I'm a big fan of my local bike shop and on many occasions I've chosen to purchase an item from them that I know is far cheaper online. But I don't mind taking the hit if it keeps them going as they're always there to give me a hand if I run out of mechanical talent! I get along well with the guys running the shop and as I'm currently looking to purchase a new bike is it rude of me to see if they can knock a bit of money off the sale? I'm not sure what percentage of the sale they get to pocket and really it's not my place to know but I was under the impression that bikes are ridiculously over-priced anyway! It would be interesting to hear what everyone thinks and whether anyone has been rewarded in the past for being loyal to their LBS! Cheers!
If you don't ask...
Also worth finding out if any local clubs get discount through the shop, could be worth joining for the discount as well as any other benefits the club offers.
Don't ask don't get....
But don't expect to match the internet prices, they are flogging it out the box and hoping they never see you again
"I was under the impression that bikes are ridiculously over-priced anyway!"
go in saying this and see what happens 😉
if you're a regular then just ask, make sure you do it nicely and politely, and don't have a huff if you don't get as much of a discount as you might like
if they can't discount the bike to your requirements then see if they can do a deal on some bits/upgrades
Both excellent points! The fact that they'd fully rebuild the bike out of the box and I'd get full support from them if I had any problems is pretty invaluable really. I think I just need to grow a backbone and ask haha!
Haha JoB! I'm not that much of an idiot!
As above don't ask don't get, but don't be too surprised if the answer is sorry no, (especially if you're looking at finance etc.)
If the various folks who post on here are to be believed (I've no reason not to) bikes might be massively overpriced but margins at the retail end are small enough (on non fast moving products) most retail businesses would laugh and refuse to sell them. I'm genuinely surprised as many survive as they do.
They're likely making a lot less off the same than you think but there is no harm in a polite enquiry. Alternatively they might give you credit against part/accessories/clothing.
If they're offering 0% finance and you're paying any other way then a discount should be easy, same if you're buying a 2017 model.
Really though, it's February, I doubt they're tripping over customers at the moment, see what they'll do, if you wait will April / May they'll probably be more bullish.
When i bought my last bike i knew what i wanted and new how much it was online. I went to lbs and said i wanted x bike, and asked what was their price. I explained i knew what it was online but wanted to give them the business if i could. I knew, realistically, they couldn't match online but if they were in the ball park they would get the sale. Unfortunately they could not get close (i am talking hundreds which i felt i could not justify) so i went online. They were fine about it as i guess they are used to it, i would say just dont be a d!ck about it as they are your lbs and you will probably need them down the line.
</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: #eeeeee;">If they’re offering 0% finance and you’re paying any other way then a discount should be easy, same if you’re buying a 2017 model.
Bear in mind that 12 months interest free credit will cost the retailer about 10%, so if their profit margin was 25% they’re only going to make 15% profit.
don’t ask don’t get
Not strictly true - when I bought my Tripster off the lbs, a tiny supplier of BSOs in the local precinct - the guy was so chuffed he gave me £200 off without me asking! Which was nice 🙂
A few years ago I brought a bike and lights for the Mrs from a local LBS. Didn't ask for a discount of any kind but did ask if they would fit a cheap bottle and cage, would have cost them a few quid tops. Flat out refusal.
That was their prerogative and I still bought the bike, and have been back for another since* but it set the tone for our ongoing relationship, we aren't mates and I no longer feel any need to 'support' them, if stuff is cheaper or more convenient online that's where I buy.
* I wouldn't buy another from them now, but that's because the last one had a stripped bolt in the stem from assembly that had been left rather than dealt with.
I don't get this asking for discount in bike shops irrespective of the assumed mark up on bikes etc, would you go into your local butchers and ask for discount?
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12.8px;">I don’t get this asking for discount in bike shops irrespective of the assumed mark up on bikes etc, would you go into your local butchers and ask for discount?</span>
If I were buying 5 grands worth of meat, yes.
It's still winter sale time...
A small LBS is nearly in the same "weak" position as we bikers.
But I would ask for the best deal possible.
Different situation: when the bike manufacturer has a significant model change going on and when he likes to get rid of 2017 bikes. In such a case the LBS is able to negotiate also some very good rebates.
How does the end of season pricing work? I assume the distributor cuts the prices to the retailer to shift the old stock but there is regularly 20% off end of season bikes. If the retailer takes the hit then that's a different matter but surely they cant afford to do that if they paid full (trade) price from the distributor.
Generally distributor will authorise pricing to be dropped to clear stock they have and shops will drop what they have in stock. Then you flog whats left to Pauls Cycles to get some cash back