How much "wiggle-room" do bike shops have when selling a bike?

Can you haggle a few bucks off?

i always do, most sales persons don't have the authority to cut prices but the managers and owners do. I don't necessarily haggle prices but on my bike purchase last month I asked the price 3 times and a sale bike went down another $100. at this particular shop the manager wasn't willing to cut the price but the owner who was trying to sell the bike seemed to have no problem cutting the price. So I always haggle prices. My shop owner friends always ask me if i haggle prices at grocery stores. If you don't like to haggle then look for a bike that is last years model these typically are on sale.

You should be able to get a 10% discount on most bikes with out to much haggling. Exotic bikes might be harder to get the discount as there not always as readily available.

If it is one of the brands they normally carry there is a lot of mark up on frames.
I was selling a used Look frame for about half price, the owner of the shop was interested in it but told me he could get a new frame(a different brand) cheaper.
Seems to me that a lot of mark up.Of course I understand they need to cover payroll, rent, taxes etc.

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Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

On high end road bikes the margin is about 37% on average. Most retailers are fighting hard to keep the ball rolling so for just the bike 5% is a reasonable discount. With service and add-ons 10% is a very reasonable concession.

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http://glorycycles.blogspot.com

You can sometimes haggle a few bucks off on the actual price, but after spending that kinda cash, i feel like service should be taken care of. I knew a guy that bought a $5000 bike and the shop wanted to charge him an extra $10 to move his pedals from the old bike to the new one. I understand its a business, but damn...thats just being a ****

also if you really want to haggle the price, go during the off season. trying to get money off at a time that they can sell it for full price is likely not gonna go anywhere for ya

That is good advice, a shop owner would be mad to discount something they know they'll sell for full price quickly. When new models are released shops usually have good specials to clear old floor stock.

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Steve
CyclingForums.com

if they won't drop the price try things like pumps, bottle cages, and other accessories. if they seem a bit hesitant have a look at what accessories are on sale. they should also offer a free 3 month service or something.

If you've found the right bike and are ready to buy - no harm in closing the deal by asking 'is there anything you can knock off to seal the deal' ....at this point the shop will more often then not either knock something off or chuck in a few accessories for free .
You're then happy cos you get something thrown in...they are happy as they've made a sale and see you leaving happy. Everyone's a winner.