The year was 2007. I decided to purchase an XT660R. My local Yamaha dealer was and is Damerells. Supportive chap that i am, i went to buy local. The sales person had only one R in which had been registered and had 20 miles or so on the clock. I requested a new one as the Yamaha finance did not cover that particular bike. I was told that this all i could have and that that there was no way of getting any new ones any more for that year, there was a shortage.
Coming home i rang three other yamaha dealers, not local, and they asked how many i would like. Loads to choose from. I bought one, not locally!
The year is 2010. Time for a new bike. Thought i try an XJ6. Again i thought buying local is the right thing to do. Off i went to Damerells. They had the right bike in stock but with the list price attached. Asking for the best they can offer me with my XT660 as part exchange they quoted me �200 under list price with a laughable offer for the XT. All they would do! Coming home i rang a big national dealer we all heard of (G.W) and got an offer �1300 under Damerell's and a decent price for the XT. Still trying to go local i rang Damerells and told the the quote. Never wanted them to match that price, just come a bit towards me. Basically told me to get lost and buy the other bike. 'I would' the sales bloke said.
2010 again. Looking for a Tenere. Off to Damerells again. Some people don't learn. They got one in stock. At a staggering �6600. Best price for me would be �6200. But would not take my XJ in part exchange. Not on new bikes i was told. They would not move at all on anything. So i said my Thanks and went home to call the big national. I was quoted �1200 pounds less for the Tenere and given a good deal on the XJ. Brilliant again. And delivery to my door when i want it.
So much for buying local. Nobody expects to pay the same low prices for the goods the big guns would charge but please don't take us for mugs.
For that poor performance on selling me a bike on three occations: Damerells, shame on you.

Rob

P.S.
They still got one more at that price.