If you don't ask, you don't get.

When I bought my DP, I first of all made sure that it really was what I wanted, then asked the dealer what he could offer if I bought it there and then. Once he realized that I meant business, he was only too keen to make me an offer I couldn't refuse . Without my prompting, he also threw in an excellent pair of headphones (though he'd already seen me using my own Bose ones, which he felt was more suited for travel listening than DP playing). Then I asked him how I was going to play from the music.....and he threw in a music stand too.

I couldn't think of anything else I could push him for, despite racking my brains .

You understood well - apparently some other people can't read.

Someone was reporting paying $2800 for a Kawai CA65 in Michigan, whereas in Canada the same instrument is sold for $5400, despite parity between the CAD and USD. There is simply no way for Joe Canuck to pay prices comparable to Americans, no matter how hard he bargains. And on top of this, we are hit by the Canada VAT (10%) and in my case the Quebec VAT (5%), so the difference is actually more.

The idea that you are in control of the situation because you have money and someone else wants it is naive. That position just as easily makes you a potential sucker. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Negotiation takes skill, intelligence and awareness. People can do their research homework and prepare but they are not professional salespeople and are probably a lot more average than above average in several departments, not the least of which is the ability to read people.

The salesperson you get could be a seasoned pro or just someone handling the transaction like it is clerical who only follows a list of steps composed/dictated by their company. Either has the advantage of performing in their position routinely.

I think you need to be conscious of who you are and where you fit then you can decide what you can realistically gain. Taking an honest look at your situation, you would probably see some facets that can be polished within a short time period in preparation and some others that are out of your reach.

The trouble with a limited number of stores available to you is that this does not leave enough room to practice and hone your skills. It is a lot like interviewing for a job. Many times you sabotage the best opportunities while getting used to the process. You have the worst experience with the most desirable openings. By the time you are comfortable only the crumbs are left. There are usually more stores. You just have to go farther away from your location.

You should have sales-relevant knowledge of the product. You need to know what is realistic and what you are willing to do with your money, including how far away you are willing to buy before going in. Otherwise some charming salesperson is going to have you in the palm of their hand and you are liable to make an emotional decision......even if it is simply a nice person telling you "no" and you saying "OK."

I don't see anyone comparing pre-tax to post-tax prices anywhere. That's just you. As far as Kawai is concerned, in Canada, 40% off MSRP might be possible. The MSRP in Canada is ridiculously high.

By the way, how are your other threads going?

MSRP usually is way higher then real value. It's just starting point in negotiation.

True but I'm talking relative to American MSRP. As an example, the MSRP for the MP6/MP10 in Canada is somewhere around $3000/$4000. That should give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Of note; all digital pianos imported into Canada are subject to a 6% tariff.