Fun at the Dealer

Killroy1999

Killroy1999

Well-known member
I saw a nice list price for a 2015 demo bike on Cycle Trader from a dealer.

The only problem is that the dealer is trying to charge me the following fees to get out the door:

$450.00 Destination
$387.00 Assembly
$80.00 Documentation

Seems a little high for a used demo bike that is already assembled and already at its destination.

I try to negotiate these down, but the line that I was given was "We are required by the state of California to charge these fees."

I might have to walk on this one, just on principal. I prefer private party, but this a 2015 used bike is a little hard to find.
 
cencalballer

cencalballer

Well-known member
Walk away. I've never heard, seen or anything that resembling contact with a CA law that says that. Documentation might be but that sounds more like a were going to charge you to record the sale.
 
bpw

bpw

Well-known member
I really, really doubt the state has any interest in what they charge for assembly and shipping.
 
bruceflinch

bruceflinch

I love Da Whores
Killroy1999 said:
I saw a nice list price for a 2015 demo bike on Cycle Trader from a dealer.

The only problem is that the dealer is trying to charge me the following fees to get out the door:

$450.00 Destination
$387.00 Assembly
$80.00 Documentation

Seems a little high for a used demo bike that is already assembled and already at its destination.

I try to negotiate these down, but the line that I was given was "We are required by the state of California to charge these fees."

I might have to walk on this one, just on principal. I prefer private party, but this a 2015 used bike is a little hard to find.
Click to expand...

Items 1&2 are BS.
Did Documentation include license & registration?
 
cjymiller

cjymiller

Well-known member
I think their line that "We are required by the state of California to charge these fees" is a bit misrepresented. They actually meant to say "We are required by the state of California to charge the same fee to all customers". Essentially, they can't charge customer "A" $500 setup/delivery and customer "B" $200.

With that in mind, tell them to drop their sale price to make up for the fees they have to charge every customer. They can still keep their fees listed in the transaction, but you end up saving on the total OTD.

SOURCE:
http://rideapart.com/articles/how-to-buy-a-new-motorcycle-insider-tips
 
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yodaisgod

yodaisgod

KHAAAAAN!
"doc" fees are always redonk...IMO. You want me to pay you $80 to do paperwork that you were going to do anyway? Eh...
 
Hawaiirider

Hawaiirider

Well-known member
The Art of the Deal - it is ALL about CONTROL.

They have the bike YOU want, and they will make the most of that as they can.

That you have the MONEY THEY want is 'something to be minimized'.

Ask yourself:
Do you have alternatives ? ( if not, then pony up Pal )
Do you want to establish a relationship with this shop, or don't you care about that ?

Here is the thing - when you get fixated on any one particular aspect of a sale - and start to feel like you are being taken advantage of - the tool often used is to focus on just that ONE thing - nevermind the OTHER 9 grand you just agreed to spend, the salesgeek technique is to ask if you are REALLY going to let the lousy $ 80 reg fee keep YOU from YOUR NEW RIDE ?!?!

This is where knowledge is power. If you HAVE a valid option, this would be time to exercise it. If not...well then its time to get to work.
 
V

vizcarmb

Well-known member
If It's an unregistered demo bike then they can charge you. I thought it would be considered used after x amount of miles
 
Z3n

Z3n

Squid.
yodaisgod said:
"doc" fees are always redonk...IMO. You want me to pay you $80 to do paperwork that you were going to do anyway? Eh...
Click to expand...

The paperwork fees are typically paid directly to the DMV, and include the cost of registration. Same with tax.
 
dirty birdy

dirty birdy

quiet riot
A demo bike is technically not "used." You'll be charged the tax, shipping, reg fees same as any new bike. If it has a sweet list price it's already a steal. Although we all know a "steal" means that you're the one getting stolen from.

Don't like it? Buy a real used bike, not a demo.

I learned my lesson when I bought a brand new ninja, but I wanted the 2015 colors, so I put up with it. I'll never buy another new bike until I get a 30K raise.
 
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corndog67

corndog67

Pissant Squid
Either it is worth it to you, or it isn't. If you really want it, tell them how much you are willing to pay. If they'll do that, buy it. Or tell them to eat shit. But the onus is on you to either sign the papers, or ride in on your new bike (from another dealer or private party).

They won't fuck you if you don't let them. If it really comes down to it, either they really want your money and will work with you, or they don't. I've let them know that I am real "right now" in my deals. If they want to play games, make we wait around for hours and hours while they go back and forth "to talk to the manager" to get an approval for my offer, I'll ask to talk directly to the manager, or give me an answer "right now", or I'll walk. More than once, when the salesperson repeatedly went to "talk to the manager", I left. I know that this is a "make you wait" thing to wear you down, make you sign the papers because you are tired of waiting. That doesn't work with me. A couple of times, as I'm driving down the road, they'll call me "Where are you? I've got an answer from "The Manager". And I tell them exactly what I just wrote, that I won't play the waiting game. "But come back, we'll talk about it...." Nope, too late. You just lost a sale.
 
Killroy1999

Killroy1999

Well-known member
cjymiller said:
I think their line that "We are required by the state of California to charge these fees" is a bit misrepresented. They actually meant to say "We are required by the state of California to charge the same fee to all customers". Essentially, they can't charge customer "A" $500 setup/delivery and customer "B" $200.

With that in mind, tell them to drop their sale price to make up for the fees they have to charge every customer. They can still keep their fees listed in the transaction, but you end up saving on the total OTD.

SOURCE:
http://rideapart.com/articles/how-to-buy-a-new-motorcycle-insider-tips
Click to expand...


I did tell them to compensate the unit price to compensate for the required fees. They said that they would take off $500 but not the ~$900 in fees.
 
clutchslip

clutchslip

Not as fast as I look.
Killroy1999 said:
I did tell them to compensate the unit price to compensate for the required fees. They said that they would take off $500 but not the ~$900 in fees.
Click to expand...
Well, obviously I have NO idea what they paid for the bike, or how long they have floored it. BUT, if you can figure out what they are in it for, they may only be making half that $900. Honestly, there are not huge margins on motor-vehicles. I am surprised how anyone makes a living selling them, sometimes. Just another 2 cents. Best of luck.
 
Killroy1999

Killroy1999

Well-known member
clutchslip said:
Well, obviously I have NO idea what they paid for the bike, or how long they have floored it. BUT, if you can figure out what they are in it for, they may only be making half that $900. Honestly, there are not huge margins on motor-vehicles. I am surprised how anyone makes a living selling them, sometimes. Just another 2 cents. Best of luck.
Click to expand...

I was told once by a dude that works at a dealer that margins are around 28% of MSRP. Fees are gravy.
 
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