I'm surprised by how many people think that dealers are driven only by the profit margin. Everything except one CDP, and one pr of speakers, I bought from my local dealer. I walked in in 1985 to buy a particular speaker. He could have took my cash, and I would have been gone in 10 minutes. He instead asked if I could come back tomorrow, and he would have some others I could demo. Long story short, I ended up with something else, which I still have to this day. We became great friends, and for 3 years now, I've been listing things on Audiogon for him. (we do still have the local retail store BTW)
I never pressure anyone. In the last few weeks, I actually told several buyers I thought they were better off going with something else. After emailing with one for a day, and telling him a subwoofer was wrong for him, I spent about an hour on the phone, telling him what I thought would work best. (several brands I can't get) I also basically turned away a 4k sale on a recvr in this same time frame. When the buyer told me what he had, I explained he may like mine better, but, his set-up was first rate. I honestly didn't see it being a big step up for him.
I'm not looking for a "pat on the back" I'm simply trying to say that all dealers don't try sell what they are over stocked on, or what has the biggest profit. First, and foremost, I'm an enthusiat. I like talking to people, and I like to help them when I can. If I can't, I'm honest and tell them so. Better to be in it for the long haul, and make some friends, than to make a quick buck and have to run and hide. (we all know someone like that)
Maybe I'm a "dreamer" but I like to think most dealers feel/treat people like I do. If you go to a big box store, all bets are probably off. Then you are dealing with part time employees, who really need to sell to get paid.
Thats my honest take on it. Others will surely disagree. So be it.
I never pressure anyone. In the last few weeks, I actually told several buyers I thought they were better off going with something else. After emailing with one for a day, and telling him a subwoofer was wrong for him, I spent about an hour on the phone, telling him what I thought would work best. (several brands I can't get) I also basically turned away a 4k sale on a recvr in this same time frame. When the buyer told me what he had, I explained he may like mine better, but, his set-up was first rate. I honestly didn't see it being a big step up for him.
I'm not looking for a "pat on the back" I'm simply trying to say that all dealers don't try sell what they are over stocked on, or what has the biggest profit. First, and foremost, I'm an enthusiat. I like talking to people, and I like to help them when I can. If I can't, I'm honest and tell them so. Better to be in it for the long haul, and make some friends, than to make a quick buck and have to run and hide. (we all know someone like that)
Maybe I'm a "dreamer" but I like to think most dealers feel/treat people like I do. If you go to a big box store, all bets are probably off. Then you are dealing with part time employees, who really need to sell to get paid.
Thats my honest take on it. Others will surely disagree. So be it.