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Dealer Support??

367 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by CopRob, Sep 12, 2009

desmoduo

Discussion Starter · Sep 11, 2009

Forgive me if this has been discussed in the past here, but what's up with local dealer support of this club? I was over at Donelson's Wednesday for a new speedo cable, and thinking hard about adding the 07 Parts Unlimited 999S to my stable. I was talking to one of the sales guys, and asked him if there were any Ducati clubs in the area (I've also asked this in the past when I really didn't know.) His response to me was that he thought there was, but wasn't sure of the name and how to get in touch. I thought that was pretty odd given the large Ducati community and the fact that they were now the sole Ducati dealer in the area.

Then I thought about it a little more. I've seen several dealers sponsoring and participating in CCS racing over the last 3-4 years, but never saw any Donelson's bikes or sponsored riders, even given the broad scope of brands they deal.

I've been a loyal customer of Donelson's, buying 4 Ducati's and 3 Honda's over the last 8 or 9 years. (Please don't get hung up on the Honda thing, it was a confusing time in my life, and I'm over it) I really love their service department who has always delivered when I was being lazy and didn't want to adjust my valves myself.

So, is this just a dealer problem, or do we as a club need to be more active with our dealers and service providers? Can you imagine how successful DucatiSTL could be if Donelson dropped our name as these bikes are going out the door? I mean come on, I've been in St. Louis riding Ducati's since 2000 and only just now found you guys by accident on another club website!:abduct:

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SBK848

· #2 · Sep 11, 2009

I think this club has only been around since January ? I just got involved last month and were as I like Donelson I think there are other members who prefer other ducati dealers either in Springfield Il., or Columbia Mo. even though it seems like a local dealers support would make more sense

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drew.bradshaw

· #3 · Sep 11, 2009

I agree local support is preferred and wanted. My understanding is that Donelson's doesn't want to be involved. I think they are ok with a stack of fliers or business cards sitting on the counters, but not interested in sponsorships. If im wrong, please somebody correct me, but that's what i've come to gather on the subject. Or, we might just need to go up there with a strawberry sundae topped with whip cream, nuts, and a cherry on top and ask pretty please

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Gkwawer

· #4 · Sep 11, 2009

Since we have had a change in the whole shebang recently, I haven't had the time to deal with the dealer support issue locally. It will be dealt with in a short time.

Gary

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desmoduo

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 11, 2009

Gary,

I'm happy to assist. One way I gained dealer support from STL Motorsports with the Lotus club was to include them in our events (drives, rally's etc.) It helps drive business for both the dealer and the club.

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CopRob

· #6 · Sep 12, 2009

I think the problem with Donelsons is that, their main sale is not Ducati! The average joe walks in there and buys jap or an hog. They might glance at the Ducati just to gander at it and spend their money one something less sophisicated. That or the Walmart Syndrome (There stock every type of bike, but only the cheap stuff sells.) So why waste time supporting something thats not their bread and butter.

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