dydst

Hello all,

I am looking at buying a new complete Surly Long Haul trucker at my LBS. With tax, it will cost about a grand. I've heard people recommend that, when buying a new bike, you try to haggle a deal with the LBS (asking for free/discounted accessories, etc.). Can anyone share any experiences, or recommend what, if anything, I try to ask for when buying a new bike? Discounted pedals, shoes? Free installation of racks, pedals, shoes? Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

veloGeezer

haggling in April may be a lost cause. Haggling goes over so much better in January. They need to clear out last year's bikes before their next season's stock arrives in - APRIL.

I got an $1100 Specialized Allez for $600 a couple winters ago. Right now, if you don't buy it, some other joker will, so what's thier motivation? In January, I was six hundred smackers walking out the door, so I had some leverage.

at least that's how the shops around here are, and we share the same weather.

dydst

yeah I forgot about the weather . . . good point!

blake711

There are lots of threads that talk about haggling or the lack there of. Seems most folks think its easier to try and negotiate x amount of free tunesups or a year or x amount of time for discounts on all accessories. If they are asking full pop retail for a bike. Personally I would shop around some if there is more than one bike shop around if they wont budge. If I am spending a grand or more on anything I am going to do my darndest to get a discount. I personally find just a strait forward is this the best deal on this or what is the best deal for this right now. Also if you got cash thats worth a couple percent in my book as they don't have to pay CC fees. If all they offer is a free bottle and cage and want full pop retail. I would keep shopping personally.

Blake

texasphil

When you find the bike you really really want to ride, that extra $50 or $100 will seem meaningless later.

"There is nothing so common as money, They make more of it everyday."
The Grandpa to Charlie on 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'

veloGeezer

I only haggle with cash. Its a psycological thing. I even make sure I'm holding 20s. Let me tell you, 500 bucks in 20s LOOKS like alot of money. These guys have mouths to feed, kids in school, and bills to pay just like you and me. Also, if all I have is 700 bucks, let's say, then obviously, I'm not going to pay more than that, so its up to them, the local merchant to decide between cutting 50 bucks off the price or watching that fat wad of cash walk out the door.

now, you have to be the kind of guy who can walk around with that much cash and not get robbed, but I'm that kind of guy, so that's how I do it.

DataJunkie

LBSs have enough problems competing with the bigger retailers. I do not bother haggling. They can use the extra $$.

Plus, I suck at it.
For me it is worth avoiding the hassle by avoiding haggling.

Yes, I am horrible at car buying.

veloGeezer

Won't Haggle?!

apclassic9

My concept of haggling about prices basically boils down to "so, what do I owe you?"

I usually get a discount (10-25%), but I'm a regular at that shop.

1fluffhead

I completely agree. My principal is if I really wanted to save a few bucks I bet I could find it cheaper on the web. I would rather spend a little more and keep my LBS in business.

Bill Kapaun

If you are paying close to MSRP, asking for something like a tire upgrade or different cassette combo seems pretty reasonable.
My LBS was willing to swap a different FW on an entry level Giant Cypress ST.

Feldman

DON'T haggle--there are no fat cats, nobody getting rich on bikes. Shop at a store that has the reputation in your area for the best service and assembly. Accept their price--they will be earning it.
If you don't think that their product is worth the money asked, then quite frankly you deserve bad product and service.

edp773

Some bikes sell well at MSRP. Good luck getting a deal on a popular Surly or Kona anytime time of year, let alone in April. But you will never know until you ask.