I have dealt with four differant dealers that say they give a 20% discount. Chicago HD is the only one that gives it everytimeon everything the others don't.
My local dealer hates Chicago HD with a passion and that's another good reason for dealing with them.

 

That's pretty much how my dealer explained it to me. Lower overhead, less liberal return policy (if any at all), etc.

BZZZT! Wrong answer. It's absolutely ok to ask a dealership for discounts. You don't get what you don't ask for in this life (both good and bad =).

If a dealership wants to keep customers they'll take care of them. Sure, they may not make as much money on a per sale basis, but over the long term I can guarantee you my local dealership would have made more than they would have lost due solely to the repeat business I'd give them. I'm up to about $4k in aftermarket bolt on stuff on my bike, most of which was purchased from my dealer before I knew about CHD. When I asked if they'd match CHD's discount last month I got an explanation similar to the one you offered and almost laughed at for even asking.

Sorry, but if it's something I can wait for and that will save me a substantial sum of money, CHD gets my aftermarket business from here on out. Small piddly stuff? Sure, I'll drop a Jackson (or less) to get it quickly.

I remember the days when dealers were charging $5k over MSRP for a bike and they were getting it. In most places that isn't the case anymore due to market saturation, competition from other manufacturers, increasing quality in part/bikes from other manufacturers, and so on. Long gone are the days that a dealership can turn up it's nose at a sale, even if it IS "just MSRP".

Smart dealerships will jump at the opportunity to make even $100 over total cost vs making $200 selling at full pop retail. Turning away sales that provide even a marginal profit over cost is just stupid.

Just an opinion. Value it what you paid for it.

 

Business is about competition. Gotta find the bestdeals, local or otherwise. Think about it. Who's looking out for your wallet?

 

+1
I picked up my Heavy Breather and the SERT - could not beat the 20% and free shipping.

 

You know, my local dealer just had a 20% sale on everything in stock. Now I don't think they have had one of those before. Yes, it is winter, but it is SoCal too.We ride 12 months. I think maybe the HD business is finally starting to slow enough that they now are willing to do more for the customer. Like occasional good sales.

And I did buy some tour pak hardware from them rather than Zanotti this time. My dealer is good people. If they are reasonable on price I will support them.

 

i've used both Zanottis and Chicago and both were great. Zanottis did have the best deal on the IDS for my 07. Other than that its whoever has what I want.

 

Been dealing strickly with Chicago....after reading this, may have to shop around!

 

Chicago HD is awesome check out thier warranty prices compared to other dealers as well. Huge savings