Independently Owned Shops
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
How may shops do you guys know that won't install any parts that you buy somewhere else? The shop I've been using now has a new policy "if you buy it on the internet have them install it, we won't." It pisses me off because I can find parts cheaper hunting them down online then going to the shop and buying out of the catalog or even parts they can't get. As much as I've had them installed I think its a crock of ****. I usually save half as much on parts compared to what they charge.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 24,287
Likes: 4,027
From: Western MN
I disagree. A shop is a shop is a shop. If they want the business, then do the work and price their parts accordingly. Not saying to price it the same as the "internet" but at least make it reasonable enough for someone to make an educated decision (not a stupid one) in paying $299 vs $259 on the internet.
As for getting burned, that's simple. It's called a disclaimer that you make your customers sign before hand releasing the shop of any responsibility/liability. If anything would arise say from an electrical issue, then the burden is then on the owner of the bike to PROVE the shop did it and then only would they have legal recourse in some situations.
As for being a tightwad. Well, I guess my pockets aren't as deep as yours are but they are pretty deep. Regardless, if I go looking for a part and find it at an Indy for $299 and then find the same exact part in new condition on Amazon (I hate eBay myself) for $199, then you can bet your *** I'll be giving Amazon my money.
I'm all about supporting the local guy and I will when and where applicable. Being screwed is something totally different.
As for getting burned, that's simple. It's called a disclaimer that you make your customers sign before hand releasing the shop of any responsibility/liability. If anything would arise say from an electrical issue, then the burden is then on the owner of the bike to PROVE the shop did it and then only would they have legal recourse in some situations.
As for being a tightwad. Well, I guess my pockets aren't as deep as yours are but they are pretty deep. Regardless, if I go looking for a part and find it at an Indy for $299 and then find the same exact part in new condition on Amazon (I hate eBay myself) for $199, then you can bet your *** I'll be giving Amazon my money.
I'm all about supporting the local guy and I will when and where applicable. Being screwed is something totally different.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: southern Alberta Canada
I happen to think there's a couple of sides to this, a lot depends on the markup, if the shop is marking up parts a long ways then I wouldn't buy parts from them either. Some guys seem to forget in the online world they can't just add ridiculous markups to parts and expect guys to pay.
I do however think that while there should be some kind of agreement saying the shop is not responsible for parts you brought in failing that by refusing to install any they are just chasing away business. I for example bought a tach for my bike this winter from the local harley dealership because I assumed that my indy cant sell me genuine hd parts it's brand new. I will give my indy the chance to give me a price to install it but if he tells me that then thats fine i can do it myself too the only reason I'll give him a chance to do the labour is to try and give him a little work.
I do however think that while there should be some kind of agreement saying the shop is not responsible for parts you brought in failing that by refusing to install any they are just chasing away business. I for example bought a tach for my bike this winter from the local harley dealership because I assumed that my indy cant sell me genuine hd parts it's brand new. I will give my indy the chance to give me a price to install it but if he tells me that then thats fine i can do it myself too the only reason I'll give him a chance to do the labour is to try and give him a little work.
I hear your complaint, but an Indy shop has risks. I deal with one Indy only for all my stuff and they are across the country. I do not care. I live in Mexico, but only do work with FTF out of Randolf, Ma.
Originally they told me, when I bought a ton of stuff from Fuel Moto that they would install but it was the last time. When I asked what is the deal they told me out right "We have people that we work with and we sell their stuff," it is not because they don't like, it because they know what works. admit-tingly at first I was a little worried, but their shop and service did me right for over 10,K of parts and audio. Now they want to do work with FM.
Not being a shop guy I understood and accepted their demand. As I got to know the guys at the FTF I could have not been more grateful. If they were working on my bikes and something came up, they let me know right away. I trust FTF cycles in Randolf, Ma. with all my bikes. I know Dan, Scott and Moose are the best in the business. They race a build bikes for a living.
I think you need to establish relationship with the Indy before you poo- poo them. Once you have, your experiences will be different.
ride safe
Originally they told me, when I bought a ton of stuff from Fuel Moto that they would install but it was the last time. When I asked what is the deal they told me out right "We have people that we work with and we sell their stuff," it is not because they don't like, it because they know what works. admit-tingly at first I was a little worried, but their shop and service did me right for over 10,K of parts and audio. Now they want to do work with FM.
Not being a shop guy I understood and accepted their demand. As I got to know the guys at the FTF I could have not been more grateful. If they were working on my bikes and something came up, they let me know right away. I trust FTF cycles in Randolf, Ma. with all my bikes. I know Dan, Scott and Moose are the best in the business. They race a build bikes for a living.
I think you need to establish relationship with the Indy before you poo- poo them. Once you have, your experiences will be different.
ride safe
Last edited by Timmy B; May 3, 2014 at 09:47 AM.
No but I buy a tire from Dennis Kirk & take it to an Indy to install it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
When I had my water well drilling business many customers would ask if they could supply some (or all) of the materials thinking they were cutting the proverbial 'fat hog'. I would always tell them that I would be glad to do it but the labor for installing 'their' materials wouldn't be included as it was when 'my' materials were used.
Then there was the subject of liability and warranty - I guarranteed all of my work as long as 'my' materials were used. If I used theirs all bets were off.
That usually ended the discussion and I either went on my way or they signed on for me to do the work.
So...if I was an independent shop I wouldn't install walk-in parts either. There's just too much hassle when something goes wrong - and something ALWAYS goes wrong.
Note: I too have an indy that will mount and spin-balance my tires....but only for cash ($20) and NO warranty.
Then there was the subject of liability and warranty - I guarranteed all of my work as long as 'my' materials were used. If I used theirs all bets were off.
That usually ended the discussion and I either went on my way or they signed on for me to do the work.
So...if I was an independent shop I wouldn't install walk-in parts either. There's just too much hassle when something goes wrong - and something ALWAYS goes wrong.
Note: I too have an indy that will mount and spin-balance my tires....but only for cash ($20) and NO warranty.
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