Saving Cash on Two Wheels: ADAC Finds Bargains When Buying a Bike
Cost of Bicycles Regularly Decreases
Looking to snag a sweet deal on a new bike? You're in luck - the art of negotiation, or haggling, can work wonders. While some folks find haggling nerve-wracking, others thrive in price discussions. The ADAC discovered that it's well worth a try. Remember, all you need is some gumption and a chat.
The ADAC put their investigative hat on, disguised as undercover shoppers, and visited 100 bike retailers across the nation. The goal was simple - to bag discounts. The results? A whopping 88% of stores offered price breaks - often without so much as a whisper of a negotiation.
The ADAC's focus was on two types of bikes: a high-quality e-mountain bike valued over $3,500 and a city bike around the $1,000 mark.
Nearly 90% of bikes were cheaper than RRP
The undercover shoppers first checked for existing discounts displayed on the price tags compared to the recommended retail price (RRP). They then made two attempts to bring down the price. The joyous outcome? A discounted bike in 88% of cases compared to the RRP.
43% of all stores had already slashed prices compared to the RRP on the price tags without any negotiation. 63% of retailers caved just a bit during the first price negotiation, and 46% did during the second round of discussions towards the end of the sales talk.
Tips for Online Shopping:When shopping online, be prepared to find great discounts on your desired bike as well. On average, there was a 13% discount on the e-mountain bike and a 15% discount on city bikes, not just in the form of reduced prices but also as discounted or free accessories, such as locks, and free service. The second request seemed to yield even better results.
Urban versus rural prices
The undercover shoppers also found a price disparity between city and country locations. Half of the bikes in the city already carried a lower price tag than the RRP, while it was only one in three in the countryside. A crucial takeaway: Always shop around and visit multiple stores as prices for the same items can vary significantly.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
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- In the spirit of saving money, consider applying haggling skills not just when buying a bike, but also for home-and-garden essentials or lifestyle products, such as electronics or clothing, as the principle of negotiations can be beneficial in various community and employment policies, like shopping for deals-and-discounts.
- Expanding the approach of haggling beyond vehicles to other areas of consumer spending like furniture, appliances, or even services, could potentially lead to substantial savings, just as the ADAC discovered while researching bike prices.
