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 7 responses by oddiofyl

Exactly, added value...   when I had a driver fail my dealer did all the legwork to get me a warranty replacement ....they took care of me a year after the sale.

I live in the Boston area, 20 years ago their were dealers everywhere around here, now most are gone.   Amazon, eBay, online grey market all contributed to their disappearance
Like everyone, I want a good deal.   However I also value personal service.  I"m looking at my rack of equipment and there's only one item I didn't buy new locally .

That item is a Magnum Dynalab MD102 that I bought direct from MD after I sent my MD 90 in for service. They took my unit in trade and I was into the 102 for cheap.   

My amps were used but everything else was new and I paid less than I would have on line.   My last few purchases were with Audio Visual Therapy in NH where theres no state sales tax.  Great guys to deal with .When I bought my speakers they pulled out several amps, including a pair of amps that I owned along with setting up a sub with them.  They spent time, were not pushy , and it was a fair price,  not to mention saving $120 in tax .  But most importantly they spent time with me so they earned my patronage and loyalty.
The funny thing is good dealers don’t have to charge MSRP , and many times don’t if you ask.

I bet you paid MSRP for your iPhone and any other Apple stuff you own....

In my industry the MAP price is often only a few % off the MSRP, sometimes the MSRP is the price no matter where you buy it.

I do love it though when a potential customer of ours  gets a "good deal" from another vendor and that item gets drop shipped and then they call us to install it.... that's the best !!!  We install anything you buy from us at no charge,  if you buy it elsewhere you will pay us $500 to $1000 to install... or more. Where's the savings?  

Your last post in addition to being extremely sarchastic is a slap in the face to all the good dealers out there that work hard for their customers.
You’re not offending me, it’s just shitty to do that to dealers. None of whom want customers like you wasting their time and resources.
Its great to be able to listen and test drive,  but I will never waste a salesman's time unless I am intent on buying something... Some of my best deals have been local.  I even buy tubes locally.  I want these shops to be there down the road.   


Hey, at least you got a good plug in for those guys....   hopefully some locals will stop in and see what they have to offer.