Big People Scooters

Reviews 6

JI

Jim Kastner

I do not spend a lot of time on the internet reviewing shops, restaurants, etc. in general. I recently did have Vespa repairs done here and wanted to get this out there. The entire experience inspired me to action. First, the dropoff. The employees were 15 minutes late opening up at 10:45 on a Saturday. They didnt appear too concerned with keeping hours, or even providing decent customer service. I was instructed to leave the bike out back, off the alley. OK, seemed a little shaky as a check-in process, but I did as instructed. I knew I needed a battery, and after a quick consult of their records (they actually do keep records, a plus!) they determined I needed some service work as well. Done! Also, a front tire. I was told they had about a dozen bikes before mine, and it would be 10-14 days. Not a problem I said. On day 11 I got a call, asking which tire to replace. The front one, still. A week later I called, saying its ready, except which tire(s) did I want to replace. I was a little worn out by then, and said forget the tire I will pick up ASAP. They were closed that Saturday (everyone going to a rally) so we set the pickup for Tuesday. When I picked up, the bike was super dusty and the floorboards were coated in some disgusting black slime of an indeterminate nature. The takeaway is there is a real lack of customer service for what Id suggest is a higher-end product in its category. I am not a white glove, Nordstrom type, but from start to finish the whole transaction (yeah, they do charge Nordstrom prices) felt like Soviet era IDGAF service. Ill find a new shop for the tire. In fairness to the shop, they did (apparently) perform the work well and efficiently. If I hear their service improves, Ill consider returning. Follow up: Vespa quit running within 50 miles of being serviced. It had no oil in it! Yes, when I called they apologized, gave me some oil to add myself and credited the labor charge for the oil change that never was. New take away; lousy service and VERY suspect with performing the work.

---

AD

Adam Anderson

I went to Big People Scooters to buy a Vespa. I had the same experience of being an "inconvenience" to the sales person right off the bat. In addition, there was a continual "haze" as to what the features of each bike were, what year model was from, etc. I had done a lot of reading on the Vespa site, so I found myself informing the salesperson of what the features were. Finally, I decided on a model. I confirmed with both of the salespeople that it was a model 2015, and confirmed it through listing the features of the 2015 over the 2014. I made the downpayment and went home. I found on the paperwork that they had listed the model year as "20", leaving off the year. So I called to confirm the exact model year. The sales person wasnt sure which year it was (that haze again), 2014 or 15, but confirmed the ABS and traction control features, which are 2015 features. I took the bus in to pick up the bike, and I saw on the title paperwork that it is a 2014. I told the salesperson that wasnt the bike I was purchasing, and wanted my $200 back. After he refused and said he couldnt do that, I had to threaten calling VISA and BBB, and pointed out the paperwork where the year was left half blank, suggesting that the "haze" of information was a subtle form of deceit. Suddenly he was able to refund my money. Bottom line, I experienced a long thread of coordinated deceit between both salespeople. Dont trust them.

---

A

A Private User

Ive been taking my scooter there for all of its servicing since I bought it in June of 2006. After my first service I noticed an Oil leak comming from the Oil Filter. They said that its covered under warranty. I brought it in they fixed the problem and charged me for yet another oil change. My latest problem was when I brought it in for a recall on my Piaggio x9 500 that still under 10,000 miles. When I dropped it off I told them about it stalling when cold starting. I picked it up, started it and it stalled within 30 seconds. They kept it for another week to solve that problem and when I was on my way home I noticed paint flaking off of my left rear view mirror. When I got home I noticed 4 areas with scratches that werent there when I dropped it off. I took pictures and emailed them to what I though was the owners email then proceeded to call him. He told me hed look at the pictures and call me back. That was over 6 weeks ago. Ive emailed twice and still no contact from them. I wish theyd just own up to what they did. Go to Tacoma for your Piaggio and Vespa servicing

---

A

A Private User

So, I like to fix my scooter myself, and that may be the difference, but they have always been super helpful getting me the right parts. They have even offered me advice when Im stuck and looked over things I broke when I made mistakes. Its a vespa certified shop, which is a great bonus for vespa owners if you need original parts. The other thing I like about them is that if they cant get me a good price, they know where I can go. I always come back to buy things here when I can to help support them and I always will. They have been around for somewhere around 20 years and know what they are doing. The only issue I have is not their fault; original parts from piaggio can be more expensive and I wish they stocked more of the good aftermarket stuff. Vespa Seattle has all the tshirts and such, this shop is where you go for service and parts. they are all under the same umbrella. Also, I hope google will update thier new location at 1st ave.

---

MA

Mark Holmes

These guys are dishonest and in my view, crooks. We purchased a new scooter and paid with a credit card (full price). They couldnt get it started and said to come back the next day. We did and it still didnt run. They said it needed a part and would try and get it done. We finally picked it up and transported it all the way to Idaho. To our shock it would not run. We hauled it all the way back.and give it to them and told them to call us when it was fixed. They never called back. Months went by and still no call, and no responses to e-mails. We finally demanded our money back but they said they couldnt? Why is that? Now they have their defective scooter back as well as our money. Weve written then, called them and e-mailed them. Crickets. Now we have to take them to small claims court. Nightmare. Stay away please!!!!!

---

MI

Mike D

I cant complain about the products since they are made by Vespa. But my opinion of Vespa Seattle is that they are very unethical. I called on the phone to get quotes on parts and when I got there to pick them up, they raised the price by 20%-30%. I not only experienced this 1 time but 2 times. The first time I thought it was just a mistake but the second time I confronted them about it and they said "thats what the computer says" and didnt even ask what they had quoted over they phone. If I could buy from somewhere else I would. Ive bought some things online just to avoid them. They are lucky they are the only Vespa shop in town. I wonder how many other people have experienced this. I hope that after this review they will change their ways.

---

---