Michael Sheridan

Hi--within the next week or so, I am going to purchase a pair of Monitor 11's. Here, in town, the dealer that I would like to buy them from they are $900 a pair. Other places I have called have been as low as $760 per pair. Any advices on how to dicker with my local guy?

stevevt

This is more of a General Negotiating Question than a Negotiating to Buy Paradigm Speakers Question, although the fact that Paradigm "discourages" mail-order sales and local competition certainly gives your local dealer a larger-than-average advantage.

What are you willing to pay?

Seems like a safe thing to do is to present the dealer with an offer that's fair for both of you. Some would say that you shouldn't take the dealer into consideration at all, and start with a low offer.

Either way, be prepared to:

* negotiate
* walk out if you're not satisfied

You should be all set.

Other advice:

* bring cash (but only the amount that you're willing to pay)
* don't try to negotiate in a half-hearted way; either do it or don't do it

Scott

And ask the dealer what you get for buying from him. He should be able to give you lots of service with a smile reasons. Tell him that you've seen the price at $____. Most importantly, as Steve says, be prepared to walk out.

DavidY

IMO, you should also consider the Paradigm Reference series (Studio/20 or Studio/40 are in your budget range, both are bookshelves). Much better build quality and much better sounding IMO.

Dave

eXcentris

Have you done business with that local dealer before? If you have not, and those speakers are the only item you will purchase from him, then he will be less likely to "deal" on the price. It helps quite a bit if you are a return customer. I got my Paradigm Ref Studio 100's locally for $1,200 CDN but I've been doing business with them for years.