dual star tank bag and business ethics
Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:05 pm
Here's the deal...
DS was having problems with the supplier paying attention to
details...in Navy special ops, we know this usually gets people
killed. Ok, this is merely attempting to substitute stout and
reliable zippers for smaller cheaper types that break at the worst
time and waste your money. Well, DS said "no thanks" to this
supplier. Bitter sweet. Yes, for now the bags are not available,
but they are trying to find a new LOCAL Washington supplier. I
respect tremendously the adage, if it's worth doing do it right.
Many people want to make the bags for DS...people are knocking on
their door often actually. But DS wants them made in USA and
preferably in Washington where the rest of there gear is made and
they can supervise the details (that make the bag so successful).
It's noble. I respect and support this (and the company with
purchases in past/future). Now here's what disturbed me from my
phone call...
1. The people offering to make replacement bags can meet the quality
standards, etc. but the manufacturing will be from China. Not the
end of the world in today's global economy as most of our bikes are
imported including the 1000s of KLRs each year. But these same
people want to increase the price by double or more! So it's profit
profit profit. I'd rather they be made in the US with a reasonable
profit to the local manufacturer/supplier than middlemen with no skin
in the game. Beyond this as consumers, if you can't afford it, don't
buy it! But jacking the price and off-shoring it in the name of
profit??? No thanks. Kudos to DS for sticking to its small
business/family business guns here. They like doing what they do and
aren't going to bend to cons and the almighty buck.
2. Someone on the board suggested DS customer service is a problem.
Well folks, let's get something clear and the facts. You order it
you should pay for it. Now I realize somethings just don't work-
out. But when you install something and then complain it doesn't fit
b/c you didn't know you have a bike that's been lowered? Come on.
But it gets better. Someone (you know who you are) orders $300 of
goods and then calls the credit card company and cancels the
charge...leaving DS out $300 because this person claims they never
received it despite DS phone records?? AND then never returning the
merchandise? It's wrong and you give other riders a bad image not to
mention put undue stress on a small company. This individual should
be charged with theft. It's wrong. Furthermore, if you use
something but then change your mind, suck it up. Sell it on eBay vs.
trying to ram it down DS or some other vendors throat in some
worn/used condition. But to have the nerve to threaten them with
defaming comments or slanderous remarks on the internet? This is
another crime. It's a small market...a tough market...and it only
hurts the majority of us when a few bad apples spoil the lot for
these suppliers.
3. Lastly, I've become aware that knock-offs of DS products are
showing up in a lot of places. These are similar in design but
inferior/cheaper quality. To each his own, right? But the bogus
thing is the same people buying these DS-like goods are returning
them to Dual Star and complaining the quality isn't good and/or want
refund/replacement. Well, it's NOT DS product and therefore they
aren't going to support or warranty it. These are knock-off products
coming from China...cheaper and inferior. So don't mail this crap to
DS and then complain it's not a good company standing behind it's
products.
Personally, I've never had any issues with DS. Not to say the
company is perfect in every way either. But do business with them
and make the decision for yourself. If you're not satisfied, don't
establish a relationship. But don't return your unwanted or (worse)
used stuff because you changed your mind, etc. and expect a small
company pick-up the tab. Furthermore, don't bad mouth the company or
illegally threaten them either. Just move on and post your experience
in fact if you must.
I have a DS tank bag and other products of theirs and frankly the bag
is bombproof, high-quality. See for yourself with other products or
if/when the tank bag returns. Just be fair about it and do business
in good faith. We need these dealers/suppliers that are committed to
the KLR and the sport in general vs. the fly-by-night snake oil
salesmen out there looking to make a fast buck with inferior, look-
alike products.
Thanks for reading. - Brian