We Rock!!!!

NinjaGirl · 06-28-2005

The fact that women control 85% of all the discretionary dollars spent in the
US is beginning to wake up retailers everywhere. The last bastion of macho has
been the motorcycle industry. They too have seen the shift and are now running
at full speed to capitalize on this paradigm shift.

About ten years ago women represented about 3% of the motorcycle owners. This
year that number has ramped up to 12% in motorcycles and 16% in ATVs. Who changed?
Both the OEMs and dealers have realized that they can no longer ignore this
powerful market.

First the OEMs -- Harley-Davidson, the "man's" motorcycle, now produces
a Sportster specifically targeting women. The seat height is 24.5 inches, much
lower than the 26 to 28 inches of the rest of the big bikes. The Japanese are
catching on too by bring out sleek scooters designed to appeal to women and
capable of keeping up with Interstate traffic.

Now for the dealers -- Thanks to very intensive training dealers are beginning
to understand their salespeople can no longer talk down to women. Some have
accepted the idea and have even begun hiring women salespeople. Once only men
staffed dealerships, except perhaps for the bookkeeper. Now, although still
in the minority, women are showing up as techs, service writers, parts counter,
and unit salespeople.

Behavior has changed. Women customers now feel more at ease. Male salespeople
have learned to treat women more like intelligent men. Why the switch? Perhaps
it's the Internet that allows women to do the research before they enter the
dealership. Dealers report that when a woman comes in to buy a bike she sometimes
knows more than the man trying to sell her.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation
(MSF) conducts training for new motorcyclists. Last year they reported that
40% of those signing up for the class were women. That's up from single digit
percentages a few short years ago.

Car dealers are just beginning to wake up to the fact that they can no longer
treat women the way they did just a few years ago. Those who have spent more
time developing the women's market have shown greater success than those still
in macho mode.

The new pickup trucks show a woman's influence. Pickups are no longer a simple
workhorse vehicle. Why the change? Pickup truck makers discovered that women
were buying pickups in ever increasing numbers and were insisting on greater
comfort and more amenities. The challenge now is to educate the pickup salesmen
to the new world of selling to women.

What's the upshot? There are fewer "girly" semi-nude posters in motorcycle,
ATV, auto, and truck dealerships. Women's rest rooms are clean. Want to increase
your business? If you're in a male dominated market learn to cater to and sell
to women. Ignore them and suffer the consequences. In this millennium, women
rule.

*jukief* · 06-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinjaGirl

Dealers report that when a woman comes in to buy a bike she sometimes knows more than the man trying to sell her.

I love it!

windrider18 · 06-28-2005

Well, I certainly can attest to doing a ton of research into my next bike. I make sure to know what I'm buying so the sales people can't pull a fast one on me.

neebelung · 06-29-2005

Awesome!!! I'm sharing this with another ladies' forum I'm on!!

CTRider · 07-05-2005

Sears saw this potential years ago. They used to be the guy's place to buy tools. Then they realized how much income potential they were losing gearing their ads to men. Thus, was born the "Come see the softer side of Sears" campaign touting products like women's clothing, housewares and cosmetics to draw that valuable sector of the market in. The result? Sales jumped in those areas and it bled over to sales in the typical men's areas, as well. Not only could the guys spend more time in their favorite sections while their better half shopped in other sections (which gave them more time to collect more items to take to the register), they found that women would be more inclined to stay in the store to shop for their husbands come the holidays. That's not to say some of those tools and tires weren't being purchased for themselves, but having a one stop shop for all the needs of a well-rounded buyer helps a lot.

BamaBob · 07-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinjaGirl

The fact that women control 85% of all the discretionary dollars spent in the US is beginning to wake up retailers everywhere.

In this millennium, women rule.

Like they say, you women control 85% of the money and 100% of the . . . oh, excuse me, this is a family forum.

Anyway, with that sentiment understood, I believe you ladies have always really ruled.

Lee_2061 · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaVulcan04

Like they say, you women control 85% of the money and 100% of the . . . oh, excuse me, this is a family forum.

Anyway, with that sentiment understood, I believe you ladies have always really ruled.

And they're more mature, have more fortitude, can bear more pain and prefer peace to war. They may be spare ribs but we're the dix.

BamaBob · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee_2061

And they're more mature, have more fortitude, can bear more pain and prefer peace to war. They may be spare ribs but we're the dix.

Think it may be their lack of testosterone?????

Lee_2061 · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaVulcan04

Think it may be their lack of testosterone?????

Bob, u know I respect you and all but mate, You are so on your own.

BamaBob · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee_2061

Bob, u know I respect you and all but mate, You are so on your own.

So . . . you saying honesty is NOT the best policy after all???

And that you're just gonna leave me hanging out here??? Some pal you are, Bro!!!

Chromequeen · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTRider

That's not to say some of those tools and tires weren't being purchased for themselves, but having a one stop shop for all the needs of a well-rounded buyer helps a lot.

I knew you were awesome CT, but with that great save, you just proved it!

CTRider · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromequeen

I knew you were awesome CT, but with that great save, you just proved it!

I'm always covering my backside just in case I end up running for political office someday....

BamaBob · 07-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee_2061

And they're more mature, have more fortitude, can bear more pain and prefer peace to war. They may be spare ribs but we're the dix.

Talk about suckin' up to the ladies!! Sheeesh!!

And then you leave me hanging out there all alone?!

Lee_2061 · 07-07-2005

No I wouldn't leave you to fend for yourself.
Just that from experience, women and hormones don't go well together.

Remember this old saying....?

Why does it take a premenstrual woman 2 hours to screw on a lightbulb?

Lee_2061 · 07-07-2005

Because It Just Does!!!!!!!!!! Alright???

BamaBob · 07-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee_2061

No I wouldn't leave you to fend for yourself.
Just that from experience, women and hormones don't go well together.

Remember this old saying....?

Why does it take a premenstrual woman 2 hours to screw on a lightbulb?

Atta' boy Lee!

Come on out on the limb with me!!! Did you bring the saw???

NinjaGirl · 07-07-2005

Settle down boys!!!!

Lee_2061 · 07-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaVulcan04

Atta' boy Lee!

Come on out on the limb with me!!! Did you bring the saw???

Buzzz.... Buzzz.... Buzzz....

Mr78rm · 07-07-2005

Oh damn i thought you guys were talking about DIO in here.

BamaBob · 07-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinjaGirl

Settle down boys!!!!

Ahhhhh. . .do we HAVE to?????

06-28-2005	#1 (permalink)
NinjaGirl 2007 RED HOT Ninja 650R! Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,122	We Rock!!!! The fact that women control 85% of all the discretionary dollars spent in the US is beginning to wake up retailers everywhere. The last bastion of macho has been the motorcycle industry. They too have seen the shift and are now running at full speed to capitalize on this paradigm shift. About ten years ago women represented about 3% of the motorcycle owners. This year that number has ramped up to 12% in motorcycles and 16% in ATVs. Who changed? Both the OEMs and dealers have realized that they can no longer ignore this powerful market. First the OEMs -- Harley-Davidson, the "man's" motorcycle, now produces a Sportster specifically targeting women. The seat height is 24.5 inches, much lower than the 26 to 28 inches of the rest of the big bikes. The Japanese are catching on too by bring out sleek scooters designed to appeal to women and capable of keeping up with Interstate traffic. Now for the dealers -- Thanks to very intensive training dealers are beginning to understand their salespeople can no longer talk down to women. Some have accepted the idea and have even begun hiring women salespeople. Once only men staffed dealerships, except perhaps for the bookkeeper. Now, although still in the minority, women are showing up as techs, service writers, parts counter, and unit salespeople. Behavior has changed. Women customers now feel more at ease. Male salespeople have learned to treat women more like intelligent men. Why the switch? Perhaps it's the Internet that allows women to do the research before they enter the dealership. Dealers report that when a woman comes in to buy a bike she sometimes knows more than the man trying to sell her. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) conducts training for new motorcyclists. Last year they reported that 40% of those signing up for the class were women. That's up from single digit percentages a few short years ago. Car dealers are just beginning to wake up to the fact that they can no longer treat women the way they did just a few years ago. Those who have spent more time developing the women's market have shown greater success than those still in macho mode. The new pickup trucks show a woman's influence. Pickups are no longer a simple workhorse vehicle. Why the change? Pickup truck makers discovered that women were buying pickups in ever increasing numbers and were insisting on greater comfort and more amenities. The challenge now is to educate the pickup salesmen to the new world of selling to women. What's the upshot? There are fewer "girly" semi-nude posters in motorcycle, ATV, auto, and truck dealerships. Women's rest rooms are clean. Want to increase your business? If you're in a male dominated market learn to cater to and sell to women. Ignore them and suffer the consequences. In this millennium, women rule.

06-28-2005	#3 (permalink)
windrider18 Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northeast PA Posts: 694	Well, I certainly can attest to doing a ton of research into my next bike. I make sure to know what I'm buying so the sales people can't pull a fast one on me. __________________ Angela '02 ZR-7S Metallic Blue Violet "Bluebird" "I am not pretty baggage! I ride my own!"

06-29-2005	#4 (permalink)
neebelung Ornery, scandalous & evil BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 3,149	Awesome!!! I'm sharing this with another ladies' forum I'm on!! __________________ RIP Charley "Tuna" Sweezer... We miss you... :(

07-05-2005	#5 (permalink)
CTRider TV Guru Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 10,599	Sears saw this potential years ago. They used to be the guy's place to buy tools. Then they realized how much income potential they were losing gearing their ads to men. Thus, was born the "Come see the softer side of Sears" campaign touting products like women's clothing, housewares and cosmetics to draw that valuable sector of the market in. The result? Sales jumped in those areas and it bled over to sales in the typical men's areas, as well. Not only could the guys spend more time in their favorite sections while their better half shopped in other sections (which gave them more time to collect more items to take to the register), they found that women would be more inclined to stay in the store to shop for their husbands come the holidays. That's not to say some of those tools and tires weren't being purchased for themselves, but having a one stop shop for all the needs of a well-rounded buyer helps a lot. __________________ 1983 Honda CB550 About Me Answers to your Gadget Questions Gadget Forum

07-07-2005	#14 (permalink)
Lee_2061 V2K Blingaphile BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western Australia Posts: 1,791	No I wouldn't leave you to fend for yourself. Just that from experience, women and hormones don't go well together. Remember this old saying....? Why does it take a premenstrual woman 2 hours to screw on a lightbulb? __________________ VROC17211 ROG189 UMC38326 V2KBUM#3 www.cruisercustomizing.com/lee_2061 www.flipdrive.com/silkfire

07-07-2005	#15 (permalink)
Lee_2061 V2K Blingaphile BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western Australia Posts: 1,791	Because It Just Does!!!!!!!!!! Alright??? __________________ VROC17211 ROG189 UMC38326 V2KBUM#3 www.cruisercustomizing.com/lee_2061 www.flipdrive.com/silkfire

07-07-2005	#17 (permalink)
NinjaGirl 2007 RED HOT Ninja 650R! Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,122	Settle down boys!!!!

07-07-2005	#19 (permalink)
Mr78rm Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: May 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 237	Oh damn i thought you guys were talking about DIO in here. __________________ :mad: :? :-\| :smile: :razz: :grin: 1989 FZR 600 2003 Ninja250r 1978/9 RM125

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