EGBigelo

So after helping my friend by a new bike, I'm getting itchy for something new. I've had my Trek 1.5 for a couple years now and I'd like to add something else. I went to a LBS that I've never been to before to pick up brake pads for my Hybrid. I see a Fuji Roubaix hanging there so I go check it out. Turned out to be a 2013 1.3 (105). It's the only 58cm in the whole store (it's a really small shop).

He has it priced new at $1300, which he knows isn't relevant anymore and said he would take some off. I can get a new Roubaix, with the new 105 for $1100 or less. And there are 105 bikes for less than that. Even a new Tiagra would be way less.

How do I negotiate a good price, and what should it be?

rpenmanparker 

IMO you should be able to buy that bike for $900 or less. It is ancient by bike stock standards. The owner of the shop should kiss your buns for taking it off his hands.

velociraptor

Here's the value range for that bike which gives you a baseline of ~$600 for "like new" (which I would say is the same as NOS): 2013 Fuji Roubaix 1.3 - New and Used Bike Value

If it were me, I'd go in with $700 cash in my pocket, and offer him $600 with the idea I'd let myself be negotiated up to the $700 max.

If he doesn't go for it, then he may just be unreasonable and not worth any more trouble.

EGBigelo

I looked up the BBB value too and they are always drastically low. But like rpenmanparker said, it's ancient by stock standards. I mean, it's been 3 years. I thought of offering $800 and going no higher than that, but I could always start at $600, but don't want to insult him.

WorldIRC

Don't worry about insulting him. Most LBS do not want to be holding on to old inventory. Go in knowing this and make it clear to the owner that are willing to help him "get that ol' bike of his hands" but he has to make it worth your while. You can then start somewhere, like $600, and gauge his response accordingly. If he isn't interested in $600-$800, probably best to walk and find something else. Just make sure that it is clear to the owner that you're willing to do them the favour, and don't show your eagerness or excitement.

Bandera

Bicycle inventory is a fashion business, last year's model stinks like formerly fresh fish after 3 days.
A three year old machine is not an investment in Future Classic status, it's a drag on productivity.

Anyone running a LBS as business instead of a hobby would be glad to dump it and move on.
Bring Cash, only cash has any credibility in in negotiations of this sort.

It's business, offer what you feel fair in a firm, polite and respectful manner and walk if declined.

Remember the 2016 models are about to suffer the same fate.

-Bandera

Maelochs

2013 Fuji Roubaix 15 - New and Used Bike Value

It's certainly worth more than that price above, and certainly not anywhere near what he wants.

2013 Fuji Roubaix 1.3 - MSRP $1,319 2013 Fuji Roubaix 1.3 - Compact - Components and Reviews

Fuji Roubaix 1.3 2016 Road Bike £799.00 ($1056.68) https://www.evanscycles.com/fuji-rou...-bike-EV241900

Fuji Roubaix 1.3 Road Bike - 2016 SALE: $1,199.00 Fuji Roubaix 1.3 Road Bike - 2016

If you can get a 2016 model for $1200, I'd offer him $800 or $900 ... in a couple weeks that is going to be a four-year-old bike, and in a couple months you could ride to his store on your new 2016 Fuji Roubaix 1.3 for even less, likely ... once the 2017 models hit and 2016s go on sale.

It is really a matter of your budget. No doubt it is a nice bike, but how much do you want to spend? If your budget is $1200 why not get a 2016? What else could you buy for the money? How much is that bike worth to you, and which other bikes could you get for the money?

On the one hand it is really a brand new bike. On the other hand, buying and selling bikes is a business, not a charity ... He is sacrificing shop space for that bike, so it actually sort of costs him money not to sell it.

Maybe $1000 tops? Offer him eight and work up? Also, i'd compare the spec from that specific bike to the 2016 models---maybe one or the other offers something which would decide the matter for you?

EDIT: I was afraid of being to harsh, but I see that while I was posting, other people were responding with clearer thinking. Offer him $600 and peak at $800-$900, I guess.

If you have never been there before you don't eve have to go back again ... if he thinks you are offering too little, he can either bargain or lose the sale and never see you again ... and see that d4mn3d 2013 Fuji every day, all day.

big chainring 

Wouldn't it just be hell owning a bike shop these days.

WorldIRC

I don't think bike industry retail is affected any more or less than other specialty retail industries.

SundayNiagara

Cash talks.

fietsbob

Depends on Who Owns the Shop. Good Luck.

Bandera

No different than back when.
It's a Business w/ perishable fickle/fashion inventory, always was, always will be.

Practice inventory management or go under.
What happened to the shops that held onto "Stingray & Crate" inventory when BMX hit?
What happened to the shops that held onto "Lightweight 10 speed" inventory when MTB hit?

Gone: Same, same today.

-Bandera

MRT2

Yep. It is harder for an owner to hold onto old stock when the customer is standing right there with $700 or $800 in cash. And if he balks, just walk away.

NYMXer

Maybe if you went into the bike shop, and told the salesperson what you were looking for (a bike that they would like to sell at a large discount). Describe the leftover they have without letting them know that you know they have it.

Mention to them that you would think a 3 year old bike must only be worth about half of full original list and see what they counter with. Be polite but firm and let them know at that time of you will be needing pedlas, saddle, shoes, accessories, etc and negotiate a package deal.

Good luck and post a pic of you buy it.

velociraptor

The general keys to a successful negotiation are:

• Be knowledgeable about what you are negotiating for
• Be respectful but firm in your terms
• Don't let emotion get involved
• Be willing to walk away

For consumer goods, there are two more points to add to the top:

• End of month
• Cash in hand

At my BF-discounted rate, that'll be $1750. I'll PM you with where you can make the payment.

Sy Reene

So 2013 would be 5700 series 105 (ie. 10 speed)? Isn't today's Tiagra considered on par or better?

rpenmanparker 

I don't agree with the cash in hand advice. There is no reason the dealer shouldn't be willing to take a credit card it the buyer is willing to pay the 3% fee. That is easy enough to include in the negotiation.

velociraptor

I think we can acknowledge that there's something particularly motivating about a big pile of smelly green cash that a tiny, sterile MasterCard can't match.

Smithson1

Last October, I purchased a 2015 Fuji Roubaix 1.3 from Performance for $899 with 10% back. I would probably pay $800 and I base that on the 2016 Roubaix 1.5 with Tiagra being $999 with 20% back right now at Performance. It'll probably drop to $899 in the next few months with 10 or 20% back.

Bob Dopolina 

This.

FeltF2Tarmac

This is so true. Not that the card is bad but visual impact of cold cash could make the deal a card may not.

EGBigelo

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I wouldn't go no higher than $800 for it. Mostly because like was said in this thread, a 2016 Tiagra is just as good as the 3 year old 105 model. And even though it's a 2013 it is still brand new as far as condition goes. If I can get a good deal then I will buy it, other wise I will buy a 2016, which should be coming down in price soon.

My budget right now is $700, but I can stretch it to $800. As far as going in with cash, I don't think it would make a difference in this case.

leicanthrope

Sound advice. Their margins are usually quite a bit better on accessories than bikes themselves, and by mentioning that you're looking for this stuff, you're "sweetening the pot" for them.

Inpd

Why would physical dollars make him take a deal over a card? In the end its all going in the bank and into a ledger.

The only reason i csn think of is if he is not going to declare the money.

wheelreason

Only if you gear (pun intended) your focus towards enthusiasts, and you are silly enough to open a bike shop in the boonies. Otherwise, the Pearly Gate$ double as bike rack$...