High Marks In Industry Reports >> Press
Release March 14, 2007
Big Dog
Motorcycles And Its Dealers Score High Marks In Industry Reports
By Paul Hansen
WICHITA, Kansas (March 14, 2007) – Big Dog Motorcycles™, the world's largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles, is pleased to announce that it has scored high marks in two industry studies: The 2007 DealerNews magazine OEM Report Card, a dealer survey, and the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index, a customer survey.
Dealer News magazine's OEM Report Card ranked Big Dog Motorcycles higher than competitive motorcycle brands in several categories, in turn making the manufacturer the #1 American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer. The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index placed Big Dog Motorcycles dealerships at #2 in providing the best shopping experience. This study is the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry.
“From our motorcycle styling and performance, to the programs we offer our dealers, satisfaction is at the core of everything Big Dog Motorcycles does. It's fantastic news that our dealers continue to be extremely pleased with Big Dog Motorcycles and that customers are also having satisfying retail experiences within the dealership,” commented Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO.
“Receiving such high marks is a great achievement by the entire Big Dog Motorcycles team-from those building the bikes to the dealer network that sells them,” he added.
2007 DealerNews OEM Report Card
In late 2006, more than 8,000 dealers graded their OEM partners on a scale from one to ten in 17 criteria in three categories: products, dealer support, and programs. Specific criteria ranged from product craftsmanship to visual appeal; promotional and training programs; and communications and credibility.
Nearly every dealer in Big Dog Motorcycles' 100-dealer network responded to the survey.
Big Dog Motorcycles scored above the industry average in 14 of the 17 criteria and scored above Harley-Davidson and Victory in 13 criteria. These numbers clearly make Big Dog Motorcycles the number one American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer.
“Exchanging ideas with our Dealer Advisory Council-and even the entire dealer body-has been integral in the constant improvement in our line of motorcycles, accessories and apparel. The dealers are also extremely valuable as we develop the programs that support the dealer and make purchasing our bikes easier for the customer,” Coleman added.
“Seeing the results shows where we are strong, but also where we still need to focus. I am confident Big Dog Motorcycles will continue its reign in the motorcycle class as we continue to improve,” he continued.
The OEM Report Card was last issued in December 2004, in which Big Dog Motorcycles was also Ranked #1 above all other motorcycle manufacturers.
Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index
The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index report, administered by California-based Pied Piper Management Company from November 2006 to January 2007 and published in PowerSports Business magazine, rates the effectiveness of motorcycle dealer sales forces and the best shopping experience among top motorcycle brands. The report, calculated after nearly 400 shopper evaluations across the Unitede States, was the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry.
Shoppers evaluated the retail experience for a specific motorcycle brand and never visited the same dealership twice. Evaluations were based on such criteria as the overall shopping experience, what products and services were offered, and salesman effectiveness. In total, over 50 key elements of the sales process were studied.
Big Dog Motorcycles dealers were ranked #2 (out of 7 companies) and well above the motorcycle industry average.
“The report's findings are an amazing compliment to our dealers, their knowledge, effectiveness, and service,” Coleman added. “And it also confirms Big Dog Motorcycles commitment to delivering the best total customer service experience through our dealer training programs, improved product quality, forward-thinking styling, and valuable retail incentive programs,” Coleman said.
“The manufacturer that truly listens to the voice of the customer and the needs of the dealer and make necessary improvements is rewarded with great acknowledgements like these reports and, ultimately, long-term customer loyalty to the brand,” he added.
About Big Dog Motorcycles
Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC, started production in 1994 and has since built over 20,000 motorcycles, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles, the leading builder of chopper-style motorcycles, and the number two American V-Twin company. The company’s entire line of five motorcycles uses a V-twin 117 cubic inch engine (either carbureted or fuel injected), 6-speed transmission, stretch one-piece steel tank, right side drive, super fat tires, chrome components, steel fenders, and an extensive variety of custom paint colors and graphics. The company’s motorcycles are distributed through out 100 dealers in the United States. Designing, manufacturing, and distributing are performed at the company’s 175,000 square-foot world headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. For more information, visit www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.