Trade Spotlight: Scooter Specialist
Stan continues his guide to the best bits of Ireland (by scooter) with another top tip in the build up to VWD – this time combining a visit to Scooter Specialist NI.
Founded in 2013, Scooter Specialist Northern Ireland (SSNI) is the only official Piaggio dealer in Northern Ireland, and its spacious showrooms on Great Victoria Street, Belfast, are less than a mile from the Titanic Quarter. Here owner Jim Dorman offers almost everything the discerning Vespisti could require – from comprehensive workshop facilities to gifts and everything in between.
Too good to miss
“My background is in engineering,” said Jim, “I came over to Belfast in 1995 and being a long standing Mod was quite surprised to stumble across a lot of like-minded people. Around six years ago Belfast’s long standing Piaggio dealership closed when the owner passed away. It seemed like too good an opportunity to miss and I tried to take it on as a going concern. For various reasons that wasn’t possible but I did secure the franchise. We opened five years ago and in hindsight starting afresh was much easier. It enabled me to put my own stamp on things from the outset.”
With a blank canvas to work from, Jim set about creating his ideal business, and the result is much more than a scooter dealership. “I wanted to create a space where riders of all types would feel comfortable,” explained Jim. “For most scooterists, their chosen ride is part of a broader lifestyle, something I understand
intimately and I try to reflect in the range of stock we carry”. Alongside the more practical offerings from Tucano Urbano, Oxford and Feridax, is a wide range of casual clothing that will impress the most discerning rider. With a wide range of gifts and unique souvenirs on offer, Scooter Specialist Northern Ireland has evolved from being a mere scooter dealership to a lifestyle shop, and there really is something for everyone.
Award-winning service
Commuters are also a big part of Scooter Specialist Northern Ireland’s business and the light, airy showroom is designed to put them at ease. There’s a comfortable seating area with soft drinks, and a window into the workshop allows nervous owners to see what’s happening to their pride and joy.
“While buying a scooter is still relatively inexpensive, the ticket price is only the start,” said Jim, “potential owners must also budget for clothing, insurance, training and maintenance. It can be a big decision and we don’t hard sell here. Instead we offer the widest range of machines possible and try to find the best match for the customer. It shouldn’t be a hurried process and when the decision’s made we try to make collection special. I have a lot of repeat custom so we must be doing something right!”
Scooter Specialist Northern Ireland was awarded the Belfast Business Award for Customer Service in its first year of trading, and has subsequently received multiple awards for outstanding customer service.
As one of the region’s scootering focal points it’s unsurprising that Scooter Specialist Northern Ireland also offers full workshop facilities, both for routine servicing and for more in-depth work. Jim and his team have the experience and facilities to deal with everything from a classic Vespa to the most modern of autos.
Since Scooter Specialist Northern Ireland joined the ranks of Piaggio dealerships it’s rapidly gained a solid reputation that’s based on experience, and fuelled by passion. Scooterists visiting the area needn’t worry about finding support should they find themselves in difficulty. Jim and the team are on hand to help. After all, it’s in their name.