Do Any Dealers Really Discount Buddys?

Supersoul · Post by **Supersoul** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:12 pm

Like many others, I am waiting for the new International 150 series to become available. Meanwhile, I spoke to my local Genuine dealer about the possiblity of his discounting one of his 15 new Buddy 125's that he has in stock.

Bottom line: He would not budge on the MSRP. He did say that he "would throw in about $175 worth of accessories" (helmet, rack, etc.).

I don't get it. He has 15 Buddy 125's in stock. I told him I was ready to commit to purchase and all he wants to do is throw me a $75 wholesale value bone????

At least this dealer doesn't try to add-on B.S. like setup fees or destination charges (don't know how common this is).

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:28 pm

From my experience, no.

I wasn't going to get a break on my Italia even though the '08's had been announced. Though I've heard of it happening so I know that some dealers do discount.

Throwing in accessories is the more common way, from my shopping experience.

I see you mention that you're not being charged setup and destination (shipping). I assume he's charging tax, tag, and title?

The setup fee is very real- these things come from Taiwan in a crate and really do need some significant setup. Shipping also does cost them quite a bit too. If you're getting those for free, I'd say that paying MSRP is not so bad!

Good luck!

thepezident · Post by **thepezident** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:36 pm

I got $100 off my 07 Buddy 125 Italia AND no setup fees.

I'm sure you're going to hear that it's cool to pay full price because you want your dealer to stay in business. Don't you...??

Guilt is a beautiful thing...

Seriously though...I agree about staying in business but I also think that $50-100 bucks off is a nice compromise. Especially to earn a customer and potentially get more business.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:54 pm

At least this dealer doesn't try to add-on B.S. like setup fees or destination charges (don't know how common this is).

It's very common and I actually don't mind paying set-up fees for a new scooter or bike because I want the bike properly set up. These scoots are shipped partially assembled in crates and set up takes a few hours. Somebody is paying for that work, either you or the shop. Not having to pay those fees is a pretty good start and a savings for you of about 10%. If you choose your "free" accessories wisely, you can add another 5+% of savings to the equation.

As for discounts, a lot depends on whether or not your location has a riding season. Typically, in cold weather areas, scoot and cycle shops have some big sales at the end of the season. In Florida, you don't have an end of the season. You also don't have much markup to play around with. Personally, compared to what I typically see in Colorado, your deal sounds pretty decent. I still might wait to compare the 150's but I'd also want to start riding ASAP, before it gets too hot.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:29 pm

Yeah, if you're not paying those fees and you're living in a no-off-season state, buying a top-selling bike with minimal changes for 08, you're probably not going to get a better deal. The deals come when an upgraded model is announced, or an unpopular, overstocked model is discontinued. Consider the waiver of the setup fees and destination charges a fair discount, because he does have to pay the freight, and he does have to pay his mechanic to set it up, and those costs are usually passed on to the consumer.

Bb.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:03 pm

thepezident wrote:I got $100 off my 07 Buddy 125 Italia AND no setup fees.

I'm sure you're going to hear that it's cool to pay full price because you want your dealer to stay in business. Don't you...??

Guilt is a beautiful thing...

Seriously though...I agree about staying in business but I also think that $50-100 bucks off is a nice compromise. Especially to earn a customer and potentially get more business.

Yeah, I'd never say I'm glad to have paid full MSRP and all the fees, but it wasn't happening any other way around here so it is what it is!!

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:15 pm

There's just not a ton of dealer markup on any scooter. Genuine's dealer markup is better than most, but it's not a lot of money, and if the dealer's taking the freight charges out of that, it's even less. If they're spending an unbillable service hour setting it up, thats more potential money down the drain.

I'd guess that most dealers who sell below MSRP without charges are either desperate to make room for newer models or just to make a sale in general during a slow period, hoping to build their customer base. Scooter markup is probably the least profitable part of running a dealership, they make more money from accessories and service. Even then, I don't know how any scooter dealers stay in business, especially since half the country is snowbound half the year.

poop colored buddy · Post by **poop colored buddy** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:03 pm

most dealers sell their scoots for over msrp, then add on tax, licensing blah blah. The best deal that I am aware of that you could pay for a scoots would be actually paying JUST the msrp, no tags fee, setup etc. If you are only paying msrp, you really are getting a "discount". Now obviously it seems like there should be exceptions, although very very rare. Even not paying setup fees and tags/licensing is rare.

intheclouds · Post by **intheclouds** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:25 pm

I thought the same, "who pays MSRP?" when I started looking at scooters - I'm used to the car market with their outrageous margins. Our local scooter shop is MSRP + setup... its a fixed amount and they clearly show the out the door price (minus tax since that changes depending on where one lives).

And then I started reading/calling around/asking questions and realized that a) profit margins on scooters are tight b) paying for freight+set up is common and lots of places charge even more than my local shop c) in the summer, many shops don't even throw in a helmet or gloves

Yes, they make a good margin on accessories, but if you need that cover, gloves, top box etc... it is going to cost you real dollars for those goodies. Add it all together and take out $175 and take away at least $200 for freight and set up... does it matter whether it comes off the scooter price or someplace else?

Bottom line, just paying MSRP seems like a real deal.

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:59 pm

Paid $2600 MSRP for my 2007 creme Buddy 125, plus $200 setup. That was it. I was told up front what it would cost, and there were no hidden "handling" or later add-on charges either! (Unike what my Vespa dealer tried to get away with, and didn't..!)
I took care of the license fee and tax on the Buddy later myself, in a different State. And later, when I had a few minor problems with a too tight mirror breaking off, the dealer installed a windshield at no charge to make up for it...

Philadelphia Scooters: -IMO just nice friendly people in a small scooter shop, not trying to cheat anyone (unlike some big MC and scooter dealers I've dealt with) while trying to make a living with a fair profit margin..

Hey, I first looked at a Vino at a big Yamaha dealer's. The salesman there first quoted me an absolutely outrageous price, easily $600-$700 over what it should've been!! It only took me about 15 minutes to get the price back down to a more reasonable level, but if I hadn't known what I was doing he really would've stuck it to me!!

-Needless to say, I didn't buy the Vino. I could just imagine what he would have done to me regarding service!!

pocphil · Post by **pocphil** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:31 am

It looks like it'll only be a week or so until the '08 Basic color 125's arrive. It may be a few months until the '08 Series Italias actually arrive. The other Intl's will be hitting dealers sooner. So, I don't know how fast '07 inventory is being "discounted" to make room for '08 stuff. If my inventory is any indication I'll be running out of '07s just in time to get the '08s in stock. I'd say if your dealer has ANY Buddy scooters left over consider yourself lucky to have the luxury of selection.

Bethers · Post by **Bethers** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:07 am

While I was just looking for a place to take my scoot for the first service - I noticed one dealer had their 2007 Buddy's at either 100 or 150 off. I wasn't paying attention to whether they charged for setup, etc. So, there is such a thing as a discount - but again, it could be the location of the shop - and I don't know that he has them priced at msrp to being with.

5 bud7 · Post by **5 bud7** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 2:15 am

[quote="thepezident"]I got $100 off my 07 Buddy 125 Italia AND no setup fees.

I'm sure you're going to hear that it's cool to pay full price because you want your dealer to stay in business. Don't you...??

Guilt is a beautiful thing...

Seriously though...I agree about staying in business but I also think that $50-100 bucks off is a nice compromise. Especially to earn a customer and potentially get more business].[/quote The MSRP includes all shipping fees and set-up fees You should never pay over or you are being double dipped. there is a 100 % dealer markup in the msrp! seems enough to keep a dealer in business. I offered msrp out the door on my italia and they took it. 5 bud 7

FLMINI1048 · Post by **FLMINI1048** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 3:59 am

5 bud7 wrote: there is a 100 % dealer markup in the msrp! seems enough to keep a dealer in business.

100%??? so the cost is only 1/2 of MSRP? I think you might want to check your facts again. A normal, at least in the Japanese motorcycle industry, is a 20% profit margin, not including "set up" fees. It's no where near 50% and I doubt Genuine's profit margins are so generous.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:39 am

Well, Supersoul, how about all of these for answers to your original question??

Having a good dealer that you trust is important... check around with other scooter shops to see what the norm is in your area. You could buy elsewhere and ship the scoot I guess but that would negate any savings most likely.

It might just be that the deal you are being quoted is the best around!

Buddy_wannabe · Post by **Buddy_wannabe** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:54 am

'07 50cc Bud ..... $2100 out the door .... also get 10% off any/all accessories for a year.

Supersoul · Post by **Supersoul** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:42 pm

Thanks for all the responses to my question. Based on what most of you have said, it looks like my local dealer's pricing is pretty good for the Buddy.

I still think I am going to wait to test drive the 150cc version. There's still precious little real performance data available on that yet. I am hoping for a decent mid-range performance boost as well as a higher top end.

Thanks y'all,

Supersoul

PS

I am recently retired and live in S. FL. This AM I just filled up my old '93 Buick Riviera with $70 worth of gas. I started to calculate what percentage that $70 was of the total cost of the Buddy...heh heh
I also realized that 95% of my driving takes place in a 5 mile radius from my home. Hmmmmmm.........that Buddy is looking better and better

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:43 pm

Supersoul wrote:
I am recently retired and live in S. FL.

Check out the Southeast Florida Scooters group at Yahoo! groups... they plan a lot of rides and have good local info on scootering down here.

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 2:09 pm

Sounds like your already getting a good deal with no uncrate set up and tune costs, if I was the dealer I would watch you walk and sell it to someone else for the same deal he gave you.................

pocphil · Post by **pocphil** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:28 pm

I have absolutely no idea where you got your information, but it is 100% wrong. The PDI (Building of the scooter up to 3 hours on some bikes) Shipping (as much as $320 on some bikes), Title Fees (Vary by state to state), and Taxes (7.75% in our state) is NOT included in the MSRP. Not in the car industry, not in the motorcycle industry, definitely NOT in the scooter industry.

Regarding this 100% profit margin? We get between 14% and 30% margins on our scooters. Let me put that in perspective for you...If you run a Hot Topic store your profit margins are between 70% and 90% on EVERY item you sell. If you run a pizza shop you're making $10 on every $13 pizza.

If you've got such an axe to grind with your local scooter shop for trying to make enough money to stay in business and pay their employees, I'd rather you shopped elsewhere. I only want customers who want my continued service and success. I routinely run into customers who DEMAND I give them $500 (or better) off on a given scooter. Even after I show them MY invoice, they insist there's big money I get in dealer incentives. Of course they get these opinions from the car industry constantly offering "cars at 10% off invoice!" It is a different market and I often wish we had the kind of incentives offered to the car industry, but that would result in the artificial inflation of our prices to compensate for the "Deep - Deep - Discounts"...If you want to play the game you do at your car dealership...I can reluctantly alter my business practices to suit you.

Phil Waters
Pride Of Cleveland Scooters - Vespa Cleveland / Lakewood
www.clevelandscooters.com

5 bud7 wrote:
thepezident wrote:I got $100 off my 07 Buddy 125 Italia AND no setup fees.

I'm sure you're going to hear that it's cool to pay full price because you want your dealer to stay in business. Don't you...??

Guilt is a beautiful thing...

Seriously though...I agree about staying in business but I also think that $50-100 bucks off is a nice compromise. Especially to earn a customer and potentially get more business].[/quote The MSRP includes all shipping fees and set-up fees You should never pay over or you are being double dipped. there is a 100 % dealer markup in the msrp! seems enough to keep a dealer in business. I offered msrp out the door on my italia and they took it. 5 bud 7

5 bud7 · Post by **5 bud7** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:27 pm

Do you think people don't go to e-bay and see all the chinese ( yes, taiwan is china)scooter prices. thats how I arrived at profits. Buying in container lots even makes it more profitable. Don't worry about selling me a scooter, I already bought a buddy from a dealer who wanted to move scooters he had for sale. I hope everyone in Cleveland sees that last line as to how to manipulate people out of there money for your continued sucess. 5 bud 7

Sl,ut4 · Post by **Sl,ut4** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:36 pm

They do.

SgtBananas · Post by **SgtBananas** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:44 pm

msrp should be pretty firm for bikes. it honestly just depends on the manufacturer, but profit margins on bikes are not as good as they were even last year. Thats why if you budge on msrp, you're not really making what you should be from the bikes. With accessories and stuff like that, there is more leeway because the margin is better (leaving more room for discounting). Its not really a ploy to get more money, just to make enough money to continue selling the bikes worthwhile.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:02 pm

5 bud7 wrote:
thepezident wrote:I got $100 off my 07 Buddy 125 Italia AND no setup fees.

I'm sure you're going to hear that it's cool to pay full price because you want your dealer to stay in business. Don't you...??

Guilt is a beautiful thing...

Seriously though...I agree about staying in business but I also think that $50-100 bucks off is a nice compromise. Especially to earn a customer and potentially get more business].[/quote The MSRP includes all shipping fees and set-up fees You should never pay over or you are being double dipped. there is a 100 % dealer markup in the msrp! seems enough to keep a dealer in business. I offered msrp out the door on my italia and they took it. 5 bud 7
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying here. Your dealer paid your tax, title and registration for you? Or are you just saying that he didn't charge for set-up? I do know of some higher volume dealers who do not charge for set up on bikes that are already set up and waiting on the showroom floor. I know of no dealer anywhere who pays tax and titling fees.

iinigma7 · Post by **iinigma7** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:28 pm

I paid full sticker price +$400 setup for my Italia. The dealer wouldn't budge on the price, and quite frankly Buddy's are so hard to get here in SC if I didn't buy it someone else would have. There are only two Genuine dealers within three hours drive from where I am, and they both have a hard time keeping Buddy's in stock.

I know I didn't really get a deal, but I was just happy to find an Italia in this area.

That's awesome that some places aren't charging for setup though. If you can get that deal, good on ya.

5 bud7 · Post by **5 bud7** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:40 pm

The M.S.R.P. was the full price of the italia scooter. There was no extra profit add ons included. By taking the M.S.R.P. and deducting the taxes,license and document fees you get the price of the scooter out the door. Inever thought of it as paying my taxes and fees, just lowering the scooter price. 5 bud 7

pocphil · Post by **pocphil** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:41 pm

Ok, I'm sorry, I thought I was dealing with an educated consumer.

Your post says it all and I PRAY everyone in Cleveland reads it and sympathizes with what most dealers face on a daily basis.

Seriously, I hope you're a troll, because if you are...GENIUS!

Phil
POC
www.clevelandscooters.com

5 bud7 wrote:Do you think people don't go to e-bay and see all the chinese ( yes, taiwan is china)scooter prices. thats how I arrived at profits. Buying in container lots even makes it more profitable. Don't worry about selling me a scooter, I already bought a buddy from a dealer who wanted to move scooters he had for sale. I hope everyone in Cleveland sees that last line as to how to manipulate people out of there money for your continued sucess. 5 bud 7

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:13 am

I'm happy if I get what I consider a fair deal. When i bought my B125 it was msrp + something like $75 for set up.

Tax tag title were additional but as far as I know there is nothing the dealer can do about those! My dealer was the one that pointed me to the Buddy. I had called him on the phone asking about a more expensive scoot. We talked for alittle bit, he asked what I wanted to use it for and then recommended the Buddy. He could have just let me spend more money for something that wouldn't have been as good a fit formy needs. To me that kind of service from a dealer is worth a few bucks, especially since he was right!

It was a different story when I purchassed my Burgman. I did my research and found a Suzuki dealer in Okeechobee. (ARS Powersports) They sold at $200 or $300 over invoice, no freight and no set up. I saved a bundle. How come? Okeechobee isn't in the middle of nowhere but its not far from it! (I have done some work there and it is really a nice town.) I'm sure their overhead is much lower than the South Florida dealers that wouldn't budge from MSRP. Ordering was a 10 min phone call and a $100 deposit. Pickup was about 15 mins. They didn't have to spend much time on me! The are not very up on scooters which showed when the pointed out the clutch lever (ummm...thats the rear ABS brake) That was OK because I knew what I wanted. Most of their customers travel over 100 miles to buy. They work strictly on volume, no haggling on price etc. It works for them!

Depending on what I was interested in I would do business with either one of these businesses again. Each one filled a need that I had. (OK more like my wants than needs!) Both were friendly and helpfull and I felt like I got a fair deal from each!

5 bud7 · Post by **5 bud7** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:39 am

When people (DEALERS ) ONLY RESORT IS TO CALL FORUM PARTICIPANTS NAMES THEY LOSE ALL CREDABILITY IN MY BOOK. mY ORIGINAL POST WAS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND THEY COULD TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. THIS NEEDS TO BE THE END OF THIS DISCUSSION . THANK YOU 5 BUD 7

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:44 am

5 bud7 wrote:When people (DEALERS ) ONLY RESORT IS TO CALL FORUM PARTICIPANTS NAMES THEY LOSE ALL CREDABILITY IN MY BOOK. mY ORIGINAL POST WAS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND THEY COULD TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. THIS NEEDS TO BE THE END OF THIS DISCUSSION . THANK YOU 5 BUD 7

Chill. The point is that your information was wrong and that when this was pointed out to you, you made a spurious apples to oranges comparison to inferior products. There is no 100% markup on a Buddy. Period. Phil isn't the only dealer to make this point on the forum. And there's no dealer/Genuine conspiracy to deceive you about markup.

Fees vary by dealer. Some eat the cost. Sales tax is required by law. If they don't charge it, they're paying it out of their own pockets. And registration fees are paid for by the dealer in CA and some other states; that's usually added on too. In other states, you pay those yourself after buying the scoot. Either way, you pay for it.

Having a good, friendly relationship with your dealer is well worth paying a hundred bucks or whatever more. We've had many stories of dealers who have gone way above and beyond to help out customers in need.

Nothing wrong with trying to get a deal, but don't be a jackass about it and act like it's your right. The price is on the scooter for a reason. As has been said, it's not like buying a car, where the margins are much higher. Dealers aren't trying to screw you out of your money. They want you to come back for service, parts and accessories. And, in the case of the Buddy, they can probably sell it to someone else for full sticker price, so be grateful for any deal they offer.

And if you don't like it, walk away.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:48 am

5 bud7 wrote:Do you think people don't go to e-bay and see all the chinese ( yes, taiwan is china)scooter prices. thats how I arrived at profits. Buying in container lots even makes it more profitable. Don't worry about selling me a scooter, I already bought a buddy from a dealer who wanted to move scooters he had for sale. I hope everyone in Cleveland sees that last line as to how to manipulate people out of there money for your continued sucess. 5 bud 7

are you the troll that lives under th 7 mile bridge?

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:14 am

BuddyRaton wrote:
5 bud7 wrote:Do you think people don't go to e-bay and see all the chinese ( yes, taiwan is china)scooter prices. thats how I arrived at profits. Buying in container lots even makes it more profitable. Don't worry about selling me a scooter, I already bought a buddy from a dealer who wanted to move scooters he had for sale. I hope everyone in Cleveland sees that last line as to how to manipulate people out of there money for your continued sucess. 5 bud 7

are you the troll that lives under th 7 mile bridge?

I really want to ride that bridge on my Buddy...

cccous · Post by **cccous** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:21 am

--5 bud7 wrote:

I hope everyone in Cleveland sees that last line as to how to manipulate people out of there money for your continued sucess. 5 bud 7

I read it, live in Cleveland and side with pocphil. Besides sucess comes from good service.

--5 bud7 wrote:

Do you think people don't go to e-bay and see all the chinese ( yes, taiwan is china)scooter prices. thats how I arrived at profits.

--Then 5 bud7 wrote:

When people (DEALERS ) ONLY RESORT IS TO CALL FORUM PARTICIPANTS NAMES THEY LOSE ALL CREDABILITY IN MY BOOK.

In my book people lose credibility when they can not tell the difference from a Chinese scooter and a quality scooter like the Buddy made in Taiwan. Taiwan may be a republic of China, but that is about all they have in common when it comes to making scooters.
5 bud7 why did you not save yourself more money and buy a Chinese scooter on ebay, if they are such a great price, with out all those so called big dealer profits?

ps your caps lock is stuck.

5 bud7 · Post by **5 bud7** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:41 am

ericalm; now you've gone and pissed me off. I made the motion to end this discussion, but you did'nt respect that: you should chill: and if you don'tlike it, walk away 5 bud 7 P.S. theres room for both of us under the 7th street bridge

littleao · Post by **littleao** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:46 am

Can someone give me a ride to the Motorsports in san diego. i want to drive my Buddy back to encinitas? I test rode it today and i liked it.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:57 am

littleao wrote:Can someone give me a ride to the motoscoot<sp> in san diego. i want to drive my Buddy back to encinitas? I test rode it today and i liked it.

FANTASTIC ANOTHER SAN DIEGO BUDDY RIDER!!!!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 4:05 am

5 bud7 wrote:ericalm; now you've gone and pissed me off. I made the motion to end this discussion, but you did'nt respect that: you should chill: and if you don'tlike it, walk away 5 bud 7 P.S. theres room for both of us under the 7th street bridge

You're kinda funny, in the way that my dear, departed cat who was dropped on his head too many times as a kitten grew up kinda "funny." So I'll tell you what: I'll refrain from deleting your posts and kicking you off the forum for being a nuisance if you make some kind of attempt to be a productive contributor and deal with the facts that others will disagree with you and that you don't get to decide when topics end. (While, on the other hand, I do.)

I'm not easily provoked or irritated, but I've been awake for about 38 hours and have little patience at the moment.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 4:10 am

The difference between a good dealer and bad dealer? Read about what a bad dealer did to me. viewtopic.php?t=2824&highlight=

I thought I was saving a few bucks, but the amount of time and grief was not worth the money I "saved". BTW, I finally got resolution of that problem last week, 4 months after I puchased the scooter!

A good dealer is more than worth a few extra bucks. Unlike a car dealership, you dealer works on a relationship with you. That relationship is mutually beneficial.

scooterdyke · Post by **scooterdyke** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:19 pm

In Cleveland, POC Phil is our SCOOTER GOD. We all consider ourselves extremely lucky to have a dealer who genuinely cares about our needs, and who treats us all as a part of his extended family. I know that there are good dealers all around, but Pride of Cleveland has to be among the top 3 in the country.

WE LOVE YOU, PHIL AND MERRITT!!!!!

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:06 pm

Um... the right car dealership works on the relationship too. Refferal and repeat business demand that a good dealer works very hard on those things. Just like a bad scooter store, bad car dealerships exist too. The good news is that there are such a things as good scooter and automobile dealers in the world. If you haven't bought a car from a place that actually values your business shame on you, not them. You gave your money to the wrong people.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:34 pm

scooterdyke wrote:WE LOVE YOU, PHIL AND MERRITT!!!!! :lol:

Especially Merritt! (Though I've never tongue-kissed her.)

Bb.

pocphil · Post by **pocphil** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:51 pm

Ok, now I'm blushing...can we please go back to picking on the crazy guy?

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:03 pm

pocphil wrote:Ok, now I'm blushing...can we please go back to picking on the crazy guy?

I'm saving that one for future use.

ERik3tb · Post by **ERik3tb** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:23 pm

That pic would be good to slip into his signature block when he is being overly serious.

bonniebuddy · Post by **bonniebuddy** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 7:53 pm

i know the dealer i bought mine from would not discount the scoot at all. he did give a better deal on some accessories and clothing items i needed to purchase though.

EBee · Post by **EBee** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:51 pm

5 bud7 wrote:When people (DEALERS ) ONLY RESORT IS TO CALL FORUM PARTICIPANTS NAMES THEY LOSE ALL CREDABILITY IN MY BOOK.

People who can't spell credibility have no credibility in my book. Or shout. Louder doesn't make you "righter".

I was thrilled to death with the quality of my Buddy and felt/still feel it was an awesome deal. There are always Those who want Something for Nothing and think everyone is trying to cheat them. I am happy to pay good money for a good product and the Buddy is the real deal.

Furthermore, all the Buddy dealers I have been in contact with are pretty awesome people. I can't imagine any of them with "their thumbs on the scale" and none of them look like they're sporting Beemers or taking cruises to the Bahamas.

Unfortunately for 5Bud7, a forum is no place to display your ignorance. Everyone in the world can see and comment and it's pretty permanent. So if you don't have you facts straight, don't open your trap. Grandma was right.

5 bud7 · Post by **5 bud7** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:41 am

I went to a dealership to check if transportation cost were on the MSRP. SURE ENOUGH THEY ARE ; NOW YOU CAN CHECK THIS YOURSELF, BUT BRING A LADDER BECAUSE TROLLS CAN'T SEE THAT HIGH. If you are really god that gives me a incentive to live forever. That is a perfect picture of you and you should wear it every chance you get. keep up the good work. 5 bud 7

cccous · Post by **cccous** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 2:08 am

5/7ths Are you still here?

I went to a dealership to check if transportation cost were on the MSRP

Did you really go to the dealership, just to prove a point to someone in a forum?
Why did you not just check the paperwork that came with your scooter and save yourself a trip.

ps Did you check your caps lock yet, still seems to be sticking.

Phil, love that hat, you should carry them, I'd buy one, but I want and orange flower.

Bethers · Post by **Bethers** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 2:31 am

Am sorry I posted to this thread.

Phil, I respect you as not only being a dealer, but being one who helps and answers our questions here.

While I did find a dealer giving a discount on the 2007 Buddies in stock - and stated that before, I already owned my Buddy and wasn't even looking for that. I had no clue that this poster was out to flame this site or dealers in general or you in specific.

For me, if I had a dealer close enough to use - I'd be thrilled and would have bought there at full price - to be able to hopefully build a relationship with them for when I need service, etc.

So, Phil, when are you going to open more shops around the country for the rest of us without them ???

Supersoul · Post by **Supersoul** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:52 pm

Supersoul here (the OP). Again, thanks to all for your input. Wow! Who knew that my simple inquiry would generate such varied, interesting, and even emotional responses. Thanks to the Mods for not locking this thread down, which, I guess, indicates that we can have different and even incisive points of view and still basically "play nice". And thank you all for making this newbee feel at home.

There are one or two points about my original post that I would like to clear up, however. The dealer in question recently was bought out by a rather large multi-location, multi-brand scooter conglomerate. This dealer group specializes primarily in the Vespa line. Now please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against capitalism, successful business practices, or even Vespas for that matter, but I did notice some big changes had taken place since my last visit. For example,, rows and rows of Vespas way up front were a dead giveaway that this dealer was quite serious about pushing a marque that I had never seen there before. The Kymcos, TNG's, and Genuines that used to be the only brands sold at this dealership were still there, but just a little harder to find than before.

When I spoke to the salesperson/part owner(?), he was very courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable..........about Vespas. We spoke about how his company had bought out the independent owner, whom I had met and spoke to a couple of times before when I was considering dumping my aging Buick. I asked if he still was an authorized Genuine dealer and he responded in the affirmative while he led me to the area where he kept the Taiwanese scoots. He seemed just a little disappointed that I did not want to continue discussing the merits of modern Vespa technology.

But I knew what I wanted. Eagerly, my eyes searched for the Buddys (having been convinced by this forum, among others) that the Buddy was going to be my best bet. There they were! Unbelieveable! Fifteen Buddys (model year 2007) all lined up in a row, all angled just so, with their respective handlebars equally tilted, as if flying in formation.

Every color was represented, sometimes more than once. Even the series Italia was twice present. This now was the point where I got the crazy idea that I might be able to strike a mutually beneficial deal with this dealer-conglomerate on just one poor little Buddy, well hidden behind a plethora of Vespas and Piaggios. I was encouraged by this salesperson's focus on Vespa and lack of knowledge about the Buddy ( I let him in on the fact that he would be selling a 150cc Buddy for 2008). Figuring that they were overstocked for this late in the model year, I simply sugggested a minimal ($100-$200) discount to him.

Keep in mind that this is not your small mom and pop scooter dealership. These guys OWN Vespa and very likely most of the Taiwanese marques in S. Florida in terms of volume sales. IMHO, these guys are in a better position to wheel and deal than the smaller shops, yet they still would not move an inch on their price. Furthermore, I can assure you that I was also courteous and restrained in my attempt at deal-making. The $100 discount I was looking for had as much to do with seeking an indication of interest and good will from this dealer as it had to with saving the money.

In short, for me, the discount is a useful indicator that a dealer wants to do business with me just as much as I do with him.

Apologies for being so long-winded,

Supersoul

Modern Buddy

Do Any Dealers Really Discount Buddys?

Do Any Dealers Really Discount Buddys?

Deal...

answer to gt1000