More HD stores closing
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 569
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
I had the closest dealership to me close 3 weeks ago. I heard bad business practices had a lot to do with it. I bought a Sportster there a few years ago and thought the after the sale customer service sucked. That's why the last two bikes were bought
2 1/2 hour away. Sorry to see them close, but I got the feeling someone will buy the business and reopen.
2 1/2 hour away. Sorry to see them close, but I got the feeling someone will buy the business and reopen.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
Hopefully, our economy will turn positive for every American in our country....and soon. I have to believe the foreclosure rate on homes will be a drop in the bucket compared to businesses closing or worse yet foreclosure. Businesses do close for lack of customer service, however, businesses DON'T survive without customers that have cash flow either. When a business closes it has a ripple effect on multiples of 10, 100, or greater to the employees...to those that did nothing wrong or had no control over the outcome. Wan't to help with our problem? Yes "OUR" problem. We are all guilty,..... How many of you buy HD shirts, hats and chrome that are made in Bangladesh and China? Start by addressing a letter of your displeasure with HD Corporation for their out of country made wares. Next, your local grocery store. Then maybe, just maybe, we can be on the right track of recovery.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
My dealer won't even sell Standards (I don't know why it looks like its buy an Ultra or don't buy) and has sold every Limited before they even came in.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: VERMONT
our local metric dealer just closed the doors.i knew a few of the guys that worked there and now there out of a job.i believe it was due to the really bad costumer servise.from the sales people to the acutal service.its to bad cause now every one in the area has to travel 50 miles for the next closest dealer.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
I think you hit the nail on the head! I don't understand Dealers being so different. Do they think we don't shop around and talk about our experiences on the internet. I have two Stores within 30 miles of me, they are owned by the same Man, but completely different in Customer service, even prices! I bought my 09 150 miles away. The 08 UC I just bought was in Florida.
it's gonna get worse.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I had the closest dealership to me close 3 weeks ago. I heard bad business practices had a lot to do with it. I bought a Sportster there a few years ago and thought the after the sale customer service sucked. That's why the last two bikes were bought
2 1/2 hour away. Sorry to see them close, but I got the feeling someone will buy the business and reopen.
2 1/2 hour away. Sorry to see them close, but I got the feeling someone will buy the business and reopen.
My dealer told me Harley has a specific plan to shutter a certain number of dealerships (like about a third if I recall correctly).
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
I concur the strong will survive!
I too shopped around to different dealers and based on the willingness to negotiate in tough times I settled on an out of town dealer. I came back to my area and did purchases and tried to get a pesky battery issue dealt with. The local shop gave me the run around and a nearby shop replaced it no problem first time in on warranty. I called HD and complained and they told me to go to the dealer. I did... no response period... never been back and never will. Bought my Classic from another dealer that was willing to deal with me as well. I have nothing but bad things to say about the one dealer... and I am not shy about it. I will always go to the dealer that will work with me or has the best service. Dealers beware. Too bad we can't set up an area poll on dealers and experience. I suspect there would be a lot of consistency in opinion. My 2 cents. Too bad the HQ doesn't respond to complaints about their dealers.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 540
Likes: 3
From: Nooga, TN
Just bought an Ultra for MSRP plus 200 doc fee. No assembly or freight fees. Just a month ago they were asking $1000 over MSRP and every fee you could think of. From now till spring is probably a good time to buy.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Well end of the month is definitely good . . . I wouldn't suggest anyone try to get the best deal between Jan 1st and Jan 18th . . .