Struggling to spend 13k with three dealers

Hello Cowan,

As someone who works for Wilson and wrote the Wilson Audio Certified Authentic Handbook, our dealer guide to treating the customer fairly while actively seeking, taking, and reselling trade-ins, I hope I can help clarify some details for you. I'm a bit concerned over the responses you are getting from dealers, some of whom do not appear to be actual Wilson Authorized Dealers.

First, an authorized US Wilson Dealer MUST set up every new and current Wilson loudspeaker he sells in the customer's home using WASP as a part of the purchase price. If a dealer offers not to do so, he is in violation of his Dealer Agreement and could be terminated.

Second, an authorized US Wilson Dealer will typically offer an actual current market, used retail value for a trade-in. If it is a Wilson speaker being traded, it may even be higher than the range for which legitimate used Wilson speakers of the same model are selling. Wilson Audio will actually buy back used Wilson speakers taken in trade by the dealer.

Third, an authorized US Wilson Dealer almost always sells used Wilson speakers as Certified Authentic because Wilson offers a Wilson Factory Warranty on Certified Authentic Wilson speakers. The goal of Certified Authentic is to offer a new Wilson buying experience with a previously owned Wilson speaker, including the opportunity for in home WASP setup. Only an authorized Wilson Audio Dealer can offer a Certified Authentic speaker. Every Wilson speaker ever made is eligible to be made Certified Authentic. The original WAMM, Serial No 001 is in the process of being Certified Authentic right now.

Now let me address some of the concerns you mentioned:

The dealer to which you refer in Chicago is not, nor has he ever been a Wilson Audio dealer. Whatever he does has nothing to do with Wilson Audio and everything to do with how he does business. But he appears to be a fit for many people and has been in business for a number of years. You pay your money and you take your choice.

I cannot speak to the other two dealers as I cannot tell who they are from your posts. 

Currently Wilson Audio is delivering SabrinaX at a greater rate than ever. However, a SabrinaX ordered this week will be delivered to the dealer (or to the customer if drop shipped) around mid April.

If you have any questions regarding Wilson Audio and our policies, please call our office at 801-377-2233 and ask for Jerron or for me.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do going forward.

Bill

@cowan217 

Congratulations on finding your speakers! Welcome to the Wilson family.

Larry Marcus was instrumental in the development of Wilson's Trade-In and Certified Authentic programs. His experiences taking trades and treating customers fairly while doing so gave us insights into the best ways to serve Wilson owners and potential owners. 

Since Sabrinas are officially discontinued, technically your speakers are Certified Authentic Factory Tested. If installed they carry the full 5 year warranty, If not, they carry a one year warranty. IMO, the warranty is not why you want them installed. Matt Chapman is. Matt has set up more Wilsons than just about anyone outside the factory. It doesn't get any better.

Enjoy your Sabrinas!

@ tubebuffer

Unless it is Certified Authentic, no WATT/Puppy 8s remain under Wilson Audio Factory Warranty.

That said, using a speaker in the environment you describe does not necessarily void the warranty. However, any failure or damage that can be attributed to the issues caused by the environment would not be considered manufacturing defects and would not be covered by the warranty.

@mofojo 

Thanks. I don't spend much time on forums.

Perhaps better to attempt humor than to be overly forum serious. 😎