Discounts on bikes

iditarod

Hi, I am new to this fine country having spent most of my days biking the fine trails of Kiwiland. I thought I would come over and steal your english roses and drink your beer, even though it is warm which is not quite to my taste.

In addition to the above activites, I am looking to purchase a bike here and had my eyes set on perhaps the trek ex8 or ex 9 or the lapierre zesty 314 or 514. In New Zealand, a bit of haggling will generally secure a 10% to 15% reduction off the retail price of the latest models if paid in cash. Can I expect to be able to get the same over here? I know some offer free gear up to a certain value if you pay full retail, but can i expect to get a cash discount rather than gear?

What are your experiences?

Andy B

The bikes you've mentioned are pretty popular so probably no discount, someone else will pay full RRP if you don't, also the lapierre's are pretty thin on the ground, most are sold out IIRC

toasty

Definitely worth a try, the Treks especially I bet you can get at least 10%. I usually find a low price from an obscure online shop, then ask the LBS to match it. My Tricross this year had 10% off.

Northwind

There's a lot of, if not quite price fixing then at least price awareness, everyone knows what everyone else charges and most people see no reason to charge less. I just use The Line:

"I see you sell X for £X like everyone else"
"Yes we do, they're £X everywhere"
"Yes they are. Will you sell it to me for £X-Y?"
"Why would we do that? They're this price everywhere else"
"Because if you don't I'll just go somewhere else, after all why would I buy it from you if it's the same price elsewhere"

Never failed yet. They get their sale, I get my price, everyone's happy.

judith_sw

This is a question I also have ...

I see that most bike shops offer 0% finance, but I would rather pay up front, even if by credit card. Presumably the credit company makes a profit by charging the bike shop a fee for this (otherwise the 0% wouldn't be viable?). Therefore, if I pay up front, bike shop makes bigger profit = I would be justified in trying to haggle??? This works with some high price items on the high street like top brand watches and cameras ... does it work for bikes too?

Are there any other ways of getting discounts? (I am a somewhat mature - funded but not rich - student, so don't have a big income).

Any additional thoughts gratefully received - sorry, not trying to hijack the OP

jairaj

judith_sw wrote:

Therefore, if I pay up front, bike shop makes bigger profit = I would be justified in trying to haggle??? This works with some high price items on the high street like top brand watches and cameras ... does it work for bikes too?

Yup, I over heard the sales guy in my local shop saying to another customer, "I can give you money off or 0% finance, one or the other but not both." So give it a go ..

judith_sw

I guess it won't work for mega popular models, or those in short supply ... but worth a try! Thanks.

Andy B

The 0% finance costs the retailer

Credit card transactions also cost the retailer

Cold hard cash is the best option

You can ask for a discount, but if the bike you want is popular then the retailer might not discount as someone will pay the full price

You are more likely to get discounted accessories or maybe a freebie.

smithieg

I got 7% off a specialized Myka HT sport for the missus last week with very little effort. Think my words were "can I have a discount". At the end of the day if you don't ask, you don't get!

Gilesw2010

I definately think it helps to get to know your LBS as well, trying to develop a good relationship with them. I've been loyal to one bike shop since I started biking and because of this they won't hesitate to give me discount on everything I buy.

RevellRider

Andy B wrote:

The 0% finance costs the retailer

Credit card transactions also cost the retailer

Cold hard cash is the best option

You can ask for a discount, but if the bike you want is popular then the retailer might not discount as someone will pay the full price

You are more likely to get discounted accessories or maybe a freebie.

A larger retailer would prefer a card transaction, it's easier for them to process.

ExeterSimon

A good relationship with the LBS is key to a decent discount.

Most places will do between 5-10% if you ask.

My recent road bike aquisition wasn't discounted a penny...but the shorts, shoes, helmet had upto 50% knocked off.

Must admit I have either sent or spent over £20k of business their way so a little reward was appreciated.

The Spiderman

I`ve been to a couple of LBS who have offered me 10% without much asking.
Its also common for shops to offer accesories to the value of 10%.

Much more bargaining power if you use cash or your credit card,rather than their finance deals.

borderboy

These Guys are great and they have a few Lappiere's in stock
Bought a DH bike earlier this year and they were very helpful on price.

http://www.pearcecycles.co.uk/product/1071
http://www.pearcecycles.co.uk/product/1070

Pudseyp

English Roses to be de-flowered...must make a change from all those sheep...mind you we have a few pigs over here lol...

You should be able to negotiate a 10% saving due to the huge markups on new bikes...this becomes apparent when the new model year gets released and stores offer discounts of upto 40% cash is king after all....you may struggle with the lappys though as demand usuallt outstrips supply