Discounts with Membership

[honestjohn]

Asking the question.I was of the understanding that membership were entitled to discounts[of some sort] from Frasers Wollongong.As not only a member of this club but also of the other club,and committtee member of both,I didnt think it unreasonable to at least ask if I was entitled to a discount on purchasing genuine oil/filter/washer last week for a minor service.I was abruptly informed by John, the parts guy that I was not entitled to a discount on what they considered consumable items.I got small change from $130.00.I actually felt robbed.Doing the same on two BMW cars,and they hold considerably more oil,and also used Genuine Filters had cost me far less..What else would I go into FRASERS for other than consumeables ?,I didnt need anymore bling. hj

[The Judge]

my recollection was that when the standard 10% discount ran out from the Frasers ride by card that SCDOC members would continue to get a 10% discount I will take up with him when Im back from my next trip

[Nev]

Hi HJ
It depends on how they feel on the day. I used to get a discount on filters some times and yet other times i dont get discounts on engine paint.
The point i'm making is that wheather they are consumables or not you might or might not get the discount.

P.S i now buy ALL my (original ducati part) filters (air, oil and fuel) on e-bay. half the price which includes the shipping to my door.
As for oil, i get it from the mechanic's that service the company car's. He orders it in for me and i get it for cost + 5%.
cheers
Nev

[ur10]

Hi John,
I got the same response about discounts as I alway ask and alway get the same reply. the only time a got a discount or it seen like a discount is when I got my Termi but I they reduces the price to $2800.00 instead of $3000.00. I should have got them from the USA at $1400.00. that is where I now buy most of my parts. I only buy oil filter and oil from Fraser. That will change soon. Unless things change at Fraser.

Urio

[The Judge]

Guys...as you know frasers are very good to the club by paying first years membership for people that buy new bikes so lets wait and see what Mitch says when i chat to him before start throwing rocks...maybe its a lack of communication issue... at the end of the day we are all out to get the best deal on parts and labour and if Frasers arent competetive then people will find alternatives...Im sure they understand that formula. ;D

[ur10]

I am not having a shot at Mitch as I found him to be very good and approcheble I just saying that because Australia is not a big market for Ducati and NF importers have the monopoly on Ducati and parts they can charge what they like. I like to watch my money so I am finding ways to get my parts cheaper.
Urio

[honestjohn]

I understand the politics as much as anybody.just damn frustrating.The world is a much smaller place.Mitch,nice bloke,Steve,great mechanic.the rest,best to say nothing at all.My understanding is that they operate very much on a leash,with policy/directions from Sydney.But realistically,im seriously considering my options at this stage,and a Ducati may not be on the list anymore. hj

[The Judge]

Guys...this issue is a frustration for all...Im sure even those at Frasers ... and I have to say I hate the feeling of being forced to go to one supplier if that supplier has the market sewn up...It's a shame that so many get the feeling that as Ducati riders we are almost seen as an endless fountain of disposable cash.

As Urio rightly says we all should look at options for ensuring we spend wisely on parts as the only way to change the behaviour of merchants is to shop around and let market pressures and competition decide what the buyer will tolerate.

I heard a rumour a little while ago that Ducati was actually considering setting up their own dealerships in OZ...If that happens its anyones guess what that will mean in terms of prices of parts labour and bikes but maybe their buying power will help with keeping prices compeitive...who knows..

[honestjohn]

the current exchange rates are attractive enough to source your own items o/s.they would have to be making a killing in that market.especially considering that international trade traditionally talks in USD and usually fixed contracts for 12mths.Not sure on Euro,but news out of there never appears much better than USA.Lack of competition in Oz is an obvious problem.Other Italian /Euro makes within Oz appear to suffer the same problems with there network/dealers.The other extreme is that Oriental dealers will just about kill for a deal. hj

[The Judge]

Right now the US wins hands down...full set of termi pipes landed you will save a truckload...i bought the full race system for my 1098 2 years ago and saved more than 2K off the rrp... shame for the AU economy but i suppose thats the way it is..

[deano]

Guys it's not Mitchs fault, he is dictated to by Sydney, you are quite right Ducati are considering taking the import rights away from Frasers, or they were a few months ago. And to say Australia is a small market for Ducati is wrong, in fact it is one of their larger markets.
You should all be getting a 10% discount at any Fraser store, but if John at Wollongong decides that is not on consumables then it would be up to Mitch to sort the situation out. To be honest you can get all the parts you need on line from Europe or America and oil from Super cheap so just vote with you feet and don't go to fraser any more. they will change or go broke, the very sad thing is the Mr Fraser will still be a very wealthy man and the people who will suffer most will the the employees at his stores, many of whom have left already for new jobs and of course the ones who leave are the good ones leaving behind the dead wood to ruine a great marque even more.
Its time for someone else to open an Italian bike centre in the illawarra. any one interested