PDP Issues

[Spinner]

I think all of us waiters, past and present agree that the so called PDP program sucks. The need for such a program has been questioned. There is a serious lack of communication between Yamaha USA and it's dealers relative to specific order status. The lack of information makes the long wait worse. Excitement and anticipation are overshadowed by frustration and anger. It's the wrong way for a company to treat it's customers, many of whom (myself included) are first time Yamaha buyers. Dealers can't be happy either, having to constantly field calls from PDP victims. One can only hope that dealers will collectively express the negative impact that the PDP program, in it's present format is making on Yamaha customers. And that Yamaha will listen.

That said, I was willing to give Yamaha the benefit of the doubt. I figured that they must need PDP on the FJR for reasons only they know. I had faith that PDP would be executed fairly, that is, bikes shipped to dealers according to customer order confirmation date. Thanks to information posted on this site, I now know that is not the case. My order confirmation date is 10/16/05. There have been quite a few FJR's delivered to customers with order dates later, in some cases much later than mine (12/28/05). I know that regional trucking issues may cause delays in some areas. I don't think that explains what's going on here. Is it poor execution of PDP by Yamaha? Is it local Yamaha Reps pulling strings for their favorite dealer buddies? What gives here? I find it inconceivable that a company the size of Yamaha can't do a better job communicating with it's customers both internal and external. Are they aware of these issues? If they are, don't they care? What do you guys (and gals) think?

 

[lotecredneck]

I think all of us waiters, past and present agree that the so called PDP program sucks. The need for such a program has been questioned. There is a serious lack of communication between Yamaha USA and it's dealers relative to specific order status. The lack of information makes the long wait worse. Excitement and anticipation are overshadowed by frustration and anger. It's the wrong way for a company to treat it's customers, many of whom (myself included) are first time Yamaha buyers. Dealers can't be happy either, having to constantly field calls from PDP victims. One can only hope that dealers will collectively express the negative impact that the PDP program, in it's present format is making on Yamaha customers. And that Yamaha will listen.
That said, I was willing to give Yamaha the benefit of the doubt. I figured that they must need PDP on the FJR for reasons only they know. I had faith that PDP would be executed fairly, that is, bikes shipped to dealers according to customer order confirmation date. Thanks to information posted on this site, I now know that is not the case. My order confirmation date is 10/16/05. There have been quite a few FJR's delivered to customers with order dates later, in some cases much later than mine (12/28/05). I know that regional trucking issues may cause delays in some areas. I don't think that explains what's going on here. Is it poor execution of PDP by Yamaha? Is it local Yamaha Reps pulling strings for their favorite dealer buddies? What gives here? I find it inconceivable that a company the size of Yamaha can't do a better job communicating with it's customers both internal and external. Are they aware of these issues? If they are, don't they care? What do you guys (and gals) think?

I know some people have recieved bikes that actually had a later order date than others, but this came about by one customer wanting to get his a week or so later and then we would move the next person up. I have had several people that have bikes ordered from me that have requested to be pushed back a month, so I moved someone into their spot. Yamaha is actually releasing the bikes in the time/date stamp order.

I have only had one bike released so far for April and it one that I thought should have been March, but it was just after the cutoff for the March units.

As of this morning all of my April units are now showing "stock in transit" which means I should get them in about a week to ten days.

I will post up the NY dealers only so you can easily see what is being shipped.

Tony

 

[lotecredneck]

Here is the list............

Inventory Listing

Print/View All Download All Reset List Back

Dealer Name City State Telephone No Model No

CHENANGO IMPORT MOTORS, INC. UTICA NY (315)732-8711 FJR13AVL

DUTCHESS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE* POUGHKEEPSIE NY (845)454-2810 FJR13AVL

MVC CUSTOM HOMES, INC. SOUTHHAMPTON NY (631)287-6085 FJR13AVL

DON GEORGE'S SPORT CENTER, INC CLARENCE NY (716)759-6837 FJR13AVL

ISLAND CYCLE SALES INC STATEN ISLAND NY (718)966-0606 FJR13AVL

BOB WEAVER MOTORSPORTS& MARINE NORTH TONAWANDA NY (716)693-1500 FJR13AVL

E W BRIDGE, LTD FULTON NY (315)592-5311 FJR13AVL

 

[Jim15288]

Actually, as a concept, I don't have much of an issue with the PDP program. However, Yamaha’s execution of the program is exceptionally poor. They need to start delivery of the bikes in early March and in general, under commit and over perform. Communications is the key and they have done a very poor job in that area. You can call the HQ in CA and nine out of ten times, you know more about what is going on then their “expert” product managers (often thanks to the forum). Delivery dates are frequently missed and the deliveries (as noted) are not always made in the same order that they were entered. They also had a dealer only order period that ran from March 15-22 for one of each model (no deposit required). The delivery promise date on these bikes is April/ May so in some cases these dealer orders are being placed in line ahead of long – time waiters. I don't think this is a good customer move (maybe for the dealer, but not for the end user).

On the positive side, it does help keep the value of the bike higher in the after market. You become a member of a somewhat exclusive club and in the end, all the waiting is worthwhile as all will be quickly forgotten once you hit the starter and take her out for your first ride. You know then that the excitement has just begun. I too am still waiting and dealing with the ever changing stories from Yamaha, but from all I have read on the forum, I know it will be worth the wait.

 

[FJR_pig]

What do you guys (and gals) think?

I can live with it. This is one of the sweetest bikes on the planet. It is worth waiting for. Patience grasshopper...

Tony, you're a stud. Thanks for the continued info.

 

[RadioHowie]

What cracks me up are the waiters who have been posting on the forum since before the September 28th "on sale" date, have been exposed to the PDP woes of past years, have been joked with about "November delivery dates", have seen pictures of overturned cargo carriers with "their bikes" on them and still -- STILL bitch about the wait.

C'mon, folks...you are, almost without exception, savvy, intelligent shoppers...you've all asked innumerable questions, planned your farkles, argued the benefits of silver over blue, clutch levers over shift buttons...and yet you guys STILL piss and moan about being waiters like little kids who've dropped their ice cream cones.

Everyone who has spent more than a casual minute or two in this forum knows that the PDP program is less than perfect. That delivery dates are as innaccurate as lottery guesses.

GET OVER IT! The bitching and whining is getting as tiresome as previous political discussions.

It's like that TV show or radio talkshow host you don't care for -- don't watch/listen! Don't like the PDP? Go buy an ST1300 and STFU!

:****:

 

[lotecredneck]

  They also had a dealer only order period that ran from March 15-22 for one of each model (no deposit required).  The delivery promise date on these bikes is April/ May so in some cases these dealer orders are being placed in line ahead of long – time waiters.  I don't think this is a good customer move (maybe for the dealer, but not for the end user).

This is not true. The additional bikes we were allocated are scheduled for August NOT April/May. I don't where this information came from but it is wrong!

Tony

 

[airboss]

Well I'm still waiting, with a little calmer attitude that some others. I understand that the PDP could use some improvements, verses dropping $500 dollars into a dealers hands then sitting in the void for months waiting for your bike to show up.

Part of Yamaha's relutance to make iron clad granutees on deliveries, I think would have to do the the logistic, it is a very long line of communications involving ships, trains, trucks,& warehouses. the possibilities for errors are enormius.

Then of course most of us are counting on a stranger (the dealer) we selected to do the right thing by us. Conformation letters from the factory confriming receipt of the order and deposit would be nice. Then we would know when Yamaha received the order and the dealers couldn't sit on them.

Back in the 70s thourgh the early 80s I worked in Japan (12 years). I worked for a company that adminstared a program that allowed military service members to purchase cars at a discount thourgh the Army & Air Force Exchange system. These cars where build to order for the customer, The car company would confirm receipt of the order & deposit, when the car went on the build schedule they would confirm the line setting ticket, all equiptment going on the car, and serial number. Then they would confirm delivery date. Didn't leave the buyer in the dark they knew exactly where they where at though the whole process.

Now I'll go back to waiting, Thank You, Thank you very much.

PS thank You Tony O for posting the dealer info, you're doing us waiters a great service.

 

[bikepoor]

What cracks me up are the waiters who have been posting on the forum since before the September 28th "on sale" date, have been exposed to the PDP woes of past years, have been joked with about "November delivery dates", have seen pictures of overturned cargo carriers with "their bikes" on them and still -- STILL bitch about the wait.
C'mon, folks...you are, almost without exception, savvy, intelligent shoppers...you've all asked innumerable questions, planned your farkles, argued the benefits of silver over blue, clutch levers over shift buttons...and yet you guys STILL piss and moan about being waiters like little kids who've dropped their ice cream cones.

Everyone who has spent more than a casual minute or two in this forum knows that the PDP program is less than perfect. That delivery dates are as innaccurate as lottery guesses.

GET OVER IT! The bitching and whining is getting as tiresome as previous political discussions.

It's like that TV show or radio talkshow host you don't care for -- don't watch/listen! Don't like the PDP? Go buy an ST1300 and STFU!

:****:

Exactly, I am beginning to think I am the only one not bitching. I had been peeping on these forums since last spring and this one since it's inception. I had already heard from all the ones that have waited before me and just accepted the fact that it would be 6 months or more before I recieved the bike. Thats cool, thats how it works, if it was that much of a problem I would have just bought something else.

By the way...I still have a minimum 2 month wait for my AE and it would'nt suprise me if it came in September. I'll just ride my Huffy till then

 

[markjenn]

I'm not a fan of the PDP either, but Yamaha never made any committment that it would:

1) Deliver the bikes in sequence of the order date (which is clearly infeasible given the distribution system and transit times);

2) Provide a real-time tracking system;

3) Or commit to delivery on anything other than a fairly wide window of several months.

98% of PDP complaints are due to unreasonable expectations. A few bikes get seriously delayed due to screw-ups and these folks have a legitimate complaint.

Yamaha feels that the predictability in forecasting demand is worth the trouble and ill-feelings generated by the system. That's their call. No one is forcing you to buy the FJR.

BTW, most dealers have over-ordered, so if you want to avoid the PDP thing, that option is widely available - just walk in and buy one off the floor when they're available. You probably won't get a great deal, but it's not like they're no other choice then getting all PO'd about PDP delays.

- Mark

 

[sparky3008]

What is the big fucking deal. FZ1's are still not in stores around here. If you want one you will still be waiting and no gaurantee you will get it before someone else. Your fjr is guaranteed to you. Stop whinning.

On the same line. I went to see what a dealer would give me on trade and he used the PDP to say that this would actually make it hard for him to sell :dribble:

 

[FJRCRAZED]

Whats the old saying, All good things come in time. I don't understand why your bitching. I waited 7 months for my 04. We ALL new at the start their would be a wait. I ordered a American made boat (SC) last November. Not a really big boat, 28ft and I'm still waiting. They said March, then April, now its May 15th. The boats 90% done, their just waiting for the engines, you guessed it Yamaha's

 

[Spinner]

Here is the list............
Inventory Listing

Print/View All Download All Reset List Back

Dealer Name City State Telephone No Model No

CHENANGO IMPORT MOTORS, INC. UTICA NY (315)732-8711 FJR13AVL

DUTCHESS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE* POUGHKEEPSIE NY (845)454-2810 FJR13AVL

MVC CUSTOM HOMES, INC. SOUTHHAMPTON NY (631)287-6085 FJR13AVL

DON GEORGE'S SPORT CENTER, INC CLARENCE NY (716)759-6837 FJR13AVL

ISLAND CYCLE SALES INC STATEN ISLAND NY (718)966-0606 FJR13AVL

BOB WEAVER MOTORSPORTS& MARINE NORTH TONAWANDA NY (716)693-1500 FJR13AVL

E W BRIDGE, LTD FULTON NY (315)592-5311 FJR13AVL

Tony, how is it that all of your April bikes are listed as being in transit while none of my dealer's (Hollink Motorsports - Spencerport, N.Y.) four April bikes are in transit according to the list you sent me?

 

[FJR_pig]

98% of PDP complaints are due to unreasonable expectations.
- Mark

Ding ding ding ding ding, we have a winner. Well put, Mark.

 

[Bagger]

Hey, guys.....

I think that bitchin' is just a human response to being screwed around with. IF...IF.... Yamaha had delivered the FJRs when promised we would not be bitchin'. It's just that we forked down $500 USDs and were promised..... or something like that..... that our bikes would be delivered to our dealers when the computer from Yamaha stated. March deliveries did not really happen..... maybe a couple in Canada (like they can ride in Canada in March...whatever).

Yamaha delivered bikes in Europe and elsewhere long before US deliveries. There was no PDP or whatever it is called. But, I understand WHY Yamaha does not want to just deliver 10,000 FJRs to the USA to sell 1500 units. NOT what Yamaha would like to see happen. Like bikers in the US know what a Sport Tourer is..... as if.

Yeah, I was supposed to have my bike a month ago.... March.... while plunking down $500 in October. Yeah, I'm a bit disappointed. Yeah, I'm bitchin' to a degree..... And, to those who think that those waiting for a bike that were promised.... or something like that.... screw off. It ain't yer problemo..... it's Yamaha's and ours. A HUGE company delivers bikes all over the world and then has difficulty with bags? WTF.... My company would not survive this kind of crap with clients. We'd hear some serious bitching.

March deliveries have been pushed to April. It's the middle of April now and I don't see my dealer on Tony's list. I'm not pleased. But, I have other bikes to ride.... others do not. And, m'friends, this is crap from Yamaha. Bags, no bags, trucking problems (??), dealer stupidity and whatnot. This is just crap.

I have had real cars ordered, made and delivered with all sorts of "tracking" available. Hell, even Landsend provides such tracking. Why can't Yamaha provide same/same? And why does the dealer have less information than we do on the boards? This makes no sense and that is why some of us are less than happy with the PDP program and Yamaha's ability to give us specific manufacturing, shipping and delivery information.

Perhaps I'm just 2 glasses of wine short of a drunk, but I'm not happy with the present procedure from this bike maker.

Just my opinions, bros..................... BAGGER

 

[Spinner]

What cracks me up are the waiters who have been posting on the forum since before the September 28th "on sale" date, have been exposed to the PDP woes of past years, have been joked with about "November delivery dates", have seen pictures of overturned cargo carriers with "their bikes" on them and still -- STILL bitch about the wait.
C'mon, folks...you are, almost without exception, savvy, intelligent shoppers...you've all asked innumerable questions, planned your farkles, argued the benefits of silver over blue, clutch levers over shift buttons...and yet you guys STILL piss and moan about being waiters like little kids who've dropped their ice cream cones.

Everyone who has spent more than a casual minute or two in this forum knows that the PDP program is less than perfect. That delivery dates are as innaccurate as lottery guesses.

GET OVER IT! The bitching and whining is getting as tiresome as previous political discussions.

It's like that TV show or radio talkshow host you don't care for -- don't watch/listen! Don't like the PDP? Go buy an ST1300 and STFU!

:****:

Hey, Howie, maybe you should take some of your own advice, huh? The title of my post is "PDP Issues". If your so tired of reading posts from waiters regarding PDP, don't read them.

First of all, most of us are not "bitching about the wait". We expected to wait. What I object to is the lack of communication, poor execution of the PDP program, and apparent disregard that Yamaha has for it's customers and it's dealers. In this day and age, most companies strive to exceed their customers expectations. That's what I look for in companies that I do business with on a regular basis.

I created this post for two reasons;

1.) It makes me feel better to get this stuff off my chest

2.) "Getting over it" isn't going to help next years waiters. Expressing legitimate concerns in this manner might. I'll bet Tony wants to hear from customers who are unhappy with some aspect of his dealership. That's how companies improve, by recognizing areas that need improvement.

And Howie, I did buy an ST1300. I didn't like it. That's why I'm an FJR waiter. Now, you STFU...

 

[huron52]

I have to agree that the PDP doesn't work for the customer.

It is so the company can control and plan that model being built and sent out.

Now in saying that..... I bought my 2004 off the showroom floor in September of 2003.

Less than three weeks after I picked mine up the same dealer had another one sitting on the show room floor. This dealer was not the only one with them sitting on the showroom floor because I was to another dealer trying to jew them down on the price and they wouldn't move.

 

[rivgar]

I am not happy with the PDP program not because of unreasonable expectations, but because of Yamaha's unfulfilled deliveries and lack of communication.

1st it was March.....then April.....now looking at May. If it was going to be May they should have said May in the beginning and if they came in early I am sure no one would complain.

A lesser manufacturing company would never survive in today's competitive industry with such delayed production schedules. As someone who used to work in manufacturing and is aware of the industry, Yamaha is playing a very dangerous game. However, they could have done just one thing and I would guarantee every waiter here would have a slighty better outlook and attitude......

Tell the waiters what is going on, explain the production delay, communicate with your customers.

I have not received a call, a letter, an email.......NOTHING!!!! :fuk:

This is where Yamaha is really :****: ing up bigtime.

I have other bikes to ride, it's not that big of a deal for me, but the way I have been neglected is my biggest issue.

As I have stated in other posts, I am not brand specific and I did look at several other brands/models before deciding on the FJR. As a purchaser I always take my time and weigh all aspects of the purchase before I buy.

What Yamaha may or may not know, they have added a negative aspect to their brand everytime I am ready to purchase a new bike. Like I said Yamaha is playing a dangerous game. Kawasaki has the ZX-14 coming out, Expect Suzuki to come out with a fine sport tourer in the not too distant future, expect an update to the ST1300, ........BMW, Aprilia, Ducati, Triumph and others. Yamaha should not be so confident that they can :****: with their customers and expect them to be repeat buyers.

They have a fine motorcycle in the FJR, they should stand behind that product with much better customer service/communication.

For those who dont want to hear our complaints then don't read them

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

All you newbies. Got nothing better to do. go ride. Oh sh** I forgot. YOU GOT NO FJR.