $6,999 and second Gixer 600 for free. Maybe less than 10 people between all 4 stores and the 20,000 people who called from the ad. 5 of my BBB complaints were on that issue. The only resolution would be to oblige their request in which I choose not to.


Fred

Now if only Southern Honda would do something like that. Buy a new 1000RR and get a 600RR free. That would be the ****.

[CrazyFreddy]

Better Business Bureau

I wish I knew a way to post a complaint I received from the BBB. I wish people would not put so much "stock" in the BBB.

I will type word for word what the complaint reads. If anyone knows how to scan it and put it on this thread I would fax it to them to do for me.


Customer states: I purchased a Honda CBR 110XX in November of 1999. I have had no problems in 6 years, but in Sep. 06, the bike began to stall repeatedly after it warmed up. I towed to the dealership I bought it from. They had the motorcycle for 6 months and could not fix it. I was told a possible fix would be the wiring harness and the cost would be $1500. I have no problem with the price, but the bike must be fixed. I tried to bring the bike to another motorcycle shop, but they said they did not want someone else's headache. I was forced to an independent mechanic. They found a bad relay switch and they replaced the heat sensor. The fix was not permanent and the bike is still stalling.

Settlement sought: Consumer seeks : All I want is my bike fixed.


We responded as follows: We did not sell the customer a bike in 1999. We did not open for business untill January, 2006. We can not guaranty electrical work on a bike almost 10 years old. We could not get the bike to stall for 6 days in a row. We suggested trial and error diagnostics and or repairs. We estimated the cost could be anywhere from $100 up to $1500 to be billed hourly @ $90 plus parts. The customer offered us $50 to find and fix the problem. We polietly declined. We called the customer at least 3 times a month to pick up his bike. He came in 6 months later. We did not charge him a penny for storage or the time we did spend on the bike. He took it to another mechanic who incorrectly diagnosed the problem charged him for unneeded repairs.

The BBB sided with the consumer. I can't catch a break!!!

Fred

[smoothrideronli]

There are good experiences and bad with every dealership that I know of...but your dealership is the only one that I have only heard bad stuff about...and a lot of bad stuff. This isnt coincidence.

[kaveman]

Originally Posted by CrazyFreddy

Check is going out on Monday, please check your email for my response.


Fred

A week has gone by and I have yet to see the check in the mail.

[CrazyFreddy]

Originally Posted by kaveman

A week has gone by and I have yet to see the check in the mail.

It was definitely mailed. I signed the check myself. Please give it another day or 2.

Fred

[Shang Wolf]

So you learned a few things.
Do NOT help some one els cheat or steel
Do not sign if the "free" does not state so on the invoice

Destroy them by the use of LAW

[rockyfivez]

darrnn dis thread was a nice story wel m planin on a bike dis smmer waz ondering crazy freddys was the way 2 go...wel now gtta think

waz wondering about the guy the check for 200$ recived yett?

[Shang Wolf]

Employees do make mistakes.
I had a heavy run in with the carpenters because of the incorrect design measurements that THEY made.
Since then only the customers will add and correct on the plans.
Lucky for me the owner is seasoned and know how to keep a cool head.
Most people do not set out to get you.
For the others, they change name and move around often. Get some background info from the seller himself as well as the comp.

Some people here will use all media, and advertise poor service even on their own cars. Bad service in the end can not pay.

[CrazyFreddy]

Originally Posted by kaveman

A week has gone by and I have yet to see the check in the mail.

If you don't receive it by monday, please call me @ 516-795-6400 Ext 133 I would like to confirm the address with you.


Fred