Any Brands You “Hate” because of a bad dealer experience many years ago?

On another post, someone recommended a product that I would never consider. Why? Because 40 years ago, I had a bad experience at a local dealer, which has tainted me forever, and I could never own that brand. Not because they sounded bad, but because of the way I was treated by the dealer.

ok, you first thought might be to tell me “get over it”, and, well, that is a valid response. You are right in that I may be cheating myself out of a great listening experience.  However, with a myriad of brand option for any given type of equipment, you need some criteria to narrow your field of choices. isn’t this as valid a reason as any? Certainly as valid as aesthetics.

For me, we had a dealer who sold Macintosh and Luxman.  If you owned (or considered) owning anything else he thought you were stupid, and treated you as such (In my opinion/experience).  Another dealer sold Ohm Walsh speakers that had a similar condescending attitude. I hope they were just having bad days, and I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. But I still will never consider these brands.

Without naming specific dealers or even cities (to protect the possibly innocent or misunderstood), what brands will you never consider because of similar experiences that have prejudiced you?