Talkback: George White becomes Mega Motorcycle Store

I agree with Joe White's comments.

The auction was a mess, really busy at the beginning but by the time it reached the new bikes it was virtually empty inside and I struggled to keep up with which bike was up for auction!

The queues were ridiculous, payment by card must have been over 2hours to queue, the cash queue was "only" 45 minutes. Two tills open to serve their big marketing hype.

95% the gear was Frank Thomas, with prices very similar to their rates on the website before it folded. Similar with helmets, far too many unknown, cheap Chinese brands where the adverts were heavily promoting top expensive brands, most of which were still too close to full price to be a clearout.

Once you looked past the hype on the day, the deals weren't that good. Very disappointed and I'd rather take my trade to a more reputable chain (J&S or Hein Gericke) or independent down the road.

Glad I didn't go by the sounds of things. Are they just a one off or this mega store here to stay?

I would agree with te points re the Clothing sale, I went to Slough for trousers, there were about 3 pairs available , 905 of kit was FT , a few cheapr jackets, but some only by £10 or so chepaer than they were before .....prices of a lot of items like gloves were no cheaper, a few bargains to be had , but came out empty handed . It is extremely dodgy that someone has started up a new company selling their kit having been a Director of George Whites previously, how do the people who lost their money as suppliers and customers feel seeing that going on....

This is called a pre pack. Basically, they know their trading insolvantly. Illegal if your a limited company. They will have been not paying suppliers and selling stuff that hadn't been paid for for months before going bust and reappearing as a new company. I would guess that there would have been no other bidders for the company as the deal is done prior to them going.

It's totally legal if immoral. More fool the suppliers for keeping stock heading their way but even suppliers have enormous margins and can write down losses in these cases. They even get their VAT back.

Landlords will get their money as the new company will need a base and certain suppliers will get some cash, I'm sure a deal that pays something will be struck with key suppliers. Other brands will be bought from other dealers that want the volume. Called 'trading on' so they will almost be like the old GW.

It will probably happen again, the people that do this can't resist once they do it once. After all, they still have their houses, cars and bank accounts. Plus they make money as they never pay...

It's wrong and bikers/customers should walk away but they won't, we all want something for nothing and so long as we don't lose money, who cares right???

I'm joking of course. Support your regular dealer, they need your business more.

New bike sales are on their knees at the moment with motorcycle firms going to the wall every week, im sure that the directors of George white didnt run the company in to insolvency on purpose.

the price of motorcycle kit is hugely inflated so whilst your feeling sorry for them spare a thought for all those "extra" pounds they've taken out of your pockets over the years

it is a proper shame that customers lost there deposits and from what ive read manufacturers are doing their up most to honor deals

but times are very hard for this industry and its the same for every other type of company that goes bust.... there will be victims

its not the first company to do it and its not the last. i say if someone can resurrect a profitable company from the ashes of George white ...good for them

bought a pair of BT midland city bluetooth sets from George whites, one unit is faulted, where can I have the unit repaired or replaced under the guarantee...