McIntosh dealer discount ?

I was given a 25 percent discount on a new MC462 this summer by a dealer 80 miles from my house. (I had purchased an MA6900, an MC275 and a pair of Tannoy Turnberry from them in the past. But the initial discount was also in that range.) I left it in the car overnight. Tossed and turned. Drove back with it the next morning. Too big and heavy was my thinking. Five miles out of town on my way back, going 70 mph, a turkey flew into the windshield. I drove another 10 or so miles to a rest stop, leaning into the middle of the windshield so I could see, with flashers on, in right lane, regretting my decision. What's the takeaway? It's possible to get a discount.

Many dealers will only discount systems, where they can bury the discount on a price-controlled piece on another component that isn't price controlled. For instance, when I sold gear, you could not sell JBL's for less than MSRP or you'd likely lose the franchise. But other gear we sold was not price restricted, so we wrote up the JBL's at list price and knocked 25%,35% or even 40% off the price of some other piece(s). McIntosh was once strictly price controlled and usually had only one or two dealers in a market, but under the new ownership, where they are offering franchises willy-nilly it seems, a dealer may be more willing to deal. Just my two cents.

  Retail price control is still happening. I’m not a McIntosh owner , but I did notice that a brick and mortar store was featuring a large stock of new and used McIntosh gear. I happened to check the manufacturer web site for authorized dealers and this particular store was not listed. I have in the past intentionally purchased gray market items. They are new and sealed items, but carry no warranty. So be aware to check on your dealer. I have also received discounts from authorized dealers by politely asking if they offered a discount. The least I received was a 10% discount and free shipping. Happy Shopping , Mike B.  

You don't ask....you dont gets....as the saying goes.

My take is dont talk price with a dealer unless you are ready to buy.

I imagine one way to give a discount on a price controlled item would be to give an inflated trade in credit.