How likely are bike shops to bargain

ianianian
ianianian Posts: 29
edited June 2008 in Commuting chat
I’m drawing up a list of all the things I need to buy to go with my new bike for commuting (plus the odd off road trip).

Thus far I’m looking at buying the bike, two locks, helmet, maybe a bag (to be honest I’m not sure what else I’ll need).

I think I’m going to buy from a smaller store and wandered what you guys thought of my odds of bargaining the owner down? Do they make enough profit for me to say ‘ I’ll spend £700 in your shop if you give me £50 off or the helmet for free? Or will I thrown out for being cheeky?

Comments

  • cee
    cee Posts: 4,553
    in my experience, they are more likely to throw in things like pump, maybe helmet, commuter lights (like £10-£20 value), than knock money off.

    If you don't ask, you don't get, but remember, most of the smaller bike shops operate to quite tight margins, so what you don't get in discount, you are likely to get back in service.
    Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I believe in the future of the human race.

    H.G. Wells.
  • secretsam
    secretsam Posts: 5,120
    It's worth a try, perhaps a free service? Tell them at the outset what you're looking to buy, roughly how much you might spend, and that you'll be looking for their 'best deal' - that's how you do it when buying a car!

    If you don't like the deal, you can always walk...although they may not be too accommodating when your bike has a problem that needs fixing ASAP :lol: !
    It's just a hill. Get over it.
  • dirk_van_gently
    dirk_van_gently Posts: 826
    If you buy from a LBS, try finding a bike that is perhaps last years model, or colour, shop owners are always keen to get those out the door, and may do you a deal.
    I had that experience when buying an MTB a few years ago, the LBS in question is renowned for being a tight ar$e, but it was previous years model, and I got a nice chunk off :D
    If you see the candle as flame, the meal is already cooked.
    Photography, Google Earth, Route 30
  • jonginge
    jonginge Posts: 5,945
    Non-chain LBS margins are usually pretty tight so prices tend to be a bit higher. The converse to that is if you buy from them semi-regularly and they get to know your face they can often give you some money off without you asking :D (That's happened to me in at least 3 shops as I've moved around the country.)

    My current LBS is a castelli stockist. I could buy the stuff cheaper online, and do, but I do also buy local. The result was I got £40 off a rosso corsa expresso jacket. Bargain.
    Support your local bike shop!
    FCN 2-4 "Shut up legs", Jens Voigt
    Planet-x Scott
    Rides
  • karl j
    karl j Posts: 517
    wot cee sed
    Morning route (when i don't get the train)

    Evening route ,
  • Alibran
    Alibran Posts: 370
    I paid full price for the first bike I bought from my LBS. Since then, everything I've bought (including my partner's bike) has been at 10% discount.

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