What is a reasonable discount from MSRP from a local dealer?

Let me guess, it was Hi Fi Heaven. It’s their ‘tactic’.

I placed an order for a Soundsmith Zephyr with them on-line, a ‘demo’ earlier version. They offered to upgrade me to the new MK III for 10% more, saying the demo was sold-out. I declined, and requested my money returned. They then, within an hour, agreed to sell me the newest Zephyr MKIII, brand new, for the same cost, or $950. $500 less than list. Of course, I took that deal.

As I understand, this is a typical tactic for them, but I have been assured they are a good seller who stand behind their sales. And shipping was swift. I was told the best thing to do is call about what you are interested in, talk to a salesperson, negotiate your best price, and within reason, they will work with you.

To the OP.......Triton Ones were discontinued at least a year ago, doubtful you will find a new pair. As for discoiunts, every dealer is different. I bought 3 pairs of GE speakers from my local GE dealer, Triton Ones and Triton Twos. No discount on either pair. When I bought the Triton References which were $8500.00 at the time, I got 500.00 off only because I pointed out that I spent 16K on speakers from them within 2 years. I knew going in that I wasn’;t getting a discount because they just don’t or have to.

I feel it was worth paying retail to have the speakers delivered and set up in my home at no charge. That was worth more to me than a discount. I also have not seen Triton One R speakers discounted. To the poster that said you would get a 30% discount in the 70’s, it is quite doubtful. I sold audio from 1972 to 1986 and never gave a 30% discount. I gave a 10% discount if you bought a system (Receiver, speakers and turntable) and threw in the speaker wires (16 gauge zip cord) and some cheap interconnects.  The only times I would give a 20  or 30% discount was if I sold the system with our house brand speakers (made by Goodwin in Great Britton).  Usually the speakers had a ficticious retail of $300.00 and I would sell them for $200.00.  We (the dealer) paid about $80.00 a pair for them.

I was in the industry for three decades both as a manufacture and retailer i`m talking about the 70`s, 80`s and 90`s. As a manufacture of high end products we would sell to dealers at 33% less than retail. High End Audio had much less of a mark up than generic Japanese audio at that time, we were approached by a well known Japanese brand during that time with the pitch that we could make a lot of money.....  well yeah as the retail was 500% over wholesale, we declined.

Not sure of the margins today but dealers and manufactures deserve a fair living. It`s up to each individual to determine if something is overpriced or if they are getting a deal or fair price.

I never buy anything without getting at least a 20% Discount. On gear that costs 5 Figures I ask for 25-30%.  Only time that hasnt worked was with small boutique brands for me (Valvet/Bakoon etc)  When there is only 1 dealer/distributor that has a monopoly on the brand they tend to not give breaks to new customers.

LoL... I was just thinking about this the other day.  Theres a well known site that I wonder if they just mark up everything so that they can then lower the price and sell in on sale. Just about everything he sells is on sale and at an enticing discount.  I mean, how can you afford to pass up $3k speakers for $2k...?

This is really quite silly and its a shame that we live in a world where no one wants to pay full price or pay for professional expertise.  Im as guilty as anyone here so Im not pointing fingers