Store auditioning and then buying on-line from others. How do you feel about it ?

Mea Culpa, 
I heard the Ayre Codex at AudioConnection and bought a used unit here on Agon. I felt bad that I didn't give him a chance to sell me one.
In fact I bought all my equipment used- a lot of it from Johnny's customers. I couldn't afford it otherwise.
I try to buy what I can from him, like cables and accessories, but the big ticket items.... Oh well, you know. 
As a small business owner, I know how hard it is to make a living. Though I do try to steer as much business his way, as possible, through my posts.
For his part, John Rutan has been nothing but generous in dispensing advice and information. When I win the lottery, guess who I am going to buy from?
Bob

+1 Chazro

@inna- I believe a moral compass, i.e., a strong sense of right and wrong (as opposed to legal vs. illegal or allowed vs. not allowed) is one of the most important if not the most important personality traits one can possess. But it has to be freely adopted and embraced from within, not imposed from an outside source.

+1 Swampwalker, nicely put.
Unfortunately, a concept that seems to be receeding these days...
B

@viridian 
As a native New Yorker, I share your sentiment. During the '80's I visited just about all the stores in the area, and with the exception of one or two, they all exhibited the traits you described:

Many are more concerned with their needs and likes than that of the customer

But, thankfully, we have Audiogon.
And, I have to say that finding John Rutan at Audioconnection was one of the best things that has happened to me. He really knows his stuff, but doesn't preach, and he offers free advice. What more can you want from a dealer?
B

@drvan 
Yes, I can relate to your experience(I lived in NYC), but there are some really great dealers out there. Like Barr81, you have to find them.
B

+1 dill. Though I can understand madavid0's sentiment.
When I recall the pretentious attitudes that more than a few dealers in Manhattan gave me, I too, wished them an eternal residence in a fiery pit.
Thankfully, not all of them deserve such a fate.

B