I used to be able to do that quite easily.....when I purchased a machine from one of the stores when I lived in Florida, they gave me a "membership" card, that was good for an automatic 10% off with no limit or expiration. And that was only buying a PW-80 (about $1200). Now that I'm in Colorado, I buy a $10,000.00+ machine from a local dealer. I priced an A arm with them and it was retail, $235.99. I asked them since I bought the machine from them can they give me a discount. "well, no, we don't do that" I was asking them to match a different company out of Illinois @ $200.54, but he couldn't do that. Didn't even try to see what the manager would do for it, absolutely offered NOTHING for assistance. I replied, "Well, that's too bad for you guys then."
Price markup on parts is bordering 35-40%. For these businesses to hold to full retail especially for a repeat customer, they are shooting themselves in the foot. I'll support the local guy, but not when there is a $60+ difference on the same part. (used the above link for 25% off, saved over $60)
C'mon, work with US!!! If the local dealers want to to business, they'll support US, not the other way around. They won't survive at ALL without local consumers, but we local consumers CAN survive without them (would rather have them around, but not when I have to give an arm and a leg to do it!)
Oh, and the whole idea about needing a part in a hurry???? When was the last time you ran into the dealer and needed a part and received any response other than, "We can order it, should be here in 5-7 business days." I can't remember when I bought "in-stock" parts from a dealer.
