2010 seats on ebay!!!

[JHG]

I am so tired of people whining about their local dealer not giving them deals on stuff. I have one question which I think I have asked before. If you dont support your local dealer and he closes up shop then what are you going to do? Ship your sled to an internet retailer to help you out? Use some common sense here. I dont know what it is about the snowmobile community that everyone thinks they are entitled to a discount on a $2.50 spark plug.

It's not about the spark plug discount. Its about someone caring enough to earn your business and not trying to stick it to you financially every time you need a part. If for some reason my sled needs to go to a dealer....which none of the last several have been to one since I bought them, then yes, I'll drive to Oregon and drop it off at the dealer that I support. I agree it's not always about the price, Team 2 proved that, but if you have a legit dealer doing everything in their power, including discount pricing to earn and keep your business, why would you not support them and support the guy down the street that rapes you every chance he gets....all for the sake that he's "local"?

This isn't a post bashing any particular dealer but I have bought over $11,000 in just snowmobile PARTS in the last 4 months and a dealer that is saving me nearly 30% of what my "local" dealer is charging is significant. I'm all about good deeds but $3300 is a lot to spend just to feel good about supporting someone local. So anyone that says I'm whining about spending a couple extra bucks is welcome to pay the difference for me to shop local. I don't have money because I give it all away.

 

[Stack]

I deal with Midwest dealers all the time, if you never ask them to match a price why blame them for selling at retail.

Route 12 Arctic Cat in Arlington Heights, IL

M&M Powersports in Hancock, MI

Both of these are excellent dealers

The Mystery dealer in Oregon is also very good!

 

[dp2826]

If dealers would price everything fairly up front there would be no need to price match. I call one dealer to order all parts, both aftermarket and replacement parts. She always has the best prices and I don't have to call around an haggle with another dealer over price.

i agree! the locals guys are full retail and thats that. maybe they dont realize how much business they are losing.

 

[vdo1948]

Racin'

you have no idea what it is like to deal with some flatlander dealers! You dealers out west spoil me and I can get parts faster from dealers out west than I can going to the dealer in person.

Like when I'm at there counter and need a set of weights for instance and they cant get it to me for a week, but I use my cell to call a dealer out west and they are shipped to my door in two days! HMMM what would you do sit out from riding or order from a dealer that can service you.

I do get simple things from them.

^^^x2

I used to have two small Cat dealers within 20 miles of me and did all my business with both of them. Then Cat shut them both down. Now I drive 40 miles one way to a dealer. Thanks Cat!

I have walked into this dealer (80 mile round trip) with part number in hand and the parts manager insisted I had the wrong part number. So we ordered his part #, said it would be in in a week and they would call when it arrived. 10-12 days later I called and asked if they've seen my part. Oh yeah, been here for 4 days, when am I going to pick it up? Drive the 80 mile round to pick it up, try to put it on, does not fit. Call; says bring it back. Drive another 80 mile round trip. Parts manager looks at it. Says it has to be right, assumes I don't know how to install. Spend 10 mins explaining step by step everything I've done. He decides to talk to mechanic. After 20 mins comes back in and tells me the part I need is XXXXX which just happens to be the one I told him I needed when I walked in the first time. Says he'll order it, be in 5-7 days, they'll call. Wait 10 days call, it's been there for some time. Go get it, another 80 mile round trip. So 320 miles on my vehicle and close to 30 day wait to get the right $30 part. If I use the lady noted above I drive no miles, have the part in 3 days and it's cheaper!

Another time I drove up to order a part and waited at the parts counter while the parts manager spent 15 minutes standing 5 feet away from me discussing a hunting trip with a buddy. If it wasn't 40 miles each way I would have walked out.

I would love to support my local dealer but they have to do something to EARN my support! They don't get my support just cause they have a Cat sign out front.

 

[styxt9]

Dealers price on the seat is 180. Why would I not want to negotiate a deal. I don't mind giving them 40-60 bucks on top of the 180 then pay tax. But why would you roll over and pay a extra 120 for the dealer to make two phone calls. One to order and the second to call you to pick it up. If they are a good dealer they will work with you, and in the end you feel good about the purchase and you put some money in there pocket. especially after spending 30k on just sleds there. It sounds like this mystery woman in Oregon is a real good dealer and she is being rewarded for it by all the business she is getting. Maybe other dealers should take notes

By the way, hi all

 

[minet]

so many horror storys i wont share all mine. but when i find a good company to work with i do my best to stick with them. good dealers for parts and service are rare.
3 that i put in that catagory

michelle of course at oregon
waconia farm supply ( retail pricing but good service )
teton motor sports

all 3 are gems in their own right

 

[JHG]

The Oregon Lady is no mystery, It's Michelle at Oregon Trail Sports. FreeAgent on the forum, and lovely Oregon Section moderator.

Oregon Trail Sports
1925 Auburn Ave
Baker City, OR 97814-3850
(541) 523-3500

 

[duc848]

Trust me guys I know what your saying. The problem with the guys who work at dealerships that know nothing is the fault of the owner or the GM. I have been in this business for over 10 years and worked at only 2 different shops in that time. The problem is they pay parts guys about $10 an hour and when someone gains the knowledge they in turn want more money then they usually get forced out or get let go. I have seen it time and time again. Its a real sad state of affairs. I have a good Cat dealer in my area and 1 bad one, so I just go to the good one even though I can buy most of the stuff through where I work at employee price. I would rather give it to the guy who sells the sleds. The margin on parts are next to nothing mostly. If all the dealerships would take advantage of preseason ordering they save quite a bit of money and in turn can pass the savings on to the customer. The dealers that are selling cheap parts are the ones making huge pre season orders. I can keep going but I am at work.

 

[crix]

so many horror storys i wont share all mine. but when i find a good company to work with i do my best to stick with them. good dealers for parts and service are rare.
3 that i put in that catagory

michelle of course at oregon
waconia farm supply ( retail pricing but good service )
teton motor sports

all 3 are gems in their own right

I agree on the waconia farm supply I just got a m8 from them great price too

 

[fasta76]

I was not trying to start a ***** fest about good and bad dealers!! Just wanted to help out fellow riders who are looking for seats!! If a dealer is a joke on prices why would anybody buy from them? Really dosent make any sence to eat hotdogs so the owner can eat Caviar!

 

[SaberKitty]

Just like new car dealers, sled dealers don't make enough margin on selling a new sled to stay in business. Aftermarket accessories, service parts and work keep the lights on.

Buying anything off the internet - sled parts, power tools, clothing, <insert anything here>, at the uber low prices will kill the local business.

The Walmart-Toyota effect - It's ruining our country. Cheapest is very rarely better.

 

[RACINSTATION]

All good points. I am just saying to give them a chance. My theory has always been if I buy something for $10.00 and you can buy it for $9.00, then you should buy it. But, if I can get it to you for $11.00 and you are happy, then we are both benefitting from the transaction. If I pay $10.00 and you buy it somewhere else and I still have it 2 years later. I just lost $10.00, instead of making $1.00

If they don't know what they are talking about or won't help you, then as stated above, they are not earning your business. I am just saying give them a chance. If a guy buys a sled somewhere else and I know he got a better price....no sweat. But if he shows up with one and never even asked me a price, I feel like I did something wrong.

Competition is the American way. That is what causes business to get better and products to get better AND cost less.