Ducati dealerships closing?

[MotoCreations]

Supposed rumour is that there are a few California and East Coast dealerships (all multi-chain dealerships) that have closed and possible a few more closing their doors in the next few weeks due to lack of new bike sales or credit problems.  With some of the dealerships, the emphasis was mostly on "sales of new units" -- not "servicing of customers and their Ducati's" which is a strong defining characteristic of the better Ducati dealerships in the country.

So the question is thus -- how is the Ducati dealership doing near you as of late due to the change in the economy? 

[bluemoco]

I haven't heard anything specific about our MN Ducati dealerships, but it's safe to say that everyone in the industry is hurting right now.  I'm watching pretty closely.

Dealerships that will be most likely to weather the storm are those that have:

• good customer service
• get steady maintenance/repair business (also see previous item in list)
• maintained some volume in their parts/apparel/accessories sales
• access to credit

Used inventory is piling up - some dealers are refusing to tie up capital in used bike trades lately.  Access to credit is a huge issue, too - some of the large lenders are shutting off credit lines to dealers who have a weak history.  Lots of forces at play here.

The past couple of years have been pretty darn good for Ducati's new bike sales in the US.  If a Ducati outlet closes its doors, it's probably not due to their inability to sell Ducatis.  More likely because of issues related to their "other OEM" sales and inventory.

[wbeck257]

Funny you should mentioned...

The Downtown Atlanta one closed about three weeks ago.
I think it was a combination of doing a shit job in both the criteria you listed.

[Craig Thomas]

Purely a rumor... Moto Forza in Escondido, Ca could  be in trouble.   




Gorgeous showroom, that always seems to be empty of customers.

[the_Journeyman]

My local place seems to be doing good.  There are always different new bikes, and I'm assuming it's because people are buying the ones.  Even the Tricolore Monsters they had are gone.  I did notice they didn't replace their Rocket III's when they sold ~

JM

[mitt]

• good customer service
• get steady maintenance/repair business (also see previous item in list)
• maintained some volume in their parts/apparel/accessories sales
• access to credit

Also low overhead - my dealer could probably stay open w/o credit.

mitt

[R2]

That looks familiar.

Oh yeah, that's where I bought my 696.

[red baron]

Purely a rumor... Moto Forza in Escondido, Ca could  be in trouble.   




Gorgeous showroom, that always seems to be empty of customers.

Hmm, they've been doing my service and I need to get my Termi setup ordered. They by far are the best dealer I've been to in socal.

[duclvr]

My dealership seems to be selling Monsters as quickly as they can get them in.
Lots of other Ducati bikes sitting on the floor though.

[be350ka]

I had a chat with my dealer about business and he said that things are slow.  They are doing what it takes to move inventory to secure operating capital.  I sure hope they hold on as I dont have any other dealers very close.

[DesmoDiva]

My dealer (Williamsville Competition) is doing well, considering.

I was down there friday for B's gifts and he had some new inventory on the floor. 

They are working hard on their Monster 1100s for the DNA sponsored competition.  He wouldn't let me peak. 

He also had a new (sold) Aprilia RS 125.  It was a sweet little bike.  I'm sure a blast to throw around the track.   [moto]

[LA]

If there's any way I can come up with 25 large, I'll be doing what I can to help with their cash flow.

I can Haz a 1198SSssss, with a Termi kit.  Monster bars and ditch the faring with a big round headlight.  Use the shotgun exhaust cans of the StreetFighter 1098 termi kit.

Open clutch cover w/DP Pressure plate kit and a Quick change sprocket carrier and a two tooth larger rear sprocket.

Listening Santa?

LA

[swampduc]

Dealer in New Orleans, Transportation Revolution, tells me they're doing well. They've been open for about 5 months and the showroom gets nicer every time i'm in

[jesse370]

If there's any way I can come up with 25 large, I'll be doing what I can to help with their cash flow.

I can Haz a 1198SSssss, with a Termi kit.  Monster bars and ditch the faring with a big round headlight.  Use the shotgun exhaust cans of the StreetFighter 1098 termi kit.

Open clutch cover w/DP Pressure plate kit and a Quick change sprocket carrier and a two tooth larger rear sprocket.

Listening Santa?

LA

Santa,

since LA is asking for one, can you make it a deuce PEASE? I would like one too.

[NAKID]

Hmm, they've been doing my service and I need to get my Termi setup ordered. They by far are the best dealer I've been to in socal.

Aren't you closer to GP?