09-18-2014, 04:31 AM
We have a local Honda dealer here in Monterey, CA that is the same way. When I bought my VTX a number of years ago (2007), they seemed offended that I suggest they get close to the price of a dealer just 50 miles away in San Jose. Told me that it was a scam and the San Jose deal was running a bait and switch and he knew all about it.. Bla-Bla.. I called the dealer in San Jose and they had exactly the bike I was looking for at the price they advertised. Rode up, signed the paper work, and picked it up the next day with ZERO fuss. Peninsula Honda/Ducati, would go back anytime and suggest them to friends. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago. I saw the Yamaha FZ09 and was looking at purchasing it before I get the CB. I saw Costco had it available through their purchasing program so I filled out the form and they sent me to that same dealer here in Monterey. Same guy there, he left me wandering around the sales floor for 45 mins while he was on the phone and then leaned out of his office to inform me that the Yamaha FZ09 does not qualify for the Costco program. (BS! purchases made via the Costco program are all over the FZ09 forums. It's on Costco's site you schlubb!!). He said he'd do me a favor though and give me a locals deal $9500 out the door. Deal? MSRP is 7990, Tax is $659, DMV is ~$300. and Freight and prep ~$550. Ya. Gracias for the *DEAL*, amigo! Pass. Everytime I go in there it seems like they think they're doing me a favor by letting me in the door. The Service and parts depts there are very helpful thankfully. Went to another dealer in Hollister, and I'm lucky I didn't walk out with 3 bikes, the salesman there was really good! They gave a very respectful offer on my trade, offered the CB1100 for $450 off plus a $300 rebate from Honda I didn't know about. All without me beating them up. Then still knocked off $250 on the deal to get the payment where I wanted. Got into finance and they offered the 5 year Honda care with road side at a discount for driving in from out of town. Got the warranty for $600. Amazing how some places are run and how they treat their customers. Local dealer has 2 military bases full of trainees to prey on, er, sell to. 
As a customer, it is smart to ask for a discount. You know the person you're asking would too. I understand if they do not want to discount the item, but responding like an A-hole is certainly not going to coax the money out of my wallet and everyone I talk about the place is going to hear exactly that. Why act like that? Just a simple, "No, I'm sorry we really need to make a certain amount on the sale and have to be firm on the price." Whip out the A-hole routine when I act like one myself. lol.
As a customer, it is smart to ask for a discount. You know the person you're asking would too. I understand if they do not want to discount the item, but responding like an A-hole is certainly not going to coax the money out of my wallet and everyone I talk about the place is going to hear exactly that. Why act like that? Just a simple, "No, I'm sorry we really need to make a certain amount on the sale and have to be firm on the price." Whip out the A-hole routine when I act like one myself. lol.