Negotiating new bike purchase
 

I am preparing to purchase a new bike. This will be my first bike purchase in many years. I am considering bikes such as the Trek 7.2FX and comparable models. These forums have been very helpful. Thanks to all of you.

I am planning to go for some test rides in the next few days. The one LBS I have talked with over the phone seems to quote prices about 10% below the retail price listed on the manufacturer's websites. How much negotiating, if any, should I expect to do?

Thanks for your feedback.

That's pretty much dependent on how much you want to pay and how badly the shop needs to clear inventory, I guess. I don't work at a shop, so I don't really know what their margins run - if you don't get any hits from LBS kids in this forum, I'd try posting in one of the other ones, like the road forum.

I'm guessing their margins are not particularly fat, so working out a lower price may be a little tough, especially at the 7.2 FX's price point. The shop should at least give you some kind of included maintenance deal and/or a discount on accessories for a while after your purchase - for example, when I bought my last bike, I got a discount on clothes and accessories for a month after purchase as well as free drive train, brake, etc...adjustments for several months. A good shop won't likely charge for little tweaky things anyway. Maybe buy the wrench some beer or something. But I digress...

Anyway, summary would be to give negotiating a try, but don't be surprised if it doesn't get you too far.

Good luck!

With the hot riding season coming up:eek: I would angle for some gimmees like a helmet, water bottle cages, or water bottles. If you are getting a phone quote below MSRP that is pretty decent in itself. We have one LBS that lightly discounts bikes, but will give you 15% on all accessories you buy in the first year after the bike. Also quite often they will toss in a couple of water bottles or a T shirt on the deal. And the first 2 tuneups are free.

Aaron:)

If you get the same model in 2006, you can expect up to 30% off MSRP. For current year models, I've found 15% to be reasonable and negotiable.

This time of year it will be hard to get much of a discount. I work in a shop and we give 10% off accessories and a free water bottle with a bike purchase. If you are buying more then one bike or are purchasing a 2006 model there is always room to move though. That being said the shop I work in is extremely busy, and we sell a very large number of bikes. Better deals can be had at smaller shops because they need your business more to survive.

Negotiate? In spring? On a current model?

Really, it's sleazy.
Mention your budget or competitor's (local) specials, but don't expect much.
I buy my bikes in late fall thru winter and specifically ask for leftovers.

MY lbs Sells Trek and they have most of their stuff marked at Full List. That Trek you are looking at would be marked 419.00 I like to look at The Bike Rack Website at their prices as they are always lower than retail and my lbs. This gives me an idea of what my lbs should be able to do. That 7.2fx on their site is 389.00 for a new 07 I picked up a new 7.2fx 07 a little over a month ago for 350 as it had a small ding on it. I also got a free 30day tuneup and 10% off anything I purcahsed that day I believe. From what I have seen you are more likley to get a discount or accessories or xxx amount of accessories instead of a price drop on the bike. Mind you they probably have a lot larger margin on accessories. I would just be blunt. What is the best deal on this bike? See what they say. Then ask if you can get a discount on other items you purcahse with it or any freebies. Also ask about maintances and help with fitting right then.

Blake