Haggling if a bike has no obvious flaws...

[KnightRider]

I would just use the old "its between this bike and another bike that I have seen. If this was cheaper then I would definately take it" approach.

[northwind]

"It's a bit small, isn't it" Seriously, step one is make sure the seller doesn't know how much you want it, I'm rubbish at this, when I got my SV I was probably drooling at the mouth... So this is ideal for you, sit on it and pull a face, make noises about needing variobars or something to be comfortable, just suggest it's worth less to you than it really is.

Maybe my favourite was if you phone up, don't say "Is it still for sale", you sound too keen and it makes it sound like you're competing with other buyers, say "I assume it's still for sale", that's supposed to put the doubt in their mind and make them think that they're not going to sell it. Use the Force!

Originally Posted by Fizzy Fish

One handy thing i learned of one of them bargaining telly shows is to make a slightly cheeky offer and then 'zip it' before you end up undoing your bargaining position by feeling too cheeky and going "oh but is that a bit low, how about £X instead" etc. Make them an offer and then shut it, let them be the next to speak.

The onus is then on them as to whether they can afford to refuse your offer, and you'd be suprised what some people will go for. At the very least it softens their position, and you can meet part way. And for all you know they might think that they're being a bit cheeky with the price in the first place! I've tried it a few times myself and it works really well.

Also, if you're not making much headway on the price of the bike (and in fact even if you are!), turn to extras instead, as the cost price to them is less that it is to you, e.g. labour for next service free, 1yr tax instead of 6 mths, free gloves, discount off more expensive items.

Oh and take someone with you or you'll probably end up buy the first bike you see and like, however much it costs! (I've had to be lead away from some real nails before myself!)

Remember that they will be struggling to shift bikes at this time of year so that's on your side too.

GOOD LUCK!

You have not been studying cheesey American sales technique books have you?

[Biker Biggles]

Ive got an 03 F2 in almost standard spec.If you want to compare it with a prospective purchase you are welcome to have a look.
Oh,and never pay the asking price.

I always haggle no matter what and so far haven't paid the marked price for any bike. certain shops e.g. George Whites in Swindon most of the bikes are marked up as £**95 for example. The £95 is immediately negotiable with the sales staff any further deduction has to go to a manager.

Smaller outlets are likely to give best discounts. Bigger outlets have such a turnover they don't seem to need to budge as much, but will generally do something.

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

You have not been studying cheesey American sales technique books have you?

no it was just from a telly show - i'm not classy enough to read clever books like that...

[KnightRider]

When I bought the SV I rang up all the dealers within a 60 mile range and got them to try and beat each others price. I then went to my local store and asked them to match the price or lose the business. Guess what...they matched the price.

Got a K7 for the same price as a K6 with a few extras thrown in on top!

I paid the price on the screen, but I did get cat1 alarm fitted for free and a nice shiny belly pan for free

I suppose playing the game with dealers is fair game really. But giving a private seller an altogether too tough a time,I don't really agree with.

But despite what many think, I'm really a nice guy you see.

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

I suppose playing the game with dealers is fair game really. But giving a private seller an altogether too tough a time,I don't really agree with.

p

why.................. if you can save money?

i have sold a few bikes, and expect them to try to knock me down (on the price, not run me over)