Viridian and Jea48 have hit the nail on the head. While it's a free market, if a large percentage of equipment purchases were of used products instead of new, it could be impossible for many high end companies (manufacturers, distributors, and dealers) to survive. It's a self fulfilling prophesy. Buying used is okay, as long as you accept that often there is no warranty, the cosmetic condition most often is less than perfect, the product may have been superseded by a more recent version or model with better performance, and most importantly an audition especially in your own system may not be possible. As a dealer I make every effort to demonstrate current products meaningfully, loaning out equipment to customers for home trial, supporting the products after the sale, giving generous trade-in allowances and fair prices. I may be an exception among retailers, but maybe that's because I was an audiophile for 30 years before becoming a dealer. I may be the antithesis of what Scpetscott describes, where he feels pressured to make snap decisions in a matter of minutes. At the same time most people are not going to use your resources by coming for a demo and then buying online. The dealer who is little more than a box mover is going to suffer the most, I think deservedly so. My clients value the knowledge, advice, and customer service I provide for long term satisfaction. I have traveled long distances to deliver and set up equipment to ensure it performs optimally as expected and will continue to do so. I do my utmost to bring significant value to each and every transaction.
Just as you wouldn't buy a car you don't know about except for pictures and specifications without a test drive, why would you risk doing so with mail order and online retailers for significant audio purchases? The idea of sending something back if you don't like it is bogus, because statistics show a lot of people won't even if they don't like it. I hear that all the time. Likewise, the idea of buying something used with the intent of reselling it for about what you paid if you don't like it is like throwing darts and is a waste of time. I see some people changing their equipment very frequently, buying stuff unheard and unseen, making buying decisions because they read something in a magazine or something online posted by people whose identities and allegiances are unknown. After a while you say what's the point. Life is too short.
No matter where you are, my advice as a longtime consumer is find a retailer who will take the time to explain and demonstrate the equipment that interests you, will let you try it at home, will set up the equipment you purchase in your home, will help you long after the sale, and has prices that are mutually fair. If you do not intend to do business or are considering buying used, be up front with the dealer. I respect people's purchasing decisions and welcome their curiosity regardless but expect to be treated in kind.
Just as you wouldn't buy a car you don't know about except for pictures and specifications without a test drive, why would you risk doing so with mail order and online retailers for significant audio purchases? The idea of sending something back if you don't like it is bogus, because statistics show a lot of people won't even if they don't like it. I hear that all the time. Likewise, the idea of buying something used with the intent of reselling it for about what you paid if you don't like it is like throwing darts and is a waste of time. I see some people changing their equipment very frequently, buying stuff unheard and unseen, making buying decisions because they read something in a magazine or something online posted by people whose identities and allegiances are unknown. After a while you say what's the point. Life is too short.
No matter where you are, my advice as a longtime consumer is find a retailer who will take the time to explain and demonstrate the equipment that interests you, will let you try it at home, will set up the equipment you purchase in your home, will help you long after the sale, and has prices that are mutually fair. If you do not intend to do business or are considering buying used, be up front with the dealer. I respect people's purchasing decisions and welcome their curiosity regardless but expect to be treated in kind.