Motorcyclist Friendly, Comfort and safety at an affordable price
Written: Jul 14 '07 (Updated Jan 02 '09)
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Why Pay Full Price
Safe and comfortable motorcycle riding requires good quality, well performing gear. That gear can devastate your bank account to a level that rivals what happened when you purchased your motorcycle. Heading back to your friendly dealer, sticker shock can tempt you to skimp on what could end up between your body and the pavement.
In a traditional motorcycle dealer you can always find a reasonable selection of quality gear. Prices are usually at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail price, and there will at least be a mirror to see if those new riding pants make your seat look fast enough. So why would you want to buy gear over the internet?
Closeout Outlets?
Outlets take advantage of all that supply and demand stuff that baffles students in college economics classes. When there are more of an item than stores feel they can sell, outlet stores are able to buy them at lower prices. Closeouts are items that are close to being discontinued, so a lot of the traditional stores are not real interested in buying a lot of stock. Again, outlet stores are able to buy them at a lower price. Since online stores do not have to maintain a bunch of brick and mortar storefronts because every computer connected to the internet takes their place, they can offer all their goods for a lower price. Having all these things going for them, an online closeout store can pick the highest quality, lowest cost, and highest demand gear to you in the comfort of your own home at an affordable cost.
The Site
At first glance the site looks pretty much like all the other motorcycle gear sites on the internet. Down the right side and on the bottom of the page are links to pictured featured popular products and their slashed prices. Under each product are the suggested retail price and the closeout price. Nothing out of the ordinary here, but it does demonstrate the depths of price cuts and range of gear available on the site.
In the middle is a section that covers what they believe are their most important notices. Recently these notices have covered things like their return, price matching, and package deals policies. Anyone who lurks around internet commerce sites understands the importance of upfront knowledge in these areas.
Along the left side, and easily spotted, are the links to different sections of the site. New stuff, shopping by brand, blow out sale items, street riding, off road riding, casual wear, GPS / travel route CDs, and gift certificate links speed your journey to your dream purchase. A search function that works pretty well is also provided.
All in all, navigation is simple, straight forward, and hassle free. Selection is much greater than can normally be found at most traditional motorcycle gear dealers.
Availability?
Each product detail page offers customers the service of immediately checking size, color, and style option availability through their real time point of sale inventory. If your wanted product is in stock you will know before you move on to the actual purchase tasks.
Ordering
Return customers are given the opportunity to maintain their delivery information in a password protected file on the site. First time customers continue to fill out the now customary internet order forms. Motorcycle Closeout accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and Pay Pal.
Product Questions
Motorcycle Closeout does maintain a true storefront along with their website. Located in the northern part of Kansas City, Missouri, it is your typical strip mall accessory store. The few times I have stopped by I found service to be a bit above average. Why would this be important? It is not unusual for web based outlets to have a warehouse and a server. With a staff that has to interact face to face with customers actually shopping in their store they are used to discussing products while the customer has the product right in their hands. I believe this drives a potentially better service ethic. That said, calling their store directly puts you in contact with a sales representative who really does have the product available for reference during the discussion. The half dozen times I have called I have found their sales staff knowledgeable and friendly.
More On Brick And Morter - Motorcycist Friendly
Since moving back to the Kansas City area I have stopped by their storefront to pick up a pair of 3 Season Mesh Riding Pants for my son's birthday. It was raining that day and finding a parking place for my motorcycle near the door was a bit difficult. But once inside one of their employees noticed my still damp Aerostich Riding Suit and headed directly for me. Realizing that I was one of the only customers who had actually ridden that day, he told me that I would get preferred treatment! Riders take care of other riders, they understand the rules of the road.
About That Phone Number
Motorcycle Closeouts does not have a toll free number. While they will accept telephone orders there will be an additional $5 charge on your order. When I asked about this they did say that they would assist any customer in using their website, but wanted as many sales as possible to go through their automated system so as to be sure the site stock availability is up-to-date.
Shipping
Shipping charges are levied based on the sale price of the item. Ranging from $6 to $10 for UPS Ground to $26 to $30 for 2 day service, tracking numbers are provided via email when the item is offered to the carrier. Shipping is not initiated until bill information is confirmed, either the same or next business day. International and Canadian orders are not accepted, nor are orders are shipped to addresses outside the United States.
Returns
As is normally found with such sites, returns are only accepted after they issue a return authorization. While there are no restocking charges, you do have to pay for the return shipment. Since Motorcycle Closeouts needs to be able to actually sell items to remain in business, all returns must be complete, all tags still attached, and in their original packaging. With all that in mind, it is not surprising that no refunds are given, but exchanges are given for similar items or different sizes. A word to the wise is to always be sure you know what you are buying before hitting send on the order page.
Experience – Prices
Over the past three years that I have been buying from Motorcycle Closeouts I have found their prices to be highly competitive. In fact, I have yet to find a better price on gear other than at a rally where dealers are know to slash prices rather than ship their stock home.
Experience – Selection
It has been rare when I have not been able to find either the exact item I was looking for or the correct size in gear they stock. Their selection appears to rival that of any other like dealer. The availability feature has proven itself invaluable in assuring that the exact size or color is in stock and will be available to fill my order. One really helpful detail I have noticed was on a pair of boots I recently bought. There was a note that customers had reported sizes ran larger than marked, so customers should consider ordering a size smaller than they would usually buy. Earlier I found a similar note on some gloves where their sizes were running smaller. It is the little things that make the difference.
Experience – Returns
Because I have sometimes taken the time to discuss orders over the phone prior to a purchase, I have yet to find the need to return any item. Knowing I will have to pay the extra shipping costs encourages me to check sizes at a traditional dealer before ordering.
Experience – Shipping
All of the purchases I have made have been shipped using UPS Ground. Each has been received in good condition, and always on the scheduled delivery date. The UPS policy of leaving packages on the doorstep is a little worrisome, but it is possible to have a neighbor watch for the brown truck and secure the package.
Experience – Purchases
To date I have purchased first quality riding pants, jackets, gloves, and boots from Motorcycle Closeouts. All have been received exactly as expected, when expected, and at prices well below any other I have found in traditional stores. Comfort and safety at an affordable price.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: Don
Location: Metro Kansas City, MO area
Reviews written: 172
Trusted by: 149 members
About Me: Politics: Never let the truth get in the way of a good story
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