2. home-theater
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Should I expect a discount from dealer for buying and installing complete system

I am getting ready to purchase a complete Home theater system from my dealer. It will probably end up at or over $17000. I am buying all the equipment from him and they are doing the install. He sent me the proposal today and I was surprised that there was no package deal. All the equipment which includes a receiver, a 9 speaker Atmos system. I may only need 7 if I can use my already installed rear ceiling speakers, cables, 65" TV 4K DVD player some other things I need. plus speaker stands. It's a complete redo of my home theater and will require extensive installation as my home theater room was done when we renovated and the room was frame. All the wiring is hidden behind the walls and all the equipment is in the closet. A lot of holes will be drilled and crawling under the house and going into the attic to do the work. Am I out of line to expect a solid discount on the equipment?
Thanks,
Bob
galleybob
duckworp's avatar
duckworp
257 posts
 
My view is that if a dealer is providing the level of service and demo opportunities that this one is giving you then that dealer deserves compensation for that service. Paying list price is that compensation. I know you intend to buy from him whatever, and all credit to you for that. I find it very discourteous when people demo at a dealer and take advice from a dealer and then go and buy the goods at the cheapest price online. And then these same people express disappointment that there are few high street audio dealers left.
galleybob OP
156 posts
 
Exactly, thirty years ago when I was interested in 2 channel separates I had a lot of different business's to buy from. I did buy and sell a lot of used equipment but I also bought from the stores. Now where I live the store I go to is the only high end one left. If I didn't know about them I would be shopping at Magnolia's 

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soundscience
16 posts
 
I am a dealer.  My advice to all of you potential customers is to start off with a budget in mind.

You enter the Dealer's store, You greet each other and then you tell him/her I want a new home theater and my budget is X for everything installed and it must be completed by this date.

Your dealer should be able to demo the system and at that point it is either a good value to you or not. If not let them know.

The Dealer spends money on the gear you are listening to, heating and cooling, electricity to run the place, advertising so you know they are there. Insurance, better business bureau, chamber of commerce etc.  


pmiller115's avatar
pmiller115
96 posts
 
I would always ask for a discount and there is no substitute for comparison shopping. In NY we always say, "don't ask, don't get". A reasonable rule of thumb is that a dealer pays somewhere in the area of 60% of retail price. Ask!!!!
galleybob OP
156 posts
 
I don’t have a budget. I’m designing my home theater to be the best that I can afford without going crazy. That means spending a lot on high quality speakers, buying a good receiver, buying a good streamer, a great 4K tv and paying for a complicated installation which includes being able to stream audio around the house and connecting my bedroom to home theater system. 
I will after I see the final proposal ask for a reasonable discount on the gear I buy. 
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