Another audio dealer closes his shop

My apologies to the exceptions but, in general, I have so little sympathy for audio dealers that I just couldn’t care less. In my experience, this industry attracts too many hustlers who see a potential for huge unearned profits, and have categorized audiophiles as sheep begging to be sheered.

Another problem is that there is no qualification process, other than the market place, to determine who can operate an audio store. With manufactures and distributors competing for locations where prospective customers can audition their products, it’s too easy for incompetence to find its way into the audio chain. Many dealers like to say that they’re in the business of selling music, not components, but too many don’t know how. They’ll sell you a 30k analog rig but cant set it up for optimal playback. Of course they get trained for set-up, but that’s no guarantee that they’ll make the effort or have the talent.

Arrogance, snobbery, condescending manners. After someone's been in this hobby for a while and has established a sort of pedigree, these attitudes aren’t as common, but for neophytes, they are way too common.

As I’m writing this post, I’m realizing that the opportunities for this industry to improve are daunting, but nowhere more so than at the first line of customer contact.

"consumers are realizing that they can configure a stereo system without the advice of a dealer”

To the extent that that’s true, it's because too many dealers offer the minimum in set-up help. I’m not talking about six figure systems, I’m talking about, first attempt, sub $5k systems that if well chosen and properly set up, can give a musically satisfying experience that will encourage further exploration.

We shouldn’t forget that there are music lovers who don’t participate on forums. Mrtennis, I am absolutely confident that if you were to visit the home of an average audio retail outlet customer, you would be appalled at what you heard.

Zd542,
"It may be true in some cases, but its not always that way. As far as how the individual stores are run, its a mixed bag."

The fact that I offered my apologies to the exceptions means that I know that it’s not always true.

"On that quote, in particular, you are way off. If you are trying to get a dealership for a well established brand of high end audio equipment, they put you through hell. You don't just call these companies up offer them 25k, 50k or whatever as an initial order to get you going. You have to sign a very strict contract that will be closely enforced, show credit, have insurance, have an existing location that they can fly out and come see, trade references that include other high end brands that you currently sell and will use to support their brand and many other things that I can go on about.”

I’m not way off. Everything that you mentioned concerns the manufacturer/seller relationship. Where’s the part about satisfying the customer?

Zd542, No hard feelings here. We’re cool and I respect your opinion. But I still say no way on way off. What you've offered as dealer qualifications have nothing to do with insuring that the customer is getting expert service.

We both have experiences and observations that apparently differ quite a bit. I can live with that. Happy listening.

Now we’re arguing about entry level? :-) Entry level is wherever you can afford to enter. And as long as we’re on the subject, "high end" is any audio system that presents the music in such a compelling way that, like live music, it can capture and hold one’s undivided attention. IMHO.