No customer service skills.

[cornishcarlos]

Talking about Pop rental.

Got a supposedly new PCX 150 from them this morning on a 5 day rental. Checked the bike over properly ie noting all minor damages, checking tyres and fluids. Didn't notice that the dash was on Trip reading and therefore didn't see the actual kms on the bike.

Stopped for fuel on the way to Doi Inthanon and reset trip and then changed dash back to odometer. 38,000km on the clock, so not new bike at all. Anyway, think to myself that they are just trying to rent all their bikes out and on I go, up to Doi Inthanon. Nearly to the ranger station and coolant over heat light comes on, so I stopped and checked the water tank. Empty and can hear coolant boiling. So call Pop with not much success, as in my wife is told nothing they can do..! So I let it cool down, top off the tank and keep going to our accom a couple km further. By the time we park up, it's boiling again and empty.

I have to say, the woman at Pops is the rudest lady I have ever had the pleasure of talking to. Her answer, get it back within 50km and we will pick it up. No mention of 'sorry'.. Next suggestion, leave it at a police station and thank you very much. If I had crashed the bike or got a puncture, I would understand but an unserviceable bike is not my problem, it should be their problem. Apparently not Really tempted at this point to launch the thing into a ravine, not going to but would love to. They haven't got my passport after all, just 5k cash..

Anyway, I will now have to change my plan and route, go back to town in the morning and try for a full refund.

So, check bikes fully and completely before renting and never deal with that grumpy rude woman at Pops. She even told me that I couldn't talk to the boss as he doesn't speak English, really

That's it, rant over...

[FolkGuitar]

I'm sorry that you had trouble on your ride. That's never fun.

But... did you read the contract before you signed it? It states quite clearly that unless they will only pick up the bike if it's within 50k, no matter what the problem is.

It states that the renter is responsible for getting the bike back to the shop.

By the way, did you ride the bike back to within pickup distance, or leave it at the cop shop?

[rakchaingmai]

if you just put a bit of water in it and not coolant you could of got it back .

[cornishcarlos]

I read the contract.. I am staying in Doi Inthanon tonight and will take it back in the morning. Shame, as we were planning on continuing through to Mae Hon Song.

More the usual lack of service skills that annoyed me. Phantip is full of complaints about this lady, never looked on there before though

[NancyL]

Yeah, it pays to do a bit of research. I never rent motorcycles and somehow I've picked up the vibe that this place should be avoided.

[FolkGuitar]

Yeah, it pays to do a bit of research. I never rent motorcycles and somehow I've picked up the vibe that this place should be avoided.

"This place" is nine different places, and the oldest and largest motorcycle rental business in Chiang Mai. Having just returned from a four-day motorcycle ride on one of their rentals, I have nothing but the highest praise for the condition of the bike itself, and the customer service I received from three of the four different staff members with whom I had contact. I asked for a reliable bike that would take two of us through the high mountain twisties safely and in comfort on a long distance ride, and the bike they recommended did just that. I asked for a rear rack to be installed and they put it on. I asked for a pair of hard box saddlebags, and they supplied them for free. During the rental I dealt with Pop himself, and with his wife and a mechanic. Nothing but smiles and good service from all three.

But being a life-long motorcycle rider, as well as someone familiar with renting vehicles in Thailand, I rented the bike the day before we planned to leave on our ride. I took it for a 75 kilometer ride that included the Samoeng Loop so that I'd know how the bike handled the roads and the conditions we'd be riding over the following week, and yet staying within the 50k radius so if there was a problem I wouldn't be stranded. The comfort of knowing we did what we could to eliminate any surprises was worth the cost of an extra day's rental to me.

On that test ride I discovered that the windshield wasn't adjusted for 'my' size, and the rear brake could have some slack taken out of the travel. When I got back to town I rode into Pop's place, explained the problems, and had them corrected. Pop wasn't around and I dealt with his wife. Pop speaks more than enough English but his wife doesn't. Gestures did the trick. 10 minutes later I was on the road again.

I will add, though, that when I returned the bike at the end of the trip, I did deal with a young woman who was rather nasty. Very snapish and rude about returning my deposit. She tried one of the typical 'hand over the money with a scowl with head facing a different direction' moves that is often seen here. I just put my hand out... about 5 inches to the left of hers and waited so she had to look back to see where to put the money. Childish of me, I know... but it felt good.

[daveAustin]

Some Pops are better than others. Had a right bag in the main one before Loi Kroh, followed by a gem of a guy in the one opposite within the old town. They seem better for bigger bikes/scramblers. Try to get a refund, op, and perhaps go for Mr Mechanic on Moon Muang.

[bristolgeoff]

pops is one of the places you should be careful about or avoid.they are many more better places to rent and ask a few people they will tell you to avoid it I imagine

[Tokay]

I went there to rent a truck last year, but walked out instead. They were incredibly rude and wouldn't fully answer any of my questions.

[cornishcarlos]

Yeah, it pays to do a bit of research. I never rent motorcycles and somehow I've picked up the vibe that this place should be avoided.

"This place" is nine different places, and the oldest and largest motorcycle rental business in Chiang Mai. Having just returned from a four-day motorcycle ride on one of their rentals, I have nothing but the highest praise for the condition of the bike itself, and the customer service I received from three of the four different staff members with whom I had contact. I asked for a reliable bike that would take two of us through the high mountain twisties safely and in comfort on a long distance ride, and the bike they recommended did just that. I asked for a rear rack to be installed and they put it on. I asked for a pair of hard box saddlebags, and they supplied them for free. During the rental I dealt with Pop himself, and with his wife and a mechanic. Nothing but smiles and good service from all three.

But being a life-long motorcycle rider, as well as someone familiar with renting vehicles in Thailand, I rented the bike the day before we planned to leave on our ride. I took it for a 75 kilometer ride that included the Samoeng Loop so that I'd know how the bike handled the roads and the conditions we'd be riding over the following week, and yet staying within the 50k radius so if there was a problem I wouldn't be stranded. The comfort of knowing we did what we could to eliminate any surprises was worth the cost of an extra day's rental to me.

On that test ride I discovered that the windshield wasn't adjusted for 'my' size, and the rear brake could have some slack taken out of the travel. When I got back to town I rode into Pop's place, explained the problems, and had them corrected. Pop wasn't around and I dealt with his wife. Pop speaks more than enough English but his wife doesn't. Gestures did the trick. 10 minutes later I was on the road again.

I will add, though, that when I returned the bike at the end of the trip, I did deal with a young woman who was rather nasty. Very snapish and rude about returning my deposit. She tried one of the typical 'hand over the money with a scowl with head facing a different direction' moves that is often seen here. I just put my hand out... about 5 inches to the left of hers and waited so she had to look back to see where to put the money. Childish of me, I know... but it felt good.

You are the guy that always takes out the extra insurance too, aren't you... Admit it

[cornishcarlos]

I got the bike back to CM, few top up stops.. Talked with Pop, the boss that didn't speak English yesterday, he learnt overnight it would seem... All sorted very quickly and rode out on a new PCX 150 after 5mins.

Now up in Baan Rak Thai after an awesome days riding.

It's a lottery I guess

[watcharacters]

Yeah, it pays to do a bit of research. I never rent motorcycles and somehow I've picked up the vibe that this place should be avoided.

"This place" is nine different places, and the oldest and largest motorcycle rental business in Chiang Mai. Having just returned from a four-day motorcycle ride on one of their rentals, I have nothing but the highest praise for the condition of the bike itself, and the customer service I received from three of the four different staff members with whom I had contact. I asked for a reliable bike that would take two of us through the high mountain twisties safely and in comfort on a long distance ride, and the bike they recommended did just that. I asked for a rear rack to be installed and they put it on. I asked for a pair of hard box saddlebags, and they supplied them for free. During the rental I dealt with Pop himself, and with his wife and a mechanic. Nothing but smiles and good service from all three.

But being a life-long motorcycle rider, as well as someone familiar with renting vehicles in Thailand, I rented the bike the day before we planned to leave on our ride. I took it for a 75 kilometer ride that included the Samoeng Loop so that I'd know how the bike handled the roads and the conditions we'd be riding over the following week, and yet staying within the 50k radius so if there was a problem I wouldn't be stranded. The comfort of knowing we did what we could to eliminate any surprises was worth the cost of an extra day's rental to me.

On that test ride I discovered that the windshield wasn't adjusted for 'my' size, and the rear brake could have some slack taken out of the travel. When I got back to town I rode into Pop's place, explained the problems, and had them corrected. Pop wasn't around and I dealt with his wife. Pop speaks more than enough English but his wife doesn't. Gestures did the trick. 10 minutes later I was on the road again.

I will add, though, that when I returned the bike at the end of the trip, I did deal with a young woman who was rather nasty. Very snapish and rude about returning my deposit. She tried one of the typical 'hand over the money with a scowl with head facing a different direction' moves that is often seen here. I just put my hand out... about 5 inches to the left of hers and waited so she had to look back to see where to put the money. Childish of me, I know... but it felt good.

That one way to handle it. i prefer to just let the Missus handle all money matters. She never loses her cool.

"I will add, though, that when I returned the bike at the end of the trip, I did deal with a young woman who was rather nasty. Very snapish and rude about returning my deposit. She tried one of the typical 'hand over the money with a scowl with head facing a different direction' moves that is often seen here. I just put my hand out... about 5 inches to the left of hers and waited so she had to look back to see where to put the money. Childish of me, I know... but it felt good. "

[2020]

Yeah, it pays to do a bit of research. I never rent motorcycles and somehow I've picked up the vibe that this place should be avoided.

"This place" is nine different places, and the oldest and largest motorcycle rental business in Chiang Mai. Having just returned from a four-day motorcycle ride on one of their rentals, I have nothing but the highest praise for the condition of the bike itself, and the customer service I received from three of the four different staff members with whom I had contact. I asked for a reliable bike that would take two of us through the high mountain twisties safely and in comfort on a long distance ride, and the bike they recommended did just that. I asked for a rear rack to be installed and they put it on. I asked for a pair of hard box saddlebags, and they supplied them for free. During the rental I dealt with Pop himself, and with his wife and a mechanic. Nothing but smiles and good service from all three.

But being a life-long motorcycle rider, as well as someone familiar with renting vehicles in Thailand, I rented the bike the day before we planned to leave on our ride. I took it for a 75 kilometer ride that included the Samoeng Loop so that I'd know how the bike handled the roads and the conditions we'd be riding over the following week, and yet staying within the 50k radius so if there was a problem I wouldn't be stranded. The comfort of knowing we did what we could to eliminate any surprises was worth the cost of an extra day's rental to me.

On that test ride I discovered that the windshield wasn't adjusted for 'my' size, and the rear brake could have some slack taken out of the travel. When I got back to town I rode into Pop's place, explained the problems, and had them corrected. Pop wasn't around and I dealt with his wife. Pop speaks more than enough English but his wife doesn't. Gestures did the trick. 10 minutes later I was on the road again.

I will add, though, that when I returned the bike at the end of the trip, I did deal with a young woman who was rather nasty. Very snapish and rude about returning my deposit. She tried one of the typical 'hand over the money with a scowl with head facing a different direction' moves that is often seen here. I just put my hand out... about 5 inches to the left of hers and waited so she had to look back to see where to put the money. Childish of me, I know... but it felt good.

As I was reading your post, I thought to myself 'this sounds like a very experienced person indeed'.

Then after reading about the hand placement, I realised you are an absolute expert!!!!

Well done!

[Johpa]

I got the bike back to CM, few top up stops.. Talked with Pop, the boss that didn't speak English yesterday, he learnt overnight it would seem... All sorted very quickly and rode out on a new PCX 150 after 5mins.

Now up in Baan Rak Thai after an awesome days riding.

It's a lottery I guess

I have had nothing but good experiences from renting from one of Pop's outlets, the small one on the corner across from the Stube managed by King. But yes, rentals are always a lottery and as one previous poster noted, always take the rental for a local ride, I suggest the Samoeng loop, before heading further afar.

Now head over to Pang Ung, have a coffee at the first shop on the left and then relax along or on the reservoir.

[FolkGuitar]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Yeah, it pays to do a bit of research. I never rent motorcycles and somehow I've picked up the vibe that this place should be avoided.

"This place" is nine different places, and the oldest and largest motorcycle rental business in Chiang Mai. Having just returned from a four-day motorcycle ride on one of their rentals, I have nothing but the highest praise for the condition of the bike itself, and the customer service I received from three of the four different staff members with whom I had contact. I asked for a reliable bike that would take two of us through the high mountain twisties safely and in comfort on a long distance ride, and the bike they recommended did just that. I asked for a rear rack to be installed and they put it on. I asked for a pair of hard box saddlebags, and they supplied them for free. During the rental I dealt with Pop himself, and with his wife and a mechanic. Nothing but smiles and good service from all three.

But being a life-long motorcycle rider, as well as someone familiar with renting vehicles in Thailand, I rented the bike the day before we planned to leave on our ride. I took it for a 75 kilometer ride that included the Samoeng Loop so that I'd know how the bike handled the roads and the conditions we'd be riding over the following week, and yet staying within the 50k radius so if there was a problem I wouldn't be stranded. The comfort of knowing we did what we could to eliminate any surprises was worth the cost of an extra day's rental to me.

On that test ride I discovered that the windshield wasn't adjusted for 'my' size, and the rear brake could have some slack taken out of the travel. When I got back to town I rode into Pop's place, explained the problems, and had them corrected. Pop wasn't around and I dealt with his wife. Pop speaks more than enough English but his wife doesn't. Gestures did the trick. 10 minutes later I was on the road again.

I will add, though, that when I returned the bike at the end of the trip, I did deal with a young woman who was rather nasty. Very snapish and rude about returning my deposit. She tried one of the typical 'hand over the money with a scowl with head facing a different direction' moves that is often seen here. I just put my hand out... about 5 inches to the left of hers and waited so she had to look back to see where to put the money. Childish of me, I know... but it felt good.

You are the guy that always takes out the extra insurance too, aren't you... Admit it

Actually, I never ask for more insurance. I'm really not financially wise, and simply never think to do so. If my wife is along at the time, she's the one who inquires about such things.

I got the bike back to CM, few top up stops.. Talked with Pop, the boss that didn't speak English yesterday, he learnt overnight it would seem... All sorted very quickly and rode out on a new PCX 150 after 5mins.

Now up in Baan Rak Thai after an awesome days riding.

It's a lottery I guess

It always is. In the case of this shop, one's experience really depends on with whom one deals. As I stated, I had a very positive experience. Pop handled all my needs well, as did his wife and the mechanic. The only person with whom there was even any negative vibes was the young woman, and my dealings with her lasted all of 30 seconds and not even any conversation. Just her attitude.

I've rented motorcycles in many different countries. And just like cars, there are often 'hidden problems' that the rental shops aren't aware of. Taking a test ride usually sorts out the problems. An extra couple of hours checking can make or break a nice vacation. It shouldn't have to be this way, but it's really not such a big problem.

[cornishcarlos]

All is good in the world...

Lessons learnt