Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store

Brick & Mortar high end audio stores are a necessity. People that come into the stores, simply to demo equipment and buy online are the reason why the B&M stores are disapearing. That doesn't imply that the store dealers shouldn't have competitive prices. They should. But on line typically meant that no state taxes were applied. This gives the on line dealers a distinct advantage over B&M stores. However, I miss Tower Records, circuit city and other stores. I really miss book stores. I love the smell of books. but, it is really hard to find book stores now. I've spent years establishing a relationship with my favorite store in San Diego. Stereo Design. I'm confortable going there. I still go into other stores to see what they have and the attitude is the same everywhere (unless they know you). They look you up and down first, determined without speaking a word to you that you can or can't afford their stuff or that you don't know anything about music or equipment and treat you like one of the lost boys. Until, that is, they ask (as they always do) what equipment do you currently have. When you tell them, their faces change immediately. I was in Stockholm a year or so ago with my ladyfriend at the time and visited a mid to high end audio store. the salesperson was to say the least indifferent boarding on rude. I was actually looking for a small system for my friend but wasn't getting any attention at all, which was funny to me. However, when he asked what I had, and I told him, his attitued changed immediately. So, this attitude isn't solely attributable to America. When I left, I had no intention of ever doing business with them again. Here's the thing, when it comes to me spending my money on anything, the salesperson cannot treat me as if he is doing me a favor by taking the time to speak to me. I'm spending my money, not the other way around. I live in Los Angeles, and just like what was presented in the movie Pretty Woman, in LA, you never know who is walking in the door. They could be dressed in jeans and be incredibly rich. you just don't know. So the best thing to do is treat all potential customers with respect and consideration. Because that one customer may be your best sale of the week. I go to my favorite store to spend time listening in their best listening room on the best equipment just to see/hear if my system is lacking in some way on my music. And you know what? They let me listen. Because the know me and they know if I'm inclined, I will upgrade. But, they also know that I typically come in with no intention of buying anything. Doesn't mean they can't show me something to consider does it? Also, their used equipment room has some very nice used equipment. But for new equipment, I will buy from them every time. I appreciate them, their knowledge and consideration.

People that go to B&M stores to try on shoes or clothes or listen to high end equipment and then buy it on line should never complain that the stores are disapearing. What did they think would happen?

So, my opinion is to establish good relations with the B&M stores and dealers. When purchasing new equipment do so from them. Nothing wrong with used stuff. For some things, that is the only way to go in order to afford them. But, when I get the time and money to upgrade my amps to the Audio Research REF 250 amps, I know where I will buy them.

enjoy

Just a follow up to a statement made earlier. In my opinion and experience, everything is negotiable. If you allow salespeople to convince you otherwise, then you have fallen for the trap. Cars, home appliances, clothes, watches, expensive audio equipment, etc. The prices are limited somewhat by what the manufacturer allows dealers to sell their items for, but, there is some float on most things. Especially demonstration equipment. Anyone that walks into a car dealership beliving that the invoice price is what the car really sells for or worse, is what the dealer actually paid for the car (or leased), didn't do their homework. In my experience, once you have established a good relationship with a dealer, and they know you are serious about a potential purchase, they will deal with you on price. Again, they can't give it away, but they can negotiate. I tried to teach my Daughter to always ask for a least a 10% discount on most things. Most stores can actually give such discounts if requested. Also, with respect to the name calling and sensibilities regarding phrases and words here, lets just slow down, calm down and think a little. Everyone is not the same. Some people have very thick skins (can take a lot before becoming offended) and some have very thin skins and have low tolerance. Some people have never experienced prejudice or hatred in any form and others have. That said, there are reasons why some people are insensitive to certain phrases and some are vey sensitive to them. Both may be very good people. However, if someone tells you that a word or phrase you are using is offensive to them. Stop trying to convince them otherwise and listen to them. It offended or hurt them. period. Stop using that phrase around them. They have their reasons why it offends them. Respect that. A person's right to smoke ends at my nose. A person's right to rediculously loud music ends at my ears. people can talk about women and certain aspects of women's bodies until the cows come home. However, the moment a woman hears that and is offended, maybe that person should take a step back and realize that just maybe it was offensive and you are in the wrong. Almost every company has harrassment, discrimination and sensitivity training for a reason. In my company, we have to take this very long course every year, and you know what? That is a good thing. Stop trying to explain yourself and why you are sticking with a certain aspect of your character. If someone is offended, leave it at that and stop. I'm offended when a dealer looks me up and down as if I'm not worthy and doesn't give me the time of day. Sometimes it is funny, sometimes it hurts and sometimes it is just sad. I also realize that money is the same color (in America), and my money is just a good as the next person's, and if they don't realize that they are going to lose out on a potentially large sale because of their rudeness, insensitivity, lazyness, lack of respect, lack of consideration, ignorance, or maybe, just maybe, they don't like my race, color, religion, etc. Then you know what? They can go pound sand. I can go elsewhere. But, fortunately, this is not so much in the open anymore. I've also found over the many years that how I initially treat and address some people determines how they will treat me. So some times, it starts with me. Get pulled over by a policeman. You can be angry and obnoxious to them or place your hands on the steering wheel in plain site and stay calm and quiet. you will get a totally different reaction most of the time. So, please don't expect everyone to belive in what you believe in. Don't expect everyone to look like you, talk like you, live like you and especially, like the same equipment (tubes vs solid state), or same type of music. I'm older and come to expect a degree of courtesy. If I don't get that or if a saleperson is rude, etc. I can walk out (which I typically will do) or/and write a letter which really does have an impact on most companies. But, sooner or later your choice to not do business with that store will be cumlative and will have a very negative impact on that store. The problem is, they will not know why their sales are failing or why they are going out of business. But, enough letters will help document the problem that they can refer to and hopefully fix before it is too late for them. Many high end manufacturers don't allow their products to be sold on the internet. Some are coming around to that potentially large consumer market. However, if they do, they do not want to put their brick and mortar dealers out of business and therefore, they are very strick on internet and B&M prices. Also, if one wants to buy new on line, you really need to be very careful because it may be grey market and not come with manufacturer's warranty.

So, please, enjoy