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Dealerships like that need to be blasted on every social media out there. If enough people know about this type of BS and avoid doing any business with them, theyll be forced to change their deceitful ways.
Nope, High Octane has been screwing people for years and they continue to thrive. I don't know how they do it, my guess is that some Harley riders don't care how much it costs as long as they can afford the payments.
And they sit back and wait until you stop making payments! Repossess, and sell it again. The few times I went there I felt like a piece of meat in a lion's cage!
Y'all really should let the MoCo know of your experiences. As hungry as they are to claw back market share (and operating income), I would hope they cared about customer impression left by their own dealerships.
"Yes, "bait and switch" tactics in auto sales are considered a form of fraud and are illegal, as they violate consumer protection laws and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
"Bait and switch" occurs when a dealership advertises a specific vehicle at an attractive price, but then claims it's unavailable or steers the customer towards a more expensive option.
Why it's illegal:
These tactics are considered deceptive and unfair trade practices, violating the FTC Act and state consumer protection laws.
FTC's Role:
The FTC is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws, including those related to deceptive advertising and sales practices, and has issued a Notice of Penalty Offenses Concerning Bait and Switch Sales Practices.
Examples:
Advertising a car at a low price, but then claiming it's sold or unavailable.
Steering a customer towards a more expensive model, even if the advertised car is available.
Misrepresenting the terms of a deal or the availability of discounts or rebates.
Consumer Protection:
The FTC's CARS Rule, finalized in December 2023, aims to combat auto retail scams, including bait-and-switch tactics, by adding truth and transparency to the car buying process.
Reporting:
If you believe you've been a victim of a bait-and-switch tactic, you can file a complaint with the FTC or your state's Attorney General's office. "
It is juvenile but effective, don't forget about the good old "stink bombs" you can buy at joke shops and online. You can drop some off every Saturday and sales event.
Monadnock H-D in Swanzey NH may be a viable alternative. I have used their service and parts dept but did not by a bike from them. They are a small shop, friendly, and when you walk in they don't start any of the BS.
Manchester H-D blows, but the one time I dealt with the parts dept the guy I talked to seemed knowledgeable. When my friend decided to move from his Kawasaki to a Street Glide in the winter of 2020 Manchester H-D tried to steer him to something else and told him H-D stopped making touring bikes, so he better buy something on the floor now. He ended up ordering and buying a 2021 Street Glide from Rochester.
The one time I walked in there to get a drain plug seal a sales lady accosted me and asked if I was interested in a new bike. I said Nope, just bought a used 2020 Road Glide. Without missing a beat she said Well that bike will be out of warranty in a few months so you better trade it in. I didn't bother replying. They are sleazy as sleazy gets. I feel bad for the few employees who may just want to do a good job and make a living.
"Yes, "bait and switch" tactics in auto sales are considered a form of fraud and are illegal, as they violate consumer protection laws and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
"Bait and switch" occurs when a dealership advertises a specific vehicle at an attractive price, but then claims it's unavailable or steers the customer towards a more expensive option.
Why it's illegal:
These tactics are considered deceptive and unfair trade practices, violating the FTC Act and state consumer protection laws.
FTC's Role:
The FTC is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws, including those related to deceptive advertising and sales practices, and has issued a Notice of Penalty Offenses Concerning Bait and Switch Sales Practices.
Examples:
Advertising a car at a low price, but then claiming it's sold or unavailable.
Steering a customer towards a more expensive model, even if the advertised car is available.
Misrepresenting the terms of a deal or the availability of discounts or rebates.
Consumer Protection:
The FTC's CARS Rule, finalized in December 2023, aims to combat auto retail scams, including bait-and-switch tactics, by adding truth and transparency to the car buying process.
Reporting:
If you believe you've been a victim of a bait-and-switch tactic, you can file a complaint with the FTC or your state's Attorney General's office. "
Unfortunately, an appeals court struck down the CARS rule. 😡
I just had the opposite experience at Indian of Sturgis. Bought a FLHTCU(unseen) that was advertised at $6,999 a $200 dock fee. Negotiated down to $6600, bike was as described and ready to go when I go there....no additional or hidden fees & the sales person Abby was awesome!
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