Have you asked your local shop or shops if they can get you into something a bit cheaper. I mean if you are looking at a specific bow see if they can order it for you. Just because they don't have it in stock doesn't mean they can't get it for you if you want it. As long as it's a line they carry.

Just don't expect them them to meet or beat an internet or big chain store price. That is hard for them to do.

Let them know what you are looking for and how much you can afford to spend. They should be able to work with you. Or if they are a good shop they will tell you why they can't. Some of these cheap bows are not that impressive and you would be better off saving up the money to get something better, and they know that. It isn't just about them making money, I don't think the mark up on bows is that high. They want you to be a happy customer. And selling you cheap bow that may give you problems later, or you won't be happy with doesn't help either of you.

They should be able to get you into a decent bow for 3 or 4 hundred dollars though. You don't have to spend 8 or 9 hundred to get a good bow. My most expensive bow I have was under $600 for the bare bow.

I am a fairly experianced archer and I still get my bows from a pro shop. I am lucky enough to have several good ones in my area though. I could easily get a bow from ebay or something and set it up, but I like the service I get from a good shop. They let me test out different bows to see how they feel and set them up different and answer any questions I have and give me their opinions on equipment.

Good luck,
Paul