Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/437570
FOCUS PSB Auction/Pre-owned www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • December 29, 2014 • 13 Customers build knowledge, relationships at service seminars BY DAVE McMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF It's easy to see that customers feel welcome at Simply Street Bikes in Eden Prairie, Minn. Their kids do, too. Look no further than a recent un-winter- like December Saturday, when the dealership hosted a pair of well-attended seminars in the service and parts departments. Sure, 50 degrees in Minnesota meant some folks in attendance likely spotted motorcycles on the road as they made their way to the dealership. One twen- tysomething couple decided to bring their well-behaved infant, who barely caused a stir. Another dad brought his daughter, who was well beyond crying stage and thrilled to win a dealership shirt in a prize drawing at the end. And while those youngsters might not be customers yet, the fact that they spent all or part of two hours in the dealership to learn about cleaning and lubricating chains, assess- ing sprockets, and making proper chain and belt tension adjustments bodes well for their prospects as future customers. Even more, it lets their current customers — moms and dads, single guys and grandfa- thers were all part of the seminar crowd — know that their own families are part of the experience, too. SIGN HERE It's hard to miss the shiny white walls that are covered in customer-provided autographs upon walking into the showroom at Simply Street Bikes. Formerly known as Simply Sport Bikes, the dealership sells pre-owned motor- cycles, and does a bang-up job in selling parts and accessories, now to both metric and V-twin riders alike. The floor-to-ceiling racks of tires, not to mention the recent addition of a second tire changer, provide a Wow! factor as well. The customer autographs are yet another way for riders to connect with the dealership. Of course, with hundreds upon hundreds of autographs — with the name of the buyer and the bike getting prominence — it's easy to see why buyers want to bring their friends to the shop to show off their artistry. The showroom packed full of pre-owned bikes? That's also an important part of the growth that will see walls knocked down once again in January to provide more space. The shop will move about 600 bikes this year alone, and typically keeps a stock of 180 bikes on the floor during the prime selling season. On this day, seminar visitors were treated to a free lunch in the store from Jimmy John's, complete with sandwich, chips and a drink. A handful of them were admiring the plentiful bike options after getting refueled between seminars. In addition to the shop shirt give- away for the service seminar attendees, Bridge- stone offered two tires in the parts seminar giveaway. The parts seminar covered the vari- ous tools and supplies needed to maintain the final drive, replacement parts and oils. Service manager Matt Johnson appreci- ates that the store's customers choose the store for pre-owned bike purchases — the first bike purchase ever for many of them — and later return for service needs. The store's pre-owned lineup is both impressive and the largest in the state. Customers seeking a Honda CBR600RR, for instance, have plenty of choices, with models available for each year from 2004-09. The cruiser options are equally abundant and familiar. Pre-owned sales part of service attention A dozen or so customers and fans of Simply Street Bikes turned out for service and parts seminars. SSB sells only pre-owned motorcycles, and keeps a stock of 180 bikes in the showroom during peak selling months. See SSB, Page 18