|  | Topic : Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware |  |
| | | sprint5t | | Set |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 07/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 355 | | Location | : | Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 28 Feb 2011 - 23:03 Post title : Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware | | | Caveat Emptor Buyer Beware
A cautionary tale .... I am due to collect my brand new Triumph Thunderbird from my local dealer in the next few days. I have been looking forward to it for a very long time and like the majority of other owners decided to add some extra bling before I picked it up. I ordered brand new chrome parts and exhausts from the dealer and was also very pleased to buy some used chrome wheels from another dealer. They were advertised as "a set of Genuine Triumph Thunderbird Chrome Wheel Set". An "as new official accessory from the factory" but were "fitted previously to a bike".
When I bought the wheels from the second dealer they told me categorically that they would fit my new bike, I told them it had ABS and they said it made no difference. The wheels were delivered to my dealer for fitting and that's when a very confusing 2 day saga of finger pointing, phone calls, e-mails, photographs and part number checking began; the wheels had no tapping for ABS fitments! All production Genuine Triumph Thunderbird Chrome Wheel Sets have holes drilled and tapped for ABS.
I contacted Triumph for some technical support and they began to investigate. The mystery was eventually resolved by the discovery that these wheels were part of a "box of items" purchased from Triumph through the employee sales scheme by a senior Triumph employee, and subsequently sold on by him to the second dealer.
Apparently it is normal practice for staff to purchase pre-production, non-standard, non-genuine Triumph accessories and parts and resell them through dealerships to be bought in good faith unwittingly by members of the public. These parts may not be compatible with the model they are advertised to fit; they may not match any known part number in the Triumph catalogue and may have been produced originally for marketing or advertising and publicity events.
I have been assured by Triumph that there is no question regarding the quality or safety aspect of these items, that they are fit for purpose and have passed homologation rules.
I had hoped that Triumph would have been able to be of more assistance and possibly swap them out with another "used" factory set with the proper holes. Triumph advised me that it wasn't Triumph's problem they couldn't or wouldn't help and this was a personal matter and as far as they were concerned simply a case of "buyer beware".
Although quite how I was supposed to "be aware" of something like this happening isn't very clear. Triumph admits the wheels are completely unique there is no other pair like them; all other chrome wheel sets have fittings for ABS.. so why would anyone think to look or check for this "feature" ???
I have always had a great deal of admiration and respect for Triumph; this is reflected in my purchase of a sixth new Hinckley machine. I am a dyed in the wool avid fan of the marque, and I think it is a great British success story, I've always owned Triumphs since my first Trident in the early 90's and have never had cause for complaint so far.
Triumph has advised me that they consider this to be a personal matter; I don't agree! If the circumstances were such that I was buying pattern parts from a dubious source I might agree; however, I believe it makes a material and significant difference when the original supplier of the non-standard parts is a senior Triumph employee. That employee bought non-standard accessories at special staff rates and sold these non-standard accessories through the dealer network, to be purchased by an unsuspecting member of the public.
I don't regard it as my fault that I bought probably the only non-standard, non-production, non-genuine accessory set of Thunderbird Chrome Wheels available in the public domain.
I think that Triumph should take some responsibility for endorsing the practice of management and staff being allowed to introduce a one off marketing accessory to the general public. I asked Triumph to exchange them for another "used" or marketing pair with ABS fittings, but they have refused. I think it wouldn't hurt Triumph to consider a swap in such unique and unusual circumstances.
I am now left in the very disappointing position of having to return the wheels to the second dealer and try and get my money back.
I am very disappointed with Triumph's position and it takes the shine off my new purchase, if you'll pardon the pun.
..perhaps we should all heed their advice....
Buyer Beware- Triumph don't care.
| Thread Killer Extraordinaire
|
|
| | | Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,593 | | Location | : | Australia |
|
| | Posted : 28 Feb 2011 - 23:43 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | Disappointing situation, but I think returning them to the dealer is your best bet, exchange them for the proper ones(maybe pay the extra)and the dealer can then on sell them as suitable for non ABS Birds.
This sort of thing happens a lot, manufacturers employees buying parts cheap and then on selling them to the public. What then happens to warranty is anyone's guess. I would bet that ebay is full of this type of bargain.
Good luck, Lee
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it 
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Nitron R3 shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
|
|
| | | ataDude | | Chaac | | | Reg. Date | : | 19/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 527 | | Location | : | Texas, United States |
|
| | Posted : 01 Mar 2011 - 00:29 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | I personally think that the issue is between you and the selling dealer... the one who guaranteed that they would fit.
| ________________________
|
|
| | | molinoman | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 26/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 189 | | Location | : | Molino, Florida, United States |
|
| | Posted : 01 Mar 2011 - 03:15 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: ataDude) | | | I'm with ataDude on this, I don't believe it is Triumph's responsibility in any way shape or form and I am sorry you feel this way. The second dealer who sold these to you saying they would fit should be the one to at the very least refund your money. And though I can't tell him how to run "his" business he ought to offer to get you the proper rims at his cost so that there is a good "vibe" coming out of this unfortunate situation.
Good luck.
Dennis
120 dtg Dubai
121 dtg Home for good!
| Last bike owned:
2007 Triumph Rocket III (sold in April, 2010)
Have finally ridden my 2010 Phantom Red Haze Thunderbird, picked it up in Feb 09, 2011, enjoyed the ride...now I am back in the sand box.
|
|
| | | Thatch | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
|
| | Posted : 01 Mar 2011 - 03:30 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | Tough situation. I'm sorry you've had this to deal with. I will say I don't think the practice of selling these one off parts to employees without them being expressly marked as 'non-standard/non-production' parts is a mistake by Triumph and they should change things to help both protect the prospective customer AND their own liability in these situations.
Having said that I'd have to agree that I think the point of conflict here is with the 2nd dealer that you purchased the wheels from. They knew where they came from and they promised they would fit. They need to make amends.
I hope you are successful in getting things resolved and that this incident doesn't further tarnish you feeling towards your new toy.
Good luck.
p.s. I spend quite a bit of time in Ely, beautiful little town you have there.... watch out for those foggy fen roads though.
|
|
| | | sprint5t | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 07/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 355 | | Location | : | Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 01 Mar 2011 - 20:22 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: Thatch) | | | Thank you all for your support and alternative views, ... I think thats a 2:2 home draw.
Alls well that ends well.. the second dealer, supplier of the parts, has taken them back and refunded my money.
My supplying dealer has been very supportive I'm confident it will get resolved amicably.
PS
Collected Bessy today .............absolutely lovely 
| Thread Killer Extraordinaire
| | Post edited by sprint5t on 01 Mar 2011 - 20:27 |
|
| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
|
| | Posted : 01 Mar 2011 - 21:19 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | That's good news... glad to hear stories of Triumph dealers (eventually  ) doing the right thing by their customers.
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
|
|
| | | EnGage | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
|
| | Posted : 01 Mar 2011 - 22:33 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | sprint5t wrote:
Thank you all for your support and alternative views, ... I think thats a 2:2 home draw.
Alls well that ends well.. the second dealer, supplier of the parts, has taken them back and refunded my money.
My supplying dealer has been very supportive I'm confident it will get resolved amicably.
PS
Collected Bessy today .............absolutely lovely |
|
I'm not condoning Triumph's practice, but I would have been surprised if your dealer didn't take the parts back - they are the ones that sold them to you.
Glad it worked out well.
|
|
| | | zolti | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 23/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 3,127 | | Location | : | newcastle , United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 02 Mar 2011 - 17:18 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: EnGage) | | | glad it worked out.
my gripe would have been with the dealer who sold you the wheels as they were not "fit for the purpose" you were sold them for
|
|
| | | feduke | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 11/08/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,441 | | Location | : | Daytona Beach, Florida, United States |
|
| | Posted : 02 Mar 2011 - 20:26 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: ataDude) | | | ataDude wrote:
I personally think that the issue is between you and the selling dealer... the one who guaranteed that they would fit.
|
|
Agreed whole heartedly. Triumph had nothing to do with your situation and it appears sold them represented honestly. I'm glad the dealer decided to do the "right thing."
| I'm a secondhand vegetarian. Cows eat grass. I eat cows.
| | Post edited by feduke on 02 Mar 2011 - 20:27 |
|
| | | sprint5t | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 07/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 355 | | Location | : | Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 02 Mar 2011 - 21:32 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: feduke) | | | Thank you for all your comments and words of support , ..let me just clarify something though.... the dealer who sold me the wheels bought Genuine Triumph parts in good faith from a Triumph employee, ..the dealer was not aware that they were sold a unique, "one off", marketing/display set that did not have the ABS holes, because such a thing does not exist, it isn't something you are going to look for.
Triumph were the only people who knew that they existed but didn't care where they ended up.
The moral of the story, and the reason for brining it to your attention, is to make my fellow riders aware... take the advice of Triumph, even when it comes to so called Genuine Triumph parts from reputable dealers, all may not be as it seems.
Buyer Beware
| Thread Killer Extraordinaire
| | Post edited by sprint5t on 02 Mar 2011 - 21:33 |
|
| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
|
| | Posted : 02 Mar 2011 - 21:49 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | All of the above is understood and reasonable. However, it should be noted, once again, that as a Triumph dealership, they do have a certain responsibility to make sure any OEM parts they sell are genuine and have a confirmed fitment. The fact that the dealerships involved made it right just illustrates that they are aware of and honor this responsibility to their customers.
But it also sounds like, in this particular instance, Triumph UK has some culpability. The practice of allowing employees to purchase and then resell parts doesn't sound very kosher to me... sort of takes the whole Quality Control process out of the supply chain and leaves a certain "Grey Market" taste in my mouth.
I'm just glad that it was positively-resolved for you.
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
|
|
| | | EnGage | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
|
| | Posted : 02 Mar 2011 - 22:00 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: sprint5t) | | | sprint5t wrote:
Thank you for all your comments and words of support , ..let me just clarify something though.... the dealer who sold me the wheels bought Genuine Triumph parts in good faith from a Triumph employee, ..the dealer was not aware that they were sold a unique, "one off", marketing/display set that did not have the ABS holes, because such a thing does not exist, it isn't something you are going to look for.
Triumph were the only people who knew that they existed but didn't care where they ended up.
The moral of the story, and the reason for brining it to your attention, is to make my fellow riders aware... take the advice of Triumph, even when it comes to so called Genuine Triumph parts from reputable dealers, all may not be as it seems.
Buyer Beware |
|
Yes, but buying genuine parts from an employee and not from Triumph is a bit like buying that genuine Tag Hauer from a guy in an alley...
Realistically the practice usually works out - had you not had ABS, you'd be happy...
|
|
| | | Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
|
| | Posted : 03 Mar 2011 - 05:39 Post title : Re: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | narsisco_lopez wrote:
The practice of allowing employees to purchase and then resell parts doesn't sound very kosher to me...
|
|
Agreed, though I think this could be easily addressed by simply marking items sold in this manner so that it is obvious they aren't from the normal supply chain. I'm not against it happening at all, just that any potential buyer knows it before hand.
sprint5t - glad it all got sorted for you. Enjoy your new ride.
|
|
|
| |
| |
|