MSRP vs expected cost
03-13-08 | 03:21 PM
#3
....gets the cheese
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 5
From: SLC, Utah
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Cannondale Caad 8, Wilier Triestina Jareen
If it's bikesdirect.com, plan on spending 30 - 50% of whatever number they pulled out of their...hat. If it's anyone else, expect to pay anywhere from 70% to 100% of MSRP, depending on the demand for the particular model, the LBS and how long the bike has been sitting around the shop.
If you end up spending full MSRP, at least get them to throw in free tuneups for a year and maybe some pedals and 10 or 20% off any accessories you buy. Even if you don't pay 100%, try that anyway. Lots of LBS's will offer that to you without being asked.
If you end up spending full MSRP, at least get them to throw in free tuneups for a year and maybe some pedals and 10 or 20% off any accessories you buy. Even if you don't pay 100%, try that anyway. Lots of LBS's will offer that to you without being asked.
03-13-08 | 04:17 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Cat WTF
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 0
Ok, now riddle me this....why would a shop have a $3,000 MSRP (per manufacturer's website) for sale for $3,500????
Spec'd identically.
It's not like the inflation rate/cost of living in Cincinnati is forcing the upgrade in price.
Spec'd identically.
It's not like the inflation rate/cost of living in Cincinnati is forcing the upgrade in price.
03-13-08 | 05:41 PM
#13
cab horn
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28,353
Likes: 31
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
03-13-08 | 05:43 PM
#14
Bike Junkie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
They're using the BikesDirect theory for pricing. Today they artificially raise the price based on the individual price of the components to $3500, then tomorrow they lower it back to $3000 and claim it's a 16% discount!
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03-13-08 | 07:52 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
The bicycle industry is baffling...
Part of the problem is, for years, folks have been conditioned to go in, ask for, and get a discount at the locally owned and operated mom & pop LBS, even when they've never set foot in a shop, let alone dropped a red cent. And with market pressures, even before an economy teetering on a downturn, LBS's will play ball, just to keep competitive with online, mail order, and FleaBay, and not lose a sale.
Do folks go to Home Depot and haggle over the price of a faucet or lumber? Do folks go to their grocery store and haggle over the price of produce? Ever try to haggle with Wal-Mart over the price of anything? Yet they have no problem trying to put the screws with the LBS...
And yeah, there are LBS's everywhere that suck, and aren't worth supporting...but when you find one worthwhile, that knows their stuff, and treats folks well, THEY'RE the ones that deserve your support. Develop a relationship with them, and if they're worth their salt, they'll treat you well for years to come.
Part of the problem is, for years, folks have been conditioned to go in, ask for, and get a discount at the locally owned and operated mom & pop LBS, even when they've never set foot in a shop, let alone dropped a red cent. And with market pressures, even before an economy teetering on a downturn, LBS's will play ball, just to keep competitive with online, mail order, and FleaBay, and not lose a sale.
Do folks go to Home Depot and haggle over the price of a faucet or lumber? Do folks go to their grocery store and haggle over the price of produce? Ever try to haggle with Wal-Mart over the price of anything? Yet they have no problem trying to put the screws with the LBS...
And yeah, there are LBS's everywhere that suck, and aren't worth supporting...but when you find one worthwhile, that knows their stuff, and treats folks well, THEY'RE the ones that deserve your support. Develop a relationship with them, and if they're worth their salt, they'll treat you well for years to come.
03-14-08 | 01:19 AM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I bought a Specialized Allez Elite in the winter and paid $1100 (MSRP $1200) after talking to the manager at my LBS. I'm guessing I could've gotten a bit more off if I bought the one off the floor instead of ordering one that was my size.
I bought a ~$400 Trek hybrid earlier during a big sale and it was 15% off.
I bought a ~$400 Trek hybrid earlier during a big sale and it was 15% off.
