[Rapide561]

Hi

I have just been thinking about the number of business users that are openly using the forum, users such as Swift Group, Eddievanbitz, JohnsCross and Roadpro to name a few.

Do you think you would be more likely to buy from a business user of MHF, or does it make no difference?

Russell

 

[EJB]

Generally yes, I would buy (That's why they are here! It's called ADVERTISING!) but familierisation can be counter-productive.
It's a thin line that they tread and some times one or two of them can be really boring!

 

[Grizzly]

Do you think you would be more likely to buy from a business user of MHF, or does it make no difference?

A very good question Russell ! I like to think I'd be able to make a decision in an unbiased way but I'd have to be honest and say that I am more likely to choose a firm who come on here regularly.

A case of " better the devil you know " perhaps - ?

G

 

[carol]

It depends I think - on how they post - are they helpful but not overly advertising - as that is not really nice.

Being helpful when someone is stuck without actually saying we can do it for you - is not easy - and we know the JCM can often forget and add his contact details - but on the whole I would MUCH RATHER see them here as who they are, instead of hiding behind names like whatever they chose - I want to know that the person is Marquis if they are on here, or Brownhills if they are here too - not under a pseudonym - and I would think that if they were they should change and be a trade member.... my thoughts and mine only - whether others think that I don't know -

Does it persuade me to buy from them, in some instances - I have to say yes - it has.... it will also come down to price and job done as well - and if you get a good job done at a good price, then it is good to go back and leave feedback.

Carol

 

[DTPCHEMICALS]

It all comes down to the deal on the table for me everytime.
Aftersales service varies due to complexity of problems and distance to travel
Its no use travelling to JC if he does not stock manufacturer that i am interested in.


Dave P

 

[Rainbow-Chasers]

Like already said, it is a double edged sword - but generally you get to know how they operate which is beneficial to many buyers etc. It gives an insight which normally you wouldn't have!

In that respect it is a bonus to the buyer as well as the seller - I know I would far rather buy from someone that I had judged to be fair, than someone whom I had no idea of, and be at their mercy with nothing but hope!! As the old saying goes - forewarned is fore armed.

 

[cabby]

I would much prefer to buy from a company that we know on here, I cannot understand why any business would hide behind a pseudonym on here.
However if say Brownhills did come on here I expect before they had a chance to make good they would be shot down in flames and have abuse heaped down on them, so that maybe is why they might hide.which is a shame.
As I have a one dealership motorhome it is awkward for me to go elsewhere although I feel that I could avail myself locally in Sussex rather than go 70 odd miles to Portsmouth.

cabby

 

[buttons]

Many people go to a high street store for an in depth demonstration of a particular camera. Then they get the cheapest deal usually from the internet to make their purchase.
Why are motor homes any different? All this c--p about service can be sorted out after you have done the deal. The warrantee will be honoured at any participating dealer. If they don’t come up with the goods then go to another dealer. You don’t owe the dealer anything they are there to give a service not to be loved.

 

[bognormike]

A pretty hard-nosed assessment there from Buttons! :roll:
I'm sure it helps the trade members who are openly on here to have a "presence" - as has been said, it's a form of advertising, but we in the mods room have to look out for shall we say over-enthusiastic postings from trade members. .

As Cabby says, I can't see the point of traders registering under pseuodnyms, apart from trying to find out who is slagging them off. We know there are a few out there lurking, although we are not sure whether they know that we know who they are

Once upon a time Swift were getting a real pasting for quality problems, and Peter Smith bravely signed up openly as Swift; they took some stick on specific problems, and dealt with them. Now people come on here and say they are happy to buy Swift products BECAUSE of their presence on here, and the knowledge that any problems will be sorted.

 

[JeanLuc]

When purchasing anything of significant cost, one likes to understand a bit about the seller. In the case of a motorhome or many of its accessories, the personal commitment involved makes this even more desirable. So, on balance, I think the forum is a good way of getting to know a dealer in the first instance.
Most businesses today are trying to move beyond the simple 'push' model of advertising: i.e. they push messages at you and hope to get you to respond. They want to develop two-way interactions so they can get feed-back about what customers really feel and how they are likely to behave in the pre-purchasing, purchasing, and post-purchasing situation. It's an over-used term in marketing, but the name of the game today is 'engagement' not advertising.
I think there is value in having trade members of the forum. It shows a commitment to understanding their customers, not merely selling to them. From the purchaser's point of view, there must be some security in knowing that they are buying from a dealer who is openly accessible and would not wish to become the subject of negative conversation amongst a highly motivated community. And herein lies the rub! The value of the system depends upon the goodwill and pragmatic behaviour of all parties. It is no good if the forum becomes a soap-box for ill-considered ranting. The first recourse should always be to individual discussion, not public pillorying. Thankfully, we do not see too much of that on MHF.
One final point, I think it would be a good idea to have a membership category of 'Trade Member' which appears in the poster's profile at the left of each post. (Nuke, if this already exists, forgive me, but I have not noticed it.) I am sure all genuine traders would be happy to be seen as such 'at a glance' although I accept that we know who most of them are anyway. But it would be a good idea going forward.

Philip

 

[bognormike]

One final point, I think it would be a good idea to have a membership category of 'Trade Member' which appears in the poster's profile at the left of each post. (Nuke, if this already exists, forgive me, but I have not noticed it.) I am sure all genuine traders would be happy to be seen as such 'at a glance' although I accept that we know who most of them are anyway. But it would be a good idea going forward.

Philip

Philip - yes they are, when they are registered as a trade member, it comes up under their name and above the avatar.

 

[Fatalhud]

I must say Russel you picked the best of the bunch as your example,(Swift Group, Eddievanbitz, JohnsCross and Roadpro) and would have no problem dealing with or recommending them,
There is a dealer on here though that I take exeption too because most of his posts are slagging off his competitors products in the hope you will buy theirs. This is something I have never noticed the others doing
Alan H

 

[JeanLuc]

Philip - yes they are, when they are registered as a trade member, it comes up under their name and above the avatar.

I stand corrected. However, I've never seen any reference to 'trade member'. I checked posts from JC, RoadproAndy and Snelly but nothing appears there. I guess it's down to to whether people tick the box, although in the case of those three, they make it clear they are traders.

 

[DTPCHEMICALS]

In all the years of watching F1 i have never tried a cigarette.

I have never tried a pint of Carlsburg.

In fact i have never knowingly purchased a product as a result of advertisements.
No Reebocks Addidas or Nike have cluttered my wardrobe.

So much for the power of advertising

Dave P

 

[bognormike]

In all the years of watching F1 i have never tried a cigarette.

I have never tried a pint of Carlsburg.

In fact i have never knowingly purchased a product as a result of advertisements.
No Reebocks Addidas or Nike have cluttered my wardrobe.

So much for the power of advertising

Dave P

you use the word knowingly 8) ... these marketing guys are very clever with their subliminal advertising.... :roll:

Alot of it is making you aware of the products / services available.

 

[DTPCHEMICALS]

Hi Mike I have watched F1 for more years than i can remember, never tried a cigarette.
I am aware of thousands of products , but as soon as adverts come on the tv i switch off.
I do not read ads in magazines or newspapers.

At this moment I am wearing a pair of £15 jeans £10 polo shirt, Undies from where i do not know. M&S socks which were an xmas pressie.
In a few minutes i shall be out on a Suzuki. I never use Dulux paint.
You will not find any famous named goods in my wardrobe.

Now her indoors diferent story


Dave P
Advertised goods cary an on cost to the customer

 

[devonidiot]

I'm not in the market for any items from the firms which are members of MHF, I only wish I could afford some of their products!

There is one good aspect, being a trade member they are obviously not wanting any adverse comments publicised on this forum. It would be to their advantage to deal quickly with any problems which arise on these pages.

 

[Zebedee]

I stand corrected. However, I've never seen any reference to 'trade member'. I checked posts from JC, RoadproAndy and Snelly but nothing appears there.

Don't you see this Philip? (Trade Member under the username.)

Sounds like there might be something funny with your computer setup if you don't??

Dave

 

[buttons]

A pretty hard-nosed assessment there from Buttons! :roll:
Once upon a time Swift were getting a real pasting for quality problems, and Peter Smith bravely signed up openly as Swift; they took some stick on specific problems, and dealt with them. Now people come on here and say they are happy to buy Swift products BECAUSE of their presence on here, and the knowledge that any problems will be sorted.

That is a great little fairytale bognormike so why are so many disgruntled swift owners on this site having to deal with Fiat direct in an attempt to rectify many inherent problems. It was Swift who sold them their vehicle. I was under the impression that you return to your point of sale for any redress.

 

[bognormike]

I stand corrected. However, I've never seen any reference to 'trade member'. I checked posts from JC, RoadproAndy and Snelly but nothing appears there.

Don't you see this Philip? (Trade Member under the username.)

Sounds like there might be something funny with your computer setup if you don't??

Dave

does the slim version of MHF show that? jusy wonder whether he's using the cut down version...