Dealer Prep and other rip offs

[rswojo]

I was looking at a 2012 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600. They have a package now that includes a trailer, 50hp Merc, Shoreland'r trailer, locator and trolling motor all installed at the factory for $14,400. Dealer prep, taxes, etc. extra.

Everything is installed at the factory.

They are adding $2200 for dealer prep and shipping. The boat gets shipped from Minnesota to Wisconsin. The boat comes to them with everything mentioned in the first paragraph, apparently all they do is install the batteries and road test. They also want $300 for an extra seat, $100 for a fire extinguisher and $100 for a horn. I can see possibly $1000 shipping at the high end, but $1200 for installing batteries and road testing is a bit of a stretch to say the least.

The horn can be purchased for $50 and the extinguisher for $25. I estimate 1/2 hour to install the horn and 5 minutes to install the extinguisher. They also include a cover with all their boats which I do not need. They also offered to omit the $500 cover for $300 off. I'm not paying them $200 to keep their cover.

They said they could order one for $16,600 which would take 8-10 weeks and they had an identical package incentive boat on the lot for $16,995. I offered $16,600 for the one on the lot and they said no, so I walked away.

Anybody got any thoughts on this matter?

 

[90stingray]

Re: Dealer Prep and other rip offs

16995 and you offered 16600 and they didnt jump on that? Or even counter? Or try to work with you? Weird. I guess someone else could use your business more.

 

[rswojo]

Re: Dealer Prep and other rip offs

16995 and you offered 16600 and they didnt jump on that? Or even counter? Or try to work with you? Weird. I guess someone else could use your business more.

I agree, $350 difference on a $16,000 boat! Gees, Louise.

If they call back I'll offer them $15,500 for the one on the lot, cold hard cash and tell them to take or leave it. If they leave it I'll tell them to don't bother me again. I have a real sour taste in my mouth after talking to this dealership.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Dealer Prep and other rip offs

A lot of manufacturers have a "No Haggle" pricing and won't budge from the MSRP or "Sale" price.

The prep and shipping is high, but you'll pay it on all new boats.

Let us know if find someone that will deal with you.

 

[rswojo]

Re: Dealer Prep and other rip offs

A lot of manufacturers have a "No Haggle" pricing and won't budge from the MSRP or "Sale" price.

The prep and shipping is high, but you'll pay it on all new boats.

Let us know if find someone that will deal with you.

I hate hidden profit items--extra money charged for shipping, obscene charges for prep and options that the buyer might not even want.

After seeing a 16 foot Crestliner compared to my 16.5ft 1989 AlumaCraft Classic DX I don't think I need that much boat for the flowage I fish on. I will be looking at a 14.75 foot AlumaCraft tomorrow, and after that the used market. Damn, that Fish Hawk is a very nice boat though.

 

[rswojo]

Re: Dealer Prep and other rip offs

16995 and you offered 16600 and they didnt jump on that? Or even counter? Or try to work with you? Weird. I guess someone else could use your business more.

I started looking around at other dealers in my state and found one about 100 miles away selling the same Fish Hawk 1600 with a better trolling motor for $2200 cheaper than my local dealer's "best offer". They listed their price on their website, my local dealer is/should be ashamed to.

The only problem would be warranty service but I never had any problems with a boat or a trailer, motor yes.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: Dealer Prep and other rip offs

This time of year the dealers think they have the advantage and want to get the pre summer price. In november/december is when they can bargin....I want a convertible but know that right now isn't the time to find a seller wanting to cut a deal.