Negotiating at the LBS

[redcard]

Im considering spending £2-£3K on a Venge or Tarmac, and possibly another £600 on an Allez or something similar to use as a commuter. I'd also quite fancy getting a Garmin 810.

Would it be too cheeky to ask them to throw in the 810 for free? This amounts to around 10% discount on the two bikes. Specialized bikes seem to cost the same everywhere, a bit like Apple products, so not sure if the LBS would (or could) even entertain a negotiation.

 

[ianrauk]

I find it depends on what they can give away free.
Usually it's cheap peripherals like bottle cages, bottles, pedals, lights etc.
I very much doubt they will give away a top of the range computer.
Though I have always been of mind that you don't ask then you don't get.
They can only say no.

 

[Rob3rt]

Worth a try, IMO the 810 should be free to anyone who will take one, terrible!

 

[Herzog]

Im considering spending £2-£3K on a Venge or Tarmac, and possibly another £600 on an Allez or something similar to use as a commuter. I'd also quite fancy getting a Garmin 810.

Would it be too cheeky to ask them to throw in the 810 for free? This amounts to around 10% discount on the two bikes. Specialized bikes seem to cost the same everywhere, a bit like Apple products, so not sure if the LBS would (or could) even entertain a negotiation.

I would definitely ask! Shy bairns get nowt...as my mother used to say!

 

[redcard]

Worth a try, IMO the 810 should be free to anyone who will take one, terrible!

I probably won't be buying for a month or two, so hopefully all your complaints have been sorted by then!

 

[Rob3rt]

They better bloody well have, else mine will end up being used as a projectile!

 

[yello]

You can ask but I reckon they'll say no. Hopefully, that'll be all they say and they'll keep a straight face about it too. They don't make that much on a bike you know.

 

[Easytigers]

Not sure about you getting the Garmin free but when I was shopping for my hybrid, quite a few shops said they could do a deal if I paid cash...some were able to knock a fair whack off (unfortunately I needed credit to buy )

 

[redcard]

You can ask but I reckon they'll say no. Hopefully, that'll be all they say and they'll keep a straight face about it too. They don't make that much on a bike you know.

They don't make 10% ? Don't be silly.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Im considering spending £2-£3K on a Venge or Tarmac, and possibly another £600 on an Allez or something similar to use as a commuter. I'd also quite fancy getting a Garmin 810

Specialized price fix across their dealers its in the contract for getting to stock their bikes, any bike which is discounted substantially is either an old model or discounted across all stores, any vendor caught breaking this will be dropped by Specialized as a dealer.
I have a Tarmac and Venge as such I could advise you on these bikes from a long term ownership perspective if desired.

 

[Rob3rt]

They will make 10%, but after they discount it 10% as you are essentially asking, how much profit is left in it for them? I don't know the answer BTW, in fact I have no idea.

 

[redcard]

Specialized price fix across their dealers its the contract for getting to stock their bikes, any bike which is discounted substantially is either an old model or discounted across all stores, any vendor caught breaking this will be dropped by Specialized as a dealer.
I have a Tarmac and Venge as such I could advise you on these bikes from a long term ownership perspective if desired.

That's the answer I expected regarding pricing. I'll maybe ask for a couple of spare tubes instead....

Your opinion on the differences between the Venge and the Tarmac would be appreciated!

 

[redcard]

They will make 10%, but after they discount it 10% as you are essentially asking, how much profit is left in it for them? I don't know the answer BTW, in fact I have no idea.

More likely they make around 30% markup, with profit being quite a bit lower.

 

[zizou]

You will have no bother getting 10% discount (assuming it is not cycle to work and the bikes are not already discounted) if they are not willing to give that then just go elsewhere because there will be plenty of shops who will offer it.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

That's the answer I expected regarding pricing. I'll maybe ask for a couple of spare tubes instead....

Your opinion on the differences between the Venge and the Tarmac would be appreciated!

The tarmac is an amazing bike, its so well put together, light and really responsive, the bike is stiff and climbs really well and its comfortable for long distances, while remaining a very fast road bike... its such a good bike and so so easy to ride that the eventual result is a little bland.
The Venge by comparison always feels like it wants you to go faster, the riding position makes for uncomfortable rides over long distances, the bike is harsh, every pot hole you find feels like your teeth are coming out but damn its fast, very fast.. Every ride on the Venge is an experience, it's an amazing bike imho but not for everyone... The Tarmac is for everyone