Originally Posted by
urbanknight
That's the problem right there. Buying a bike is not like buying a car. For what ever reason, it's not culturally acceptable to haggle for bikes, but it is almost expected when buying a car. Do you insist on finding out how much the store paid for your washing machine before you buy it? How about a can of soda? If you ever found out the store's cost for teflon tape, you'd bargain that thing for sure!
I think what I'm trying to say is, if the place is called a "store" haggling is not expected. If it's called a "dealership" it is. Of course, you can always try to work a deal, and it might even work. Just don't be surprised if the employee is offended. Of course, I would have been offended if they were asking MSRP for a bike and would have gone to a different store in the first place.
Do you see why you're getting such weird answers? It's a weird question.
Actually I would buy my washing machine at Home Depot and use a 20% off coupon from ebay. I bought 5,500 worth of furnature from Crate & Barrel two weeks ago..used a coupon from ebay for 10%. 58" Plasma Panasonic TV Circuit City...I used a 10% coupon + got them to throw in, for free, a 4 year protection plan.
That just illistrates the point that every place has a mark-up and enough room to negotiate.
I am getting 'weird' answers becasue those that know the info will not share it for obviouse reasons. And many of those that do not know I am willing to bet are reading this thread hoping that they will find the answer.
Haggling is not expected in a 'store', but when making a big purchase you would be surprised on what can be done by asking. I just don't want to affend a bike shop that I have respect for.