Rocky Mountain Good/ Local Shop WTF?

IWreckALot
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IWreckALot
Edited Date/Time 5/22/2013 11:38pm
I generally order from Rocky Mountain but today I went to my local Yamaha shop to get a clutch cable and they didn't have it in stock. I was fine with waiting till the end of the week to get it. Well they couldn't guarantee that it would be in by the end of the week and I have a race. From what they said, Yamaha charges them $65 for overnight shipping and $45 for second day, and they pass the charge to the customer. . .Is yamaha's shipping rate standard operating procedure? Does Yamaha or any of the other manufacturers not give a crap about selling parts? I was even fine paying slightly more than rockymountain to support the local business. But I'm definitely not by paying more for the part and more than doubling the price with shipping.

Needless to say, I walked and went back and added the cable to my rockymountain order. Even had to call their customer service which was super friendly and the wait was minimal. I had paid for overnight shipping ($20 by the way) on my original order and it had already shipped so the CS rep waived my shipping for the cable. Just awesome customer service which I've always had from RM.

Sorry if this comes off as one big complaint but I left with the biggest feeling of WTF. . . Just wanted to know if that's normal.
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TerryK
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TerryK 5/20/2013 7:21pm
5/20/2013 7:21pm
It's tough for local shops to compete with big mail order outfits. These big box shippers get much lower shipping rates simply because of the pure volume they move. I don't blame you for walking on your local shop, but try not to be too hard on them, they have to cover costs just like anyone else. Good on you for at least trying to buy local. I'm sure they appreciate your business.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 5/20/2013 7:28pm
5/20/2013 7:28pm Edited Date/Time 5/20/2013 7:30pm
TerryK wrote:
It's tough for local shops to compete with big mail order outfits. These big box shippers get much lower shipping rates simply because of the pure...
It's tough for local shops to compete with big mail order outfits. These big box shippers get much lower shipping rates simply because of the pure volume they move. I don't blame you for walking on your local shop, but try not to be too hard on them, they have to cover costs just like anyone else. Good on you for at least trying to buy local. I'm sure they appreciate your business.
I like the shop and have even bought a bike from them. I intentionally didn't mention their name because I figured it was out of their control. I'm more baffled at Yamaha for charging the dealership that much. It doesn't cost $65 to ship a cable over night. I understand the shop can't make money on a $40 cable by eating a $45 second day charge from Yamaha.

If the big box dealer has so much better rates, what is to keep the Yamaha dealership from ordering the part from RM and putting a 10% markup on the entire cost then selling it to me. I'd be pseudo dumb to even take that deal but that would make them a few bucks and I'd be able to get the cable for cheaper than $85. Is there a contractual obligation I'm overlooking?
GuppyGahoo
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GuppyGahoo 5/20/2013 7:35pm
5/20/2013 7:35pm
Actually it does cost that much. Although Yamaha should be able to do better with their volume discount.

I work for a TMHU dealership and what costs $10 for Toyota to overnight to us costs $80 for us to ship overnight out.

I would also imagine that dealership has minimum order requirements that they need to meet on a yearly basis, who knows weather or not they struggle to do that. Although beyond that I doubt there is anything stopping them.
pete24
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pete24 5/20/2013 7:36pm
5/20/2013 7:36pm
they could have got a motion pro cable from Tucker Rocky or Western Powersports , both who have free one day shipping for u, the paaats guy isnt on the gas, there is a minimum order fee but in a whole weeks time he woulda had enough stuff to meet that

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jsmx97
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jsmx97 5/21/2013 10:46am
5/21/2013 10:46am
I second that message pete24. He and I both deal in the aftermarket world and part of the game is finding the closest warehouse that has the part needed for free next day shipping. Should of been easy for him to do it at your yamaha dealer, unless you were only wanting a yamaha cable
CRFracer117
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CRFracer117 5/21/2013 11:44am
5/21/2013 11:44am
The guy should have been able to pull a TR or PU book and get to you a motion pro or something the next day. That is unless you were wanting a OEM Yamaha cable. Plus you have to keep in mind the guy behind the counter, making a little better than minimum wage, could probably give a shit less where your part comes from. I know down here in the bayou I could place a PU order by 3 and have the part here the next day.
newmann
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newmann 5/21/2013 11:58am
5/21/2013 11:58am
pete24 wrote:
they could have got a motion pro cable from Tucker Rocky or Western Powersports , both who have free one day shipping for u, the paaats...
they could have got a motion pro cable from Tucker Rocky or Western Powersports , both who have free one day shipping for u, the paaats guy isnt on the gas, there is a minimum order fee but in a whole weeks time he woulda had enough stuff to meet that
First thing I thought....
newmann
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newmann 5/21/2013 12:01pm
5/21/2013 12:01pm
By the way, I ordered a radiator cap for our 08 KTM144 yesterday from Munn racing which is 300 miles away and it's sitting here on my desk as we speak....just sayin'. Didn't pay overnight shipping either. Parts in stock with people on the ball. Strange concept, but it seems to workWhistling
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 5/21/2013 1:12pm
5/21/2013 1:12pm
CRFracer117 wrote:
The guy should have been able to pull a TR or PU book and get to you a motion pro or something the next day. That...
The guy should have been able to pull a TR or PU book and get to you a motion pro or something the next day. That is unless you were wanting a OEM Yamaha cable. Plus you have to keep in mind the guy behind the counter, making a little better than minimum wage, could probably give a shit less where your part comes from. I know down here in the bayou I could place a PU order by 3 and have the part here the next day.
I did request the OEM cable. I have an aftermarket cable on the bike currently and I think it was slightly too short because my clutch started giving out shortly after I put that cable on. Since the original cable lasted me 5 years with no problems, I figured an OEM cable would last another 5 years. But at the price of $110.00 for a clutch cable, I figured I'd go back and try a different aftermarket brand than the one I previously used. Ended up ordering the MotionPro T3 or something like that. The guy didn't offer an aftermarket cable and I didn't think to ask.
526
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526 5/22/2013 5:05am
5/22/2013 5:05am
Where are all the people ranting about supporting your local dealer because someday you will need them and they won't be there ?????? I am afraid RM,MS,MS and BTO just run a BETTER business so they will last and the others will fall behind.
Carlton_Fartman 5/22/2013 7:01am
5/22/2013 7:01am
I feel bad not supporting local shops, but RM is so much better/cheaper/faster/easier. For example. I needed some Yamalube premix I get for $10 from RM. All the local shop had was Bel Ray H1R for $25 after tax.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 5/22/2013 7:38am
5/22/2013 7:38am
Carlton_Fartman wrote:
I feel bad not supporting local shops, but RM is so much better/cheaper/faster/easier. For example. I needed some Yamalube premix I get for $10 from RM...
I feel bad not supporting local shops, but RM is so much better/cheaper/faster/easier. For example. I needed some Yamalube premix I get for $10 from RM. All the local shop had was Bel Ray H1R for $25 after tax.
Same here man. And a lot of times I go into a shop, I get a bit of an attitude from the employees. Not always but it's not uncommon. The best shop experiences I've had are the smaller shops that are family operated but there doesn't seem to be many of them around.
early
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early 5/22/2013 8:05am
5/22/2013 8:05am
To get honda parts its either a 50 mile round trip @ $3.79/gal plus the couple days it would probably take the dealer to get the part or order it from RM with free 3 day shipping over $99 or $7 otherwise. I usually pick one of those options guess which one...
Justin314
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Justin314 5/22/2013 11:51am
5/22/2013 11:51am Edited Date/Time 5/22/2013 12:04pm
I work for a "Big 4" dealership..used to work in parts, but have since switched departments. The main reason they probably couldn't guarantee a day is because they don't really give us tracking numbers, and there are minimum dollar amounts they need to not charge freight. Keep in mind that orders don't always go out every day, and are typically done at a set time. Ours does orders around lunchtime, for example. Next Day/Second Day air can be astronomical. They're unfortunately not lying about those numbers. Yamaha is one of the highest...they'll charge not only by dimensional weight, but per line item. The aftermarket distributors, such as Tucker Rocky, Parts Unlimited and Western Powersports generally have minimum amounts as well. However, they are usually met much quicker. So an aftermarket cable, such as Motion Pro, can generally get to you much easier. If you're ordering at the beginning of the week, it shouldn't be much of an issue, even for OEM parts to have them for your next race.


Depending on which invoicing system they use, most aftermarket distributors (i.e. Tucker/Parts/Western) make warehouse locators available. Yamaha and now Suzuki do this as well. It's helpful, but not always a guarantee. Honda and Kawi unfortunately do not, which means they typically don't know about backorders until the actual order is placed. Generally if I'm ordering aftermarket items (can't get OEM stuff through my shop since I ride a KTM), what I'll usually do is check Tucker and Parts Unlim. availability and order from the one that is showing in a closer warehouse. Some brands are only offered through one distributor, but many brands are offered through more. Pricing may vary slightly, but is usually very close. I have seen a variation with plastic, though. Parts Unlimited is generally a few dollars cheaper. Ask your parts guy (or girl) to check for you. It's their job. If they give you any lip or are lazy, go through someone who is willing to help.
It may help to inquire as to when they should be doing an order from the OEM/distributor you're getting parts/accessories from as well. I do this, especially if I need something in a hurry. Sometimes that can prevent needing to pay expedited shipping fees Smile .

Sorry about the novel, but hopefully this will give a little insight, and maybe even help a little.
*note: Some dealers offer an AMA discount. Ours does. It's usually 10%, but it does add up. It definitely doesn't hurt to ask!
sharkey
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sharkey 5/22/2013 12:10pm
5/22/2013 12:10pm
best shop ive ever been to is motosoport hillsborrow. always have what you need parts and gear, sell more mx bikes than anyone and have great deals and its like a museum in there too. scott has done a awesome job. nothing worse than going somewhere and they dont have items they should like plugs levers chains and sprockets etc. wish more shops where i live would use him as a business model because he has it figured out. also supports alot of riders too
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 5/22/2013 1:15pm
5/22/2013 1:15pm
Justin314 wrote:
I work for a "Big 4" dealership..used to work in parts, but have since switched departments. The main reason they probably couldn't guarantee a day is...
I work for a "Big 4" dealership..used to work in parts, but have since switched departments. The main reason they probably couldn't guarantee a day is because they don't really give us tracking numbers, and there are minimum dollar amounts they need to not charge freight. Keep in mind that orders don't always go out every day, and are typically done at a set time. Ours does orders around lunchtime, for example. Next Day/Second Day air can be astronomical. They're unfortunately not lying about those numbers. Yamaha is one of the highest...they'll charge not only by dimensional weight, but per line item. The aftermarket distributors, such as Tucker Rocky, Parts Unlimited and Western Powersports generally have minimum amounts as well. However, they are usually met much quicker. So an aftermarket cable, such as Motion Pro, can generally get to you much easier. If you're ordering at the beginning of the week, it shouldn't be much of an issue, even for OEM parts to have them for your next race.


Depending on which invoicing system they use, most aftermarket distributors (i.e. Tucker/Parts/Western) make warehouse locators available. Yamaha and now Suzuki do this as well. It's helpful, but not always a guarantee. Honda and Kawi unfortunately do not, which means they typically don't know about backorders until the actual order is placed. Generally if I'm ordering aftermarket items (can't get OEM stuff through my shop since I ride a KTM), what I'll usually do is check Tucker and Parts Unlim. availability and order from the one that is showing in a closer warehouse. Some brands are only offered through one distributor, but many brands are offered through more. Pricing may vary slightly, but is usually very close. I have seen a variation with plastic, though. Parts Unlimited is generally a few dollars cheaper. Ask your parts guy (or girl) to check for you. It's their job. If they give you any lip or are lazy, go through someone who is willing to help.
It may help to inquire as to when they should be doing an order from the OEM/distributor you're getting parts/accessories from as well. I do this, especially if I need something in a hurry. Sometimes that can prevent needing to pay expedited shipping fees Smile .

Sorry about the novel, but hopefully this will give a little insight, and maybe even help a little.
*note: Some dealers offer an AMA discount. Ours does. It's usually 10%, but it does add up. It definitely doesn't hurt to ask!
That's pretty good information to know.

Just out of curiosity, you have any insight that would allow local shops to compete with the e-commerce providers? Just say startup capital and politics isn't an issue. What do you think the best idea would be? I don't like that the local shops struggle but any person faced with the choice of (A) get your part in two days from an online vendor for $40 or (Cool get it from your local shop second day for $85 is going to choose option A.

Could someone start a business that stocks OEM parts modeled similar to Rocky Mountain that sales to the public and wholesales to local shops?

Why is the shipping so expensive for yamaha and so cheap for Rocky Mountain? I know the volume is a big issue but I can go down the street and ship the same clutch cable second day for a fraction of the $45.
Justin314
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Justin314 5/22/2013 5:15pm
5/22/2013 5:15pm Edited Date/Time 5/22/2013 5:18pm
As far as I know, a lot of it does have to do with volume. Other than that, I'm not sure to be honest. I don't know if they're charging extra due to "convenience" or what. I wish I had a better answer! I do remember the last time I went to a UPS store to ship something, they wanted some ridiculous fee, even for ground. That was across the country, though.

Same thing goes for why prices are typically higher at the local shops vs. online or huge dealers (probably why I'm able to get OEM KTM parts through Munn a little cheaper than retail). Some shops are just plain greedy, but a lot of it has to do with volume discounts. Sometimes a local shop may be able to price match, or at least come close, but it depends on the item. It definitely doesn't hurt to ask, especially if you stop in more than once in a blue moon. In the end, they want your returned business (hopefully). I definitely understand the "A" vs. "B" dilemma though! I'm sure anyone would do that.
yz414
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yz414 5/22/2013 8:06pm
5/22/2013 8:06pm
im lucky enough to have a great family-owned shop 10 minutes away and i always try to order from them unless its really big/expensive then i order online and pick up at the border. he also is a race tech guy and does great stuff for suspension.
EmDub425
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EmDub425 5/22/2013 11:38pm
5/22/2013 11:38pm
IWreckALot wrote:
That's pretty good information to know. Just out of curiosity, you have any insight that would allow local shops to compete with the e-commerce providers? Just...
That's pretty good information to know.

Just out of curiosity, you have any insight that would allow local shops to compete with the e-commerce providers? Just say startup capital and politics isn't an issue. What do you think the best idea would be? I don't like that the local shops struggle but any person faced with the choice of (A) get your part in two days from an online vendor for $40 or (Cool get it from your local shop second day for $85 is going to choose option A.

Could someone start a business that stocks OEM parts modeled similar to Rocky Mountain that sales to the public and wholesales to local shops?

Why is the shipping so expensive for yamaha and so cheap for Rocky Mountain? I know the volume is a big issue but I can go down the street and ship the same clutch cable second day for a fraction of the $45.
A lot of manufacturers have starting helping us dealers be competitive with the mail orders guys by making everyone sign a contract in order to sell their product. Lets use Thor as an example. If the gear is current and not on sale from Parts Unlimited, then it is not allowed to be advertised below suggested retail. However, once the gear goes on closeout from PU, it's a free for all online.

Another thing to remember is the fact that motocross bikes are a very very small percentage of the overall motorcycle/atv market in this country. (I am a moto guy) As much as we like to think a dealership revolves around us, it doesn't.

But in your case, as many posters have already mentioned, if the parts guy at your dealership was smart enough he could have easily gotten you a motion pro cable for either Tucker, Parts, Or Western Powers Sports. They all carry Motion Pro.

And yes freight is freaking ridiculous. But not $85 dollars for a next day air. Unless it was a next day Saturday air, that charge is crazy. I would have charged you $40 at the most.

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