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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 09:26 AM
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Default Dealer question

I pulled the trigger to upgrade my 2007 Streetglide, ordered the bike the way that I wanted it and it came in last week. I have a small deposit and with my trade there is a 7K balance, the dealer that I am using now tells me that they will not take my HD visa card or a personal check, they want certified funds in the form of a bank check. It's not a big deal to stop at the bank to get a check but I am wondering what other guys have experienced. I have written checks before and used my card at other dealers without question. Any opinions on how other dealers operate would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 09:51 AM
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I have traded twice at our local dealer and wrote a personal check both times. If they know you I think they should take your check. If you are dealing with someone you don't know then you have to understand they are just protecting themselves when they refuse your check. I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker but if it was me I would go with my gut feeling.It's sad that's the way business is done sometimes but it's the times we live in. Good luck with your transaction and your new bike.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 09:54 AM
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If they have never dealt with you before I guess it's understandable. It would be a big deal if you have a relationship with them,and they will not take your check.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:02 AM
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Default Bank or Certified Check or Cash!

My dealer insisted on a bank check, certified check or cash. I offered to cut a personal check and return in a week or so to pick up the bike, so that the check would clear first, but they were insistant, I don't quite understand why, but it was no biggie.

The last time I purchased a car the dealer accepted a personal check from me, AFTER DOING A CREDIT CHECK and getting my credit score. Till this day I still don't know what my credit score is or what it would have to do with being able to accept a check from me.
 

Last edited by jeffreydsilver; Oct 14, 2012 at 10:53 AM.
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:06 AM
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My dealer has signs posted that say no personal checks on bike purchases. I figure it is the same reason that I would not want a personal check from someone. If I listed a bike on Craigslist and accepted a partial trade, I would not take one. The hassle of collecting if it bounced is a pain. Plus at some places a salesman will get his comission pulled if it bounces and then reinstated once the matter is cleared up.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:09 AM
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I think you guys are right, I have not purchased a bike at this dealership so they don't know me. In addition I did the deal with the manager who is now on vacation for two weeks, the guy I talked to yesterday that was assigned to do the final delivery is a floor guy and his attitude was way different, it twisted me off to be treated like a flake that couldn't be trusted for a check. It is a better deal than every other dealer by about 2K so I will make it work..................thanks!!
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:13 AM
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I always pay cash with a check but they know me.
As for credit card I know of no Dealers car or bike that will take a credit card for purchase. When they take a card they pay the card company from 2% on up for the right they are not going to take a hit like that on the sale.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:20 AM
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Yeah - the credit card fees really cut into the profits - that's why gas stations have different prices for cash and credit
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:31 AM
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No biggie...do the deal and gratz ob the bike.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:35 AM
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I keep the HD card for chrome cash but haven't used it since I traded an 03 on the 07 and my other dealer took it for $8K. Other than new bikes and Formula + I don't frequent dealerships much.
 
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