Negotiating when buying demo and used speakers from a dealer


Hi,

I'm buying a new set of speakers. I'm getting close to making a decision and now I'm thinking about price flexibility on the vendor's part.

For example, today I saw a pair of Monitor GX200s that I quite liked. They're not the current model, one back, going for CDN $2399 (about USD$1850). Dealer said they were trade-ins. They looked immaculate. Haven't listened to them yet.

Here in Ontario I would pay an additional 13% in sales tax.

The vendor isn't an authorized dealer for these particular speakers. They sell a variety of quality equipment that range in price from around $1,000 to who-knows-how-much. They actually do a pretty good job of moving stuff. I go in from time to time and can see their inventory turnover. (Hard to miss a missing pair Acapellas). I live a little north of Toronto and there are easily at least 6 other high-end shops within easy driving distance.

If I do buy these speakers, should I just pay the asking price? If not, are there negotiating strategies that people can offer up?

By way of comparison, I can purchase a pair of Omen Defs, circa 7 years old, for $1450. (Have to drive 2 hours each way). No tax because it is a private sale. He's already come down from his asking price of $1750.

~Jim

128x128jimspov
Back when I was in the audio business most speakers had about 50%  profit margin in their list price, when new.  Like that new automobile, as soon as the speaker leaves the dealer, it depreciates a lot (why would one pay close to new price, and not get a manufacturer's warranty?)  If these speakers were previously-owned and a current model, I'd say getting close to 50% off list would be a good starting point, especially if the speaker line is not carried by that dealership.
As a ex hifi store owner the speaker is nought ftom 45% to 60%
Depending if distributor around 60% . On average 50% if they buy at least 5 pair ..
How long they have had them, is this speaker outdated or current model.
Also Summer is the best time for a consumer for things normally are much slower. Vacations and kids out of school. 20% 'is a pretty dairy deal 
If bought in North america. If overseas like in thd U.K  that has to be considered 
18% tax  for example.  I hope this helps.  Ask questions and look fof ant scuffs 
If grill cloth take off and look at drivers  I have bought new floor demo
As a consumer for 40% off  and split shippjng  on a big floor stander.25% 
For a floor demo.
I agree with the others- I would try to negotiate, tactfully. Especially in the case of a trade in or private seller. 

I think many sellers will allow for some negotiating room, expecting a little back and forth. However, some don't and get all wound up if you ask. As long as you're courteous and willing to walk away you will likely find a good deal. 

I teach negotiating as a consultant, had a class last week in fact. Google 'best negotiating tips' as a guide.

Good luck.

Good advice so far but,
"Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Everyone's a winner, bargains galore
That's right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar, we got service after sales
You need perfume? we got perfume, how 'bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady,
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got a white sale
And a smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now, and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you're tired of kitchen drudgery
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
Going out of business sale
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Don't settle for less
How do we do it? how do we do it? volume, volume, turn up the volume
Now you've heard it advertised, don't hesitate
Don't be caught with your drawers down,
Don't be caught with your drawers down
You can step right up, step right up

That's right, it filets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing age spots,
It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens
And it finds that slipper that's been at large
under the chaise lounge for several weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master,
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
And it's only a dollar, step right up, it's only a dollar, step right up

'Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery, don't be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it,
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, that's right
And it entertains visiting relatives, it turns a sandwich into a banquet
Tired of being the life of the party?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife,
And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack, see you later alligator
See you later alligator
And it steals your car
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It's a friend, and it's a companion,
And it's the only product you will ever need
Follow these easy assembly instructions it never needs ironing
Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff,
Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job, it is a job
And it strips the phone company free take ten for five exchange,
And it gives you denture breath
And you know it's a friend, and it's a companion
And it gets rid of your traveler's checks
It's new, it's improved, it's old-fashioned
Well it takes care of business, never needs winding,
Never needs winding, never needs winding
Gets rid of blackheads, the heartbreak of psoriasis,
Christ, you don't know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy,
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
'Cause it's effective, it's defective, it creates household odors,
It disinfects, it sanitizes for your protection
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
It's a redeemable coupon, no obligation, no salesman will visit your home
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot, prizes, prizes, prizes, all work guaranteed
How do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it
We need your business, we're going out of business
We'll give you the business
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available,
Step right up, step right up, step right up
You got it buddy: the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
C'mon step right up
(Get away from me kid, you bother me...)
Step right up, step right up, step right up, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c'mon and step right up,
C'mon and step right up"  TOM WAITS

Cheers,
Spencer
Some good advice here.  Tomorrow I'm going to look at a pair of Linn AV5140s' at a non-Linn dealer that received them on a trade-in.  They're asking $1400.00 and their ad says the original MSRP was $7000.00!  Methinks that price is a tad inflated.  The actual price is closer to $2500.00. 

In May two pair on ebay sold for $850.00 and $860.00 so I plan on offering them $900.00.  I'm sure they'll consider that a lowball.  Depending on the condition I may bump the offer up to $1000.00. If that offends them too I'll say thank you and G'day and head for the door.  I'm betting I'll leave the store with those speakers.