How would you run an audio salon?

a more conventional approach...

Getting, and keeping inventory on site is a pricey enough option, though for a brick and mortar joint, it is part and parcel a must. Consequently, selling what is being demonstrated is usually a ‘given’

Definite considerations towards the product lines being brought in or desired would take some thought. Production, availability, timelyness, shipping considerations, floor planning, or FOB BUYS, WILL DETERMINE MANY OF THE ON SITE PIECES YOU’LL CARRY, IF NOT ALL OF THEM. Then too, are the manufacturers requirements… the whole kit and kabuddle? Or as you wish it assortments, the stability of the producer is also important..

However, if we’ve aligned all the fresh new goodies we want to sell already, and if start up funding was unlimited I’d go with the initial posters suggestions.. mostly. However, a draw is needed. I’d sell CD’s, albums, and DVD’s. New and preowned. Accessory sales also constitutes a substantial piece of the pie. Cables, cords, tweaks, conditioners, and room acoustics would be offered and available.

I’d also keep that facet segregated from the upper end items, but all with the same ground level or accessible entrance, so customers can be apprised more than software is available.

Going with several demo rooms, One would be a static display of sources, conditioners, preamps, etc… all the more mobile and non currently integrated & energized components available. Some under glass, some tangibly exposed, and have that room itself exposed by way of a full length plexiglass wall and or sliding tempered glass doors..

I’d have an entry level audiophile 2 ch, and HT systems, set into the adjacent room just off or past the partitioned office area and static displays. This would be all SS & 2ch tube gear as well, representing our more conveniently acquired values in high end audio and video performing equipment.

The next audition venue would be allocated for mid fi Audiophile & up, tastes and include both tube and SS 2 ch arrangements. Monitor and floor standing speakers, naturally, would be set up, yet be interchangeable. for the qualified buyer considerations and differing mixes would then be easily accomplished.

The high end, and final room would be comprised of “sky’s the limit” products, inclusive of hidden HT PJ & Screen. Top flight amps, preamps, (BOTH 2Ch & Multi) and sources. Both tube and solid state systems could be well represented there. Here would be where the top level of the carried lines would perform and be displayed.

Each room would represent a logical step up in performance, and price, yet still continue to show the varying tiers of the electronics being carried by the store

If at all possible, nothing will be demonstrated that isn’t run in or set up properly.

The atmosphere in all audition rooms will be as close to an ‘in home’ experience as is possible. Plants, pictures, or tapestries, and a nice sweet spot chair.

Once qualified, an appointment can be set up to better accommodate a buyers particular needs at the show room. If a sale can not be otherwise closed on site, or the customer requests it, and is completely qualified by then, a limited in home trial can then be offered on the piece (s) in question once a security or deposit has been presented.

Naturally the piece (s) will be delivered and set up by the dealerships staff, and picked up as well. A service fee will also be acquired up front that will be subtracted from the sale if one is consummated following the trial period.

After a time, I’d likely institute an upgrade facility, providing for up to 100% of the purchased value towards the desired likewise upgrade if conditions & criteria are well met and those lines of gear still are being sold by the store. Albeit, appearance, condition, time frame, etc. I’d also like to offer outside financing resources to further accommodate the shopper. In lieu of extended financing arrangements, I’d also offer very short terms upon a substantial deposit, subsequent delivery and setup, such as 60 to 90 days on in house sales, though perhaps not on special orders.

The business ‘aire’ would be one of devotion to the consumer’s desires, within reason. I wouldn’t tolerate erudite or condescending attitudes, or sales tactics. There would be no intimidation of the customer what so ever. Accompanied by a sales person, consumers could browse all of the in house gear… unless an appointed audition was in progress, and then all other areas save the currently in use, previewing room.

At the onset, I would need at least one other knowledgeable sales person with experience in audio video and a proven positive sales history. Past that I would hire only trustworthy people. It would be a requirement that all sales people learn both their own product lines, and those which are in direct competition with them. I’d require they shop their competitors regularly.

An extensive history of audio & video gear would be nice, yet not a prerequisite for an initial hireing, though necessary for an ongoing position.

Personality and professionalism would generate more interest towards them being placed in my employ. Affable, polite, and outgoing sorts who possess integrity would be the ones I would seek out. Dress would be business casual. A knowledge base of how to qualify and close a customer would indeed be a prerequisite to remain on board.

The gender of the sales staff wouldn’t matter to me so long as all were polite, courteous, and attentive to a shoppers presence, and immediate requirements.

The ongoing esthetic would be appropriate to the previewed equipment. Allowing for more upscale accommodations as the price of the equipment grew. However I’d likely not have a Venus de Milo, or sport Picasso’s or Monet’s on the walls in any case…. Unless they were great acoustic treatments.

Professional in home set up would be inclusive on many purchased items, depending upon their nature. First level support would of course be available for all products.

Along with periodic promotions, an annual private sale would commence by invitation to previous buyers, either in May, or October.

I’d also create an online presence and outlet for those who know what they want, or for inquiries on carried product lines and upgrades.

Competition breeds excellence. I’d remain competitive with those other sellers who offer the same items as I did… as long as appels are being compared to apples of course.

Location…
I’d prefer to build in or next to a police station… or in a well traveled area… but likely not in a business or in town district.

With limited funds, or none… I’d provide an online shopping site, and offer ‘inn house’ demos upon prearranged appointments and qualifying. This no frills venue, would be more than competitive, yet remain in the guidelines of the prospective makers requirements, drop shipments, personal setups, price protections, area restrictions etc., if preexisting. All major components, peripherals, and as well, accessories sales, would be supported always.

Every item sold would be inspected and tested (preferably in the presence of the buyer) prior to installation or sale.

One notion on company policy might be “In God we trust, all others pay cash.”… barring that one, perhaps some note of devotion to the audio & video enthusiast, audiophiles, and those people who simply enjoy music and movies, should persist, with an imbedded aspiration to sales and service, before, during and after the sale.

Dave_b

........."As you can see, one is not able to get much practical or personaly meaningful information from Audiogon on a consistent basis. Everyone is biased, everyone plays favorites and no one has it all figured out."

So, uh, did the dog die, or did you get an invite to divorce court today?

That's a mighty critical statement.

Dave_b

See, I'm kind of with Chadnliz here... sort of... I've been given superior info, help, assistance, and options from many folks here, private parties and dealers too.

Also I've not noticed the bias you point towards, or cluelessness being so widespread... guess I've not ran into them folks yet, but I've been active here for some years now. I suppose I should have by now though.

Information and it's value is how you find it and how you take it, not to mention how you use it, or don't.

I see this thread as a simple exercise in imagination... and likely some experiences. Past or present. My own notation was based on a combination of experiences and a local store which has stood the test of time now some 15+ years as I can best recall. The one I helped run and was the buyer for is flourishing, and the second still has the doors open. I'm not privy to the P&L statement of that one, but keeping the doors open is a stateent all by itself these days.

In fact there is one other nearby which IMO does none of my perscribed ideals and has also stood the test of time now about the same length, 18+ years. they went from once being customer friendly to well, not so friendly let's say... ONce they had a few locations, now only one.

Consequently, lots of plans can andd do work, I believe, but it's a mighty risky venture IMO. One I'd love to do again. This time though, more upscale.

Dealers do sell what they have. Duh. they have choices in what they want to sell as well, more often than not. there are items on the sales floor which are mere tools. Folks like to see lot's of stuff. Having lots of expensive stuff everywhere is just too damn expensive. 'Value' items have to be added for the eye, the mind, and for texture & choices. Sometimes you'll sell off them, sometimes you'll sell them.

Different strokes for different folks. if you paint your self into a corner by catering to a narrow facet of the economy, you got to have the best mousetrap out there, AND be able to sell it. The only time sales isn't involved is usually when no one else makes the same thing, or with loyal repeat buyers.... everyone else needds to be sold somehow.

Dave
Just as soon as the $$$ is in place, a location is found, (I'm thinking by the MLB OR nhl teams' digs... they have the longest season)and merchandise is lined up... also, given all the input here I think we ought to have a car audio salon, car wash & detail immediately adjacent (and run strickly by great looking and scantily clad gals and MAYBE ONE guy... women spend money too), and a pool hall upstairs... just to be on the safe side.

ps... if the pool hall doesn't prove out, we can put a firing range and sell guns... with high end conditioners, er, uh, that's silencers, in lay terms.

Shadorne

very good.... Nuts? Most likely. It did seem a good plan at the time though. Maybe then, just the pool hall.

Shadorne

Typical? Likely not. I suppose there is something to be said for being such though. I'll just be me and let those who wish make the final call as to the sector I reside in. I'm not terribly big on 'tags' anyhow. Especially the frivolous ones, like typical, unique, audioholic, or 'audiophile', for example.

My attempt at interjecting some humor in all of this apparently missed the mark.

Although given the choice between a dingy cluttered room, filled with vintage audio gear and those extended drab disscussions ongoing amongst the usual patrons, and that of one festooned with attractive gals appointing a modern, sleek, and well outfitted audio outlet, I'm opting for the latter...

Well, either that or the pool hall. Both outfits will generate cash flow.

BTW... I've personally seen more money trade hands over a single challenge on a pool table, than a single piece of gear in some retail electronic stores... and in far less time.

With all the precautionary statements being cast about here another means of cash flow seems quite necessary to me.