This past summer, I committed to spending some $$$ for FJ parts to get two bikes up and running.
There is a Yamaha dealership conveniently located just down the road, so I pop in occasionally when I realize I need a part or two. I make it a point to look on their web site FIRST, so as to get an idea of what my bill will be.
In this case, I found that some of the prices were _WAY OFF_ when I actually walked in and ordered them. (Example: Carb Diaphragms. Web price, $167.00 each. Counter price, $211.00 each.)
After chatting with the parts guy and his manager, I found out that the web site pricing is done by an outside company that handles many other dealerships. The local parts pricing markup is done in-house with an algorithm that includes voodoo juice or something.
I have now worked it so that I can order parts at the counter and "remind" them that I'm on to their pricing game, and they give me the lower, web-site price. I just have to remember to ASK for it.
It also seems that this dealership was gouging the local independent bike shops that order their parts through them in the same way. Needless to say, the independent shop I use was a little "miffed" when I proved that I could get parts significantly cheaper than they could. The dealership was screwing them out of their ability to do any kind of sane markup.
Anyway, I just wanted to pass on this little tidbit of cost savings I was able to negotiate. See if your dealerships are routinely screwing you on parts as well.
BTW, I know I'm still getting screwed by using the dealership, just not quite as savagely. (Ow, ow, ow...)
Sorry to here of you OEM experience :empathy2:
That's why I'm so glad my local (less than a mile away) Yamaha store is great to deal with, and is willing to help other FJers in this list out. WOOD'Ys Yamaha
Check out our vender's page because most of us have been around awhile we have deals setup with different company's.
Example $167.00 for slides, and you said there's a few more parts you need. Randy or I can sell a BRAND NEW set of carbs for $425.00 NIB
Let us help you and all others with our experience.
Bob W
When i go to my local Yamaha dealer i've already priced up the parts here http://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha_model8287/ (http://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha_model8287/) in €uros and converted to £'s and go armed with the prices. So i get parts at the going rate. Obviously US prices will be different but you could get a price check from www.boats.net (http://www.boats.net) or similar couldn't you?
And regarding those diaphragms you mentioned, whenever i need diaphragms i go and get just the rubbers exchanged onto the sliders which is about $60 per diaphragm.
Everytime I need a part for my FJ and went to the dealer, it was not in stock and needed to be ordered. I bought a few items, then realized I was paying an overinflated price, had to wait for the part to come into the dealership, then wait for them to notify me when it got there (which they NEVER did, couldn't even pick up the phone for a simple call, pricks). When I finally called them to confirm that the part had arrived weeks ago, then I had to drive down there to give them a premium price for this "service."
The internet is a great thing. I now order my own parts, they come directly to my house, and all for a price that's SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than what the dealer charges. They need to learn to compete or they'll soon be out of business. I'll support my local dealer if they would be willing to meet me halfway, but they're not even interested.
I don't need their services. If they close up, it won't affect me in the least. I went to Oklahoma to buy my dirt bikes because they told me they weren't interested in trying to compete witht he price I was looking for. I saved a lot of money driving 200 miles. No one I know (who's smart) buys bikes locally. They all go out of state where the prices are much more reasonable.
DavidR.
First off, if you need anything for your engine or carbs you need to check here; http://www.rpmracingca.com (http://www.rpmracingca.com)
Secondly, If you have not used those carbs slides yet, take them back. I sell them for almost $100.00 less than their "web price"; Carb Diaphram/Slide (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Carb%3ASlide) and at that price you do not have to send them to someone for "rebuilding".
And finally, use my website to get the best "web price" and like Bob said there are plenty of us here to help.
Randy - RPM
my local dealer used to meet any printed internet price I presented to them before ordering parts , them days and the manager are gone.
Quote from: Mark Olson on November 08, 2011, 12:48:43 PM
my local dealer used to meet any printed internet price I presented to them before ordering parts , them days and the manager are gone.
Mark, was that PCP Yamaha & Mike?
Randy - RPM
Quote from: racerrad8 on November 08, 2011, 01:12:46 PM
Quote from: Mark Olson on November 08, 2011, 12:48:43 PM
my local dealer used to meet any printed internet price I presented to them before ordering parts , them days and the manager are gone.
Mark, was that PCP Yamaha & Mike?
Randy - RPM
no, it was capital Yamaha and was back in 06-07.
Its amazing isn't it. A few months ago decided to take the FJ for a spin, found I had no clutch and of course, needed a new slave kit. Didn't have one, and all the Yamaha places wanted $52.00!!!. However, the kits they sell in Australia have JUST 2 SEALS in them, not the spring or bleeder cap etc. Its a RIP OFF, will be ordering a couple from Randy soon.
I also found a fellow in Japan who exports Yamaha parts very cheaply. Mate across the road has one of those oddball GTS1000 Yammies, and needed a new mirror after he dropped it. Local Yamaha dealers, $370.00 thanks. I got it direct from Japan for $172.00 landed, within 10 days.
There are significant savings to be had by those who know, and significant profits to be made by dealers selling to those who don't.( How they stay in business I guess).
Hoo Roo
X-Ray
I absolutely agree with the dealer price ripoff. Recently I was quoted $20 for a lower shock bolt and nut and was asked to pay up before the parts were ordered. In the end I sourced the part from Fudge in the UK for around $2 less including postage. I do understand that original parts for older bikes may be becoming hard to source and wherever possible I use a wrecker but sometimes that isnt an option. I plan to keep my FJ for ever and wish I had the spare cash to just start stock piling used parts whenever they become available.