Dealer assembly and prep fee
#41
11-18-2018, 08:48 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
#42
11-18-2018, 08:48 AM
Looked at and rode a low mileage (475 miles) 2018 Sport Glide today. We got into negotiations on it and they dropped a $957 assembly and prep fee on me. I get the charge on a new bike, but I feel like the original owner paid that fee when they bought. I shouldn't have to pay for assembly again. I realize there's some prep work on a used bike, but not that much. Looking over the rest off the paperwork I see the normal taxes and fees. However I do question $125 for document fees. What's the thoughts on acceptable fees?
#43
11-18-2018, 09:57 AM
Tourer
Looked at and rode a low mileage (475 miles) 2018 Sport Glide today. We got into negotiations on it and they dropped a $957 assembly and prep fee on me. I get the charge on a new bike, but I feel like the original owner paid that fee when they bought. I shouldn't have to pay for assembly again. I realize there's some prep work on a used bike, but not that much. Looking over the rest off the paperwork I see the normal taxes and fees. However I do question $125 for document fees. What's the thoughts on acceptable fees?
I don't like the term "stealership" either. Its a business owned by individuals trying to make the most they can, like every other business. We don't have jobs because our employers take less when folks will pay more.
If you let folks bend you over, that's on you. When buying a bike, they aren't taking anything you aren't giving them.
Last edited by Blackjack1; 11-18-2018 at 09:59 AM.
The following users liked this post:
cacomly (11-19-2018)
#44
11-18-2018, 10:01 AM
Tourer
Have some fun with them.....tell them you want to take the bike to an Indy or another dealer to have it checked over (much like you would do in a private sale). When they get offended, explain your offense on the prep fee and that you’re merely seeking justification of the fee.
#45
11-18-2018, 10:16 AM
Tourer
Looked at and rode a low mileage (475 miles) 2018 Sport Glide today. We got into negotiations on it and they dropped a $957 assembly and prep fee on me. I get the charge on a new bike, but I feel like the original owner paid that fee when they bought. I shouldn't have to pay for assembly again. I realize there's some prep work on a used bike, but not that much. Looking over the rest off the paperwork I see the normal taxes and fees. However I do question $125 for document fees. What's the thoughts on acceptable fees?
#46
11-18-2018, 10:30 AM
Tourer
Reminds me of a comedian who had a routine about this stuff, including the "multi-fee fee".
Load of BS, "fee" implies paid to someone else, which it obviously ain't.
Regarding "prep" on a used bike, I guarantee you that the dealer went over that bike with the guy who sold it to them, and beat him down on the price because of all the "prep" it needed to be ready for sale on their floor.
As everyone says, ignore the line items, add tax, title, and license to what you're willing to pay for the bike, and that's your total. Get the dealer close enough to that, so you're willing to close the deal, or take a hike. Especially now, there's more bikes than buyers out there.
Load of BS, "fee" implies paid to someone else, which it obviously ain't.
Regarding "prep" on a used bike, I guarantee you that the dealer went over that bike with the guy who sold it to them, and beat him down on the price because of all the "prep" it needed to be ready for sale on their floor.
As everyone says, ignore the line items, add tax, title, and license to what you're willing to pay for the bike, and that's your total. Get the dealer close enough to that, so you're willing to close the deal, or take a hike. Especially now, there's more bikes than buyers out there.
However you slice it; the dealer is in business to make money, not friends.
What it boils down to is: what you (buyer) are willing to pay.
#47
11-18-2018, 04:27 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
if it is still posted, they've moved it. it is no longer under the 'specs and pricing' link on the motorcycles pages. if you know where it is, i'd like to see it again. i saved a screen shot of it previously, but would like to know where they are hiding it now.
#48
11-18-2018, 04:56 PM
Road Warrior
All the bs dealer fees are additional profit. Obviously the dealers have them because there are a few lay-downs out there that will pay full price plus the fees. It also gives them more negotiating room for those who want a haggle price.
In todays market, you should be able to negotiate all of those fees, plus some more money, off the price of a new bike. So a buyer needs to know what the individual dealer is charging for these bs fees before negotiations even start.
In my area, most dealers price a used bike so that any "reconditioning costs" associated with putting the bike in a sellable condition are not shown. Although its easy for a buyer to compare one new bike to another new bike it's impossible to compare one used bike to another used bike. Each used bike is unique as far as color, options, mileage and even that little scratch on the front fender. Strong dealers know that and can "stand tall" more on a used bike than on a new bike.
HD dealers are slow to respond to market changes. That's 1 reason why HD sales are down. Dealers won't recognize the demand isn't like it was back in 1999 or 2000. The days of HDs bringing over MSRP for new bikes are long gone. Heck, back in the early 90s, used HDs brought more money than new ones! That's not true anymore either.
In todays market, you should be able to negotiate all of those fees, plus some more money, off the price of a new bike. So a buyer needs to know what the individual dealer is charging for these bs fees before negotiations even start.
In my area, most dealers price a used bike so that any "reconditioning costs" associated with putting the bike in a sellable condition are not shown. Although its easy for a buyer to compare one new bike to another new bike it's impossible to compare one used bike to another used bike. Each used bike is unique as far as color, options, mileage and even that little scratch on the front fender. Strong dealers know that and can "stand tall" more on a used bike than on a new bike.
HD dealers are slow to respond to market changes. That's 1 reason why HD sales are down. Dealers won't recognize the demand isn't like it was back in 1999 or 2000. The days of HDs bringing over MSRP for new bikes are long gone. Heck, back in the early 90s, used HDs brought more money than new ones! That's not true anymore either.
#49
11-19-2018, 09:37 AM
Intermediate
Go to HD's website, then at the very bottom of the page is a small link that says "[#]View All Disclaimers" It's on of part of #6 when you click that.
#50
11-19-2018, 10:16 AM
Seasoned HDF Member