Been lusting after a new Ultra Classic Electra Glide for a while now and if my wife gets the job she just interviewed for, we're gonna pull the trigger. Instead of driving from dealer to dealer, I was thinking about another approach. I was thinking about sending an email to the local HD dealers (there are 5 within 60 miles of my house) that says something like this:

"I'm planning to buy a new 2012 Ultra Classic Electra Glide and would like your best out-the-door price. I want it in black, with Security Pak option, and Vance and Hines Big Shot Duals. Please include any service required to remap the EFI to match the new pipes. I also want the optional bracket so I can remove the rear luggage/tour pak. Feel free to sweeten the deal with extended warranty, 1st service, etc. The dealer that provides the best deal gets my business. I will make my decision in one week."

Do you think I'll have any success getting a real price from anyone? Or do you think they'll just send back a quick response that says "Come on down, and we'll make you a great deal!" Stories from anyone that has successfully done this would be great.

BTW - I'm a sport bike rider (just sold my 2009 ZX6R) getting his first Harley and first touring bike, so don't be too hard on me. Also, if I have anything technical wrong (like the EFI comment) please correct me. Also, if there is something else I should ask for, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

You might get a few bites that way but you will still end up on the showroom floor doing the song and dance. Your emails probably wont be taken seriously until they run your credit report. Be patient and shop around the old fashioned way.

 

I have never had much luck emailing dealerships. It usually takes a week alone to get a response.

 

If you get one at all

 

Middle of summer,.....you will be waiting for a response,...for awhile. Best deals are at the end of the month in the middle of winter.

 

Not one dealer will respond.

If by chance one does, the response will be "come on down and we'll make you a deal".

 

Agree with the others in that you may not get a response. Best bet would be to visit the dealers in person. Good luck (from a fellow sportbike rider)

 

I bought my 2010 RK by sending out emails. I emailed probably 12-15 dealers and only two responded. I live in the Kansas City area and one dealer was in Topeka and the other in St Joesph, both about 60-70 miles from my house. Both quotes were within $200 and they were about $1800-1900 under MSRP. So, I visited Topeka HD and liked everyone I met, but wanted to visit the St Joe store before making a decision. I bought from the guys at St Joe because they had a little better inventory and they had a bike in allocations that they could add ABS and Cruise control, and have it in about 4 weeks. I liked the idea that my bike would come off the truck and go straight to the back room waiting for me and never see a showroom floor. I suppose that's a little silly, but I didn't want anyone sitting on MY bike. So, I pulled the trigger.

Just trying to be constructive. I think the tone your draft email is kinda aloof and cold. You're telling these guys that they should jump through some hoops and work hard for your business. Most dealership staff are willing to do that anyway, but not so much if they're feeling like you're gonna flog them. Again, just trying to be constructive.

My suggestion is to tone down your communication and be a bit more inviting.

"I am looking for a quote on a new 2012 Ultra Classic Electra Glide and I am interested in the following accessorites and options:

---Vivid Black
---Security pak
---blah
---blah
---blah

I have no trade and would be putting down 20% in cash and would like to finance the remainder with you. My credit score is a B+.

I live in the KC metropolitan area, but I would be happy to plan a day trip to your store to discuss details of this purchase. I would like to make a decision within the next week. Please return email me with your quote for this bike at your earliest convenience .

Thanks for an early reply."

My only point is, you're looking to establish a good working relationship with someone. Try to make them feel like they have a chance for all your future business as well, be approachable make them feel like you don't mind that they make a little profit for their efforts.

I hope this is helpful. Good Luck,

Mike

 

+1

 

If you call the dealership and talk to a salesperson with that same request you will probably get more action. You may also want to talk to your local bank and get pre-approved for the loan so you can tell them that your financing is already set up. That will get thier attention.