Another one bites the dust.,
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,923
Likes: 266
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
I know it costs a few $$$ to become a dealer.What I don't understand is how Harley came tell you after you've invested over a million dollars, that they don't want you as a dealer anymore? Do they refund your franchise money? Buy back your unsold stock? I would think it would be bad enough to realise your drowning in debt, then have your franchise yanked. Who knows.,,
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
If HD wants to close a franchised dealer, they must buy them out. The ones that are closing are doing so because they aren't making a return on their investment. There are many reasons for that. Can't blame it on the economy because there are many dealers still doing a good business.
One of the biggest reasons is that potential buyers can't qualify for a loan. Another big reason is that those who can make a purchase are still holding out to be sure of their job status.
Of course some were just dealers with poor customer service.
One of the biggest reasons is that potential buyers can't qualify for a loan. Another big reason is that those who can make a purchase are still holding out to be sure of their job status.
Of course some were just dealers with poor customer service.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
I don't understand all the anger toward dealer's either. Guess I must have a good one nearby (Old Fort in Fort Smith, AR).
Became acquainted with one of the salesman there several years ago as I was looking to get a cruiser bike. Didn't know a thing about HD's. Told him so. Also told him I was NOT there to buy a bike, but to learn about HD's and compare them to what I'd already looked at. (Metrics.) This fellow as very patient and went the extra mile explaining and showing me the differences in all the baffling array of models. Fired up a few to let me hear the differences in exhausts, etc.
I ended up purchasing a Deuce from an individual. Proud as I could be, I brought it by. They ALL acted happy for me and bragged on my choice. Never a sarcastic comment or cool reception, in spite of not making a sale to me.
Over the years I became better acquainted with one of the salesmen, as well as one of the sales girls. (She patiently helped me find the right jacket... I wanted textile instead of leather, etc.) They always seemed glad to see me walk in and always had time to shoot the bull about riding, HD's, and so on.
Of course, over the past few years, they DID get some serious coinage out of me: Jackets for me and the wife, chaps for the wife, gloves, seats, goodies, etc, etc.
Imagine my surprise to discover that the salesman and the sales lady I reference are OWNERS.
You would never have guessed it from their down-to-earth ways.
Anyway, regarding our recent Ultra purchase: I am glad I found one at their dealership that we liked and it also happened to be a very good deal.
I wish them the best.
Became acquainted with one of the salesman there several years ago as I was looking to get a cruiser bike. Didn't know a thing about HD's. Told him so. Also told him I was NOT there to buy a bike, but to learn about HD's and compare them to what I'd already looked at. (Metrics.) This fellow as very patient and went the extra mile explaining and showing me the differences in all the baffling array of models. Fired up a few to let me hear the differences in exhausts, etc.
I ended up purchasing a Deuce from an individual. Proud as I could be, I brought it by. They ALL acted happy for me and bragged on my choice. Never a sarcastic comment or cool reception, in spite of not making a sale to me.
Over the years I became better acquainted with one of the salesmen, as well as one of the sales girls. (She patiently helped me find the right jacket... I wanted textile instead of leather, etc.) They always seemed glad to see me walk in and always had time to shoot the bull about riding, HD's, and so on.
Of course, over the past few years, they DID get some serious coinage out of me: Jackets for me and the wife, chaps for the wife, gloves, seats, goodies, etc, etc.
Imagine my surprise to discover that the salesman and the sales lady I reference are OWNERS.
You would never have guessed it from their down-to-earth ways.
Anyway, regarding our recent Ultra purchase: I am glad I found one at their dealership that we liked and it also happened to be a very good deal.
I wish them the best.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
The first time I wasnt allowed to come on to the Whiskey River parking lot to buy parts I was bumbed, the second time I was a little upset. But today was the third time I couldnt get into the parking lot to buy parts for my Harley. I was not surprised to see a car show today either, having seen it there previously. Thank God for the internet and the ability to buy parts online. I am so done even attempting to shop at Whiskey River car dealership or car show you cannot imagine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,589
Likes: 4,551
From: USA
Dealers have gotta go combo. Ours is and HD, Hondu, Yamyha, and Polaris dealer. Parts man said they sold 40 grand worth of Polaris parts and accessories last month. He is a happy guy, the parts men get commission.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 1,776
From: USA
Let 'em go.
No bailouts.
No bankruptcy protection.
No continual indebtedness.
Cant turn enough profit to stay open? Get out.
Move over and let the strong survive.
No bailouts.
No bankruptcy protection.
No continual indebtedness.
Cant turn enough profit to stay open? Get out.
Move over and let the strong survive.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 1
From: NW Louisiana
Dealers
New owner(s) also happens to own Chunky River HD in Meridian, Mississippi. They put on a lot of events for the HD community in the ArkLaTx area.
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