Was at a dealership today - not feelin' it.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 928
Likes: 589
From: Connecticut
We put the cost into the invoice, and if the customer paid cash, they'd get a few dollars back. Unadvertised , just did it.
Last edited by Trumpet; Jun 15, 2025 at 04:15 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,054
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
It's not just Harley-Davidson.
My God who goes back to the dealership for oil changes when you buy a new car?
Or any work that isn't under warranty?
Or for a part that you can get elsewhere.
My dad would roll over in his grave if he knew I went to a dealership or something like that.
My God who goes back to the dealership for oil changes when you buy a new car?
Or any work that isn't under warranty?
Or for a part that you can get elsewhere.
My dad would roll over in his grave if he knew I went to a dealership or something like that.
Why?
The dealer cant claim I didn't service them properly if a warranty issue arises.
I can't write off my personal time doing the jobs myself whereas I can if I pay someone to do it, it reduces my taxable income without lifting a finger.
When I trade it in to that selling dealer I'll get better treatment.
Most importantly I have better things to do with my time than change the oil on my truck then have to dispose of it.
When I buy a new bike I'll put it in my company name and do the same, not to mention free oil changes for as long as I own the bike are part of the deal on a new Harley (at my dealer anyway).
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 657
From: Eastpointe, MI
I go to the selling dealer for everything done to my truck or my wifes and Im a licensed mechanic with a car repair shop. I have never changed the oil, replaced wiper blades or rotated the tires or brake jobs on my daily drivers I bought new.
Why?
The dealer cant claim I didn't service them properly if a warranty issue arises.
I can't write off my personal time doing the jobs myself whereas I can if I pay someone to do it, it reduces my taxable income without lifting a finger.
When I trade it in to that selling dealer I'll get better treatment.
Most importantly I have better things to do with my time than change the oil on my truck then have to dispose of it.
When I buy a new bike I'll put it in my company name and do the same, not to mention free oil changes for as long as I own the bike are part of the deal on a new Harley (at my dealer anyway).
Why?
The dealer cant claim I didn't service them properly if a warranty issue arises.
I can't write off my personal time doing the jobs myself whereas I can if I pay someone to do it, it reduces my taxable income without lifting a finger.
When I trade it in to that selling dealer I'll get better treatment.
Most importantly I have better things to do with my time than change the oil on my truck then have to dispose of it.
When I buy a new bike I'll put it in my company name and do the same, not to mention free oil changes for as long as I own the bike are part of the deal on a new Harley (at my dealer anyway).
I find it fun.
But I understand your point if you don't enjoy it.
To reach his own.
(Those dealer oil changes ain't free)
Last edited by Robertbc3141; Jun 15, 2025 at 05:37 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 964
Likes: 1,352
From: South of Heaven
I go to the selling dealer for everything done to my truck or my wifes and Im a licensed mechanic with a car repair shop. I have never changed the oil, replaced wiper blades or rotated the tires or brake jobs on my daily drivers I bought new.
Why?
The dealer cant claim I didn't service them properly if a warranty issue arises.
I can't write off my personal time doing the jobs myself whereas I can if I pay someone to do it, it reduces my taxable income without lifting a finger.
When I trade it in to that selling dealer I'll get better treatment.
Most importantly I have better things to do with my time than change the oil on my truck then have to dispose of it.
When I buy a new bike I'll put it in my company name and do the same, not to mention free oil changes for as long as I own the bike are part of the deal on a new Harley (at my dealer anyway).
Why?
The dealer cant claim I didn't service them properly if a warranty issue arises.
I can't write off my personal time doing the jobs myself whereas I can if I pay someone to do it, it reduces my taxable income without lifting a finger.
When I trade it in to that selling dealer I'll get better treatment.
Most importantly I have better things to do with my time than change the oil on my truck then have to dispose of it.
When I buy a new bike I'll put it in my company name and do the same, not to mention free oil changes for as long as I own the bike are part of the deal on a new Harley (at my dealer anyway).
Anyway, adding in the random scratches and other damage that magically appear after the vehicle comes out after service, the dealer will never see my truck again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 6,884
From: NC
With the cost of rent, utilities, insurance, social sec, unemployment insurance, and hired help going up, a business needs to recoup where it can. Don't agree with it but many do it. Its against 'terms of service' to surcharge CC purchases, but it's very common now.Plus the CC company's surcharge includes sales tax, but us small business guys are killing it /sarcasm. Try losing 100k year plus in processing fees, bleed green.
We put the cost into the invoice, and if the customer paid cash, they'd get a few dollars back. Unadvertised , just did it.
We put the cost into the invoice, and if the customer paid cash, they'd get a few dollars back. Unadvertised , just did it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,144
From: Las Vegas
The employees at my local dealer always treat me very well, but the dealership has implemented policy and retail price changes that have done me dirty. No more veteran discounts, charging over the posted price for parts listed on the HD website, as well as ridiculously priced consumables. This is a very busy and high volume store in sales, parts and service, but they don't see me much these days. If you look, it's pretty easy to find everything you need in the aftermarket.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,096
Likes: 12,640
From: South Carolina
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,335
Likes: 3,758
From: Florida
I really don’t want to offend the folks who like the new bikes.. if you’re happy, cool I’m glad of that. It’s just my opinion.. but the new bikes “All” look like big hunks of plastic fakeness. They look like they turned Harley into 1995ish Honda Shadows and Virago’s. Why did a portion of the masses get influenced to think the blacked out plastic look is better than steel and chrome. It nauseates me to even walk through anymore.
Once you’re in there one of two things happens,either everyone ignores you and are on their phones probably checking linked in and seeing if their resumes are getting hits.. or… They come over in desperation and try to sell you anything. If you’re there for parts… good luck, they have no stock, nobody knows what part your after and it all turns to “you’d be better off talking to the sales person to trade in than buying this part”
I jump onto this forum and read all this talk of superior handling and greater power and I get all caught up in the frenzy and start imagining myself on a cutting edge brand new bike. Then I walk through the dealership and see these souless metric sounding Japanese fake Harley’s with real Harley logos and I’m totally turned off. Sometimes I realize there is actually a motorcycle under the giant IPad glued to the handlebars. I feel like if used car salesmen ran the Apple Store it would just be a new stealership. Then, I go home and look at my chrome ”real” Harley’s both well over 125 RWHP and realize a new one would be a huge step backwards.
Pretty sad.
Once you’re in there one of two things happens,either everyone ignores you and are on their phones probably checking linked in and seeing if their resumes are getting hits.. or… They come over in desperation and try to sell you anything. If you’re there for parts… good luck, they have no stock, nobody knows what part your after and it all turns to “you’d be better off talking to the sales person to trade in than buying this part”
I jump onto this forum and read all this talk of superior handling and greater power and I get all caught up in the frenzy and start imagining myself on a cutting edge brand new bike. Then I walk through the dealership and see these souless metric sounding Japanese fake Harley’s with real Harley logos and I’m totally turned off. Sometimes I realize there is actually a motorcycle under the giant IPad glued to the handlebars. I feel like if used car salesmen ran the Apple Store it would just be a new stealership. Then, I go home and look at my chrome ”real” Harley’s both well over 125 RWHP and realize a new one would be a huge step backwards.
Pretty sad.
Last edited by Rains2much; Jun 16, 2025 at 07:07 AM.
