Unacceptable. I would send a note to the U.S. distributor. They should know how their chosen dealers are representing their brand. All should be accountable.
Was I Expecting Too Much
Hi everyone. I'm looking for a heading check with a situation I encountered yesterday.
Background:
I'm planning to upgrade my turntable later this year - Q3 is my target. After my research, I've narrowed down to AMG and Brinkmann. I was able to audition an AMG Viella yesterday, and was looking to audition a Bardo or Taurus for comparison. I know my thought of trying to fit in a Brinkmann demo was last-minute, and some dealers are particular when it comes to appointments and allowing them time to setup their demo.
The Situation:
So I called the local Brinkmann dealer and inquired to see if a bardo or taurus happened to be setup. The salesman I spoke with said they had both, and he was going to check if a demo was possible. After a few minutes, I get a phone call back from the owner who seemed rather dismissive of my request. I explained that I'm currently doing my research and looking to hear some demos to help down-select, and that my purchase would be a few months from now. He asked for my budget which I found strange as I already stated what I was interested in demoing. Then the conversation turned to what gear I already own, which I understand sort-of. Then the owner basically said it doesn't make sense for me to demo anything now and to call back when I'm ready to purchase.
How am I going to know what I want to purchase without demoing the options?
Was I expecting too much by asking to hear equipment that I'm interested in? My opinion is a sale isn't guaranteed and an audio dealer, just like any other dealer, needs to invest some reasonable amount of time to capture a sale. You don't capture all the sales, but I didn't think I was being unreasonable in my request and certainly was not trying to waste anyone's time. I was pretty transparent with where I'm at and I guess he was reciprocating my transparency by telling me to go away. I felt "less-than" by this experience. As if I wasn't worth investing any time into.
Thoughts?
Showing 7 responses by mdalton
@ricmci. what the h are you talking about? Please read the OP. He didn’t ask to take the turntable home “for the weekend”. The dealer told him he didn’t want him (OP) to come into his store to demo a product on his floor until he was closer to making a decision, not worth his (the dealer’s) time. This is retail-nazi behavior! Good lord, can’t we all agree on the basic facts, instead of making sh_t up? |
@audioguy85 Are you saying that because you’ve purchased a certain way, that the more traditional alternative - actually listening to a 5-figure product before purchase - is an illegitimate approach? If that’s not your point, what is? |
@viridian Really? You’re suggesting that we can’t trust each other regarding our requests for help from each other? The OP was simply asking if his original expectation was reasonable. The only basis for our response is to accept his “side of the story.” It’s his story after all. And he was not asking you if he believed him, though it’s weird if you don’t. The problem is we’re not even listening to each other. The purpose of this forum is to support each other in this beautiful hobby, to show a little empathy and support for our fellow travelers. It’s not about you. It’s about us, the community. I think I have a pretty solid grip, actually. |
Huh? Since when is it not ok for a consumer to say “I’m shopping for”? Since when are dealers immune from having to compete in a market economy where price and service are key components of a consumer’s buying decision? You seem to be suggesting that the consumer should, in effect, tell the dealer that he/she is going to buy from the dealer no matter what. And that, to me is upside down, and, respectfully, crazy. |
Again, I am going to have to respectfully disagree. There is no “interview process” in this transaction. This not akin to a job interview where the employee and employer - in the best of circumstances - have something closer to equal power in the relationship. Instead, this is a case where the consumer has money that the dealer wants. Yes, the dealer has something the consumer wants, but the dealer is not unique in that regard. A much better analogy would be when I hire a contractor to do work on my house. I suppose there are some contractors who walk away if they discover that I’m talking to other contractors - “shopping for” other contractors? - but that usually means they are way overpriced and/or not to be trusted (and maybe just a little bit crazy, lol!). |