Of course a salesman needs to make the call as to whether or not you’re lying. If you walk into a place and say I’m ready to plunk down $8500 for x, y or z bike and the salesperson says you have a deal and then you tell him sorry I was lying, the salesperson just wasted his time, and when it comes to making a living we are all on the clock. If you are dealing with someone who is lying to you, you could be neglecting someone who is looking to work with you in good faith. So the guy could have given him some number, even you said probably wouldn’t be his best number. These days you can get a decent idea of what any bike should cost by doing a little research. Like it or not in any transaction where price is negotiable-from a motorcycle sale to a leveraged buyout-the final price can only be hammered out when both parties are ready to make a deal. If you need a salesperson to give you a number you can usually get a rough number by telling him or her that you’re not ready to buy but just need a basic price range, most will give it to you; first rule of sales, make a friend. Actually if anyone here has seen Glengary Glen Ross, a great, great film, they know the real first rule of sales is ABC, Always Be Closing. However if you know that there is no way for a sale to close at that moment, you make a friend, that’s the best way to get their business when they are ready.
As for prejudging a potential customer by what he or she is wearing or the vehicle they drive up in, it is wrong and usually counterproductive for just the reasons you mention. However, accurately trying to assess whether that potential customer is being truthful with you is an important aspect of being a successful businessperson.
Absolutely agree with you about good sales people taking care of the person and not forgetting about the customer after the check has cleared. For example, a good sales person will act as his customer’s advocate in dealing with the service department or even a manufacturer when it comes to things like borderline calls on whether something is or is not covered by warranty. Most who have been around for a while realize it’s much easier to make a living from returning customers and referrals, and will go the extra mile to make sure you come back. Obviously this is where the customer’s ability to assess comes into play, if you feel you are being viewed as nothing but a wallet with legs just move on. The few $$$ you might save, and I stress the word MIGHT, will quickly be forgotten as your bike sits in the shop and your rep asks you “what’s your name again? what did you buy? when do you think you’ll be looking for a new bike? Sorry, can’t help you, you’ll have to speak with service.”
To shift gears from the above paragraphs, for some reason whenever I walk into a car dealership I am immediately approached by a salesperson. The bike shops I’ve been in seem to give me more space, though when I’ve asked for help I’ve always gotten it. I realize this isn’t a cultural difference between motorcycle and automobile dealerships just a peculiarity I’ve noticed in my limited visits to motorcycle dealerships.