2. amps-preamps
  3. 151530-330

Dealer behavior issue

I would like opinions as to whether members feel that I’m being unreasonable to think
that a very popular dealer has not performed so well on my behalf, the customer. Last summer I ordered an expensive ARC amp understanding that delivery would most likely be in Oct which was fine with me. I did make a commitment which I understand.
My situation seriously changed due to my wife’s health but I agree that’s not his problem.
At this point I requested to pay a handsome restocking fee, 2-3k, can’t remember the amount but he was cavalier saying why would I want to do this?
So that was that.
The unit is about to be delivered and as I’ll immediately resell the unopened box I gave him a last offer.
The transaction had a current unit model trade in that retailed for 8k and is a favorite product of his and he carries it.
Yesterday I offered to give him this unit as the restock fee with 90 days to fully refund me.
I have received no response so he didn’t like my offer which is his right. I have spent over 40k retail over the last two years with him with no problems.
So in the end I changed my mind which is the lowest form of audio behavior. Was I foolish to think this guy would accommodate me? The product I offered to GIVE him will fly out his door for $4k .
This is just business as usual ?
4425

Showing 4 responses by stereo5

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,524 posts
 
It seems to me the dealer took your deposit and ordered the equipment.  He probably had to pay in advance.  Now for whatever reason, you do not want to finish with the deal and he does not have the cash flow to refund your money.  That's too bad and I would be upset.  Would the dealer be willing to sell the new item and pass the money back to you?

I would definitely call ARC and talk to someone in charge and relate the story.  Perhaps he can act as a middle man and help you out?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,524 posts
 
@4425...……………………...

I have dealt with dealers all over the USA and my worst experience has been with a dealer close to me that is located in the New England area. I had been buying from this dealer since the late 70’s and spent over 20K during that time. I also brought a good friend to the dealer and introduced him to the owner and over the years, my friend has spent well over 50K in that store. Back in 2010 time frame, I bought a SACD player from the dealer and needed a cable for it. Needless to say I paid triple retail for the cable due to them shortening the length for me. This wasn’t an 8K catastrophe like your deal is, but it hurt just the same.  32 years of customer loyalty lost over  3-4 hundred dollars. The owner who I knew well never responded to my email or calls. Your dealer should be ashamed as should mine. I no longer do business with that dealer and once drove 600 miles round trip to the next closest dealer for something I was buying, just to not give that dealer any more money.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,524 posts
 
@gwbeers.................

a $100.00 deposit on a big ticket item shows the purchaser most likely doesn’t have the funds to purchase it yet.  I think a 25% deposit is fair and it should be that way throughout the industry.  

I too too have spent many tens of thousands at Audio Classics and Mike Sastra has never asked me for an advance deposit on some
thing he ordered for me, expensive or not.  He does have my CC on file though. I believe AC is the exception to the rule.  

I wasnt happy with the GE dealer for wanting that kind of deposit, but I trust them and really wanted the speakers.  They also delivered the speakers and carried my Triton One speakers up to my second floor where my secondary system is.  In the end I was happy which is what counts the most. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,524 posts
 
@gwbeers.....................

that statement about only giving $100.00 as deposit is wrong.  When I ordered my GE Triton Reference Speakers from my dealer, I had already spent over 15K in his store in the last year purchasing GE Triton Ones and Triton twos plus other equipment.  I ordered my speakers in February of 2017 and the dealer INSISTED I pay half up front which was $4500.00 to order them even though he wouldn’t get charged for them until they shipped.  In my case I didn’t receive the speakers until mid July 2017.  When I spoke to Sandy Gross about this at GE, he stated that it was wrong because the dealer would be notified the week before delivery and he was free to cancel at no cost to him.  Some dealers like mine are just plain greedy.  
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