I think your best bet would be to contact the owners of small high-end stores / businesses in your general part of the country. They'd have the best handle on the current high-end market. Many have had to shift a lot of their business into home theater, but some still make a living selling only high-end audio. If you'll make another post about where you live, our members could probably provide you with the names of some good contacts.
Starting a high-end audio shop... Am I crazy?
In my mid 40's reaching that mid-life crisis, which is not a myth. Many of my friends are leaving good jobs to start all kinds of wacky businesses. I am actually thinking of giving up a $120,000 yr job and starting a high-end audio retail biz - both online and hopefully later on a brick & mortar store. Have 20 years experience in sales and marketing, and/or design of software, electronics, multimedia, video and financial products including a few years in music retail and production.
Who can share their experience, or advice? Is the markup, distribution, etc of high end electronics similar to that of regular electronics? Any sources of info or pointers, tips, horror stories etc are appreciated.
Who can share their experience, or advice? Is the markup, distribution, etc of high end electronics similar to that of regular electronics? Any sources of info or pointers, tips, horror stories etc are appreciated.