Supporting local dealers [Archive]

Tank

18th February 2008, 10:18

I purchased a M50 via Holshot Suzuki and I was extremely happy with he service and pricing that I received. (Jamie is the man)

I had a couple of very small problems with the bike and their service center was top notch for me also.

But today I called them to get a sissy bar for my bike.

Bloody Hell!!!

The back its self: $360
The mounting hardware $280
The rack at the back $325

(total of $965) + the cost of any emblem that I wanted on the back on the seat.

To put this in perspective - thats 9% of the cost of a brand new 2008 M50

So I had a look on ebay (for a good quality one - not really cheap crap) and found this:

ebay link here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M50-M-50-Boulevard-Backrest-Brackets-Carrier-Rack-NEW_W0QQitemZ290205758660QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 90205758660)

http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/8c/ec/ee7e_1_sbl.JPG

total cost $289 NZD + shipping.

Now Im all for supporting local dealers - but not at this kind of cost.

skidMark

18th February 2008, 10:58

Thats because they are running a business.

It's like people think oh since they are bikers too they will give me a bargain.

No they won't the business exists to make money.

twotyred

18th February 2008, 11:06

Thats because they are running a business.

It's like people think oh since they are bikers too they will give me a bargain.

No they won't the business exists to make money.

Yes it does but this doesn't appear to be "fair" profit.... more like highway robbery...

Tank

18th February 2008, 11:12

Thats because they are running a business.

It's like people think oh since they are bikers too they will give me a bargain.

No they won't the business exists to make money.

As someone who actually runs a business - I understand about markups etc etc.

However I also understand that a markup of several 1000% is poor business when it is very obvious that it is all margin - the cost of goods sold is very low on a item like that.

I understand that they deserve $$$ for work completed - I have been more than happy paying for the service dept, and the cost of the bike - but there are parameters that should be worked in.

Im not expecting a discount just because I am a biker - what I am expecting is a resonable charge for a reasonable product.

I mean - here is your bike (with markup included) - but a sissybar - thats almost another 10% on top of the bike cost?

Jiminy

18th February 2008, 11:19

I had a similar issue (M50, looking for a sissy bar and saddle bags). Apparently, they were only offering the official Suzuki-endorsed versions, which are way more expensive than OEM.

Katman

18th February 2008, 11:22

How many units of a particular product does the NZ importer order compared to the number ordered by the US importer? Guess who gets the better price.

toycollector10

18th February 2008, 11:28

There are really two schools of thought on this. One is that you should support your local dealer or franchise holder. He will be able to help you out of a tight spot one day, maybe. The other is that the internet has brought every trader, seller, dealer and johny come lately into your home with his parts, NOS and knockoffs. It's just that now you have choice whereas pre internet days you didn't have any.

Tank

18th February 2008, 11:49

There are really two schools of thought on this. One is that you should support your local dealer or franchise holder. He will be able to help you out of a tight spot one day, maybe.

But where he helps me out - Im sure that Im going to pay for that service (which is (of course) fair enough). So by paying over the top now I end up paying for it twice?

The other is that the internet has brought every trader, seller, dealer and johny come lately into your home with his parts, NOS and knockoffs.

You can also buy top quality parts, or indeed factory parts from some dealers at a fraction of the cost of the local dealer.

Tank

18th February 2008, 11:55

How many units of a particular product does the NZ importer order compared to the number ordered by the US importer? Guess who gets the better price.

I think that there is a lot more to it than that.

(all in Kiwi $)

Lets say that the guy selling the part in the US is making 100% profit.

His buy price would be $145.

Assuming that the Kiwi dealer pays double (allowing for less buying power and shipping) he is paying $290 (And I think I am being generous here)

So paying $290 and selling at $965 he is making 332% profit.

Tank

18th February 2008, 12:11

I had a similar issue (M50, looking for a sissy bar and saddle bags). Apparently, they were only offering the official Suzuki-endorsed versions, which are way more expensive than OEM.

The Suzuki M50 "official" sissy bars are infact Jardines.

Teflon

18th February 2008, 15:58

I buy all my parts through these guys:

http://store.58cycle.com/default.asp

P38

18th February 2008, 17:07

Stealerships.... Fuck em all!!!!!!

No one minds people making a profit, but time an time again you find the money they want is bordering on Pure Greed!

Thieving Bastards :finger:

It's not like we got no other choice these days either.

I,ve shipped stuff in from the states faster than the Stealership quoted delivery times and paid less than half what they want.

R6_kid

18th February 2008, 17:14

I love ebay...

But when it comes to thing like suspension its always good to buy local if you can i.e Shaun or Robert Taylor as the support is always there.

Unit

18th February 2008, 17:22

Been there done that, unfortunately the local dealers give us no choice but to shop elsewhere, I understand they have trading restrictions, but come on, as groups of businesses they should fight those trading restrictions as unreasonable given we can shop anywhere in the world. And who in their right mind would pay 9% of the total cost of their bike for sissy bars? :spanking:
We priced a pillion seat for my Aprillia. Not the dealers fault he must be buying in at a high price (it would be interesting to find out exactly what their markup is), but we were able to source about 4 items overseas (delivered in NZ $) for a fraction of the price for the seat alone here. I dont have spare $500 lots lying around just to be true to the local dealers, a deal is a deal (and yes, I do shop on retailer reputation and loyalty when it comes to purchase the bikes).

Jantar

18th February 2008, 17:44

I will ordering an item from the US tonight and paying US$449 at present exchange rates that is NZ$568. With postage, make that NZ$590. The same item from the New Zealand importers is $999 and NZ retail is $1399.

From these prices I figure its not the Dealer who is making the big markup, its the importer.

JimO

18th February 2008, 17:44

toycollector10

18th February 2008, 19:45

Clutch friction discs and 4 springs...One third of the cost quoted by the local dealer, and that's landed cost from David Silver Spares in the U.K.

So that's the side of the fence I'm on boys.

But remember, it can all go horribly wrong when buying online. I have a story to tell (maybe) but I'll see how it all pans out before I comment. I'm on two forums, one U.K. based and one U.S.A. based and there are regular posts about lying, stealing, corrupt bastard eBay sellers...

Tank

18th February 2008, 19:46

yea those dealers are cunts having those big buildings full of bikes, helmets, riding gear, boots, storerooms full of widgits that someone may buy one day, staff hanging about so we have someone to talk bullshit to when we have half a hour to fill in, fuckim i say lets hope they all go out of buisness and we can buy everything on ebay

Sigh.... You put forward an argument, although a very simplistic one, poorly structured and crass - But I see where you are going.

The truth of the matter is that most people dont mind paying a fair price from a dealer. Heck - I got a bike, a $500 helmet, jacket, boots, tro all thru dealers and was more than happy paying for the goods - and I was happy with the price / service.

So assuming that the piss isnt been taken by one of the parties - the model works and everyone is happy - its what's called a win-win. I win because I get the goods I want at a fair price. The dealer is happy because they make some $$$ to pay for all the items you mention.

But when the piss is being taken - like almost 1k for a sissybar, that is simply a rebranded item (so no R+D, marketing, tooling etc required by Suzuki) it becomes a lose - lose.

I lose because I dont get to support my local dealer, and have to go buy elsewhere. The dealership loses because they dont get my money. Should they have been making a reasonable markup (say 100%) then I would have paid my $$$ and walked away happy.

Now that I have been looking on cruisercustomising.com I have found other items that I will probably end up buying off them. V+H pipes for example I was always going to buy off a local dealer - but now I can see how I can save $500 having them shipped.

but it goes further - now I have found watch a fantastic amount of savings I have found on this and other sites - Ill keep recommending them to others.

Who ends up being hurt worst in the long run?

Well - I lose the connivence of having the bike shop at the end of the street, but I end up with a nicer bike, and save $$$ for other things - like a riding holiday. I can still buy bikes locally, and have them serviced - so my impact is not that large.

The dealers - well they go broke.

Now - I also want to clarify - This is not a dig at Holshot - I have found them fantastic in every dealing I have had with them - Jamie as I mentioned above is the man and I would happily recommend anyone to buy a bike from there. I actually called Suzuki Head office about this to give them my views on the subject (Being that the pricing is set by them NOT HOLSHOT) - They simply didnt care.

heyjoe

18th February 2008, 22:51

Totally agree with Tank's comments. That is the way it is. It is more feasible to buy aftermarket parts ex overseas at that place or similar. Even after conversion, freight costs and any other Govt fees, it still works out a better price by far. There is only one outcome that will be selected.

Headbanger

18th February 2008, 22:56

The way I see it, If I had to pay local dealer prices...I simply wouldn't buy anything, so no lose to them when I buy from overseas.

Recently purchased a Mikuni carb, an ignition, and an Andrews cam, all for less then just the carb if purchased locally.

breakaway

18th February 2008, 23:09

+1 Agree with tank.

I'll be fucked if I'm going to pay $300 for a screen from a local retailer. I went ebay whoring and found one for $30 landed.

MaxB

18th February 2008, 23:23

What I dont get is why dealers will not use other dealers overseas for the routine parts plus say 30% for their trouble?

I get electronics parts like this all the time. The retailer brings stuff in for me, adds a mark up and I pay. For mine I am happy to pay for someone else to do it 'cos the time saved means I can be on another job.

JMemonic

18th February 2008, 23:48

I actually called Suzuki Head office about this to give them my views on the subject (Being that the pricing is set by them NOT HOLSHOT) - They simply didnt care.

I think that is the crux of the matter, unfortunately.

Another problem is the local dealer sometimes has to buy items like this off the Australasian agent who adds a mark up over and above the factory price, if foe example a product is made in oh say the USA there is possibly an agent for the Asia-pacific market who the appoints and Australian agent who also has the little market of New Zealand too, at each of these points there is a handling fee or what ever you want to call it, (rip off sounds good), where as the dealer on the net from the USA is either buying direct or from a cheap local agent, less hands it passes through means less mark up, sometimes it not the dealer. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

Nade

19th February 2008, 00:15

hmmm....I have discovered that a local MC dealer here buys some of his parts NOT from his parent company distributer...but from off the net at markedly cheaper rates....and then still charges the same price as tho the part came from his distributer. Im sure this is technically BAD, especially if the company that he is franchised from found out. Add this to his slack service and out right dangerous practices....like putting a directional front tire on BACKWARDS, that was rated for a no bigger than 600cc bike and fitted it to a 1200 Guzzi, then blaming his apprentice...or supposidly fitting a new air filter to a bike but when checked the filter disintergrated upon being touched...so was knowen not to have been changed....doing seals on front forks in a triumph daytona, and using kawasaki seals, after being told by the customer that he wanted genuine triumph parts even if the kawa ones were the same size.....supposidly shimming the same triumph but upon further inspection by another mechanic found the original fucked shims still in place....and the list goes on...it makes me wonder how people like him manage to stay in business. :mad:

BiK3RChiK

19th February 2008, 05:15

I think that there is a lot more to it than that.

(all in Kiwi $)

Lets say that the guy selling the part in the US is making 100% profit.

His buy price would be $145.

Assuming that the Kiwi dealer pays double (allowing for less buying power and shipping) he is paying $290 (And I think I am being generous here)

So paying $290 and selling at $965 he is making 332% profit.

With the way $NZ is now compared to $US I thought it was cheaper to import at the mo.... Appears not!

M

JimO

19th February 2008, 05:42

Sigh.... You put forward an argument, although a very simplistic one, poorly structured and crass - But I see where you are going.

The truth of the matter is that most people dont mind paying a fair price from a dealer. Heck - I got a bike, a $500 helmet, jacket, boots, tro all thru dealers and was more than happy paying for the goods - and I was happy with the price / service.

So assuming that the piss isnt been taken by one of the parties - the model works and everyone is happy - its what's called a win-win. I win because I get the goods I want at a fair price. The dealer is happy because they make some $$$ to pay for all the items you mention.

But when the piss is being taken - like almost 1k for a sissybar, that is simply a rebranded item (so no R+D, marketing, tooling etc required by Suzuki) it becomes a lose - lose.

I lose because I dont get to support my local dealer, and have to go buy elsewhere. The dealership loses because they dont get my money. Should they have been making a reasonable markup (say 100%) then I would have paid my $$$ and walked away happy.

Now that I have been looking on cruisercustomising.com I have found other items that I will probably end up buying off them. V+H pipes for example I was always going to buy off a local dealer - but now I can see how I can save $500 having them shipped.

but it goes further - now I have found watch a fantastic amount of savings I have found on this and other sites - Ill keep recommending them to others.

Who ends up being hurt worst in the long run?

Well - I lose the connivence of having the bike shop at the end of the street, but I end up with a nicer bike, and save $$$ for other things - like a riding holiday. I can still buy bikes locally, and have them serviced - so my impact is not that large.

The dealers - well they go broke.

Now - I also want to clarify - This is not a dig at Holshot - I have found them fantastic in every dealing I have had with them - Jamie as I mentioned above is the man and I would happily recommend anyone to buy a bike from there. I actually called Suzuki Head office about this to give them my views on the subject (Being that the pricing is set by them NOT HOLSHOT) - They simply didnt care.

i dont give a rats backside where you buy your "sissy bar":sick: just dont complain next time you want something from the local guy and he aint there.........poorly structured and crass......fuck off professor

koba

19th February 2008, 06:38

Anything made in NZ I give a fair price premium to, I this thing is tho.
I make stuff like that 'coz its usually such a ripoff.

I have seen tank protecter sticke things for $70is at wellington motorcycles.
Its a farken sticker!

I don't support stealerships much either....

koba

19th February 2008, 06:41

i dont give a rats backside where you buy your "sissy bar":sick: just dont complain next time you want something from the local guy and he aint there.........poorly structured and crass......fuck off professor

Someone will be there aslong as there is a market.

Fair comment if somthings made here, but importing stuff at $X and selling it at $Y is hardly valuable, irreplacable skill.

Okey Dokey

19th February 2008, 07:14

Not in little old Blenheim! I bet I know who you mean, too, Nade. It does make you wonder how they carry on, doesn't it?

Tank

19th February 2008, 08:17

i dont give a rats backside where you buy your "sissy bar":sick: just dont complain next time you want something from the local guy and he aint there.........poorly structured and crass......fuck off professor

The poorly structured bit was tongue in cheek - the crass comment stands ;-)

You are missing the point - I WOULD prefer to use them, but only if they are fair. If they are not fair - then I couldn't give a rats if they are there or not - Id be buying everything from overseas anyway - so the impact is nothing to me.

So a question for you: You drop your bike (hope it dosnt happen btw) - you crack your wing mirror. You go for a WOF, fail because of the mirror and their are none available second hand.

You go to your local dealer and they tell you that you can have a new mirror (that they will bring in for you) - but its $1000 (which is funnily enough the in the ball park of the sissybar).

You have a wife, kids, and the mortgage that goes with it. You have work that needs to be done on the house, the dog needs to go to the vet, and you need to pay $4000 for the dental treatment you have been paying for your youngest.

Would you:

Pay the $1000 happily thinking that you got a good price?
Pay the $1000 but think you were ripped off?
Buy the exact same item overseas for $250 landed and delivered to your door in the same time that the dealer could do it?
Pay the $1000 thinking you were ripped off but pay it happily knowing that the extra $750 help support a local dealer

So JimJim - what would it be?

Swoop

19th February 2008, 08:34

It is also interesting, when you go into a dealer, with a bike to trade in.
They look on the internet (tardme) and give you a price.

Why are they unable to source their parts online, sell to the customer and still make a profit by doing so - and getting a decent price for the customer at the same time?
Their "preferred suppliers" are getting the profit.

jonbuoy

19th February 2008, 09:23

Probably part of the agreement of being a Suzuki dealer is that they will push genuine Suzuki products over aftermarket parts. Who goes to a Ford dealer to buy brake pads if your doing the job yourself?

JimO

19th February 2008, 16:38

The poorly structured bit was tongue in cheek - the crass comment stands ;-)

You are missing the point - I WOULD prefer to use them, but only if they are fair. If they are not fair - then I couldn't give a rats if they are there or not - Id be buying everything from overseas anyway - so the impact is nothing to me.

So a question for you: You drop your bike (hope it dosnt happen btw) - you crack your wing mirror. You go for a WOF, fail because of the mirror and their are none available second hand.

You go to your local dealer and they tell you that you can have a new mirror (that they will bring in for you) - but its $1000 (which is funnily enough the in the ball park of the sissybar).

You have a wife, kids, and the mortgage that goes with it. You have work that needs to be done on the house, the dog needs to go to the vet, and you need to pay $4000 for the dental treatment you have been paying for your youngest.

Would you:

Pay the $1000 happily thinking that you got a good price?
Pay the $1000 but think you were ripped off?
Buy the exact same item overseas for $250 landed and delivered to your door in the same time that the dealer could do it?
Pay the $1000 thinking you were ripped off but pay it happily knowing that the extra $750 help support a local dealer

So JimJim - what would it be?

well seeing as i won big wednesday id stick the bike in the wheelie bin and get a new one:yes:

steveb64

19th February 2008, 16:57

I love ebay...

But when it comes to thing like suspension its always good to buy local if you can i.e Shaun or Robert Taylor as the support is always there.

Yeah - but at least Robert (I can't comment on Shauns prices - 'cos I haven't asked/seen any...) has pricing that is reasonably close to the international (off the web) pricing. Then add that to the fact he has a (from what I've seen) pretty good reputation for service and backup, and he comes out well on top.

But for other goodies - or stuff that's just bolt on and use, then I'll go for the best product available, at the cheapest price - and I don't care if it has to be shipped in from off shore. In fact, the offshore stuff is often delivered faster than the NZ sourced bits...

danchop

19th February 2008, 17:31

you will find that suzuki aftermarket accessories are very expensive and it is not the dealers doing infact the accessories have a very low mark up rate from suzuki nz to the dealer its along the lines of about 20% much less than actual parts themselves,when i worked in a suzuki dealership i often queried the prices with suzuki nz but got no real answer,importing yourself is an option and i think GIVI do a range of accessories for them as well which is distributed by eurobike,if you import yourself you do run the risk of getting stung at customs for gst as well

JimO

19th February 2008, 17:35

have you been reading my mail, i have wife, mortgage, dog who visits vet occasionally, and boys with braces<_<:confused: i agree that getting ripped by a shop for a part isnt on and dont blame you for looking for a cheaper option but if everyone buys elsewhere there wont be a local guy to, the shop i buy from mostly in the last year has expanded in size about 100 times bigger than it used to be and i have noticed that some prices have increased as well but he also has lots more stock and probably 80 to 100 bikes for sale, he is a young guy with probably the mortgage from hell and i dont mind looking after him but recently i was looking for a helmet for one of my boys and went around all the shops and found that HE was still cheapest with the best range of what we were looking for

Katman

19th February 2008, 17:45

the shop i buy from mostly in the last year has expanded in size about 100 times bigger than it used to be

Fuck, can you be one of my customers?:msn-wink:

Robbo

19th February 2008, 18:35

Hey Tank. Just be thankfull that you don't own a Triumph or you'd really find out just how expensive aftermarket parts can be.
Example: Triumph 9" sealed beam headlight $495 and 12 weeks wait from UK. Found one myself at Repco for $36 and upon checking it with the original, found that they both had the same brand names on them. Makes you wonder does'nt it.

JimO

19th February 2008, 18:39

Fuck, can you be one of my customers?:msn-wink:

shure when you shifting to dunedin:hug:

dipshit

19th February 2008, 20:16

Let me see....

... Want to purchase carbon fibre mufflers for my SV.

First try to find a local shop where a salesman isn't too busy talking to reps, thinks I am just a dreamer wasting his time, or has any clue what's on the market. Finally after at least some success - have to wait one week just to get a price on a particular set. $2000.

Or from the comfort of my lounge one evening find an online store in the US where I can get some carbon fibre Yoshimuras delivered to my front door in 5 to 6 days for $1080.

....hmmm :confused:

dipshit

19th February 2008, 20:18

.... hmmmm :confused:

P38

20th February 2008, 16:53

yea those dealers are cunts, fuckim i say lets hope they all go out of buisness and we can buy everything on ebay

Yeah !!! Your onto it JimJim:headbang:

Fuckem all:bleh:

bimotabob

20th February 2008, 21:29

Hi,

When I worked in a bike shop we got people buying the Suzuki cruisers and then wanting aftermarket parts through Suzuki - the whooping prices nearly killed the customers!
It was way cheaper to customise a harley as the prices for genuine accessories were a lot cheaper and the range was not even comparable.

These days I bring in parts new and second hand every month or so from the UK, Europe and the US with no dramas and I don't feel guilty about it.
I find it's even cheaper to import say a complete used clutch from the states than it's selling for on Trade me!
My local courier is like santa in a diesel!

Cheers
BB