How would you run an audio salon?

The model has already changed in the UK, High street stores have disappeared with a few exceptions. People work from home or small lock ups, consultations by appointment. It may be because the market is shrinking, but do you really need to cater for a passing trade? Do people walk pass and say "darn it, I knew there was something I needed, a $200,000 HiFi system". No obviously they do'nt. If you have appointments only, it can be a one man and his wife band. Many work from home only, with very long suffering wives. You save on staff and High street fixed costs, rent and taxes
You can provide a personal service which can include:
Dems set up for the customers particular needs
Home dems and home problem solving with accessories/room treatment
Loaners
Taking in part exchanges, a good selection often attracts me to a dealer
Skilled services, particularly turntable set up and a good engineer who can repair onsite.

It is not news that the High End is contracting round the world, but that brings opportunities too. Small scale, skilled retailers and cottage industry manufacturers. Look at the range of excellent new small scale producers, particularly in the US, K&K audio, Daedalus, Ridge Street, Tyler and many more. They can undercut the biggies by direct selling, no advertising, marketing budgets, but selling by word of mouth, as it should be.

Following up on Dave B's comments, I think there has been some very interesting posts. If the average retailer followed a small percentage of them, he would do well. I tend to agree though, that starting a High End Audio salon is the first step to bankruptcy.

I am with Mrtennis here. Lets say a complete HiFi novice, but great salesman opened a store and an Audiophile with no sales experience. Who do you think will succeed?
Sure, you have to have some sales skills, but the salesman will only sell once to a newbee. Audio is'nt selling baked beans, if I go into a store, I will have questions about a product someone is selling, if I get flannel back, I am out of the door.
As far as kit to stock is concerned, you can not stock only stuff you like, but you can only stock from companies you respect, have a long track record and give customer support. How are you going to know who those companies are unless you have been round the block? Most customers are'nt fools and I hope most audiophiles with a significant sum to spend, are'nt. Do you think we can not distinguish a knowledgeable enthusiast from a salesman, whose last job was selling baked beans. If you can't, perhaps you should'nt be allowed out with your credit card. Should I get a hard sell in an audio store, by someone denigrating my kit and other manufacturers, I will not be going back.