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 - My personal take is; with only one side of the story, it’s impossible to make a rational judgement, which is what you’ve asked. Hopefully; everything’s now OK, regarding your wife. That her illness affected your finances, is unfortunate. The dealer may also be considering their own financials, in decision making. Perhaps, they’re unable to cancel the transaction with ARC/McIntosh Group and can’t afford to keep that amp in inventory, etc. I don’t know either of you personally, so- if one of you were a, "creep"; I’d have no way of knowing, or- considering it in making a call. Your feedback is of no consequence, in this instance. I have 50 completed transactions here(the vast majority, as a seller), with 100% positive feedback. That doesn’t mean I can’t screw up something, or make a bad choice tomorrow, without actually being a, "creep." If I missed something relevant, elsewhere in this thread: sorry, for my oversight.
Name the dealer, tell him complained about how he handled your transaction in this Audiogon thread , send him the link and let him give his side of the story
in the end it’s just regrettable. affording the amp was never the problem and i never claimed it. it’s that i have no need for it anymore. my problem. i think he’s a really nice guy and it’s a head scratcher. I offered $3000 to cancel the deal before the unit was built. This is not accommodating. maybe he’s in a jam. regardless i’m not going to trash him bc i’ve always liked him but that’s been crushed. no more to say as this must be a unique situation. he clearly doesn’t like me and that’s disappointing too. oh last thing. be looking for a great deal on a brand new ARC amp in the near future. it’s a beauty and will be a very good seller.
I’m surprised at the amount of your deposit and method of payment, when your relationship was built on years of mutual trust and fulfillment. Whose offer or request was it to make such a generous commitment to purchase, rather than just a minimal consideration of anything more than say $100?
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.
Went to RMAF to listen to digital streamers. Settled on the new Bryston BDA-3.14 which is their BDA-3 DAC and their BDP-Pi streamer all in one box. Called Audio Connection in Verona, NJ which is the closest dealer Bryston to me. I do have a short relationship with them. Ordered the BDA-3.14 during the phone call. The deal is when they get notification from Bryston that the piece is being produced I'll get a call and will need to pay them ~half of the $4K price. The Bryston rep at RMAF spoke very highly of the Audio Connection and vice versa. This to me is how a deal should go down, particularly because they were willing to talk about the price.
To the OP, sorry for your personal troubles. I would be on the phone to ARC as many times as took to straighten this out. All of my dealings with ARC have been pleasant, efficient and everyone was happy. If you are so disgruntled about this situation as to post here looking for affirmation or solace, then I think you should name the dealer.
So, basically you loaned him the money for 6 months, at 0% interest, so that he could buy the speakers, that he will sell to you for much more than he paid for them. But, you think a minimal deposit as a show of commitment is “wrong”? If he asked me for half up front I would have suggested a unique “speaker placement” to him and left.
Wow, interesting story. It seems like this should be resolved better. The dealer should accept his out of pocket expenses only. At least that is my opinion. But we can’t always force our opinions on some of the dealers, just avoid them and spread the word for others.
The worst experience I have ever had was with a piece of Sheiitte (spelling error on purpose) equipment. They charged me a 50% restocking fee! However the item was only a few hundred dollars. It stills leaves me with a bad taste though. Needless to say I would never buy there equipment again and I advise others the same.
I've spent $40-$50k with Audio Classics on McIntosh gear over the past few years. The average piece between $4-10k. If they don't have the item I'm asking for in stock, they order it (with no deposit from me) and when they receive it and they're ready to ship to me, they request payment.
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.
@4425 One question for 4425. Every state that I am aware of has laws in regards to deposits and the way they can be distributed/forefeited As such, have you looked into your legal rights in regards to this particular transaction?
really my post wanted to know if other members have had an experience with a dealer that was so inflexible. there’s nothing legal here. we agreed to disagree. that’s all. in the end i committed to buy it and so i have. i can’t use it now which he was told well in advance of manufacture. It was his prerogative to not accommodate me. clearly there’s a beef with me for changing my mind. i won’t name him bc he’s a well thought of dealer, i think, and the problem was caused by me. i made a deal and have never done anything to cause harm to a dealer. i understand that they are just businessmen in the end. he’d have made way more money taking my deal. go figure
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