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 3 responses by soundsrealaudio

Actually you are much worse then you think......although I had a guy come in and wanted to audition a 10K amp. He did listen and liked it. I let him take it home to try it in his home in his system and apparently it sounded good so he brought it back and bought the one he had seen on line.  That is enough to urge me to close my business. Not sure what you do for a living but a little respect would be nice....
The customer that took home my gear had already decided to buy the one on audiogon....if it sounded good. He didn't come in out of the blue just to see what I had. After he got his amps in from the seller in California I got an email form the seller to ask if I had an owners manual for those amplifiers...obviously for the buyer in Denver. I was surprised he didn't ask me to go help the guy put his tubes in. .

I think that dealers are on the way out. Guys used to come in to my shop or my room at the RMAF and fall in love with the sound....then they go on line and see what other people think. No one can make a decision on their own...lets see what the reviews think...I have a friend with a good ear. Some how we are weeding out the really good products in favor of the really good advertisers...A little sad...