Drop ship, dealer ship, or B&M?

[cheap0]

Perhaps this isn't the right board for this question, but I thought it fits here. I'm weighing the pros and cons of the various kinds of vendor.

I don't have a credit card. I only have a debit card. Which means, no purchase protection. That said, there do seem to be numerous conscientious drop shippers. I'm considering ScooterNitro.com (Springfield, MO is a few hours' drive away) or evosales.com. The latter seems to be a bit more established, and their BBB rating is as good as might be expected.

A dealer shipping sounds good, at least someone looked at the unit and possibly took some extra steps to ensure it was what I wanted. But I guess that adds quite a bit more to the cost. Is it worth it? It's hard to tell from looking at the Web sites which vendors do this.

I found a B+M seller in my home area in Alabama. I'm not living there now (out of state on a job), but I go there often. I've sent them an inquiry. I definitely would be willing to pay a bit more for certainty and to ride away with MCO (or at least a temporary tag.) But how much of a markup do you think would be reasonable?

Thanks to all who make this a very useful forum. I agree with the others who have said, support like this makes me much more confident in making this purchase.

[glassvial]

This was covered extensively in the general forum (may have been moved to the new to scooters sub-forum now). By and large depends on your mechanical ability, none = local dealer, decent amount or better, you can probably get away with a drop shipper. There's pros and cons to each and every method. There's no way in hell I'd do business with a drop shipper w/o a credit card, but that's just me.

Also there's the matter of, what you want. Local dealers aren't going to carry everything, but then again, neither are most drop shippers. A drop shipper probably won't have a Burgman and a local dealer might not have a Roketa. My local dealers around here carry things like Q-Link, Honda, and Yamaha, another one carries Schwinn and Sym.

And of course, price, you're going to be paying a premium at a local dealer, no question about it.

[thecheermom823]

If I had it to do all over again, I would buy LOCAL! The ability to drive away with the paperwork in hand is priceless. I am STILL waiting on the MCO for my scooters. The whole thing has been a gawd awfull mess. I love the damn scooter, but we're at the point of reversing the charges on the credit card! Please, please, PLEASE! If you have to rent a trailer or truck and drive to a dealer a few hours away instead of buying locally, consider it.

If I have to do it again....... I'll drive!!!!!

[hardd1]

B&M is the only way to go....get to see, touch,smell...etc the exact scoot you desire prior to paying for it......drop-ship method is another avenue but keep in mind it is similar to a one night stand.....once its over(sold)-you will be ignored forever...no after sale support........

[cheap0]

Oh I don't think it's so cut-and-dried, hardd1. I agree, it's important to me to see and test the machine. But I'm in areas where B&M dealers are scarce. After-sale support isn't going to happen for me anyway. The main issue I see for myself is the MCO.

But there too, I'm going to check out the law. I found this for Arkansas:
www.arkansashighways.com/Info/Act300/2007/27/27-14-701.htm

(b) When application accompanied by proper fee has been made for registration and certificate of title for a vehicle, it may be operated temporarily pending complete registration upon displaying a duplicate application, duly verified, or other evidence of such application or otherwise under rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner.

(c) The purchaser of any new or used motor vehicle may operate the vehicle upon the public highways prior to making application for or obtaining registration thereof, if the person carries in the vehicle at all such times a title to the vehicle which is assigned to such purchaser or a notarized bill of sale evidencing the transfer of the vehicle to purchaser.

"Notarized bill of sale" ... well, the seller surely doesn't notarize those, but I know several Notaries Public here, and I can surely get one of them to attest to my purchase. You can also go to the DMV without your MCO and see if you can pay the fee and fill out the application. Try to be nice and explain your dilemma, and they might actually be helpful. I bet in most states the DMV offices can issue you a temporary tag on the spot.

Certainly can't hurt to ask.

[jimk]

Here in Ohio, it only needs to meet ODOT rules, it has to have a seat, have no more than three wheels in contact with the road, and contain the proper brake lights, turn signals, horn, rearview mirrors and headlights. then it's $5 for a title, and $28.50 for the registration... according to the BMV's website.. That's not too bad at all... I would like some of the other Ohio members to chime in here if they could and tell of their BMV experience.. and what kind of costs they had...