Is there room to negotiate price in a new Buddy?

Michelle7471 · Post by **Michelle7471** » Tue May 10, 2011 5:57 pm

I'm looking to buy a new Genuine scooter within the next month or so. I'm looking at either the International or the 170i. I'm curious if there is room to negotiate with the dealer and how much room? Curious on what kind of deals other owners have received? Thank you!!

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Tue May 10, 2011 6:02 pm

Michelle7471 wrote:I'm looking to buy a new Genuine scooter within the next month or so. I'm looking at either the International or the 170i. I'm curious if there is room to negotiate with the dealer and how much room? Curious on what kind of deals other owners have received? Thank you!!

I'm no expert bit I'd bet there's no room on a 170i since they're not even in stores yet and there will probably we a waiting list.

Swordsman · Post by **Swordsman** » Tue May 10, 2011 6:24 pm

Two different dealers have failed to cut me any slack on a new Blur 220i. They may be more willing on a previous year model Buddy.

That 170i is frikkin' sharp!

~SM

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Tue May 10, 2011 6:30 pm

Dealers don't make much profit at all on scooter sales. Others on here have suggested trying for accessories or other items instead.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue May 10, 2011 8:03 pm

We are now at the start of the summer riding season. It is less likely to find discounts at this time of the year than any other. Having said that, the 150 is being discontinued so there may be some room for negotiation with any dealer that has a couple left. The new 170i - no way.

Shadowfaxi · Post by **Shadowfaxi** » Tue May 10, 2011 9:13 pm

I’d second what these guys are saying about new models. But from my experience, I was able to haggle with the dealer quite a bit because they had leftover New 2009 Buddy 125s. I got my Buddy out the door for a couple hundred less than MSRP. So if you would like to save some money, I’d go for a new older model especially the 150. They should be trying to get rid of those to make room for the 170i!! Good luck, my friend.

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Tue May 10, 2011 9:51 pm

I just got $400 off a new 2009 rattler. Took 3 trips and a week's time, but I have the money in my pocket.

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Tue May 10, 2011 10:05 pm

unless its a left over and the dealer has scoots on the way i doubt they will cut you a deal right now with gas prices as high as they are

and from what i understand from 2 diffrent people i know that own scooter shops and have diffrent brands there isnt much mark up on there end
that is why they charge for delivery and set up

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Tue May 10, 2011 11:56 pm

i doubt it

Hellvis · Post by **Hellvis** » Wed May 11, 2011 12:07 am

I am not an expert but I heard that from several sources that there isn't much mark up to begin with and that profit margin is not that high. With that said, you might be able to negotiate to have a couple of services done for example, which would cost the shop not as much than to lower their profit margin.

Plisar · Post by **Plisar** » Wed May 11, 2011 12:38 am

I got a great price on my 125, but I bought it at the right time. The price I got---2600 out the door---was not there a month after I purchased it.

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Wed May 11, 2011 2:54 am

I have to repeat what others are saying, with extra stress on the fact that it is already riding season, but it will be prime season in a month. Warm enough to ride every day, but not too hot yet. Combined with the fact that the 170 is brand new, and gas prices are back up where they were during the scooter surge of 2008, you may not have much of a chance. But, it never hurts to try. Go to the dealer a few times. Make sure they know how interested you are, and how serious you are about buying. You might get lucky in that they just might not charge all the set-up fees, or maybe they will throw in some accessories.

When I bought my 125 in 2008 POC in Cleveland had a 2 month wait on the bikes. I got lucky and they had my color in stock. There wasn't really any room to deal. But, I don't regret it at all, even though there have been better deals since then. Love my scoot.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 11, 2011 2:56 am

If you're looking at 2011/2012 models or a new model like the 170i, then the likelihood of getting a deal is pretty low.

In general, dealers have a higher margin on gear and accessories so you may be able to swing a discount if you're buying a helmet, gloves and jacket. As others have said, though, this is the start of what's shaping up to be a strong season for scooter sales coming after the worst couple years in decades. They were blowing scooters out at huge discounts last year. Not so much now.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Wed May 11, 2011 3:03 am

As others have said: you'll have much better luck getting the shop to throw in accessories (maybe at a discount) or some free/discounted service after the sale, than simply lowering the sale price. It ain't a BMW dealership.

For example, taking $100 off the price would cost them $100, but giving you half off on a helmet probably wouldn't cost them anything out of pocket. (They'd lose the sale of a helmet... but it's entirely possible that you'd end up buying one somewhere else or online or maybe not buying one at all....)

nwerikamp · Post by **nwerikamp** » Wed May 11, 2011 5:06 am

Check competitive dealers in your region and ask the dealer to match the best deal. Like others have said, you'll have the best luck on older stock (I.e. 09 Buddy). I did.

You'll have a harder time negotiating the 170s, though, depending on your approach, you may be able to negotiate down their price if they have stock and make considerably more on the 170i vs a 125.
Ask that service and/or accessories be included.

Ask for a cash discount.

Good luck!

Michelle7471 · Post by **Michelle7471** » Wed May 11, 2011 5:14 pm

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I feel better prepared for when i finally purchase my scooter. I'm actually turning in my lease (toyota rav4) on friday - don't worry, we have a second car that my husband never drives because he has a company vehicle. Anyway... next is to take my motorcycle class and then I can finally go buy my scooter!

I'll post pictures when it happens...especially if i can get the 170i since a lot of people seem pretty excited about it. Thanks again!

chillas61210 · Post by **chillas61210** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:25 pm

we are getting a 170i and a blur so we are trying to work a deal but we are buying 2 from the dealer so that is a little easier for us!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:37 pm

It's always okay to ask or to try. What's not okay (some people are like this, but I'm sure none of us) is to go in expecting something. Or, worse, demanding it. For all the reasons noted above, MSRP on scooters isn't like the "screw you" price on cars, where sticker is the highest you'll pay but rarely the actual price. It's not even like the "street price" on electronics that almost always sell for less. The price is the price.

Purchasing a scoot is just the start of what should be an ongoing relationship with your local dealer. They'll provide service, warranty support, parts, etc. I'm not saying they need to be your new best friends, but there are many advantages to starting that relationship on a positive note.

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Thu May 12, 2011 3:55 pm

ericalm wrote:Purchasing a scoot is just the start of what should be an ongoing relationship with your local dealer. They'll provide service, warranty support, parts, etc. I'm not saying they need to be your new best friends, but there are many advantages to starting that relationship on a positive note.

rsrider · Post by **rsrider** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:09 pm

chillas61210 wrote:we are getting a 170i and a blur so we are trying to work a deal but we are buying 2 from the dealer so that is a little easier for us!

Just don't get hammered on the hidden fees, like set up and destination charges. Paying MSRP on a new model scooter is fine, but getting jacked for a $300 setup fee and a $400 shipping fee is BS.

chillas61210 · Post by **chillas61210** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:14 pm

no shipping fees or set up fees I have the OTD price now before they get here and if they won't honor the price they quote they can sell it to someone else.

NikVee · Post by **NikVee** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 5:07 pm

Hey folks,

I'm brand new here and eying up a new 170i for my first scooter. I visited a dealer yesterday and had I been able to decide on a color, I may have bought on the spot.

Anyway, the dealer has a 200 dollar off promo through the end of the month. With this considered, do you think it's worth the effort to inquire about deals on accessories, etc?

They're obviously not a non-profit (duh), but it's a smaller shop, and the folks there are really friendly - the last thing I'd want to do is come off as insulting.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:50 pm

There's no harm in asking if that's the best price they can offer. But most scooter shops operate in pretty thin margins, so don't expect much wiggle room.

If you want to suggest that they sweeten the deal by including some extras, your best bet would be to suggest things that don't involve a direct hit on their bottom line. For example, a discount on gear like a helmet, jacket, gloves (rather than "a free helmet"), means they won't make as much money on the sale, but at least they won't lose money on it. Or the first service done for free, since most of the cost of that is labor.

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 7:51 pm

i second the recommendation to take cash, if possible. gives you a little more bargaining power. and i ditto the rec re: going for product rather than a straight cash discount.

also, if they're tagging on a fee for running to the dmv and handling all the sales paperwork/transfer, tell them just to do whatever they need to and you'll do the rest. i know my local dealer charges $130 for them doing it all.

NikVee · Post by **NikVee** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 9:19 pm

This is good advice, thanks folks.

I'm going to have to quiz them a little bit on what paperwork they do, the dealer is in Portland, and I'm in SW Washington, so I'm assuming that they won't be doing title/registration/etc there.

pinthea · Post by **pinthea** » Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:40 pm

Paul is a really reasonable guy. I know from personal experience that he would prefer you pay cash so he isn't hit with the VISA transaction fee.

So if you were to pay cash, you might be able to get an additional discount in the amount of the credit card transaction fee he wouldn't have to pay. Maybe you can split the savings...

Asking for a discount on accessories saves you more money than it costs him, so it's a win/win if he still makes a profit. Having a free 1st service will save you about $150. When I bought mine from him last year there was a 15% discount through the end of the month and I picked up an awesome jacket and messenger bag for less than retail and about the same as it would have cost via online merchants. Plus my money was spent locally and the scooter shop benefitted. Win/win.

Consider that you are establishing a relationship with the owners and the scooter shop and you are investing in that as part of your deal. Also consider that you would rather have their shop open and available than going bankrupt so remember to shop locally when possible.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Thu Jun 27, 2013 10:28 am

Cash talks, BS walks. Pinthea sums it up quite well.

NikVee · Post by **NikVee** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 5:07 am

pinthea wrote:Paul is a really reasonable guy. I know from personal experience that he would prefer you pay cash so he isn't hit with the VISA transaction fee.

So if you were to pay cash, you might be able to get an additional discount in the amount of the credit card transaction fee he wouldn't have to pay. Maybe you can split the savings...

Asking for a discount on accessories saves you more money than it costs him, so it's a win/win if he still makes a profit. Having a free 1st service will save you about $150. When I bought mine from him last year there was a 15% discount through the end of the month and I picked up an awesome jacket and messenger bag for less than retail and about the same as it would have cost via online merchants. Plus my money was spent locally and the scooter shop benefitted. Win/win.

Consider that you are establishing a relationship with the owners and the scooter shop and you are investing in that as part of your deal. Also consider that you would rather have their shop open and available than going bankrupt so remember to shop locally when possible.

I guess I can't ask for better advice than what's specific to the shop. I'm planning on heading down there tomorrow or Saturday, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

I appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Now if only I could decide on a color. None of the 170i's scream "I'm the right color for you!!!"

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:30 am

I went for silver, a fav color of mine. And remember that the racing stripe
makes it faster!!

Any color is good but colors more easily seen by cages
is to your benifit. Highway safety jackets are good too.

NikVee · Post by **NikVee** » Sat Jun 29, 2013 1:08 am

Interesting...
So I'm a little confused right now on dealer pricing.

I was browsing CL for kicks and came across this http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcd/3834995003.html - which from the dealer I was planning on purchasing from. I noticed it was a 2012 model.

Looking to see how Buddy's retain their values, I checked out KBB, and noted that the purchase price was nearly a grand less: http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/genuine/ ... me=scooter

The dealer closed a few minute ago, otherwise I'd call. I definitely got a 2013 catalog when I was there... do you think this is a typo on the CL ad? If they are indeed 2012's that they have in stock, doesn't that open up a pretty large area for negotiation?

While potentially getting "last year's model" isn't a huge issue for me, seeing the potential price differences makes me hesitate.

Thoughts?

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Sat Jun 29, 2013 1:47 am

that KBB value is for s USED scooter in "excellent" condition. the one at the dealer is NEW with a full warranty

Buddy's are not the least expensive scooters on the market for what you get. paying more for smaller seems to go against the grain. their is "more scooter" out there for the same money, or less. if you're interested.

that dealer price if OTD is fair. maybe they will offer a free this or that with a sale? maybe they will have a deeper discount later in the year or Genuine will offer a discount? maybe next week?

but....buying new from a dealer usually means just making a fair offer, or taking one. its either accepted or rejected if reasonable.but "negotiating" or nickel and diming a deal most likely won't get it done

the actual model year of the scoot is not terribly important if new and unused and never sold before. in the bike business dealers are often left with leftovers, as are factories. price difference for a 2012 to 2013 can be negligible and often is unless the dealer is desperate to move older stock. you are in the market at the beginning of a long, hot summer. its a sellers market atm imo

mverps · Post by **mverps** » Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:36 am

Local dealer here in Missoula would not budge on price on 2012 models, in fact there "special" price on a 2012 Stella was $1000.00 over manufacturers suggested retail. So I am now riding a used Kymco Grand Vista from a different dealer.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:21 am

What JSScoot said is spot on. There is always some wiggle room but you
are buying a new scoot even if it is a 2012 model. As for the Missoula
dealer; if he is trying to get a thou more than SRP avoid him like the
plague. Doing business like that he may not be around long. While car
dealers cut prices on new 'last year' nodels to clear the way for the next
years models it does not work that way in the scooter world.

NikVee · Post by **NikVee** » Sat Jun 29, 2013 3:14 pm

Thanks all.
I really appreciate the thoughtful replies to this old thread I resurrected.

Y'all know how to make a newbie feel welcome

If I'm buying in the very near future, this weekend is likely when it will be.

pinthea · Post by **pinthea** » Tue Jul 02, 2013 3:36 pm

The last time I was in Paul's scooter shop (Vespa Portland on NW Vaughn) was a couple of weeks ago and there were lots of Buddy 170i's to choose from.

Last year I bought a new 2012 Pamplona (a maroonish-red), which I love, but the Italia (sage-green) is the one that I really wanted to buy, but they didin't have one on the floor at the time.

The British Racing Green and the silver colors are also both quite nice and preferred by some to be 'more masculine'. When you're on a scooter, the possibility of being seen as a bad-ass masculine dude sort of goes out the window... And that's why I love mine! =)

The only color I didn't care for personally was the brown one.

amyrob56 · Post by **amyrob56** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 6:02 pm

I stopped by my local dealer twice. Decided I wanted a 170i Pamplona. They did not have that color in stock but had quite an inventory. Owner said if I was willing to take one of the Mochas (brown and tan) I could have it for $300 off and get it same day. I was Ok with that. Also gave me 1/2 all accessories, and swapped out the stock seat for the low profile at no installation charge. I felt well treated all around.

So maybe if you see an excess of one color you may be able to help them reduce their excess inventory if you can be a bit flexible.

NikVee · Post by **NikVee** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 6:37 pm

The good advice continues to roll in - I've still got a few days to think on it, too.

For what it's worth, I was taking a motorcycle endorsement course over the last couple of days (Monday being the first time I used a clutch on *anything*) and am proud to say I passed! So all I've got to do now is head to the DOL and get an endorsed license.

Several times after a ride, the other students in the class would, half-teasingly, ask, "so, are you sure you still want a scooter?"
I reaffirmed the fact without hesitation. Though I could see getting a small bike one day, too.

Modern Buddy

Is there room to negotiate price in a new Buddy?

Is there room to negotiate price in a new Buddy?

Re: Is there room to negotiate price in a new Buddy?

THANK YOU

scooter pricing