2. amps-preamps
  3. 151530-330

Dealer behavior issue

I would like opinions as to whether members feel that I’m being unreasonable to think
that a very popular dealer has not performed so well on my behalf, the customer. Last summer I ordered an expensive ARC amp understanding that delivery would most likely be in Oct which was fine with me. I did make a commitment which I understand.
My situation seriously changed due to my wife’s health but I agree that’s not his problem.
At this point I requested to pay a handsome restocking fee, 2-3k, can’t remember the amount but he was cavalier saying why would I want to do this?
So that was that.
The unit is about to be delivered and as I’ll immediately resell the unopened box I gave him a last offer.
The transaction had a current unit model trade in that retailed for 8k and is a favorite product of his and he carries it.
Yesterday I offered to give him this unit as the restock fee with 90 days to fully refund me.
I have received no response so he didn’t like my offer which is his right. I have spent over 40k retail over the last two years with him with no problems.
So in the end I changed my mind which is the lowest form of audio behavior. Was I foolish to think this guy would accommodate me? The product I offered to GIVE him will fly out his door for $4k .
This is just business as usual ?
4425
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,557 posts
 
Wow, interesting story. It seems like this should be resolved better. The dealer should accept his out of pocket expenses only. At least that is my opinion. But we can’t always force our opinions on some of the dealers, just avoid them and spread the word for others.

The worst experience I have ever had was with a piece of Sheiitte (spelling error on purpose) equipment. They charged me a 50% restocking fee! However the item was only a few hundred dollars. It stills leaves me with a bad taste though. Needless to say I would never buy there equipment again and I advise others the same.

I hope this works out for you.


ozzy
gwbeers
76 posts
 
I've spent $40-$50k with Audio Classics on McIntosh gear over the past few years. The average piece between $4-10k. If they don't have the item I'm asking for in stock, they order it (with no deposit from me) and when they receive it and they're ready to ship to me, they request payment.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,504 posts
 
@gwbeers.................

a $100.00 deposit on a big ticket item shows the purchaser most likely doesn’t have the funds to purchase it yet.  I think a 25% deposit is fair and it should be that way throughout the industry.  

I too too have spent many tens of thousands at Audio Classics and Mike Sastra has never asked me for an advance deposit on some
thing he ordered for me, expensive or not.  He does have my CC on file though. I believe AC is the exception to the rule.  

I wasnt happy with the GE dealer for wanting that kind of deposit, but I trust them and really wanted the speakers.  They also delivered the speakers and carried my Triton One speakers up to my second floor where my secondary system is.  In the end I was happy which is what counts the most. 
facten
2,891 posts
 
Interesting, under "ordering" on their website they don't state that , guess it will be worthwhile to give them a call and checkout that option
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,965 posts
 
@4425 One question for 4425. Every state that I am aware of has laws in regards to deposits and the way they can be distributed/forefeited
As such, have you looked into your legal rights in regards to this particular transaction?
More to discover