Buying new, cash discounts and service?

[Dent]

Hi all.

Its my first post on this very informative forum.
Ive not been on a motorbike for about 12 years, but am now keen to get back into it.

I've never purchased a new vehicle from a dealer before. What sort of attitude should I expect when asking about cash discounts? Surely its less hassle for them if I'm not requiring finance etc, and when I say cash I mean eftpos/bank cheque, not Visa.

If I was buying a multi-thousand dollar big screen TV, I would certainly expect some movement on price.

Im specifically looking at a bike that is listed at 9k +ORC, where last years model was on special until sold out at 8k a couple of months ago.
I know the dollar is strong, which makes me think margins are higher at the moment than last year.

What are peoples experiences?

[Tank]

I got a bike that was a "Suzuki Fest" deal at 11500 +ORC.

Although I do believe that really is the normal RRP - I was also paying cash.

In the end I paid 11k with 6 months ORC included.

My mate got a similar deal.

Generally there is not that much margin in a bike (nothing like the %age on a TV etc).

Most dealers will give you a deal on clothing etc - as they can give you more costing them less (if that makes sense).

Also - they make money on finance - so the whole cash buyer thing really doesnt help them that much.

If there isnt siginifant $$$'s in it - its worth paying a little more from the dealer who you 'feel' best with - odds are that you are going to be dealing with them for a while.

Good luck and enjoy your return to riding.

[Paul in NZ]

A dealer often makes more on the finance than they do on the markup... Don't expect them to drop their pants on the decent models because frankly - they can't get enough of em to sell.

Consider this - you might just need their help later on down the track - treat them with respect, expect to haggle a bit but make sure you don't burn any bridges.

[EnzoYug]

Margins on bikes are slim. Until you really start getting up there don't expect too much movement on price. Below 10k it's hardly worth it.

Instead hold out for a service deal (first 2, 3 free etc..) or cheap clothing.

[phallic]

i brought my new new kawasaki 250 ninja about a month ago. Paid full price for the bike $6990 but got them to pay for 1 years on road costs and the first service. Also brought a helmet, jacket and gloves which i got for half price . I think all up i saved around $850 so it does pay to ask but as someone else said you cant push to far and burn bridges

[Edbear]

Well, mine was a good deal. I know there's not a huge markup on bikes but I was in Bikesport in Helensville eyeing up the C50T and before I could even mention price, Matthew made me an offer that made my jaw drop!

Cash sale, too!

[Mikkel]

Well, as long as you aren't rude to anyone I suppose you can haggle all you want without burning any bridges. I'd say approach it with humour...

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n3LL338aGA[/YOUTUBE]

It's fair enough to say that you'll have to look around and see if you can find it cheaper somewhere or score a better deal.

Remember, the shops also want your business!

[FROSTY:Me]

Hi all.

Its my first post on this very informative forum.
Ive not been on a motorbike for about 12 years, but am now keen to get back into it.

I've never purchased a new vehicle from a dealer before. What sort of attitude should I expect when asking about cash discounts? Surely its less hassle for them if I'm not requiring finance etc, and when I say cash I mean eftpos/bank cheque, not Visa.

If I was buying a multi-thousand dollar big screen TV, I would certainly expect some movement on price.

Im specifically looking at a bike that is listed at 9k +ORC, where last years model was on special until sold out at 8k a couple of months ago.
I know the dollar is strong, which makes me think margins are higher at the moment than last year.

What are peoples experiences?

I agre3e with Paul--dont burn bridges.
That said have you tried EVERY de3aler around for the bike you want--maybee someone has one of the special priced bikes still in stock

[Blossom]

Today I brought myself a Suzuki 250LC intruder new for 5995 cash. They dropped the orc and gave me 15% off all the assesories incl helmets etc for entire time of ownership of bike. We went to most of the dealers in Auckland and they were all pretty good. We were also cash buyers which just made the process faster rather than cheaper. If however we went 2nd hand we would have got a bit of $$$ off I think. Good luck.

[Sparky Bills]

The margins are way too slim to expect a discount on a new bike. So dont expect them to move on the price of the bike. We usually offer at the time of sale a discounted rate for accessories for the bike and gear etc.

How do you think the shop would feel about you if every time you come in they make no money...

[Dent]

Thanks for all the responses.
I will certainly approach them in a friendly manner, as I always do. Asking for bundled ORC and the first service sounds alike a good idea.