2. misc-audio
  3. 1231607049

Supporting Local Audio Stores are we?

I know, money talks, bullshi* walks...
But having owned an audio store for about a dozen years, I know how tough it is to 'make a living' for a mom and pop store, without some sugar daddy/momma in the background funding the enterprize.
So, I am wondering if the nice folks of Audiogon support local businesses?
As I stated, "Money Talks" and I get it, we all want the best 'value' for our money. The question is...when does the price versus local support begin/end. When does the follow up and or service/set up outweigh the raw savings?
To be clear, I am not talking fantastic discounts, but a few percentage points off retail. I remember a painful transaction that I had once, during which a customer had taken home a particular CD player two weekends running, only to purchase elsewhere because he 'saved' $53.00 (on a $500. item). OUCH!
I contended that without the long term audition, he had nothing on which to base his purchase? How does everyone else see this?
Right now, its obviously a tough financial climate out there, but looking to more normal times, I am wondering how many of the readers/writers of Audiogon would forego price for service/set up? OK, forget buying great used pieces for fractions of original retail, everyone must probably assume that that's good for everyone, including the dealers, as this frees up customers who are now, 'back in the hunt'.

It will be interesting to hear back, it's been some time since the Brick and Mortar (at least for me) question was aired out.

Best,
Larry
lrsky

Showing 1 response by blackstonejd

blackstonejd
153 posts
 
I have had the privilege of buying my equipment from Audio Consultants in Evanston, Illinois (Chicago area)for the past 16 years and my father has shopped with them since the 1970s.

I happen to be very diligent when it comes to researching consumer electronics on the internet but I have found over the years that despite my constant forum lurking and web surfing that there is no better way to stay informed with the latest in audio/video than to just drop by their store and talk to them. Their staff has been simply invaluable to me over the years.

As a general rule, I absolutely will not buy equipment online or at discount stores if my purchasing decision is influenced by their expertise. If I demo something there or get advice there, I buy it there. I don't expect them to compete with the web or discount stores. If they carry it I usually just give them the business. They are a big part of the audio hobby for me.
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