Question of dealimng with Dealers . . .

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Originally posted by MIDUN:
After 12 years of enjoying my Nait 2, I'm ready to upgrade to some new Naim, "naimly" a 202/200 combo with Stageline. Is it proper for me to negotiate with my local dealer, or must I accept MSRP ("RRP" in England)? (I have been dealing with this shop since I bought my Nait 2, buying cartridges, cables, etc., from them.) Obviously, I want don't want to overpay, but I don't want to offend anyone either. Does it matter if I offer to pay with cash, instead of with credit card? I know customs differ around the world, as do list prices, so American experience would be most useful here. TIA

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when you show him the cash, things seem to work very well after that. you usually have an additional 5 percent discount if paying by cash.

hello, credit cards cost 2-3% so cash helps,also if you are buying a combo like the 202/200 they should do something for you, ask and my guess you shall receive..it wont be big but they will do something.

I think that paying with cash helps. And, while you make it clear that you are serious, also let it be known that you can be patient (even if you really can't be). When I was shopping my dealer plainly stated that paying with cash would produce a discount and this wasn't even with any serious negotiation.

Certainly the relationship is worth something and hopefully your dealer will want to keep it that way.

ghunter's guesstimate of 15% seems unusually high and I wouldn't expect to receive that. Unless perhaps I was a microsoft earner who had purchased multiple pieces and upgraded my system over time from the same dealer.

Markus
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I have a dealer that hates my credit card, tho I hate to give up the airline miles, I hand him a check. He is good and gives me good deals (I'm not into crunching numbers) and lets me know when I'm waffling if a good used piece comes on market and he usually gives me a good price for my used gear that he sells on ebay. He does work out of his house rather than a showroom, less over head, relaxed atmosphere and generally undivided attention.

I sold my preamp and Sound org stand on Audiogon and it took at least 2 months and a bit of a hassel so I figure that my dealer earns his money and I don't quibble. It is also an hour and half drive one way to get to his place, but I get it home that afternoon and puts a smile on my face. In fact I'm doing a deal with him now to upgrade my CD5 FC2 to a CDX2 (used demo). Very nice deal just before rates go up in the states. I'm picking it up in two days. We have a very nice relationship, think of them as a friend as opposed to a foe. They'll keep that in mind when you show up again.
glenn

Life is analogue

Try not to beat the crap out of a good dealer, we need them!!

Most give a discount but if you go too far you risk losing in other areas such as after sales service, set up, demo facilities etc.

Remeber that a good dealer plays with stuff all day so and takes the time to stock the item, so you can go and have a demo and hopefully get some expert advice.

If I buy something over the net then I have to take my chances. I've been lucky (especially with guitars) but I know some who haven't.

Treat a dealer right and they'll treat you right.

a cheap price isn't necsarrily VFM.

Joe90