New help for motorcycle customers to avoid hidden costs and faulty bikes If it’s too good to be true – it might just be. That’s the main message behind a new scheme to protect motorcycle consumers from rogue traders. The Buy With Confidence website www.buybikeswithconfidence.co.uk was launched with the idear to give customers clear information about the quality assurances that come with buying a new motorbike, moped or scooter from an MCI member (Motorcycle Industry Association). The scheme was set up at the request of MCI members, who were concerned about some internet based companies competing aggressively on price, while making huge compromises on quality and service.
A new code of practice will give peace of mind to customers buying from MCI members, protecting them from issues which have been reported from buyers of less scrupulous manufacturers and importers. These include hidden costs, poor quality machines, expensive and limited availability of parts as well as unclear protocol over delivery, assembly and registration. Road bikes bought from MCI members will always be ready-assembled and safety checked. In addition, the Buy With Confidence website sets out clear pathways for any problems, should they arise.
To see which manufacturers are members of the MCI and for tips on ‘what to look out for’ when buying a new bike – the website is available here www.buybikeswithconfidence.co.uk Comment Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCI says ‘Before this scheme was introduced, it was often difficult for buyers to spot which traders were potentially going to give poor service and quality. People are often seduced by very low prices but the general rule is – if it’s too good to be true – it probably is. A swanky website won’t necessarily mean good service and quality, so the way to avoid problems when buying a new bike is to look for the Buy With Confidence logo.’ ‘Hopefully this scheme will reduce the number of stories we hear about customers who’ve had bad experiences buying from the internet and will help place the high standards offered by MCI members as the norm for the whole industry.’
The MCIA’s Buy With Confidence Programme has been developed to provide peace of mind to customers purchasing a motorcycle, scooter or moped.
