How to get a good deal when buying car stereo equipment…CENSORED VERSION!

In this article, find out:

1. How to save at least 25% on expensive stereo equipment at your local stereo shop

2. How to save up to 50%+ (!!!) on stereo equipment from eBay

3. How to save even more on stereo equipment buying from auctions.

4. How to save money buying used equipment

5. How to save money buying refurbished equipment.

6. How to get sponsored, and get stuff for free

7. How to form a business, get stuff for cheap, and make money!

The situation:

Stereo equipment is expensive. In fact, autosound is the most expensive hobby I’ve ever had. As such, most of us who don’t make tons of money want to find the best deals possible, without going through tons o’ trouble.

Bet you didn’t know…

Stereo components don’t really cost their price. In fact, most dealers pay less than half of the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for a component. This doesn’t mean that a dealer can just turn around and sell the item for their cost. Dealers spend significant amounts of time and money to sell an item, and as such mark up the price of an item. I mean, if a dealer has a unit that sells for $500, they might spend $250 for it. HOWEVER, the dealer also has to pay rent, utilities, payroll, etc. in order to make that item available to you. On top of that, a dealer must also spend time locating the item, ordering the item, and storing the item. In short, the dealer is doing work, and needs to be paid for it. So, they mark up the price. This is to be expected. The good news is that many stereo shops won’t charge full MSRP if you bargain with them.

Bargaining…

So, you walk into mom and pop stereo shop in Anytown USA (or Anytown World), and see a unit that you like. The price is $499. You see a salesman hovering around, so you ask the salesman if you can buy it for $250. No way says the salesman.

Why did this happen?

You made a “lowball” offer to the salesman. You basically asked the salesman to sell the item without a profit. Forget about it. Most salesmen earn a commission on what they sell, and as such this salesman will not accept your offer because he won’t earn a commission. Would you work for free? Of course not.

Instead, make an offer that is well above the wholesale price, but well below the retail price. Halfway between these two prices is fair. If wholesale is $250, and retail is $500, offer $375.

The salesman still says no. Wait a second! I thought you said that you could bargain with the salesman, what the hell?

I was correct when I said you could bargain. However, the salesman is still thinking commissions. Why should he sell it at a price lower than he is used to? Because you’re willing to do something for him. Tell the salesman that you’ll tell your friends. Tell the salesman that you’ll promote his business. If you scratch his back, he’ll scratch yours.

Now, don’t be shady about this. Don’t lie to the salesman telling him that you’ll refer your friends to him, and not do it. Think about it, you just saved $125 on a piece of equipment. To be 100% fair, you should do $125 worth of work for the salesman. One way to do that is to refer your friends. Ask for a few business cards, and pass them on to your buddies.

How do I go about this?

This is the phrase that has always worked for me:

“What kind of deal can you get me on that DEH-P960?”

This phrase is highly effective because it gives the salesman some vital information:

1. You sound like you know what you’re talking about by using the model number

2. You are interested in buying—if the price is right

3. You want a deal

Many times, a salesman will come back with a slightly lower price. If the item was $500, they might say: “Well, how about $475?” You know you can do better, so just be up front with the salesman. “Come on, both you and I know you can do at least $400”. “Better still, let’s make it $375, and I’ll tell my friends—do you have any business cards?”

Chances are good that the salesman will say yes. If he says no, just raise your offer by a few dollars. Often times the salesman will make a counter-offer. Never accept it. At this point, the salesman REALLY wants the sale, and will be trying everything in his power to close the sale. Don’t be obnoxious or cocky, just be firm.

It has been my experience that I have been able to save about 25-33% on expensive gear at brick and mortar stereo shops.

Another hint: Don't try this at a national chain, you will get rejected. Why? Because these chains are bad bad companies. They've got enough money, anyway. Do business with local shops who actually care about car audio, and care about providing you with good service, and don't hire lame kids who don't know anything about anything!