BlackWasp wrote:
Why are sales trending downward? It's not cheap gas, the millennials, nor the models slight changes. It's simply customer service, knowing your product and follow up. I am a new Vespa owner and never in my 50+ years of buying countless "toys" have I found it so difficult to buy a scoot. In my recent experience when visiting my local Vespa dealers, I knew more about the product (which is not much), knew what was coming out (i.e. Notte), and what colors were offered. I always got the same answer..."let me get your name, phone number, and your email and as soon as I find something out, I will contact you". I am still waiting for that contact...
I have to give Kudos to Sherman Oaks (David) and Vespa Motorworks (the entire staff), they know their stuff and their enthusiasm is contagious. Maybe the difference is they sell scoots and not Harleys, Indians etc... Vespas are amazing scooters and they are not cheap. They should not be an after thought and 10k is not going to sell itself. IMO
Happy Scoot'n!
I point the finger straight at Piaggio for their numbers being down. It's a marketing/PR issue that has led to a decrease in their brand and product awareness here in the US. It's almost as if they've dropped the ball, or just written off the US market.
Have you ever tried calling Piaggio USA's customer service department? They don't open until noon EST, and it's incredibly hard to get someone on the phone. It often just goes to voicemail.
No marketing, piss-poor communication, customer service inaccessibility, and weak incentives to dealers for carrying Piaggio products. In a time of economic prosperity here in the US (low unemployment, low interest rates, growing disposable income) - they only have themselves to blame!