Originally Posted by
one_beatnik
There is not a huge markup on bicycles. Shops make more profit on accessories and labor. That's where the "deals" can be made. Free year of adjustments could be huge. Discount on helmet, clothes, racks might be OK, but there just isn't that much room for them to move on the bike itself, especially in the price range you're talking. Be nice and get great service from them.
That is close to what I was talking about. If you don’t bargain well or are concerned with saving the LBS that is fine. But as far as establishing loyalty goes if the bike shop makes me a deal by tossing in a few free items that I might have bought anyway you can believe I will be back. It can be as simple as tossing in a helmet or water bottle and rack.
I bought my bike at a LBS and I go back to it first when looking for accessories. I even have asked them to order things for me and I am willing to pay a bit more for the service. When I get ready to get another bike I will return to that LBS because they treat me special even if I am not. I will even send my friends there because we have developed a relationship.
If the person is simply too hungry for the bike to wait till the salesman is willing to sweeten the deal then they might as well just bite the bullet and get the bike. But that is just how I see it and that is what I was trying to explain to the OP.