Just putting it out there (tin hat at the ready): Cycle to Work - is it normal practice to add 15%?

[damj]

I'm considering buying another bike on cycle to work scheme. I've been to a number of bike shops including local independents and larger chains. I wont name them but is it normal practice to add 15% on to the price? Slightly shocked, considering my local independent don't add this to the final bill.
Ps I do realise I'm fortunate to be able to have this perk as many don't..

 

[fossyant]

Not as I know... Go somewhere else.

 

[Drago]

Take your business elsewhere.

 

[dan_bo]

No it farking isn't.

 

[colourspinner]

It's not normal practice. I do know that if you buy through Halfrauds, if they don't stock the bike and have to order it through their network of third party bike shops, they will order it at RRP rather than whatever discounted price that third party shop may be selling it at.

 

[smutchin]

Not normal? It's probably not even legal.

 

[Glow worm]

Yes as above- I'd leave well alone.

 

[Pale Rider]

The scheme providers charge the retailer a percentage, usually 10 per cent.

The margin on a new bike is around 30 or 40 per cent, meaning a retailer could absorb the scheme cost.

My local bike shop will usually charge full price for a cycle to work bike, but would normally offer a 10 per cent discount for cash.

 

[mythste]

After using the scheme a couple of times, I have become accustomed to such annoyances!

So far, I have found out the following;

- Halfords scheme charge 15% to non-halfwords participating retailers, other cycle to work schemes charge 10%
- Some shops will be willing to work with you, some won't.
- It's not uncommon for some shops to add a percentage to sale items. For example if a bike is reduced from £1000 to £800, It wouldn't be uncommon for them to add 10% to the sale price so they're still getting their margin at sale price (costing you £880 worth of voucher) to me, that seems fair enough.
- It's not a "policy" in most shops. If they have an end of line or new old stock they want rid of and it suits you, they'll normally just give you the sale price
- Find the manager, ask really nicely. Even with the big chains, my best C2W purchases have been through cycle surgery and cycle republic, even though I try to give my day to day business to more local retailers.

What is it you're after?

 

[lutonloony]

Got told in no uncertain terms by one lbs just add 10% to anything you see, others said they take the hit on the fee. Got mine through Evans who did a very good deal

 

[Slick]

I used it for the first time this year. The bike I liked was last year's model first advertised at around £1650, but reduced to around £850. They explained the 10% thing meaning a set of pedals and a bottle cage used up the full value of the voucher, but I was OK with that as all it was going to cost me in real terms was £540. Still a lot of bike for the cash.

 

[vickster]

No, but some like PX and Ribble add a percentage presumably as their margins are lower. Some won't take C2W on reduced bikes. Evans don't add anything and let you buy reduced bikes for example, but it depends which scheme provides your voucher.
This is why it might work out better buying a reduced bike on IFC or an interest free CC

 

[damj]

After using the scheme a couple of times, I have become accustomed to such annoyances!

So far, I have found out the following;

- Halfords scheme charge 15% to non-halfwords participating retailers, other cycle to work schemes charge 10%
- Some shops will be willing to work with you, some won't.
- It's not uncommon for some shops to add a percentage to sale items. For example if a bike is reduced from £1000 to £800, It wouldn't be uncommon for them to add 10% to the sale price so they're still getting their margin at sale price (costing you £880 worth of voucher) to me, that seems fair enough.
- It's not a "policy" in most shops. If they have an end of line or new old stock they want rid of and it suits you, they'll normally just give you the sale price
- Find the manager, ask really nicely. Even with the big chains, my best C2W purchases have been through cycle surgery and cycle republic, even though I try to give my day to day business to more local retailers.

What is it you're after?

Looking at Orro terra 105, Cannondale CAADX 105, or similar.
Thanks for all responses, Cws still works out cheaper. Possibly psychological coming straight off pay as opposed to a direct debit.

 

[smutchin]

Not normal? It's probably not even legal.

Actually, on reflection, it's probably covered by 'invitation to treat' - the display price should really just be considered a starting point to open negotiations rather than binding. It only becomes a contract once you have formally agreed the sale price with the vendor.

I would still be looking to shop elsewhere, unless the bike is a particular bargain and would still be so with an extra 10% on top.

 

[LemonCowboy]

No, but some like PX and Ribble add a percentage presumably as their margins are lower. Some won't take C2W on reduced bikes. Evans don't add anything and let you buy reduced bikes for example, but it depends which scheme provides your voucher.
This is why it might work out better buying a reduced bike on IFC or an interest free CC

I entertained the idea of a C2W purchase and found some added a %age of their choosing and felt like it was missing the point of the scheme. In the end I got a 12 month 0% IFC from Ribble on an R872. Because they've just released the new frame the pre 2017 version was reduced to the point it cost the same as a C2W bike anyway.