Discounts realistically available

Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> wrote:

: Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
: money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

FWIW:

The margins on new bikes are very small. Most LBSs won't give much (if any) discount on them. They
should be happy however to let you swap parts out for others of the same value (choose cassette,
crank length etc) which can be very useful.

On parts/clothes/repairs many shops will give 10% to local clubs/ favoured customers.

One LBS round here gives out stamps - one stamp per £5 spent, X stamps
= £5 off. I can't remember the exact numbers but it works out as about
5% off ISTR.

So, I'd say - don't go for a discount on the bike itself, but get it setup exactly how you want.
Then try for 5-10% off the rest.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune clune.orgclune.orgOpen ↗ "Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

"Ian G Batten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

Go to the LBS and show them the offer you can get off the internet, and ask them if they
can match it.

That will give you an idea of how amenable they are to negotiation, and also a good insight to the
sort of people they are in general. If they just tell you to go forth and multiply, then you know
not to take any business (of any size) their way. If they're prepared to try to cut a deal with you,
you'll know if they're worth talking to in future; and even if they can't beat the on-line price,
you can then talk to them about having the bike setup and serviced at their shop. If they can get
close to the price, be prepared to talk small stuff such as lights, carriers, locks etc to make up
the difference - hopefully you end up with a deal you're both happy with.

If you negotiate well, there should be two winners!

HTH,

Pete.

Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> wrote:

: Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
: money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

One thing that has just occured to me. If you aren't happy setting up the bike yourself, then you
really, really want to buy it from a LBS.

Any good bike shop will first set the bike up (and fit you to it - this is very important), then
provide a free 2 week and 6 month checkup to sort out things as everything beds in.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune clune.orgclune.orgOpen ↗ "Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> wrote:

: Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
: money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

One thing that has just occured to me. If you aren't happy setting up the bike yourself, then you
really, really want to buy it from a LBS.

Any good bike shop will first set the bike up (and fit you to it - this is very important), then
provide a free 2 week and 6 month checkup to sort out things as everything beds in.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune clune.orgclune.orgOpen ↗ "Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's, and
ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great service and
if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be on a Saturday
afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

Dave

I have noconnection with any LBS by the way.

"Ian G Batten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

"Ian G Batten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

I think that if you look at this objectively you might figure out that 16% isn't a huge discount for
buying online. You're probably dealing with someone who doesn't have the costs of the LBS, isn't
going to take the time to ensure that you buy the right bike, isn't going to put you on a fitting
machine to make sure that the bike is set up to your measurements, isn't going to give you a free
service after a few months and isn't going to be a source of advice in the coming years.

Anyway, the shops are getting the 2004 models in now and there are excellent discounts to be had on
2003 models. Do what I did. Buy 'last year's model', get the price reduction and the LBS service.
You know it makes sense.
___
Michael MacClancy

Ian G Batten said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

Don't haggle, it's so sordid.

--
Andy Morris

AndyAtJinkasDotFreeserve.Co.UK

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Ian G Batten said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

Don't haggle, it's so sordid.

--
Andy Morris

AndyAtJinkasDotFreeserve.Co.UK

Love this: Put an end to Outlook Express's messy quotes
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Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

My last two bikes have been from local shops in their sales - last years models. This week I used a
new bike shop that has opened a bit closer to home to supply and fit a drivetrain - Nexave
hollowtech crankset, chain and rear cogs, gear cable, 1 set brake blocks. The bill was around what
it would have cost me for the parts alone. While they were at it they replaced a spoke and trued
the back wheel. I,m buying a new bike for one of my kids in a month or two so that shop will get
the sale without question. OK at the money your spending 16% is a fair amount but I would talk to
the LBS and see what they can do either on the bike or clothing or accessories bought at the same
time. Iain C

Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop some
money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

My last two bikes have been from local shops in their sales - last years models. This week I used a
new bike shop that has opened a bit closer to home to supply and fit a drivetrain - Nexave
hollowtech crankset, chain and rear cogs, gear cable, 1 set brake blocks. The bill was around what
it would have cost me for the parts alone. While they were at it they replaced a spoke and trued
the back wheel. I,m buying a new bike for one of my kids in a month or two so that shop will get
the sale without question. OK at the money your spending 16% is a fair amount but I would talk to
the LBS and see what they can do either on the bike or clothing or accessories bought at the same
time. Iain C

I couldnt agree more. One of my LBSs - Freewheel in Norwich is closing down at the end of December -
OK their prices were a bit steep but their service was excellent and its really sad to see them go.

Im happy to say Pedal Revolution are competetive with the online retailers and you get the personal
touch too - i just hope they dont go the same way.

Use them or lose them...Im going to be doing my shopping locally now, even if it costs a
bit more....

Chris

David Hart said:

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's, and
ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great service
and if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be on a
Saturday afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

Dave

I have noconnection with any LBS by the way.

"Ian G Batten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop
some money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

--
Using M2, Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: opera.comm2Open ↗

I couldnt agree more. One of my LBSs - Freewheel in Norwich is closing down at the end of December -
OK their prices were a bit steep but their service was excellent and its really sad to see them go.

Im happy to say Pedal Revolution are competetive with the online retailers and you get the personal
touch too - i just hope they dont go the same way.

Use them or lose them...Im going to be doing my shopping locally now, even if it costs a
bit more....

Chris

David Hart said:

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's, and
ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great service
and if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be on a
Saturday afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

Dave

I have noconnection with any LBS by the way.

"Ian G Batten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Via my wife I can get 16% discount from one of the online bike shops. Their range isn't immense,
but it covers most of the bases and 16% is a lot when I'm planning to spend 1000-1500 quid. Their
advertised prices are comparable with everyone else, so it's a `real' 16%.

On the other hand, buying from a local bike shop is a much better idea overall, and I'm happy to
pay for service. Given those two conflicting thoughts, and given that I can pay by cheque or even
(at a push) by cash, what would be a reasonable, fair and non-abusive price to aim for with a
shop? Their margins are going to be thinner than a big online setup, which makes their scope for
movement less.

Or would I be better off buying a bike online for X-16% and then offering to pay a local shop
some money (fifty quid? a hundred quid?) to set it up for me?

ian

--
Using M2, Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: opera.comm2Open ↗

Quoted message said:

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's, and
ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great service

and

Quoted message said:

if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be on a Saturday
afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

They are richer than me, thus I ask for a discount. I found it better to ask for decent lights and
lock thrown in - I effectively got forty quids worth knocked off the price, but they lost only the
trade price. They were still well happy with the sale, which always makes me slightly worried...

Quoted message said:

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's, and
ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great service

and

Quoted message said:

if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be on a Saturday
afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

They are richer than me, thus I ask for a discount. I found it better to ask for decent lights and
lock thrown in - I effectively got forty quids worth knocked off the price, but they lost only the
trade price. They were still well happy with the sale, which always makes me slightly worried...

Mark Thompson said:

Quoted message said:

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's,
and ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great
service and if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be
on a Saturday afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

They are richer than me, thus I ask for a discount. I found it better to ask for decent lights and
lock thrown in - I effectively got forty quids worth knocked off the price, but they lost only the
trade price. They were still well happy with the sale, which always makes me slightly worried...

I'm well richer since I got out of the cycle trade and now mess about with computers.

Strangly my employers never ask for a discount. I never ask my LBS for a discount, but end up bying
a lot of stuff from wiggle, because they have it in stock and they dont close at 5.

--
Andy Morris

AndyAtJinkasDotFreeserve.Co.UK

Love this: Put an end to Outlook Express's messy quotes
home.in.tum.deoe quotefixOpen ↗

Mark Thompson said:

Quoted message said:

Why do people assume that they have the right to discount at the LBS? We don't got to Tesco's,
and ask for discount do we?! Your LBS has to struggle to keep a living. They provide a great
service and if they all disappeared because they cut their margins to the bone where would we be
on a Saturday afternoon when we need our bike looked at before our Sunday ride?

They are richer than me, thus I ask for a discount. I found it better to ask for decent lights and
lock thrown in - I effectively got forty quids worth knocked off the price, but they lost only the
trade price. They were still well happy with the sale, which always makes me slightly worried...

I'm well richer since I got out of the cycle trade and now mess about with computers.

Strangly my employers never ask for a discount. I never ask my LBS for a discount, but end up bying
a lot of stuff from wiggle, because they have it in stock and they dont close at 5.

--
Andy Morris

AndyAtJinkasDotFreeserve.Co.UK

Love this: Put an end to Outlook Express's messy quotes
home.in.tum.deoe quotefixOpen ↗