Call of the Wild: Bike buying behavior with Jesse B.

 

Let’s face it. The people walking through our door would much rather hear the sound of an engine than a sales pitch. After all, they know everything we sell is Harley-Davidson and that’s why they’re here. At The House, we feel fortunate to offer a product so legendary that it pretty much sells itself.

Of course, we’ll always have a team of fellow HD enthusiasts ready to show you all of the options and answer any questions. We asked our Sales Associate, Jesse Belasco, what it’s like working a sales floor that’s more about hardcore devotion than hard sell. As they say in the showroom, “Sometimes you find a bike. Sometimes it finds you.”

 

When someone comes in looking for a bike, can you tell by looking at them what model they will ultimately buy?

One thing I have learned is that anyone can ride anything. I’ve seen petite women who prefer bigger bikes like an Electraglide, and great big guys pick out a smaller bike like a Sportster. You can never make assumptions, because it’s different across the board.

 

Is there a moment when someone is looking for a bike when you know they have found it?

It can get to be an emotional thing for them sometimes. You can pretty much tell when a customer has found the right bike; their eyes light up and they won’t stop talking about it. I want to give every customer a chance to see every bike, but eventually they keep going back to that certain one. There’s just something about that particular bike that keeps calling to them.

 

Sounds like love!

Kind of! (laughing)

 

Do they make repeat visits checking in on the bike they want?

It’s different for everybody. Some know what they want right away. Others will come back a few times before they make up their mind. Many will keep coming back every couple of days even after they buy the bike, for accessories or new clothes – especially if it’s their first bike.

 

So you get to know your customers pretty well.

For sure. Even people who found their bike somewhere else will come to The House for parts on a regular basis ­– some almost every day of the week. They become part of the family too. We get to see a lot of familiar faces in and out of the building.

 

Buying a bike is a life changing experience and something we take very seriously. Whether you know exactly what you want or just want to come in to see what we have, Jesse can help match you up with the bike you have been waiting for.