Modern Buddy

So i have done a ton of research and I'm bitting the bullet and getting a 220 ss blur. I just wanted to know how you all would approach the sale. I'm thinking bout offering 4200 cash out the door. I went a month ago to my local shop and the guy priced me about 5000 out the door. Do you think it is too low? Will He just laugh at me and have me escorted off the sale floor? Let me know. I'm so in love with the scooter i have to have it but is the scooter market booming enough that it isn't worth his time?

Moved from the Gallery to the Blur forum.

It's your money - if what you're willing to pay is $4200, then the worst the dealer can say is "no." If he's not a complete jerk, then he will decline politely.

If you're willing to pay MORE than $4200, that's a different thing.

And - for what it's worth - I have a lightly modded ss220i for sale with less than 500mi on it. $3000 plus shipping if you wanted to do that.

you can always try..If he is smart he will come back with a "counter offer" and you guys can try to meet in the middle

All great ideas. Just want to know if haggling is ok. I read about it on here but just wanted to see if it happens in the scooter world.

There's really not much margin built into the MSRP and most dealers don't buy outright, they pay "flooring" which is financing the bike until the sale.

So they can't afford to bargain too much, and even if the bike's been sitting around a while, they might be sorta 'underwater' like a house loan, so they may really want to sell it, but can't afford to take a big loss. (The Blur's a new bike so that's not an issue here.

Also, freight, taxes, titles, and all that are pretty much non-negotiable, those are fees and costs that must be paid, none of that goes to the dealer. "Dealer Prep" is generally a legitimate expense, too.

SO your best bet is to haggle for a free scheduled service, or discounts on accessories… there's more markup there and they'll be more willing to deal.

Dealers make most of their money on service and parts/accessories, so make it clear that you'll support them for service and accessories in the future, that relationship is just as important to them than the sale. If it's a good dealer they'll want you to leave happy, but again, there's really only so much they can deal on the bikes themselves. If you're buying a helmet and an armored jacket with the bike and talking about performance upgrades down the road, they might cut you more of a break.

Illnoise is spot on, but I feel the need to point out one other thing. Haggling during riding season probably won't have a high margin of success.

Good luck, you've picked a great scooter.

I can't wait to get it. I will let you know if my wrath is a successful one or not. Thanks for all the advice and comments. I will keep them all in the back of my mind.

Something else to keep in mind.

Parts and service is where most shops make their money. If you beat them to death on the price, they will remember you when you come in for service. Having a good relationship with your dealer can make the difference between getting something done quickly and having to wait, y'know?

Be fair with your haggling, and be respectful. If you pay a little more and don't try to gouge the guy, it will pay off in goodwill with the shop.

Working in the retail business I understand what you mean. Good karma will always come back atcha. Calling around I found out finding a white one is going to be harder than I thought and I might still be looking for yours.

Everything is negotiable.

If they take offense at your $4200 offer (which is very fair in my opinion) then go somewhere else. Business is business... a dealer won't be around very long if they introduce emotion into their transactions.

illnoise wrote:There's really not much margin built into the MSRP and most dealers don't buy outright, they pay "flooring" which is financing the bike until the sale.

So they can't afford to bargain too much, and even if the bike's been sitting around a while, they might be sorta 'underwater' like a house loan, so they may really want to sell it, but can't afford to take a big loss. (The Blur's a new bike so that's not an issue here.

Also, freight, taxes, titles, and all that are pretty much non-negotiable, those are fees and costs that must be paid, none of that goes to the dealer. "Dealer Prep" is generally a legitimate expense, too.

SO your best bet is to haggle for a free scheduled service, or discounts on accessories… there's more markup there and they'll be more willing to deal.

Dealers make most of their money on service and parts/accessories, so make it clear that you'll support them for service and accessories in the future, that relationship is just as important to them than the sale. If it's a good dealer they'll want you to leave happy, but again, there's really only so much they can deal on the bikes themselves. If you're buying a helmet and an armored jacket with the bike and talking about performance upgrades down the road, they might cut you more of a break.

This is one of the most well put answers I have ever read. I work for a dealer, and you couldn't be more right. Too often, people think that scooter dealerships and car dealerships are the same thing, and that simply isn't true. There really is no wheelin' & dealin' unless the bike is at least 2 years old but still new on the floor, a bike that the dealer has tons of, or the dealer got a great deal on them so he/she can pass it along. MSRP is a joke and like KBB, it shouldn't ever be looked at as something set in stone.

Just took a gun metal 220 for a test drive. So nice. I'm hoping to find a white one in the Bay Area. It id looking slim. Keeping my fingers crossed with cash in hand.

So everything is lined up. Really excited to get my Blur. Tomorrow is the DAY. Can't wait to ride it in this nice weather.

ANOTHER neighbor gets a scooter.
have fun!

bosco wrote:ANOTHER neighbor gets a scooter.
have fun!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP. SJ VESPA is the best place to get a scooter. Jeff was super fair on the price and even gave me a discount on gear to go with the bike. All the guys down there really want to see you happy and satisfied with your purchase. I walked away with an awesome blur 220 today and I'm driving the long way home every where I go. I highly recommend SJ VESPA for all your scooter needs.

Mind if I ask what you paid total, out the door?

I ask because I'm curious how much you can talk down a dealer.


On websites like flatsquirrel scooters, they have

MSRP: 3899
Lic, Title, Reg: 134
PDI: 250
ST Doc Prep: 125
Total: $4033.

Shipping to California: 230 to 300 bucks, UPS. About $4250ish.

Now clearly, if you're buying new you want a dealer you can run to in case of emergency. I totally get that, I'm just a bit surprised they said it'd be closer to $5k out the door. Is that normal? I've seen other people on this forum say closer to $4500. I'm just trying to get a feel for the dealer range. Not sure what the fees/costs are.

Also curious if you can negotiate much if you pay cash vs credit (as cash is always cheaper for them).

Cheers

edit: on second thought, tax? This website had $0 for tax. Totally forgot to factor that in.

I didn't think Genuine allows their dealers to sell via mailorder (though clearly that one appears to be.)

You are right in the pocket with the price. bout 4250 sounds right. Honestly buy local. You will make the scooter shop happy and they will in turn start a relationship with you and your scooter. I'm so happy I got it. So much fun. Can't wait till more mods come out for it.

That's awesome, congrats!

I'm itching to upgrade my scooter, and these last few weeks the Blur has just been stealing my attention and won't let it go back to a Buddy 170i. Dying to find a dealer with one that I can test drive a bit.

Enjoy it