I certainly understand that profit margins can be slim....most big-ticket retail is like that. But I don't think that means that a consumer shouldn't try for the best price possible..and it's not a sin for him to do so. There's nothing wrong with haggling. The LBS/Grocery Store analogy isn't particularly apt, since bikes aren't exactly canned peas. The checkout girl isn't in a position to bargain, but the bike shop owner is.

So, if I'm about to spend a whole paycheck on a bike, I'm going to at least see if I can get it down by 10% first. Worst case is the the sales guy/owner is going to say "Sorry, can't do that." There's a good chance that won't change my mind...hey, at least no one can say I didn't try, right? On the other hand, it might make me walk. Depends on how bad I really want the item...and that's for me to decide.

Just like his willingness to bargain depends on how bad he wants to get liquid assests for his stock...and that's for him to decide. That's the beauty of the whole capitalism thing we've got going on.

Everyone's looking out for Number One...and no one else is going to pay attention to my bottom line. What's wrong with me looking out for my best financial interest?