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How to negotiate price on Giant CRX 1

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 8:12 pm
by logularjason
After much deliberation, I've decided to purchase a Giant CRX 1 for my commute into town, and will shop around this week for a good price. After some initial research, it seems that many here in Melbourne retail them for around the $1480 mark. Because I'm new to the bike scene, I'm not sure how to (or whether it is worth attempting) negotiate a good price. e.g. I'm not sure if bikes are like, say, ovens, where the RRP is generally not the price you pay, unless you're talking about a brand like Miele, which fixes the prices so that they are not negotiable. So should I be able to beat 'em down on $1480? Does anyone have a feel for the sales margin included in the RRP of a Giant?

Also, bike sales staff have told me that they will "look after me" when it comes to setting myself up with shoes, pedals, lights, etc. That's fine, but if I'm going to spend an extra $400 on accessories, I suppose we're probably only talking about knocking $100 of the overall price. Should I expect to do better on the overall package?

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:12 pm
by LuckyPierre
I suspect that there's more 'wriggle room' in the price of accessories than there is the price of the bike - they seem to be a very similar price from shop to shop. Or, does that just mean that there's about the same wriggle room everywhere?
It's easy work on the package price - and I suspect that you should get more than $100 off the total price. Be a bit fair to the shops though, make sure that you're comparing similar packages

Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 12:15 am
by sogood
10% off seemed to be the magic mark all bike stores operate under.

Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:54 am
by logularjason
Yes, 10% does seem significant. Goldcross in Chadstone will do 10% off the package for RACV members, and Terry Hammond in Port Melb will beat this. Have not been able to contact other shops yet (before 12:00 on Sunday), but will post back here if I find a better deal today.

Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:42 pm
by logularjason
OK, for those that follow, I paid $1580 for the bike with decent shoes, pump, puncture kit, lights, sidebars, and a drink holder.

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:51 am
by timbo
MY LBS, gives people who have bought a bike from them a "frequent rider" card which enables the customer 10% off any future purchases, be it spares, accessories or even bikes, so yes, 10% seems to be around the mark. It never hurts to ask, although don't push it too far, as being on good terms with the LBS owner is good if you are only after advise or just want to talk bikes with someone.