Do I *think* you can get it for less than msrp? Yes. How much less? I won't bother to guess.
People will give all types of answers to your question. A common one is you *can't* bargain the price. Another is that you might get a water bottle/cage included in lieu of a discount. Granted, bargaining isn't nearly as common in our culture as it is in other parts of the world. In some countries, it's expected that the prospective buyer will make their offer rather than pay the asking price. In our culture, we are made to feel uncomfortable, i.e. that bargaining isn't appropriate...so don't bother.
Some things to keep in mind:
#1 Don't walk in *expecting* to get a killer deal.
#2 Have a $ figure in mind that is the most you're willing to pay for the bike.
#3 If you also need other items/accessories, know this in advance. This may come into play during the dialogue over the bike price.
#4 Respect that the LBS has bills to pay, including rent, utilities & payroll. They may also have advertising expenses and have a string of vendors/suppliers charging them interest for goods purchased with credit. All this...and more... must come out of the gross profit margin of the bike *before* the owner can make a dime.
#5 In respect of #4, there is less *wiggle room* for negotiating a lower purchase price with bikes in the low-to-mid- price range (such as your Ventura).
What do I suggest? I'd suggest politely asking them what is the *best* price they could give you on that Ventura. It comes across much more tactful that asking for a discount or telling them you'll *give* them $700 for it. It puts the power (and the pressure) in their hands to quote a price that will have you leaving with bike in hand.
What do I NOT suggest? Don't stand there and haggle over it. If they quote a price that is still over your budget, there's nothing wrong with asking them again, "would that be my BEST price?" But don't stand there and quibble over a few dollars. You'll make them uncomfortable, and you'll look like a fool. You don't want either.
So what if they offer the water bottle/cage instead? Well, does that meet your budget? Probably not. You did ask them for their best price on the bike, not for a bottle & cage.
Now, what if you also plan on picking up accessories at the same time? Perhaps a few hundred dollars worth? That adds some wiggle room. Accessories have good profit margins built in, which means they increase the opportunity for the shop to make you a better deal without going broke themselves.
So for all the naysayers that say you can't get a good deal without looking like a schmuck, I say BS. Times are tough right now. Your LBS wants to sell you a new bike as much as you want to buy it. They need to keep inventory moving, and they want to see you back again and again for more goods/services. Given the circumstances, I'd say it's quite possible they'll make an offer that's inline with your budget...plus they might surprise you with an additional break on accessories purchased at the same time. Just go do business with them. The worst that can happen is they won't be willing to discount the bike (doubtful), and there's no amount of begging or pleading that will change that.
Good luck. I think you'll get the bike.
