Supporting local dealers

[Tank]

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



total cost $289 NZD + shipping.

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

[skidMark]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I buy all my parts through these guys:

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

[P38]

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

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:Me]

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:Me]

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?
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]

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.