I'm getting pretty close to buying a new mtb. Thinking seriously about the Stumpjumper FSR. I've never bought a bike from a LBS, so I have a few questions.
Is the msrp on a new ('06) bike, their final offer? Do they come off of it at all? If they do, how much is reasonable to ask? The bike retails for $2,000. I know they're in business to make a profit, but I know from buying other items in this price range, that I can usually get a price break. Thanks for the help.
MSRP stands for "Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price" Depending on factors such as the shops current inventory levels, model year changes, and current demand (seasonality) the price can shift. You should never pay more than MSRP unless you are getting upgrades and most LBS's are willing to deal somewhat.
They might not give a discount on the MSRP, but may throw in extars like clothes, bottles, cages, etc.
I always ask, "Is that the best you can do?" If there are other bike shops in the area, tell them you want to shop around a little. That might get them to budge a little to close the sale right there...
We don't come off MSRP at all unless it is last year's model. However, we usually offer at least 10% off accesories, and, depending on the cost of the price, we may be able to throw something in. For example, a guy bought a Giant Advanced with a $6600 total ticket and got a $189 dollar Giro Atmos helmet. I had a guy come into the store today and buy a $1050 Cannondale Synapse 4. I threw in Wellgo clipless pedals. It's much easier to bargain on things that could be pulled off when other bikes are upgraded during the buying process(pedals, saddles). The shop should keep this stuff.
I would not pay MRSP. I'm in the process of buying a custom bike and have not paid MSRP on any of the components that I have bought. There are some bike shops in my area that will charge MSRP, but most do not. I do not go to those shops that charge MSRP. I happen to know what one of the shops that charges MSRP, gives people who race for them deep discounts. There are many shops that have MSRP posted but don't charge that even on current year models. It is funny I had this very conversation with another rider out on the trail yesterday. We ended the conversation with, no one pays MSRP.
I would shop around if you have multiple shops in the area and find one that is willing to deal with you. I would not be able to afford the bike I am buying if I paid MSRP for it. I can't wait to post pictures of it.
Thanks for the help, guys...and gal. I'll let you know how it goes, if I get it.
Silly, are you saying that I can trade up parts for just the price difference of the two parts? Maybe I read that wrong.....BTW, ralph is doing fine, I'm just outriding him.
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Thanks for the help, guys...and gal. I'll let you know how it goes, if I get it.
Silly, are you saying that I can trade up parts for just the price difference of the two parts? Maybe I read that wrong.....BTW, ralph is doing fine, I'm just outriding him.
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I'm not silly, but some shops do that. It's really a matter of talking to the folks at your LBS and seeing what's up. I know when I bought my Blur, they didn't have a new fork that I wanted (Fox F100RLC) in stock but had one on a demo bike. So they offered to pull it off and give me a bit of a discount on it along with not charging me tax on it since it was 'used'.
It doesn't hurt to ask if they can "help you out a little" when purchasing, but don't expect a little brother deal when just starting a relationship with a shop.
Good luck with the new bike and I'm glad you and Ralph are still getting along.
Buying a new bike...
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