Dealer Frustration

anthem said:

I've never understood why people always feel like they are being "ripped off" when dealers quote a price. If you don't like it - move on and do it yourself or some other dealer to do it. I mean - think about it - most of these motorcycle dealerships barely survive. They get along by doing service on the bikes - which pays the bills. Ducati's sales margins are razor thin (like 7 percent or something). Service is what has to pay the bills for rent/mortgage, staff, etc. They have to pay the mechanics whether there is a bike back there or not. They have to pay to send them for training to Ducati to get certified. So yeah, I kind of feel for the dealers (I am not one) as they are business owners and entitled to set the prices they want just like you can determine whether you want to pay it or not.

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Valid points but didn't hear this one... What brings people in? Reasonable prices is my answer. You can try and make ends meet with the peope who are more carefree with their money or those who align with your major points and feel that it is the right thing. However most will not and they just continue to lose business to more economical service.

Another thing that I feel we are gouged on is the service where they tighten bolts. One other person mentioned my exact feelings on the matter. I paid you to assemble and pre-check the tensions on this bike. It is not my financial responsibility to ensure that the bike I purchased remains properly assembled. It is the manufacturers for the period of their warranty.

I understand what you feel about what happened to you. Anyway, when I needed a brand new Toyota, I searched online for good bargains. I found a website that made it super simple to find great dealerships nearby. The Atlanta dealership I came across had great deals. Toyota is always donating to charity, and that was really important to me. At Sandy Springs Toyota you'll get the most beneficial car or truck buying experience achievable. So explore Toyota Atlanta GA quickly.

Guys, wrote a thread on this a week ago, fitted a full system, it's time consuming, over 4 hours from start to finish, totally agree with the 3 bolts on the headers, a .... to get at, loosen them even if you are fitting only the half system, it makes getting the exhaust valve off easier.

If you are not keen on paying hourly rates for a shop but want some stuff done like Desmo services, deliver the bike with the fairings already off, supply your own oil and just ask for the specific work that the trained tech will provide.

They are running a business, like I said in a previous thread get to know a GOOD dealer and ask for a discount. Tell them your expectations, if they are crap don't use them... This problem is not just bikes, and just so you guys know in Australia it's not the dealer but import TAX that is the problem, I am ordering 90% of my kit from the US and shipping and saving up to 50% on parts... Saved $800 on a an ohlins ear shock... Tires are another item I can buy and ship cheaper than buying in Aus...

for future references its pronounced stealership. as you can see there is a reason.
when my bike was delivered it was delivered with the rear pegs on but I noticed it was in F mode. I went to the stealership and asked them to change it to P mode like i requested for delivery. They said we can change it 120 bucks lol.
i said if i have the pegs on you are suppose to be in P mode and now you want to charge me. they said it will take an hour. i said its a 20 min job who you kidding.
now i have them match prices i get from the net but buy it from the net anyway and bring it to them to install. the service dept asked are you getting that stuff from us. i said no i get same price elsewhere and you charge me the same to install. cut me some kind of break and ill buy from you.
i am going to do my slips myself by the way

mark419ny said:

for future references its pronounced stealership. as you can see there is a reason.
when my bike was delivered it was delivered with the rear pegs on but I noticed it was in F mode. I went to the stealership and asked them to change it to P mode like i requested for delivery. They said we can change it 120 bucks lol.
i said if i have the pegs on you are suppose to be in P mode and now you want to charge me. they said it will take an hour. i said its a 20 min job who you kidding.
now i have them match prices i get from the net but buy it from the net anyway and bring it to them to install. the service dept asked are you getting that stuff from us. i said no i get same price elsewhere and you charge me the same to install. cut me some kind of break and ill buy from you.
i am going to do my slips myself by the way

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Dealers make me sick with their robbing tendencies...but people who defend them..Anthem being one..make me even sicker...

Slips ons are hard work to install but well worth the savings IMHO

I think it depends on your experience. I have had both good and bad, from both bikes and cars. My current Ducati maintenance guy is awesome. Even came by my house in the evening to make sure something was right.