Need help - Suzuki dealer in Medellin

I have been attempting to purchase a new Suzuki 650 V-Strom here in Poblado with a total cost of 22,000,000 COP with accessories. I was told it would be ready 22 August, but nothing to date. The dealer was insistent that I pay for the cycle in total before delivery, but I declined. I ask for a purchase agreement which would be the norm in the U.S. He simply gave me his business card with the price written on the back along with the their Bank Account number. Apparently Suzuki S.A. of Colombia doesn't trust their dealers since full payment must be made directly to Suzuki and not the local dealer. I've been told by several Colombians that this is normal and not to worry.

I've been around the block a few times and don't pay in full before seeing the merchandise. I have a friend who works for transito and he advised me to be careful. I would at least like to see the cycle and have a "purchase agreement" before making the transfer of funds. Suzuki of Poblado makes it difficult to contact them and they continue postponing the expected delivery date. I called this morning and they have no idea when they might have the cycle here in Poblado. The sales manager doesn't return calls, so I'm wondering what the warranty and service will be like if I continue with the planned purchase.

I would like to know if this is how most dealers handle sales in Colombia. In the U.S. the salesman usually calls the customer not the reverse. I hate begging!!! , but I would like to purchase the Suzuki.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone having experience with Suzuki of Poblado. I'm particularly interested in what I might expect from their service department following the purchase.

By elk on Sep 3, 2007, 12:03 in Friendly Talkzone.

Medellin Traveler says on Sep 3, 2007, 13:00:

Elk,
WOW!
Sorry to hear about your troubles. It sure is interesting how they do business in some countries. We, in the US, are just used to being pampared. :)

I know you want the bike but I would just tell them to call me when you get the freakin' bike. Yeah right, like I'm going to pay in full with no contract agreement!!

Good luck.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Wastelandlive says on Sep 9, 2007, 10:19:

Elk,

Throttle back and trust your instincts. You are headed for some bad ju ju with this deal. Outright theft is unlikely... but they are going to fail to perform, and then they'll point the finger at the distributor, who will point the finger at somebody else... and what to say?

It's Colombia. What are you going to do about it when your money is tied up for months with no bike to show for it?

You don't need that anxiety. Sometimes doing business in the developing world means understanding when there is no deal and walking away.

My advise would be to have one last conversation with the dealer and tell him - politely - that you don't care how "things are normally done here."

When they've got the bike, you'll have the money.

Meanwhile, start shopping elsewhere. Why not try talking to the distributor, or Suzuki in Bogota? I'll bet you get some interesting answers...

Wasteland