way to find dealer cost
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: way to find dealer cost
I'd rather not know 'dealer cost'....
It's bad enough having to pay whatever they ask for bikes and accessories without knowing how much youhad to payover cost.
It's bad enough having to pay whatever they ask for bikes and accessories without knowing how much youhad to payover cost.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 4
From: toontown
RE: way to find dealer cost
While your at find the dealers accountant and get the total dealership overhead, and then You'll truely know the profit margin. If the bike you like is too much money either pick a different dealer, a different bike, or get a used one.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
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From:
RE: way to find dealer cost
I know what dealer cost is on touring models, because I once saw the book in a GM's office. they werer making about $3500 on e-glides.
It was kind of funny, the book actually said CONFIDENTIAL on it.
It was kind of funny, the book actually said CONFIDENTIAL on it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: way to find dealer cost
I'm sure, like auto dealers, the cost to the dealer is a sliding scale based on volumes by model. Knowing the "actual cost" to the dealer will never be known because of what Hagar the Horrible mentions. Cost of the bike to the dealer is but a part of marketing the machines. Employees, health care, brick and mortar, taxes, insurance, advertising, etc. If you like the Harley line as I do, negotiate the best deal you can, but keep in mind, the dealer's cost for the machine is but a fraction of his costs to deliver you the bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
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From:
RE: way to find dealer cost
If anything try to get some freebies or discounts on accessories. In my state, SC, there's a cap on tax when buying the bike, so it's also a good idea to roll in as many accessories as you can afford when you purchase.
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15
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RE: way to find dealer cost
Per Ron's statement and assuming the average e-glide is $18000 then the mark up is roughly 20%. That is all I was looking to get an idea about. I would like to know why it is not possible to purchase directly from the manufacturer? cut the middle man right out of the deal. I am not trying to deny anyone there livelyhood but I sure dont want to pay anymore than I have to for a bike. Just like the dealer is trying to get me to pay as much as possible so as to increase there profit. I work hard for my money and want it to go as far as possible. Finding out as much information ahead of time will only help in negotiating with them. I also understand the dealer has overhead and operating costs and this comes out of the profit margin on the bike, but they also make money on every other aspect of support for the purchase which must be included in there bottom line.I do not look at the dealer as a friend, the whole sales set up creates a confrontational situation.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Ct
RE: way to find dealer cost
ORIGINAL: Thumper26
I'm sure, like auto dealers, the cost to the dealer is a sliding scale based on volumes by model. Knowing the "actual cost" to the dealer will never be known because of what Hagar the Horrible mentions. Cost of the bike to the dealer is but a part of marketing the machines. Employees, health care, brick and mortar, taxes, insurance, advertising, etc. If you like the Harley line as I do, negotiate the best deal you can, but keep in mind, the dealer's cost for the machine is but a fraction of his costs to deliver you the bike.
I'm sure, like auto dealers, the cost to the dealer is a sliding scale based on volumes by model. Knowing the "actual cost" to the dealer will never be known because of what Hagar the Horrible mentions. Cost of the bike to the dealer is but a part of marketing the machines. Employees, health care, brick and mortar, taxes, insurance, advertising, etc. If you like the Harley line as I do, negotiate the best deal you can, but keep in mind, the dealer's cost for the machine is but a fraction of his costs to deliver you the bike.
