AAARGGH! Bike Shop!

Message

PioneerUrban · Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:11 am

I stopped by my local bike shop today and they have a nice 95 Ninja 250 with 12,that on the clock.

They want $1899 for it. I thought that was WAY too much. They would only come down to $1750, still too much money.

I get home and check KBB, the high book for that bike with that many miles is around $1400.

This particular bike shop is notorious for pricing their used stuff high.

I offered them $1500, but they didn't want to deal. I don't understand why they don't want to deal with people?

They have a new Ninja 250 for $3200 on the floor.

Paying for it is not an issue, I just don't want to pay too much and feel like I'm getting ripped off.

Texfire · #2 Unread post by **Texfire** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:29 am

I imagine it's because they think that they can sell that Ninja 250 for $1899. They have the option of selling a bike for whatever they want to, and you have the option of not shopping there. I agree that you shouldn't buy it if you are going to feel like you got ripped off.

Tex

Ian522 · #3 Unread post by **Ian522** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:44 am

The only way I can see them charging over blue book value is if the bike had just been fully serviced and reconditioned by their service department (all new fluids, tires, brakes, etc.) Otherwise that price is too steep.

#4 Unread post by **NWTrtle** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:47 am

Even with all the service, the price difference is too high. I would not buy from a place like that. Remember, they did not give the person who traded it in anywhere near high kelly blue book. In fact, the person got lucky if they even got wholesale in trade in value. I would recommend walking away and never going back.

Shorts · #5 Unread post by **Shorts** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:50 am

$$$$$$$$$$$ <--- That's what its about. Sure, they lose 1 potential customer (you), but surely there's a newb who will pay $1899 for it.

Jas0n · #6 Unread post by **Jas0n** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:17 pm

Wow thats horrible. I got a new ninja for 3000, and my dad got a used one for 2700.

The used one had FIVE miles on it, and they still deducted 300 dollars. It was in such good condition, they coulda just said it was brand new and stuck a 3k price tag on it.

PioneerUrban · Wed Aug 01, 2007 3:09 pm

See I wish that this bike shop would treat customers fairly.

I guess as they see it, they are the ONLY bike shop in town, as far as imports go and they can either sell to someone or not.

I think you're right Shorts. Someone will pay that much for it.

blair · #8 Unread post by **blair** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:52 pm

That's retail.

Put the product out with a price tag on it and wait.

Because they can.

They don't need to price it so everyone will want to buy it. Probably more like a tenth of a percent.

If they had too many bikes and it was costing them something to keep them around, they'd be willing to deal.

But they don't mind.

Rent is probably cheap in their space, too.

Fairness is in the eye of the check writer.

Flting Duck · Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:47 pm

blair wrote:If they had too many bikes and it was costing them something to keep them around, they'd be willing to deal.

For them, it's a relatively cheap piece of inventory to have around and, as pointed out, they know SOMEONE will buy it...