SLM today, not much stock!

[shready]

I went into SLM today (Wednesday) to get a part and had a look around the showroom and accessories.

I was a bit surprised with what I saw. Not much stock in sight and a poor display of clothing, with a fair bit reduced. Not much in the way of staff in sight either.

I didn't get a good feel in there at all and I know the dealership pretty well.
Last time I saw a dealers like this was a few years back in RGS, Tooting. About 3 weeks before it folded!

I hope that this is not the case with SLM but it did seem very quiet and rather lacking in stock.

 

[Manch]

I hope they are OK, I've been really happy with the service I've received there and I've got a service due soon.

 

[Tim Cullis]

I was there a week back and they were busy uncrating new bikes. But midweek, end of season, I wouldn't expect crowds of people hanging around.

The workshop is very busy with a three to four week lead time on servicing. The clothes on the sales racks are lines that are closing, often the discounts are underwritten by BMW so that dealers don't lose out when clothing lines are changed.

I agree they could do more with the accessory display area, they need to expand into the space bordering the road. People don't realise just how much they have, or can arrange to get. For example, I have bought all my Touratech stuff from SLM as I get 10% off with the GSClubUK card.

Tim

 

[wessie]

I went into SLM today (Wednesday) to get a part and had a look around the showroom and accessories.

I was a bit surprised with what I saw. Not much stock in sight and a poor display of clothing, with a fair bit reduced. Not much in the way of staff in sight either.

I didn't get a good feel in there at all and I know the dealership pretty well.
Last time I saw a dealers like this was a few years back in RGS, Tooting. About 3 weeks before it folded!

I hope that this is not the case with SLM but it did seem very quiet and rather lacking in stock.

I'd read it as a good sign this time of year i.e. they have had a good summer. Every dealer in the country would like to have low stocks for the winter months.

BMW seem to be bucking the market trend - sales are up 17% compared to last year. Most marques are discounting heavily as sales drop and manufacturers are resorting to pre-registering bikes to artificially boost sales figures.

 

[Mrs C]

often the discounts are underwritten by BMW so that dealers don't lose out when clothing lines are changed.

Tim

I'm sure dealers across the UK would love it if that was the case, unfortunately any discounts are at the expense of the dealer concerned

 

[Cheesy Mike]

I'm sure dealers across the UK would love it if that was the case, unfortunately any discounts are at the expense of the dealer concerned

That's not strictly true is it?

For example, when the System 4 helmet was coming to an end, dealers were offered bulk lots of the helmets at a discount so they could flog them off at silly prices.

Of course I can accept that discounts off in-stock items are at the expense of the dealer's margin but that's the retail trade. You are no different in that respect to a sale at Debenhams or Dixons. Some are genuine discounts, some are special purchases.

Mike

 

[Mrs C]

Fair point, Mike - I recall the 4 Evo being offered in 'batches' near the end - dealers could buy a block of 20 (or something in that region) but had no choice in the sizes or colours in each batch. I can't speak for other dealers but I know we had enough stock already without buying in more soon to be discontinued clothing.

It's really down to dealers (the same as other retailers as you rightly said) trying to balance their stock and ensure they don't have a huge amount of discontinued items at the end of the year - something that should be easier now there is a sale or return option on clothing bought in from Germany.

 

[shready]

For example, when the System 4 helmet was coming to an end, dealers were offered bulk lots of the helmets at a discount so they could flog them off at silly prices.

Mike

Shame they don't do it with their bikes.

 

[ant]

"Shame they don't do it with their bikes."

Oh yes they do!!

Recently there have been discounts available on K1200GT, K1200LT and Rocksters. It is up to the individual dealer whether they pass the discount on to us , or put it in their pocket!