I have found that the generall concensus in "my area" and on
this forum is that the Arctic Cat dealers don't know what
they are doing.
They dodge any recall and warrenty issues, they can't answer any real questions about your sled without looking at the service or parts manuel and then your answer is just a "I will have to contact A/C".
There are a thousand other examples of complete incompetence!
If I ran my businesses dept. like this I would be out of work!!
Short of opening up a dealership of my own there has to
be something we can, as a snowmobiling public do! http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

I am suprised to hear that. When I have tech questions I always go right to the back and talk to the machanic. The sales guys at the desk dont know anything accept how to sell. If your mechanic is the one who always has to phone then I would be making a call to cat and telling them what is going on.......

I feel for ya buddy, I have come to a conclusion that most arctic cat dealers have DAD disease, (dumb @ss disease). What really scares me is when I have more parts on hand than most dealers. I am wondering what it would take to become a dealer?

I'm *sorry to hear the problems you guys are having. *My initial response would be the same folloing the purchase of my first AC sled. *But that dealer went under and I have had a very good relationship with my new dealer.

About $200,000.00 canadian.....so I dont think a couple springs and a helix is going to do it fast600.....If you did have a cat dealership you would also order as you go because the way the weather is it doesnt take much to go belly up. And for the record the dealers are not reqired to know anything other than stock specs. and if they dont than you should be on the phone with Cat.

The dealer mechanics where I go don't seem to know a
thing when I ask them about clutching, jetting
and modifications. Everything they do is right out of
the book. I can't tell you how many times I have heard the
phrase "I would'nt do that to your sled it might blow up".
or "I'm not quite sure the set up for that machine" or
"We only jet it down one and leave it" etc,etc,etc.
It is really frustrating!
I have found only one place for good advice in my area
but they are a small aftermarket shop with limited
resources and very expensive. The only other place is my garage and longtime race pals with a larger parts inventory of "real" wear items on hand.
I would name all of the incompetent dealers in my area but
since that would be all of southeastern Wisconsin they may
put a hit out on me! http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

As long as the dealers sell their(A/C's) products and make money off of them, that's all A/C cares about. It's no different that any other company in the world-bottom line=money....unfortunately.

That is the way our world unfortunately works. Arctic is not going to cut-off a dealer that makes them money....neither would any other company.

I like so many other people in this world have nothing but problems with most any company that we have to deal with when it comes to warranty and customer service. Wether it be cell phones, sleds, furnature, cars...it doesn't matter.

It's frustrating...I know. http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif

:angry:This is the response I got when I phoned my Arctic Cat dealer yesterday with a constant prob with my new Cat
"I'll have to phone Arctic Cat" *http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif *http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Sled Head, I always run stock. I have 4 dealerships that I go to within a 100 mile radius. I can guarentee you not one will have any stock helix's, springs, or even clutch parts on hand. If I am lucky they might have comet bushings on hand. Comet bushings will work on an arctic clutch.

There is absolutely no reason that any A/C dealer should
in any way say "I don't know what the problem is"!
It is unacceptable.
If A/C accepts there "Certified" dealers to conduct business
the way most of them do then what does that say
for Arctic Cat themself!
My brother owns a SkiDoo and does business with
Robs Performance in Johnson Creek Wisconsin. They have
always been helpfull nomatter what the question or problem.
For example: He had a runability problem with his machine
when we were 250mi away from home. He made the phone call to them expecting them to say "We can't help you untill you bring it in." We were wrong, they talked him through the problem and said "If thats not it tell us where you need to take it up there and we will have them fix right away free of
charge." (The sled was in at Rob's early before the trip for that related problem).
None the less I know none of the Cat dealers would have helped like that!!!!!!
The problem is that to many people are excepting the poor
service from the dealers.

TaxiCat, I know of a good Cat dealer in central Minnesota that would help you out. *I talk to their mechanic all the time and he is very helpful. *He's talked me thru many fixes or updates. *Very accomodating.

I've heard many stories of local Polaris and Ski-doo dealers displaying the same lack of knowledge and assistance that you describe. *I don't think a Dealer needs to be flying green to be incompetent. *Don't get me wrong, I know of a couple Cat dealers I would never do business with. *Bottom line is all brands have good and bad dealers. *You just need to find the good ones and choose that brand. *Back to the initial post, it would really be nice to be able to "report" these incompetent dealers and make them answer to someone. *Maybe that's were the problem lies.

Before our local A/C dealer went out of business you could get any help you needed (clutching, jetting, etc.). I did like sled-head and just went to the back and talked to the mechanics face to face or if I phoned in I would ask to speak to one of the mechanics. I still call one of the guys at home or at his new job to ask questions (with his permission of course).

Let's not overgeneralize here. *TAXICAT, you make some pretty big accusations there when you use the terms "Arctic Cat dealers..." and "they...", you're saying EVERY Cat dealer. *If I were a dealer and knew that you made that statement w/out visiting my dealership, which I took pride in, and then you came in for svc, I probably wouldn't serve you either.
I'm sure if you ask owners of other brands, they will also have horror stories to tell. *It's like the old saying goes, bad news travels a lot faster than good. *How many Cat dealers are there, and how many of the good stories do we NOT hear about. *I'm definately not saying any of the bad service is permissable, but I guess a nerve was struck because it sounds like every Cat dealer is being ridiculed for bad service, and that just isn't so. *
How many people here fill out their customer surveys or call CAT directly w/names of dealers and their personnel when they do receive bad service? *That's the most important thing all of us can do. *At our GM dealership, I want to hear about any bad service our customers may have...that's the only way I truly know where we need improvement. *It would be nice to see the sled makers adopt the same sort of CSI control measures as the auto industry.
Sorry to vent guys, just hate when innocent people are brought down by generalizations.

Hey guys I guess I am lucky.....because my dealer is good. I have had all brands and all the local dealers are good and know me by name. I feel sorry for you guys with no dealer support because I know how important it is when you need help and have a long list of questions. Alot of my brand choice has to do with the dealer.....thats why I ride cat. On saturday I am going sledding and can only haul 3 sleds but 4 of us are going so my dealer in lending me his duramax crew cab and enclosed 4 place trailer all decked out in cat decals.
I have aquestion for snowmonkey.....why dont you support your local dealer and shop at auto gallery because I guarantee you they will bend over backwards to help you and they atleast answer their phones......You must dealing at nicks Service.......thats what happens when you deal with a gas station they must be to buisy pumping gas to answer the phone.

Jim Fritch,
I am not generalizing!
No not all A/C dealers are bad. Perhaps in Ill they are better.
Have you used any of our larger Cat dealers? (with a very technical problem)
I am saying that a large majority of people have had problems
getting there dealership to help them out.
Is it fair to a customer that bought a brand new sled and having it fail only a week after the purchase and then being
told it will be 2weeks to get it fixed?
(this happened at 2 dealers)

There does seem to be a large portion out there that do not perform the service that they promise.

If there are great dealers out there people need to know who they are!!!!!
This is a service orientated business and people want great
service. Not everyone can be best friends with the owners of
those businesses.

Taxicat, I somewhat understand what you're saying, but if a person reads your initial post on this topic, it seems that you're saying all dealers are bad. *Now you say not all dealers are bad, but a "large majority" have had problems w/their dealers...large majority compared to what?http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??? * Do you mean that over 50% of people that bought Cats this year have had problems....that would be a majority. *You say that 2 dealers have told customers it would be 2 wks to fix their new sled....that's unfortunate, but it's definately not a majority! *So you are generalizing. *Get the total number of Cats sold this year and the total number of complaints, then see if you have a majority. *
As the general public, we can either complain to Cat about a dealer, or the BBB.
Sorry to be hung up on this, 'nuff said.

This makes me glad I am a mechanic and can fix the majority of my problems.The thing I can't stand about the dealer though is this. I stop at say a cat dealer on my way up north to pick up some slides. They bring them out and they are a set of aftermarket slides with a sticker on them such as "marshall's" If I wanted aftermarket slides I would have mail ordered a set I tell the guy. He say's "sorry thats all we have we don't carry cat slides there about $4.00 higher in price" If I wanted to replace my slides thre times a year instead of one I would have bought aftermarket. Oh, don't even tell me there the same, they are not, I have been riding 25 years and know, the aftermarket slides burn up in a heartbeat. Kevin

I agree with you

I have had mixed experiences with dealerships but overall I seem to be treated like a king until I fork over the cash and they have it in their hands. Once they've made the sale there is a sudden loss of interest in any of my questions and concerns. This wouldn't seem to be healthy for repeat business in my opinion and I've yet to be back to the same place twice. I'm 21 and have bought 3 sleds from 3 different dealerships. All equally unimpressive experiences.

Jim Fritch,
I apoligize in advance for going on about this subject, but maybe I wasn't clear in my earlier postings. *It may be that I am generalizing, but when there are only 5 A/C dealers in a 125 mile major metropolitan area and all have shown less than competant results when it comes to servicing my brothers sled, 2 friends sleds, and my own sled, it is very unnerving. *In one year alone, between 3 people we collectively spent over $20,000 in new sleds. *All of us have had a problem, no matter how major or minor, but the end result was the same---none of us felt *assured by our dealers......The business transaction doesn't just end with the sale!!!!! I am fortunate that I do know a thing or two about servicing my own sleds and those of my friends....the only reason why I would seek the assistance of the dealership is for major mechanical failure. *Unfortunately, they have been less than adequate in there helpfullness.... Don't misinterperate what I am saying...I love A/C sleds and couldn't imagine switching brands but , I really wish Arctic Cat Dealers (in Wisconsin, excluding Trackside in Eagle River)would back-up their product!!!!!!! *
Your point is well taken. Should I have a problem in the future and the dealership doesn't perform to the expectations that I or any other A/C owner can expect, I will certainly contact Arctic Cat directly with the problem. Or better yet, maybe I can contact you for servicing.
Thanx * *






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I must be very lucky if you guys are having problems with your AC dealer. One day I was riding by my local dealer so I stoped to say hello when they found out that I was having problems with my carbs. They drove it into the garage and fixed the carbs for free!!! http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif *http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif My sled ran much better and I was a lot more happy with it. Now thats my kind of great dealer. *http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif *http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Great Insider, it's good to hear positive experiences instead of just the negative. * http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Here (in Northern New York) we also have several snowmobile dealerships that leave a bit to be desired. Whether it is lack of service, knowledge, or common decency it is easy for dealers to get away with this when demand is so high! (In New York State the number of registrants have increased 50% in the last year&#33http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif *I have visited a local dealership several times & each time I was treated like I was lucky to be there, like they were doing me a favor. A buddy of mine snow checked a 2002 500 from the same dealer & is still treated like POOP! *He still has to ask for the “15% off ALL accessories” he was promised when he bought his sled there. *Sorry guys, if I spend 6,000 bucks at your business I expect you to know my name (or at least my face), treat me with respect, & live up to the deal that was struck. As consumers, it is up to use to spread the word. *As smart consumers, it is up to us to buy from good dealers! * *

For all of you in the Tug Hill (Northern New York) area looking for AC parts & service, I recommend http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif *D & D Cycles @ 315-376-8013 (Lowville) & http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif *NESCO @ 315-287-3140 (Governeur). I have had GREAT experience, response, service, & advice from both. *Of course these dealers ride AC & modify sleds for a living & that is the difference. *Go to a dealer that is into snowmobiling, not one that uses it as a sideline business.

I can't complain about my cat dealer they've always treated me well and only once i had to wait more then a few days to get my parts in and that was because they were back ordered. As for knowing customers i can pull up in my car and the parts will be waiting on the front desk when i get in side. Thou maybe this is because their not in a big city but i am very happy with them. Now a different brands dealer i can not say the same at all.

I have 6 Cat dealers that are all within a 45 minute drive from my house, and of course the one that is closet gives the least amount of customer service. So I just kept shopping around until I found the most satisfactory, and he is the farthest away. But I don't mind the drive knowing that when I go in there that I will be treated right, plus I found his pricing to be lower than all the others. It does amaze me how some places can stay in business, shouldn't the customer come first?But with that said, no business that I know of just sells sleds, they have their ATV's, mowers, chainsaws etc. that they have to push too. *What I know is that my money is green, and if I don't think they are worthy,they aren't getting it.

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