From reading many threads about how someone whines about a dealership "screwing them over" or calling them crooks, is usually when the person has an idea in their head on how something is going to happen (purchasing a bike, getting work done, buying this or that), and it going completely different than what they had dreamed up. Joe Blow reads on here that Jim Swallow got a great deal on a new bike and was able to talk the dealer down $6k and got several goodies for free (assuming that actually happened), so Joe tries to negotiate for his new bike and doesn't get the awesome deal previously mentioned. Suddenly the accusations start flying and the place is labeled a "stealership" trying to wring you for all your hard earned money since they didn't drop trou, and didn't take it up the backside over the deal.

I don't own my own business but I do moonlight on the side. I dont have a building or people to employ or any overhead so I usually charge very little compared to actual businesses around the area. Those HD temples didn't build themselves and they've got people to pay, so I would venture that the guys that go in for free hot dogs and drink and don't at least buy a little something, are the ones that deserve the label of "stealer."

 

While my wife was in the hospital having my son, my AC failed... in July... in Georgia... with my in-laws in town. I called a local HVAC company to have them diagnose and fix it. I'm working off the phone, paying over the phone, because I haven't left the hospital. I agreed to pay the $800+ to have the fan motor fixed. They charged me $600 and change for the motor. Googling the part number when I got home, I found it for $120. I agreed to the price and paid it, so do I have a right to bitch and not suggest people go somewhere else?

 

Me thinks thou dost protest to much!

You do realize that this thread is not about you, don't you? No one accused you of anything, but here you are jumping down one person's after another's throat to defend yourself. I am pretty sure that absolutely no one in this thread bitched about anything you did as it relates to your business. So why are you so incredibly touchy? I sounds to me like this entire thread (that was not aimed at you) is hitting way to close for your comfort. I wonder why that is? While I only faintly know that you seem to have some sort of music equipment business I can be pretty sure that I would never want to do any business with someone like you.

Just to let you know, I do own my own company (Tax ID number and all), so that is another thing you screwed up on. For some reason though, that fact does not make me want to rabidly defend myself against folks who are unhappy about a Harley dealer. I wonder why that is?

 

More or less had the same experience when I went shopping for my Road King, first new bike I've owned. Hit 4 local dealers, knew exactly what I wanted and had cash. One I actually had to corner the sales manager to talk to him and he acted like I was seriously imposing on him doing it. 2 others kept trying to sell me a street or RG instead of the RK and the last was honest saying they didn't have the bike but could get it in 6 to 8 weeks. I decided to blow the whole idea off to a later time.

Of the 4 the last was the only one that took me serious, got a call saying he had that bike I had been looking for was I still interested. No commitment, no promises he just took a chance a few months down the road and made a sale doing it. Suck part is the dealer in question was a local icon that had been a family owned business for decades, sold out a year after I bought so now I get to wrestle with the 1st three in this story if I need something. Hasn't been a positive experience to date.....

 

At least you got the bike before he bailed.

 

I do at time would purchase HD parts from specific dealerships. There are some in my area I do not care for. In regards to servicing my bike, I do what I can otherwise it goes to my Indy shop(known these guys since the 70's).

 

 

Dealers don't dare do this around here. Sometimes, people dressed as bums have A LOT of money.

$$$,$$$,$$$...

 

Not just a woman thing. I normally get pestered to death as soon as I walk on a lot. However, for some reason the local BMW dealer wouldn't give me the time of day. My wife and I were in our mid 20's and dressed nicely looking at a little 325i convertible one day and 5 salesmen were standing there totally ignoring us. I walked up to them and they all turned and walked away. Walked out and got in my new truck that cost more than it did and never went back.

I've used the term stealership from time to time to talk about our closest dealer, not because they really steal, but it sure feels like it. I spent thousands of dollars on parts and service there and they were always rude, arrogant, and extremely high pressure. I don't think I ever left there happier than I came in. Definitely not a dealer where people actually hang out. I'm not sure how places with such poor customers service stay in business other than most people don't want to travel the extra distance, or they just think that's the way it is. I'd rather ride another 100 miles to another dealer where I bought my last bike from, where everyone is friendly and helpful. The prices are the same, but I don't feel like I'm getting screwed because I leave happy. I obviously don't mind spending money since I've owned several HD's and everything that goes with it, but life's too short to deal with pompous A-holes.

 

Doesn't bother me. Bikers give nicknames to all kinds of people and businesses, Cagers, newbies, wantabe's, posers, and yes stealerships. I find most of the time if you take offence it's because you feel you fall into one of these categories.
Jonnierock