Dealer Frustration
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 70
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From: Fort Myers, FL
Dealer Frustration
I went into my local dealer today to see if I won anything in a promotion they were having. As it turned out, I won a 20% off parts and accessory coupon. Great -- until I was told it was good for today only. OK, I can live with that, so I started looking around.
I figured even with dealer prices, I could get a decent price on a couple things. I checked tires as I will need a new front soon. With the 20% off and free installation, they were still 5-8% higher than the other shops I have checked. OK, looked at some chrome gadgets. With the 20% off, they were still higher than the big dealer in Daytona (where I checked things out Friday on a trip) and that's 20% higher than our internet dealer here on the forum. I ended up trading the coupon in on a hat.
I don't mind anyone making a profit -- I want them to stay in business -- but 20% over other dealer prices!!! That's highway robbery. I have bought my two Harley's from a dealer four hours away because that location will deal you in a fair, realistic manner, where this one doesn't. When I went to buy my first HD, the local shop offered $2K trade in on my VTX that showed a book trade of over $5500 (trade, not retail).
This guy is building a new 56,000 square foot store with a track, etc. With the prices where they're at now, you are going to have to have a million in the bank just to walk in the place.
The people who work at the dealer are great and I do like my FLHTCU, but there is a limit to what is considered affordable.
Pardon the rant . . .
I figured even with dealer prices, I could get a decent price on a couple things. I checked tires as I will need a new front soon. With the 20% off and free installation, they were still 5-8% higher than the other shops I have checked. OK, looked at some chrome gadgets. With the 20% off, they were still higher than the big dealer in Daytona (where I checked things out Friday on a trip) and that's 20% higher than our internet dealer here on the forum. I ended up trading the coupon in on a hat.
I don't mind anyone making a profit -- I want them to stay in business -- but 20% over other dealer prices!!! That's highway robbery. I have bought my two Harley's from a dealer four hours away because that location will deal you in a fair, realistic manner, where this one doesn't. When I went to buy my first HD, the local shop offered $2K trade in on my VTX that showed a book trade of over $5500 (trade, not retail).
This guy is building a new 56,000 square foot store with a track, etc. With the prices where they're at now, you are going to have to have a million in the bank just to walk in the place.
The people who work at the dealer are great and I do like my FLHTCU, but there is a limit to what is considered affordable.
Pardon the rant . . .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
There are 3 H-D dealerships in a 50 mile radius of where I live, at least 4 or 5 more if I go 100 mile radius.
Not one of them ever held a gun to my head to make me buy anything...
I do business with the ones that treat me right and appreciate my business...
I just don't bother with the rest...
No problem...
Not one of them ever held a gun to my head to make me buy anything...
I do business with the ones that treat me right and appreciate my business...
I just don't bother with the rest...
No problem...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
so you don't like the dealer and don't trade there...then you went to see if you had won any thing in a promotion they were having? now you come on a forum to complain about high prices--do that dealer a favor and stay out of his store. win/win
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
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From: anacoco, la
it isn't like you lost anything. you went in with nothing, basically, left with nothing. (okay, a hat...) but, you also know that this dealer upcharges for everything, so you know not to use them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
At least the OP didn't use the word "stealership" ! All he did was bitch about how expensive a HD dealer is. That's different.
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 70
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From: Fort Myers, FL
Having several dealers in a reasonable dealer is great. The problem we have here is that the two dealers within 50 miles are owned by the same guy. After him, it's a 120 mile minimum to the next dealer.
That's why he can get what he gets. It's either inconvenient or people don't want to mess with mail order. And the reason for going in for the promotion was that's about the only way I could afford to get anything from him.
I always try to support the local businesses when possible -- but there's a limit. That's my main reason for ranting today. A lot of good people will have their jobs at risk when he goes over the line with his prices.
That's why he can get what he gets. It's either inconvenient or people don't want to mess with mail order. And the reason for going in for the promotion was that's about the only way I could afford to get anything from him.
I always try to support the local businesses when possible -- but there's a limit. That's my main reason for ranting today. A lot of good people will have their jobs at risk when he goes over the line with his prices.
