Bellevue Kawasaki Yamaha Mrne

05/06/09

Out to get your money

by phobuz at Citysearch

My battery for my 2003 Honda CBR600RR went dead. I went to Bellevue Kawasaki Yamaha Marine to pick up a new battery because it was the closest bike shop to where I lived. The parts clerk brought out the WPS CTZ10S (manufacturer part # 49-2286) and told me it was $90. I expected that things in local shops would be a bit more expensive but the prices should still be fair so being stupid as I was, I didn't want to deal with the hassle of shopping around and just bought the battery right then. After I went home, I checked online and found that the same battery (same brand, same model and same manufacturer part #) was sold for $62 everywhere else! Some of the stores I found online are even local in Seattle and offer in-store pick-up to avoid shipping charges. I thought I was helping the local economy by paying a bit more for not shopping online but I was just fattening the wallet of Bellevue Kawasaki Yamaha Marine! $28 more on a $62 part, that's almost a 50% markup! So I took the battery back the next day hoping to get a price adjustment or a refund. I couldn't help but notice the smirk on the guy's face when he said that all returns on electrical parts require a 20% restocking fee. Well, no one mentioned that to me when I bought the battery. Even after the $18 restocking fee, it's still cheaper to buy it elsewhere, so I returned it. I just hated that Bellevue Kawasaki Yamaha Marine got $18 for doing absolutely nothing. Well, they might have got an extra $18, but they have lost my business forever.

• Pros: None
• Cons: super expensive; bad return policy

07/09/07

Best bike dealer bar none

by zx10rfan at Citysearch

I've purchased many motorcycles from dealers in three states. None come close to the service, knowledge and responsiveness of the BK staff -- before and after the sale. I liken them to Seattle Cycle Center (the best apparel/accessories/service shop in the business). They're true lovers of the sport, driven only by what the customer wants. Other dealers sell what they want you to have; BK is only interested in what you want.

I bought a ZX10-R in April, 2007. BK was the fourth Kawi dealer I visited. The first three wanted commitments and tried to talk me into different everything. BK listened to me and ordered / installed every mod I asked for (about 3 grand worth). They did it gladly and without any commitment from me. They said I'd like it and buy it, or someone else would -- adding, they enjoy doing the work. I was blown away, given my other experiences. And I'm blown away every time I return for service or accessories. BK truly stands alone. They treat customers like fellow members of the sport, not ignorant consumers that need to be gotten while they still have you in their store.

• Pros: Staff
• Cons: Can't think of any