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Could I be a Retail Wretch?

I started a discussion here this morning to get some feedback on whether an external DAC would make an appreciable improvement over an internal processor’s DAC. During the discussion, I said that I typically visit a local audio dealer, to experience the equipment and then, comparison shop to find the best deal. The particular dealer I was referring to, emails me weekly, sends postcards monthly and catalogs quarterly. It’s always with an invitation to “see and hear the difference”. So I visit, and occasionally buy some small ticket items. But, when it comes to spending thousands on nationally available equipment, I don’t feel any obligation to limit my shopping to that one location.

When I shared my buying habits with the forum, I received responses that said using any brick and mortar stores to demo and then buying elsewhere “cuzz” it’s cheaper is just plain wrong…

I was surprised at that statement. I’m a value oriented person. I enjoy quality items. But I search for them at the best price - is that wrong? If there’s no competitive pricing or added value, why should I feel obligated?


gwbeers

Showing 6 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
Would yo be HAPPY to pay for test drive of the car?

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
To answer your question, you are wasting their time.  What you think you should pay for any given item has nothing to do what the store needs to cover expenses and generate a profit.  

Long time ago salesman "wasted" many hours presenting car to me, including test drive.  After that he asked for MSRP and refused to negotiate.  I bought same car in 5 minutes at another dealership for much less.  
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
Class dealer?  Audio dealers recently charge for audition!!! 

I don't see a reason why anybody wouldn't give dealer a chance to match the price.  Saying so is a strawman argument.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
Viridian, It is hard to tell dealer that I will buy or not buy the car if I never drove it. Test drive and presentation is treated as a service on behalf of the car maker. I just bought a car few months ago - 2019 brand new design. This car will not likely get to rental places ever. Do you think that I should still buy this car from this dealer if they ask couple thousand more than everybody else. There is no way of knowing how much, and they won’t tell you, unless you’re ready to buy.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
Happy to pay for test drive?  Nobody would even accept money for that.  It is assumed a cost of doing business and I wonder why Audio has to be different? (some dealers already charge for audition).
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
jetter, sure all is in the intentions, but I also feel that demoing equipment is a part of manufacturer's service thru the dealer in order to promote their product.  I cannot imagine car maker authorizing any dealership that doesn't provide test drives or charges for it.  Honda wants me to buy their car and not the Ford, no matter where.

Also, dividing all available sources into local stores and internet only stores is oversimplification, since many brick and mortar stores, including local one, have websites and sell over internet as well (that's how I bought my current speakers).   I will always give my local store a chance to compete wiling to pay more (to support them), but will buy somewhere else if they are unreasonable  (greedy). 
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