negotiate price
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 91
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From: Dallas-Ft.Wth
negotiate price
for those of you who've bought a few bikes, do you have any good tips on the best approaches to negotiate price on a new bike? Much obliged for any info you may share...
For the car, I found this site that showed what the actual costs were. I added a bit of a markup to make it worth the dealer's time, then I just went with that. But for Harleys, I just keep finding the suggested retail price. And of course the dealer is happy to stick to that, seeing as I don't have any way to tell what the margin is. Not to mention, trading in my 2004 FLHPI may be making it easy for the dealer to hide markups.
I was hoping to get me a Road King with 110ci, but that quickly faded when I learned the suggested price on those. So I'm back to FLHR 96ci, but I sure feel odd going on suggested price alone.
I believe in keeping the dealer in business (where else am I gonna get OEM parts and authorized service?), but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I worry about these things, you know. / RoadWorrier
For the car, I found this site that showed what the actual costs were. I added a bit of a markup to make it worth the dealer's time, then I just went with that. But for Harleys, I just keep finding the suggested retail price. And of course the dealer is happy to stick to that, seeing as I don't have any way to tell what the margin is. Not to mention, trading in my 2004 FLHPI may be making it easy for the dealer to hide markups.
I was hoping to get me a Road King with 110ci, but that quickly faded when I learned the suggested price on those. So I'm back to FLHR 96ci, but I sure feel odd going on suggested price alone.
I believe in keeping the dealer in business (where else am I gonna get OEM parts and authorized service?), but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I worry about these things, you know. / RoadWorrier
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
It seems like it's easier for people to get accessories thrown in. Helmets or gift cards for sure. The HD dealers are quite strict... all of the ones near me at least. The salesman was quick to say "we are an MSRP dealer" but the slightest hint at asking for a free helmet got it thrown in. I mean how do you try to haggle when the guy stated that he wont have it.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: NEPA
Try to find out what the Kelly blue book says the bike is worth as a trade in.
Now look at what at a dealer would sell it for.
Consider any extras the owner has added ONLY if they have value to you.
Now, if the seller has listed an asking price, come in at reasonable offer if the bike is worth it on blue book and to you also.
Don't feel pressured, don't fall in love, don't have regrets. And don't insult the owner all in the same process.Look long enough and you will find what you want at the right price.
Walk the fine line.
Now look at what at a dealer would sell it for.
Consider any extras the owner has added ONLY if they have value to you.
Now, if the seller has listed an asking price, come in at reasonable offer if the bike is worth it on blue book and to you also.
Don't feel pressured, don't fall in love, don't have regrets. And don't insult the owner all in the same process.Look long enough and you will find what you want at the right price.
Walk the fine line.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
It's been close to 20 years since I worked in a dealership but back then the Markup was minimal. Most Dealers try to get you to buy at least a couple grand worth of accessory's when you buy a new bike to help make up for the low mark up. New bike sales are really just a way to get the parts and service business which is what supports a Dealership anyway.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
for those of you who've bought a few bikes, do you have any good tips on the best approaches to negotiate price on a new bike? Much obliged for any info you may share...
For the car, I found this site that showed what the actual costs were. I added a bit of a markup to make it worth the dealer's time, then I just went with that. But for Harleys, I just keep finding the suggested retail price. And of course the dealer is happy to stick to that, seeing as I don't have any way to tell what the margin is. Not to mention, trading in my 2004 FLHPI may be making it easy for the dealer to hide markups.
I was hoping to get me a Road King with 110ci, but that quickly faded when I learned the suggested price on those. So I'm back to FLHR 96ci, but I sure feel odd going on suggested price alone.
I believe in keeping the dealer in business (where else am I gonna get OEM parts and authorized service?), but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I worry about these things, you know. / RoadWorrier
For the car, I found this site that showed what the actual costs were. I added a bit of a markup to make it worth the dealer's time, then I just went with that. But for Harleys, I just keep finding the suggested retail price. And of course the dealer is happy to stick to that, seeing as I don't have any way to tell what the margin is. Not to mention, trading in my 2004 FLHPI may be making it easy for the dealer to hide markups.
I was hoping to get me a Road King with 110ci, but that quickly faded when I learned the suggested price on those. So I'm back to FLHR 96ci, but I sure feel odd going on suggested price alone.
I believe in keeping the dealer in business (where else am I gonna get OEM parts and authorized service?), but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I worry about these things, you know. / RoadWorrier
You can obtain a price range of used bikes from many sources, and you can get the actual dealer invoice report of any model from www.cyclebuy.com or other online sites for around $20. Bike salespeople, like car salespeople, are highly trained in techniques to close the deal and at thier price too, so educate yourself in the art of bike/car negotiations prior to trying to make that deal. All book stores have books on the subject and the process is really fairly simple, in fact it will simplify your entire purchase experience by eliminating all the normal BS that normally happens. The deal wants to make a profit (actually they are guarenteed of it due to what are known as hold-back charges which is the money the MOCO returns to the dealer at the end of the year for each bike sold) and your job is to try and minimise the amount of profit they made as much as possible.
You have to do your homework and you have to know how to negotiate, simple as that. Your not trying to "beat" the dealer or the salesman, just placing yourself on the same playing field with them, removing thier advantages. The best money I ever spent was $12 on a book on Car Negotiation many years ago. It has saved me tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Make them an offer, all they can say is no.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 2
for those of you who've bought a few bikes, do you have any good tips on the best approaches to negotiate price on a new bike? Much obliged for any info you may share...
For the car, I found this site that showed what the actual costs were. I added a bit of a markup to make it worth the dealer's time, then I just went with that. But for Harleys, I just keep finding the suggested retail price. And of course the dealer is happy to stick to that, seeing as I don't have any way to tell what the margin is. Not to mention, trading in my 2004 FLHPI may be making it easy for the dealer to hide markups.
I was hoping to get me a Road King with 110ci, but that quickly faded when I learned the suggested price on those. So I'm back to FLHR 96ci, but I sure feel odd going on suggested price alone.
I believe in keeping the dealer in business (where else am I gonna get OEM parts and authorized service?), but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I worry about these things, you know. / RoadWorrier
For the car, I found this site that showed what the actual costs were. I added a bit of a markup to make it worth the dealer's time, then I just went with that. But for Harleys, I just keep finding the suggested retail price. And of course the dealer is happy to stick to that, seeing as I don't have any way to tell what the margin is. Not to mention, trading in my 2004 FLHPI may be making it easy for the dealer to hide markups.
I was hoping to get me a Road King with 110ci, but that quickly faded when I learned the suggested price on those. So I'm back to FLHR 96ci, but I sure feel odd going on suggested price alone.
I believe in keeping the dealer in business (where else am I gonna get OEM parts and authorized service?), but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I worry about these things, you know. / RoadWorrier
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
I educated myself as stated above, then went to the dealer with the deal I wanted, proposed it to them. They of course said, no, so I gave them my # and said call me when they want to close the deal with no bs.
I got a call the next day. About $1000 off MSRP on my 1200C, 20% off parts for 6 months, and free 1000 mile service.
I am a salesman by trade though, so I know the game. Education on the buyers part is the real trick to it on IMHO.
Good luck...
I got a call the next day. About $1000 off MSRP on my 1200C, 20% off parts for 6 months, and free 1000 mile service.
I am a salesman by trade though, so I know the game. Education on the buyers part is the real trick to it on IMHO.
Good luck...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
Roadworrier...
The rules for buying a bike & getting the best deal are the same as for buying anything else & getting the best deal;
#1 - Be informed - Know everything there is to know about what you're buying, how much it costs, and how much you're willing and able to spend
#2 - You don't have to buy anything from anyone. Your feet are the most important bargaining tool you have. Walk out if you don't feel you're getting the best deal. In doing so, they will either let you walk out (which means they have no interest in dealing with you), or, they will do what they need to bring you back to the bargaining table.
#3 - Arrange your own financing. Most people end up being unhappy with something that happened in the finance office after the "deal" was made. By working through your own choice of bank, credit union or, coming up with the cash via some other means, you eliminate their opportunity to add on after you think the deal is done.
The rules for buying a bike & getting the best deal are the same as for buying anything else & getting the best deal;
#1 - Be informed - Know everything there is to know about what you're buying, how much it costs, and how much you're willing and able to spend
#2 - You don't have to buy anything from anyone. Your feet are the most important bargaining tool you have. Walk out if you don't feel you're getting the best deal. In doing so, they will either let you walk out (which means they have no interest in dealing with you), or, they will do what they need to bring you back to the bargaining table.
#3 - Arrange your own financing. Most people end up being unhappy with something that happened in the finance office after the "deal" was made. By working through your own choice of bank, credit union or, coming up with the cash via some other means, you eliminate their opportunity to add on after you think the deal is done.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Not to hijack the thread but here's a question...
I thought I read someone's post last week that said they bought a new bike at 10% off MSRP with no setup or delivery fees. Is that common/possible?
I'm in Northern California and am looking at getting a bike in the next few months and have narrowed my choices down to three. Now after going through the riding course in January (wife wants to wait till after the holidays) I'm going to rent a couple to see which I enjoy more.
I haven't been on a bike in years and can NOT wait to get back into it.
Been reading on here for a while now and this is my first post (Hey yall by the way!)
Again didn't mean to hijack the thread but I thought it better than making a new one.
I thought I read someone's post last week that said they bought a new bike at 10% off MSRP with no setup or delivery fees. Is that common/possible?
I'm in Northern California and am looking at getting a bike in the next few months and have narrowed my choices down to three. Now after going through the riding course in January (wife wants to wait till after the holidays) I'm going to rent a couple to see which I enjoy more.
I haven't been on a bike in years and can NOT wait to get back into it.
Been reading on here for a while now and this is my first post (Hey yall by the way!)
Again didn't mean to hijack the thread but I thought it better than making a new one.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
When I bought mine in '06,the local dealer would not go down on the MSRP price tag.I said well how about lowering the set-up fee.......NO!They would only throw in a backrest.No discount on parts either.
Ended up going to another dealership where I was able to get $500 of MSRP and 15% off accessories for a month.
Now some dealers will have price tags on the bikes with a break down of price,fees etc-.Others will only list the MSRP.
Just go to different dealers and see what you can do.
Ended up going to another dealership where I was able to get $500 of MSRP and 15% off accessories for a month.
Now some dealers will have price tags on the bikes with a break down of price,fees etc-.Others will only list the MSRP.
Just go to different dealers and see what you can do.