As a consumer, I can certainly understand the OP's sentiment, but as a business owner and vendor here on Audiogon, I also have to see things from the point of view of someone who spends a lot of money to be a part of this community and wants to recoup on that investment by sourcing new clients.
That being said, there is quite a bit of difference between a vendor chiming in to say, "hey, we carry the brand that you are looking at and would love to help you if you aren't already working with another dealer that you like," vs completely derailing a thread by making repeated posts in an attempt to close a deal that would be best handled via PM's. It's all in how it's handled.
I'd also like to point out that just because a vendor stands to gain financially from his advice doesn't mean that it's not still good advice or that it isn't in the client's best interest. I personally always recommend equipment based on how well it addresses my clients' needs, not on what's the most profitable for me. Perhaps others here do not do that, I don't know - I can only attest to my own business practices.
At the end of the day, most of us are small business owners just trying to earn a living and provide for our families, and this is a tough industry with lots of competition. We have thousands of dollars going out the door every month in rent, utilities, advertsing, insurance, payroll, vendor contracts w/ minimum annual purchase requirements, etc., and don't always have the luxury of waiting for people to walk through the door to make a sale.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, go easy on us, guys - I know that no one likes a salesman, but we're not here to take advantage of anyone (at least I hope no one is doing that) - we're just here in hopes of finding people that are in the market to purchase equipment, and if we can provide them with that equipment at a good price and with good service, that's a win for all involved.
Take care guys,
David Campbell
President - Southern A/V Direct, LLC
That being said, there is quite a bit of difference between a vendor chiming in to say, "hey, we carry the brand that you are looking at and would love to help you if you aren't already working with another dealer that you like," vs completely derailing a thread by making repeated posts in an attempt to close a deal that would be best handled via PM's. It's all in how it's handled.
I'd also like to point out that just because a vendor stands to gain financially from his advice doesn't mean that it's not still good advice or that it isn't in the client's best interest. I personally always recommend equipment based on how well it addresses my clients' needs, not on what's the most profitable for me. Perhaps others here do not do that, I don't know - I can only attest to my own business practices.
At the end of the day, most of us are small business owners just trying to earn a living and provide for our families, and this is a tough industry with lots of competition. We have thousands of dollars going out the door every month in rent, utilities, advertsing, insurance, payroll, vendor contracts w/ minimum annual purchase requirements, etc., and don't always have the luxury of waiting for people to walk through the door to make a sale.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, go easy on us, guys - I know that no one likes a salesman, but we're not here to take advantage of anyone (at least I hope no one is doing that) - we're just here in hopes of finding people that are in the market to purchase equipment, and if we can provide them with that equipment at a good price and with good service, that's a win for all involved.
Take care guys,
David Campbell
President - Southern A/V Direct, LLC