Cinematic_Systems: Perhaps, but the same can said for all consumer good durables markets. To expect the consumer not to be driven by pricing to a large degree is simply wishful thinking in never never land. For retailer margins: well that's just economics in the end: the audiophile market is basically saying to you that a) its a fragmented industry so competition among retailers are intense, thus leading to lower margins, as consumers have choice and b) the value add provided by such retailers are not high enough to warrant higher margins ON AVG. In the end, its up to the retailing ind to either consolidate or individual retailers to distinguish themselves in a competitive market via providing better service. The example provided above about a burnt out sales person is case in pt.
Burned out hi fi salesman
Have any of you come across a burned out hi fi salesman? I was at my local dealer the other day and was talking to one of the sales guys. In my opinion he is damaged goods! According to him he has had all the equipment at different times one could imagine. He said that he came to the conclusion that all hi fi components are within 5 % of each other in terms of sound (All things being equal). The fact that he currently does not even OWN a stereo is not a good sign! How can you relate to your customers if you're not even into hi fi yourself? I would advise anyone to ask the sales person they are dealing with questions about his or her preference with repects to the equipment they themselves own. As I say, the gentleman I talked to was non caring, un-involved, bitter, etc... Don't make hi fi choices beased on the "Expert"advise of an individual such as this. The lesson for me? Ask questions about your sales person first........then ask about the various equipment! You'll have fun and make better choices! Cheers,
Nocaster.
Nocaster.