Two Things Every Motorcycle Dealer Must Do in 2011

You should not look at social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as a waste of time, but rather as an opportunity to connect with your customers (your most valuable assets) and build an invaluable customer base (list).

More than a decade in the motorcycle classifieds business has presented us with an opportunity to witness the golden days of the American V-twin motorcycle industry, as well as some dealers’ recent scramble to stay afloat. While some dealers still firmly believe and rely on local foot traffic for sales, the majority has realized that the brick and mortar storefront is no longer enough. The motorcycle industry environment has drastically changed during the last five (5) years. The bottom line is that, in 2011, motorcycle dealers have to sell online and in-store. Online customers should not be ignored because the motorcycle market has entered a new era; the social media era.

The most important advice we can offer to motorcycle dealers is:

Embrace social media. It is a good thing. We promise. You should not look at social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as a waste of time, but rather as an opportunity to connect with your customers (your most valuable assets) and build an invaluable customer base(list). Imagine the value and power of the ability to login to your Facebook account and instantly have an audience of hundreds or thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts for FREE or pennies on the dollar. No other media vehicle offers this opportunity. Take advantage of it. A lot of our dealers, such as Adventure Harley-Davidson® with 17,000 fans, have built up a significant customer base on Facebook. You should not wait. Get on Facebook today and start building your store’s online customer base.

Disclose your prices online. Being mysterious online does not help sell bikes, especially on classifieds website, such as ChopperExchange. The fact of the matter is that online shoppers are comparison shoppers. They hunt for the best deal, which is difficult to identify if the item’s price is not disclosed. Based on the data gathered from ChopperExchange, motorcycle dealers who disclose their prices outperform dealers who do not provide prices for their motorcycles. It is that simple. Disclosing your motorcycle prices online will generate more views, questions, and sales. To take things up a notch, dealers who offer “deals” online are the best performers. Online shoppers go back to dealers willing to offer “deals” because they know those dealers are serious about moving bikes and making customers happy. So, next time you list your motorcycles online, make a wise decision and disclose your prices, and be prepared to make deals.

If you have questions about social media marketing or selling your motorcycles online, feel free to contact Mirela Setkic at (800) 523-7274 or Mirela@ChopperExchange.com.

You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Now, let’s sell some bikes!

The ChopperExchange Team