Stealers?
As for the mechanics, just like most mechanics at car dealerships, they're nothing more than parts changers....for the most part. Occassionally,you can find agray beard at a "stealership"that knows his crap, but most are gone on to other shops where they get paid more for their knowledge.
(1) They are selling a product for a certain price. If you think it's too high, move on! Same thing that goes on daily at Office Max, Best Buy, JC Penney, etc.
(2) If their parts prices offend you, there are places like Chicago HD that offer EVERYONE a 20% discount. Your local dealership's choice to NOT offer a discount does not make them a crook.
Look guys.......if the dealership actually did something ILLEGAL to you, or tried to pull a quick one on you, they deserve the "stealer" title and you should press charges and prosecute them. Otherwise, they're just a business selling a product for the price that they think they deserve for the goods. If they're not in agreement with your opinion, then just stay away. That DON'T make them bad people.
On average, Harley T-Shirt from Dealership = $25.95...again, this is for a T-SHIRT!
And a lot of us that consider dealerships "stealerships" DO buy elsewhere, we have moved on to better places. So we DO have the right to call it a "stealership".
Just like I wouldn't shop for shoes or clothes at high-end stores. They charge too much.
And don't take the word "stealership" so literal. Whoever startedthe phrasewas witty enough to rhyme "deal" with "steal". That's all.
And if you're too blind to see that dealerships are overcharging, then that's your problem. If you want to go to a dealership and pay their bloated prices, go ahead. It's your dough. They need you as their customers to stay in business.
There are some dealerships that do charge morethan others for the exact same thing. These are the true "stealerships". Using T-Shirts as an example again, I can find a T-Shirt at one place for $23.95 vs. another dealership that charges $28.95.
I keep reading threads about the "stealers". I am sure there are some dealers that are less than honest, and I dont doubt that for a minute.
My local DEALER is honest, helpful and upfront so far. Are they the most economical for repairs or parts? I am sure they are not, but they have the professionals and the resources to get what I need and repair my bike. Sometimes that is worth more than anything.
I guessmy point is that not every HD DEALER is trying to rip you off.My job is working for a new car DEALER and we deal with the same mentality everyday. Many people think that we are always trying to overcharge, or cheat them on repairs. This is just not the case with our particular shop. We go the distance trying to make sure that our customers get the best repairs and prices for parts and service. Its pretty tough to take when people think you are always out to cheat them and you bust your *** everyday trying to help them out. There are more shops and dealers out there that are honest and trying to help than you think. Next time you need something, give them a chance and you might be surprised.
There must be some techs and HD dealer employees out there that feel the same way.
My .02
Call them what you will but the vast majority of the dealers and their staff are honest hard working people. The average consumer would be well advised to research the product prior to spending money, and remember that magazine tech articles and glossy ads are designed to get a emotional/wallet response from the consumer. Determine what you want, will it work, and is it a proven product and then go seek out a reliable shop/dealer to assist you. Never been in a dealership where thesole purpose was to cheat or otherwise defraud the consumer. Just my 1/2 cents worth.
MikeM
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Example...
On average, Harley T-Shirt from Dealership = $25.95...again, this is for a T-SHIRT!
From Webster: "1:to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice"
Note that the dictionary says TO TAKE property. Nobody's coming to our homes and TAKING our money.....to the contrary, we're seeking THEM out.




