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 4 responses by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
if products can be bought direct from manufacturers and those manufacturers are cooperative in answering questions, they take on the roles of designer and audio dealer.

in such a situation dealers may be superfluous.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
as manufacturers sell direct to consumers, they take upon themselves the dual role of designer and retailer. if this trend continues, it will decrease the likelihood of continued viability of the "high end" audio store.

as a consumer buying from a manufacturer, with a home trial and return option has a distinct advantage over buying from an audio store, as the manufacturer is a usually a better source of source of information about the product he/she sells than most audio dealers.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
back to the thread:

manufacturers have disenfranchised dealers for various reasons in the past. perhaps this is another nail in the coffin for audio dealers.

some manufacturers who have used a dealer network are instead, going direct.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi john:

i'm surprised that you haven't found several components that you are willing to keep for a period of five years.
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