I try to, but still buy mostly used. I just bought a pair of speakers from a local store as I got a few points off list and I auditioned and liked the speakers at the store (several times and even brought in some of my own equipment and hooked it up to the speakers)and I don't think it is right to take a lot of time from a store and not give them some business. Now, I also bought a preamp used that the same store sells. However, I saved over $2,000 doing so and the store did not stock that model so I could not get a demo. In fact, I am frustrate because I want to give the store more business in, for example, cables, but they don't have 'em in stock for me to borrow and try out. I am sure they don't stock them because of the expense of carrying inventory, but that becomes a "penny wise and pound foolish" proposition, to me, as service and education is where a store can "earn" my paying more than I can buy used and, if they don't provide the service, then I have less incentive to buy from the store. I figure I would not buy used if I was only saving 10-15%, but if I am saving a third or so then it is hard for me to justify paying that much extra just to support my local store.
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
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