How to Save Money on Park Tool and Other MAP Priced Items

There are a lot of Map (Minimum Advertised Price) items in the Bicycle industry.  MAP prices are set by Manufacturers that want their items advertised  for a certain price.

The retailer is allowed to sell an items for any price he wants but if he advertises the item it must be at MAP price or above.

This is especially true on Ebay and Amazon, the price must be at MAP or above or the Manufacturer will quit selling the item to the dealer.

Park Tool, Lizard Skin, Serfas, Planet Bike, Kryptonite and several other manufacturers have set MAP pricing rules.  This is why you see every Park Tool Repair Stand on Ebay or Amazon are usually priced exactly the same.

Most of the MAP price agreements do not allow the retailer to put "make offer" in the listing.

How to Save Money on Park Tool etc.

You can email any of the sellers and ask if they will come down on the price. This will probably not work on items that cost under $40 as the shipping is high enough that there is not much margin.  However the $200 to $500 items might be discounted if you ask.

Good luck in your Cycling Adventures

Enjoy the Ride,

Bicycle Rick

How to Save Money on MAP priced Bicycle items

MAP stands for Minimum Advertized Pricing.  It is being used by a several bicycle parts manufacturers and in many other industries.  Bicycle retailers and mail order guys cannot advertize these companies parts for less than stated or the Manufacturer will suspend selling to the dealer. Park Tool, Serfas, Lizard Skin, and many other manufacturers are setting and then enforcing MAP pricing.

 HOWEVER the retailer can still sell it to you for any amount.  

 Most MAP policies also state that the dealer may not put “Make Offer” or “Call for Price” or “Too Low to Print” in their listing or advertisement.

How to Get a Better Price Strategy
So any expensive item that you are looking to purchase that is MAP priced you will probably be able to get a better price by either making an offer, emailing for a better price, or calling for a better price.  In my experience you will not get a better price on a MAP item unless the retail cost of the item is over $25 or $30 or the item is very small and light to ship. 


Bicycle Rick