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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Snafuperman on February 11, 2021, 07:25:04 PM

Title: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: Snafuperman on February 11, 2021, 07:25:04 PM
In particular I'm thinking about ordering a new Zero SR/S from the local dealer.  Is it customary to pay the entire amount ($20K+) up front before the bike is ordered?  I've never ordered a new vehicle -- either bought what was on the showroom floor or mostly bought used.  I'd be worried that the manufacturer (Zero) or the local dealer would go under before I got my bike and then I'm sure I would never get my payment back.  Am I worried about nothing?
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: princec on February 11, 2021, 07:29:18 PM
You are right to be worried. This is what deposits are for.
Also, ensure you pay for anything at all using a credit card, which will give you full protection in the event of scandal.

Cas :)
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: Richard230 on February 11, 2021, 08:13:54 PM
I have bought three Zeros from two different dealers over the past 9 years. Each one was special ordered from the factory by paying a $500 deposit using a credit card. I paid the remaining balance in cash after the bike was delivered to my dealer and at the time that I completed the purchase paperwork and vehicle registration forms and then took ownership of the bike.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: Snafuperman on February 11, 2021, 08:21:52 PM
Thank you both.  $500 deposit by credit card sounds like the smartest way to go.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: Crissa on February 11, 2021, 08:42:58 PM
If they give you the VIN and paperwork, as in, only delivery remains to happen, I can see that, but even then there's usually some delay.

-Crissa
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: DonTom on February 11, 2021, 10:41:03 PM
In particular I'm thinking about ordering a new Zero SR/S from the local dealer.  Is it customary to pay the entire amount ($20K+) up front before the bike is ordered?  I've never ordered a new vehicle -- either bought what was on the showroom floor or mostly bought used.  I'd be worried that the manufacturer (Zero) or the local dealer would go under before I got my bike and then I'm sure I would never get my payment back.  Am I worried about nothing?
No, dealers prefer you NOT to pay cash. They make money on the financing as well as the bike. They will only want a deposit, which shows you're serious. It should be the same otherwise as buying the bike in the shop.

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: valnar on February 12, 2021, 03:13:53 AM
In particular I'm thinking about ordering a new Zero SR/S from the local dealer.  Is it customary to pay the entire amount ($20K+) up front before the bike is ordered?

Are they ASKING you to do that?  That would give me pause.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: Snafuperman on February 12, 2021, 03:16:32 AM

Are they ASKING you to do that?  That would give me pause.

No, they aren't.  Not yet.  I just wanted to be prepared when I go in there.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: reini on February 12, 2021, 05:57:04 PM
Is it customary to pay the entire amount ($20K+) up front before the bike is ordered? 
My dealer asked me for 30% upfront after placing the order. I was ok with that, given that the bike was BTO and a small dealer with good reputation.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: Nukie on February 13, 2021, 02:57:28 AM
My dealer requires $500 down to place the order.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: SonOfAnakin on February 24, 2021, 05:29:23 AM
I just ordered a Zero SR with a $2k deposit on a credit card. Not sure how they settled in $2k. Probably dealer preference??
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: nevetsyad on February 28, 2021, 06:02:20 AM
Just put 3K down on an Energica. $500 would have been nice instead. hah
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: DonTom on February 28, 2021, 08:07:12 AM
Just put 3K down on an Energica. $500 would have been nice instead. hah
Which model are you getting?

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: nevetsyad on February 28, 2021, 08:40:00 PM
Ribelle of course. Picking up mid next month.
Title: Re: Is it customary to pay the entire amount up front when ordering a new bike?
Post by: DonTom on March 01, 2021, 09:15:29 PM
Ribelle of course. Picking up mid next month.
I am sure you will love it!

Have you ever ridden one as a test ride or anything?

I bet that wait is frustrating!


-Don- Auburn, CA