Does anyone from Touratech check out this forum?

[(RIP) Kaister]

....
Let's just say that there's been a recognition that things can't stay the same.
I and the others at TT will be working to create a better business for you all to deal with. ...

At least that's been recognised - its a good first step

Seriously, i hope you can do good stuff there and don't run out of steam after a while.

 

[Lamble]

go on then give us a clue what's your email...

so I bung you the proposal we've sent in about 12-18 months ago

stephen at touratech dot co dot uk

I think we'll be adopting the new US website that's about to be launched over there, but it's this ordering and billing system that seems to be a pita. Every day we adapt to work around it.

I was user interface testing over in the USA on a multi million dollar global chemical wholesalers on-line ordering system for several countries and a product line in the hundreds of thousands, with 2,000,000 transactions per day, by a variety of credit cards, banking zones, national security and fiscal legislation and 4 languages...it was still more intuitive than the system at TT UK.

So, I can't guarantee you any business but I won't say piss off. It will also seem like an interminable time before anything happens as we have to proceed through a Gov't tendering and funding process, but if what you have is a viable solution and we get to a point where it can be included within our proposal, along with another two alternatives (funding requirement), then that's what I'll do.

If, on that basis, you think it'll be worth your while, then by all means send me the proposal.

 

[Loiq]

We explained all this before inline with regional development funding which was available at the time, I'll speak with Richard about it. See what he says as it was more his nose that got put out of joint after we dragged ourselves to a number of meetings.

we offered simple advise and a backup plan, plus what had to be done to be covered in legal terms.

We've built multiple systems, multi language, CC clearing, order tracking etc. the thing is not to loose focus of what it's for to make the clients want to come back.

 

[Lamble]

it was more his nose that got put out of joint after we dragged ourselves to a number of meetings.

Lo IQ,

If there's such animosity remaining, then perhaps it's not wise to try to re-instigate things. Let's just leave it as something that happened before and hopefully draw a line under it.

 

[Loiq]

I spoke with Richard this morning who said some stuff which I can't repeat... there was even some funny bits in it which is a shame, really as it might revealed an real insight into the idea we had.

Richards says no so I can't help anyway... thought I was worth an offer... the opertunity for growth is there... which make sit an interesting proposition.

We've now delivered the idea to a chain of garden centres across the UK and it seems to work for them, so atleast something came from it.

To clarify Richard and I run seperate Companies, but work in close partnership on some opertunites

He on web projects he has a team of about ten working with him at his company they design, code, build, test and improve the site as an ongoing solution. While we in our company do the Video, flash encoding, stills photography. Drawing things together to build a story around the site, which what's it's more and more about now.

The power of parallel marketing, forums and the web at large is something when harnessed correctly. But you need buy in from all parties....

I think your a very brave bloke to open this type of dialog up and hope you have broad shoulders, thick skin and a degree of luck on your side....

 

[Lamble]

I think your a very brave bloke to open this type of dialog up and hope you have broad shoulders, thick skin and a degree of luck on your side....

TT customers deserve the effort. TT products deserve the recognition. I can champion them confidently.

What I can't champion is what happened previously where I don't know the facts. I can try to find out, but I can not change the past, only clarify it.

Hopefully I can influence the future, for a while longer, but fighting internally and externally does make me question why I bother.

I don't like jobs where it's only about the pay packet at the end of the month.

 

[stolzy]

Stolzy, stolzy stolzy.

You can travel around France, or the UK and find price differences. And it is a question of economic differences, just not the simple ones that you are applying. International exchange rates, regional pricing...

Okay here's a proposal, as I'm sensing the only way you will accept anything is if you come up with the answer yourself...you tell me how multi regional pricing structures work and what all the variables are, don't forget market size, logistics and that factor of international margins being set (margins not profit), marketing cost, stock holding, tax right offs against material holdings, costs of local materials and costs of manufacture, postage, telephone charges, rates, sundry supplies etc etc etc etc etc, and I'll be fascinated to see what you come up with. I do hope you can keep it simple.

You're still missing my point - in general goods are more expensive in France than in the UK. Your goods are more expensive in the UK than in France.

This is very unusual, its what we sometimes call rip off Britain.

I think it deserves explanation, I'm sure you won't give one and I don't particularly blame you for that, you probably weren't responsible and the only real explanation is that TTUK will charge what they thing they can get away with - which you probably couldn't say here anyway.

Maybe the price reduction is a part recognition of this.

BTW your guy called me back

 

[Loiq]

quote from lamble
"TT customers deserve the effort."

Ans.
That should be all clients both internal and external


Quote from Lamble
"TT products deserve the recognition."

Ans.
Stuff that's good sells itself, a bad service expirience or business practises that are considered abit too sharp. Leave more than a bad taste in the mouth, they can make things personal.

Quote "I can champion them confidently."

Ans.
You are I would say a breeze of fresh air, I had a similar job once at a London agency. They brought me to help a transitional period, it was the funniest job I've ever had. It finished with me sitting in front of a bloke who's now a Sir saying we need to setup an industrial accident and kill everyone in the build. It'll be the easiest way for them to change and for the changes to stay in place. He thought that was kinda funny asked why I felt like that, so I asked who could I sack? His ans. well nobody...! I finished that off by saying "well what's the point of being in charge if I can't make the changes the business needs!" I lasted a year some of my predecessors lasted as little as a day. Six month after I left the closed the division made everyone redundant, changed the name and got everyone to reapply for their jobs....! Why did I not think of that

Qoute
"What I can't champion is what happened previously where I don't know the facts. I can try to find out, but I can not change the past, only clarify it."

Ans.
I would not even bother, day zero has been and gone your on a new page

Quote
"Hopefully I can influence the future, for a while longer, but fighting internally and externally does make me question why I bother. "

Ans.
If you've listen and looked briefly at the past then yes, if you keep getting dragged back then I doubt it. the snag your internal customers need to buy into the change and there's a good chance they won't. Unless you can keep them busy doing something else.... but they'll always want a hand in things... then notice change get the arse and then the fun really starts...

Quote
"I don't like jobs where it's only about the pay packet at the end of the month."

Ans
I think (so it's already flawed) everyone wants to make a difference, and they want to belong to something good. The problem setting the expectation high saying I can and will make these changes on a public forum is setting the marker pretty high (In my opinion, but what do I know). I'm not sure if you've in effect said I can walk on water or not.... however that's how I see it...

Now
I don't call it "schardenfreude!" (laughing at other people's pain and misfortune) but it makes complusive viewing, and the longer you can walk on water the more intersting it becomes for the viewer.

while all it is is hard work for the person doing the walking, who's probably wonder why the heck did I set the mark so high... I could have monitored the site, found the complaints by seeding threads and drilling in for information... then make the changes in an unseen silent and sneaky sort of way...


Reporting on the successes by having measured the failure of systems in the comfort of living in the shadows.


again it's best of luck from me.

(I won't comment on this thread further, for personal reasons)

 

[Lamble]

You're still missing my point - in general goods are more expensive in France than in the UK. Your goods are more expensive in the UK than in France.

This is very unusual, its what we sometimes call rip off Britain.

I think it deserves explanation, I'm sure you won't give one and I don't particularly blame you for that, you probably weren't responsible and the only real explanation is that TTUK will charge what they thing they can get away with - which you probably couldn't say here anyway.

Maybe the price reduction is a part recognition of this.

BTW your guy called me back

Our price reduction was the result of better terms being offered by Germany. Not lower prices, just better payment terms.

I hope that you'll accept these lower prices, as being something we've been asking to be able to offer for a while.

As for the rest of your assumptions and generalisations, well I'm sorry you believe those to be true.

 

[the director]

I think the answer to the thread question is "yes". The attitude through the post responses though has much to be desired in some instances. The price reduction though is a genuine response to customer requests so congratulations.

 

[Lamble]

Something else that happened yesterday that I feel our customers might enjoy and part of the changing face of Touratech.

This from the blog of the guy who will be running these themed rides.


Touratech takes over Dragonwheels!!
May 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment

What a turn-up for the books! Following a long meeting on Friday, Touratech, a brand so beloved of motorcycle travelers across the globe have agreed to absorb Dragonwheels Motorcycle tours into the fold!!!!

We’re now going into the re-brand, re-write and redesign phase for a couple of weeks for a June launch at their Welsh Headquarters travel event. So LOTS to do – what a fantastic opportunity, so excited, my head is buzzing with possibilities.

We’re already talking about variations on the tour theme – such as the rough camping weekend in the mountains, a luxury weekend based at a 5 star Spa hotel on the Pembrokeshire Coast, a gourmet weekend stopping at the best restaurants, hotels and cafe’s in Wales…the list goes on…

AND there are short tours of Spain and Morocco on the cards for later in the year as well…

Some will be pure road – some a mixture of roads and green lanes/easy trails, looks like the world just truly became my shellfish..

Woohoo!!


Seems Craig, the ride leader, is as happy about this as I am.
Look out for the programme we come up with, there will be some that are that bit extra special.

 

[ide508]

One thing is crossing my mind every time I follow this thread... ( I know, I could just not read it )

But more and more, I'm asking myself if the Ukgser forum is the best place to post/continue such a thread.
After 9 pages, I think that the initial subject as been answered and it turns out to be now a Touratech public relation's thing...

Forgive me if I'm wrong


On the Continent, every company has a "bureau des réclamations"

 

[stolzy]

One thing is crossing my mind every time I follow this thread... ( I know, I could just not read it )

But more and more, I'm asking myself if the Ukgser forum is the best place to post/continue such a thread.
After 9 pages, I think that the initial subject as been answered and it turns out to be now a Touratech public relation's thing...

I disagree, most of the posts here have been critical of TTUK and i respect Lamble's attempt to at least try and answer them. I'm not entirely sure the overall tone of this thread is very positive for TTUK

I doubt he can be as candid as he would like to be, seems he's a guy with ideas who wants to change things, but I doubt if he can. time will tell.

For my part I won't use TTUK again, partly because of my past poor experiences (I now have alternative suppliers who provide the service I expect) and partly because I can buy their stuff cheaper elsewhere.

I hope Lamble achieves what he wants at TTUK.

 

[ide508]

I disagree, most of the posts here have been critical of TTUK and i respect Lamble's attempt to at least try and answer them. I'm not entirely sure the overall tone of this thread is very positive for TTUK

I must agree with you about that's it mostly critical

I doubt he can be as candid as he would like to be, seems he's a guy with ideas who wants to change things, but I doubt if he can. time will tell.

Again I am with you on that one, but the question still there. Is this site the best place ?
Something like this, perhaps ?

I hope Lamble achieves what he wants at TTUK.

It's never useless willing to change things... where apparently something appears to be wrong

Cheers
Bernard

 

[Lamble]

If I didn't feel there were issues that needed clarification here, then I can assure you I'd be far happier spending my own free time (which is when I do this) in pursuing other activities.

Perhaps when I've finished my presentation for the HU meeting in Ireland and need to be on-line less, then folks will be able to post whatever they like, without having anyone redress matters.

I agree, this isn't the place and I did suggest moving it. If people have any grievances, then I'd be far happier if they came to me directly and I have posted my email address so that could be done.

 

[Lamble]

but I doubt if he can.

I take that as a personal insult Stolzy. On what basis do you judge my capabilities?
You've moved from attacking TTUK and crossed the line Stolzy to casting aspersions on my credibility and ability to do the job I'm doing...with no substantiated evidence at all, on which to make your statement. In fact I'd say that in the last two days there's been sufficient evidence to the contrary which certainly makes your comment appear disingenuous at least.

You have every right to your opinion, but don't confuse an opinion with facts, facts of which you have no knowledge what so ever.

And yes this is a different style of response to usual, but that's because this isn't about TTUK, you've got personal my friend and that p!sses me off, especially as I've gone out of my way not to disclose your dealings with TTUK.

ide508...I think you are right, this thread should be ended now.

 

[DavidJames]

ide508...I think you are right, this thread should be ended now.

I can't believe you have been naive enough to keep this thread going..........it was always going to end in tears.

 

[MikeMike]

For my part I won't use TTUK again, partly because of my past poor experiences (I now have alternative suppliers who provide the service I expect) and partly because I can buy their stuff cheaper elsewhere.

Best way to close this thread that I started (and never ever thought it would end up like this by the way) would be to have you post the alternative merchants and those you would recommend and let everyone choose for themselves.
If it is for the overall good of riders and users of this forum please share your list with them or me, at least. Thanks in advance.

 

[Lamble]

I can't believe you have been naive enough to keep this thread going..........it was always going to end in tears.

Naive in that I expected a higher level of response?

It would have been a sad indictment of the UKGSer membership had I not replied because I assumed that there would be the sort of unsubstantiated accusations that have arisen and they would move to be of a personal nature.

Or, should no one ever answer accusations and leave the forums threads open to folks who just want to bad-mouth whoever they feel like?

What sort of forum would that be; one run by a few folks who use the anonymity of the internet to spout whatever vitriolic comments they want?

Yep I'm naive to believe it's more and better than that and I'm glad I do, because the alternative is worse and a depressing thought. I'm glad that the photographic thread Free Association has reached the large numbers it has, that the Wales and before that the NW, SE and Overseas sections have brought about many happy meetings and rides.
Yes I'm happy to be naive in assuming that fellow riders and forum members will behave respectfully.

For those who are incapable of doing so, I question their motivation.

 

[WindyChuffer]

i think it would be much better if i could just order from the german TT website, pay in euro, and they post it.

what's the point of TT UK for me? every time i've dealt with them, it's been a fuck up and they cost more.

i never use them now, and can't see that changing.

The whole point of buying from TT UK is to fund Plumbie's helicopter lessons...