Buying At Just Over Dealer Cost?

[cbattles]

This isn't spam, we're just looking for opinions, and trying to help new bike/atv/etc. buyers get the best possible deal without the hassle or having to haggle for that price.

This pertains to new bike, atv, etc. purchases. Basically our network dealers agree to only mark up the bike a certain amount for anyone that's referred by us - all you have to do is go to one of our network dealers, and tell them that we sent you.

We're putting together our dealer network now, and we need to show our dealers that their potential customers are interested in what we can offer.

So tell me what your steps would be to make sure that you get a good deal if you were buying a new bike - and what kind of a deal are you after? Do you call around to 10 dealerships and see who can give you the best price? Do you try to find out what the dealer paid for that bike? What figure over that cost would you happy with? Would an out-the-door price be best? If so, what are you after in terms of over the dealer's cost, out the door. What figure could I toss out that you'd KNOW that you were getting a good deal - and please be realistic.

AND - if we did all of that work for you, and could guarantee that if you walked into one of our network dealers, and told them that you were referred by us, and you'd get that exact deal - would you do it? Or would you feel better doing it all on your own?

Keep in mind, this service would be completely and totally free to you, and absolutely no strings - we just need to know what would make you happy.

[DivideOverflow]

Depends, what brands are we talking here?

4% depends on the bike too. I never pay more than 500 over invoice on a new car, and the one new bike I bought I got for under invoice because it was a leftover. So $400 on a $10,000 doesn't sound like that great of a deal for me when I've only paid $500 over invoice on a $30k truck. But I guess it is all about perspective.

[cbattles]

In the automotive market, dealer invoice isn't necessarily all that indicative of dealer cost.

I'm actually talking flat out dealer cost here, what that dealer paid for that bike - and you paying 4% more than that.

We're anticipating a pretty wide variety of brands, including most of the major manufacturers: Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc.

[V4underme]

Does that 4% include anything else? Shipping, handling, uncrating, prep, taxes, any other fees associated with the bike and it's purchase?

When I buy a car, I only work off the complete, total "out the door" price so they can't stick me with hidden fees and charges that can add up to big $$. I've never bought a brand new bike so I don't know if this same thinking applies there (it darn sure would if it was me buying!).

If the dealers commit to a 4% above their cost and it includes all their fees and charges, then it might be a good deal on bikes under the $10k price mark. (I chose that randomly, but as Overflow says, there's a line somewhere when 4% is more than you would otherwise negotiate).

[cbattles]

I appreciate the responses.

I've edited the first post to make this more of an open-ended question, please check it out. It used to read this:

"This isn't spam, we're just looking for opinions, and trying to help new bike/atv/etc. buyers get the best possible deal without the hassle or having to haggle for that price.

This pertains to new bike, atv, etc. purchases. Basically our network dealers agree to only mark up the bike a certain amount for anyone that's referred by us - all you have to do is go to one of our network dealers, and tell them that we sent you.

How about 4% markup? You'd pay literally just 4% more for your new bike than the dealer did. No fee to you, and no catch whatsoever. You don't pay us a dime, and you don't have to jump through any hoops.

Sound good? We're putting together our dealer network now, and we need to show our dealers that their potential customers are interested in what we can offer. So, let us know what you think."

[DivideOverflow]

I go for the best deal I can get...
I think all prices on vehicles should be listed out the door. The only reason they aren't is because dealerships are able to steal more money from some people than others.

The tax applied to the bike should be on the price the dealer paid for it... therefore, they should know the OTD price before it is sold. After that, the 4% on top of the dealer price NOT including tax might be acceptable, if that is the only other charge (so it includes handling, setup charges, etc, etc, etc).

So bottom line: Dealer invoice price + tax + 4% of dealer price. No other fees. No one likes to feel as though they have been cheated.. and I make damned sure I know everyone's costs before I deal. Vehicles are one of the only industries where you never usually know exactly how much the dealer is screwing you for.

[swatter555]

This isn't spam, we're just looking for opinions, and trying to help new bike/atv/etc. buyers get the best possible deal without the hassle or having to haggle for that price.

That is a fine theory, and if there are truly no catches then I would shop at a dealer in the network.

You have to understand though, everyone is incredibly distrustful of dealers of any sort. Everytime I go to a dealership to buy a bike or car, I go into battle mode. I just assume the sales person in lying to me and I challenge everything they say. You guys have dug your own hole.

This pertains to new bike, atv, etc. purchases. Basically our network dealers agree to only mark up the bike a certain amount for anyone that's referred by us - all you have to do is go to one of our network dealers, and tell them that we sent you.

If you want to be a no hassle network, that should apply to those who just walk into your dealership and dont know of your no hassle setup. It seems like your leaving the door open to rip off the less informed consumer.

We're putting together our dealer network now, and we need to show our dealers that their potential customers are interested in what we can offer.

So tell me what your steps would be to make sure that you get a good deal if you were buying a new bike - and what kind of a deal are you after? Do you call around to 10 dealerships and see who can give you the best price? Do you try to find out what the dealer paid for that bike? What figure over that cost would you happy with? Would an out-the-door price be best? If so, what are you after in terms of over the dealer's cost, out the door. What figure could I toss out that you'd KNOW that you were getting a good deal - and please be realistic.

Whenever I buy a high priced item, I call around to get the best price I can. I simply tell the salesperson that I am ready to buy tomorrow and I looking for the cheapest price. Some ignore me or dont even try to compete, but I get several real offers and they will often compete with each other. Often they will say bad things about each other and how horrible their competitors service is and such. In the end, they do lower their prices if Im persistent.

What steps should a dealer perform at a no hassle dealership?
1) Let all customers know your a no hassle place, that you have a straight no hassle price.

2) Tell the customer what the dealer costs are with 100% honesty. Also, tell them you getting a fair 4% profit on the deal. Clearly show the customer how you come up with the dealer cost, the profit margin, and the final price.

AND - if we did all of that work for you, and could guarantee that if you walked into one of our network dealers, and told them that you were referred by us, and you'd get that exact deal - would you do it? Or would you feel better doing it all on your own?

As I stated, I would prefer that all your customers have the opportunity at the no hassle price.

Look, I understand your trying to think out of the box and maybe even get some loyal customers, and I do think its a good idea. I am very sceptical, though.

If you can honestly show me the true dealer cost and tack onto that a 4% profit, I would be there. As long as you final price doesnt also include shipping and assembly. Just be very clear up front about all of the costs.

[MASHBY]

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cbattles please check you pms.