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Ever feel like a "low dollar" customer that your dealer doesn't think worth their time?

I'm a careful researcher for audio gear and I also understand the value of brick and mortar stores. I am not OCD and I am not an irascible haggler. Indeed, I have told my local stores that if they carry something I like, I will buy from them and not try to find it cheaper on the net. I have purchased major pieces of gear from them.

Nevertheless, one local shop is erratic in how it treats me. Emails can take a long time to get acknowledged, and often exchanges take several back-and-forths to get clear questions answered. This shop sells gear at my price point and up to 10x more (think Wilson speakers, $7k power cords). I often feel I'm more like a fly buzzing around their heads than a valued customer trying to establish a customer-dealer relationship. I am trying to be loyal, but it makes me want to shop online. I could be reading the situation wrong, but this is definitely a pattern.

Has anyone else had the sense that they were too much of a "low dollar" customer to be worth the dealer's time?
128x128hilde45
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
+ You and me both, I'm a Mac guy, and have been for 50 years. I'm sure my appearance, is a little deceiving. LOL But I've walked in ready to buy with 30,000.00 cash in my pocket, AND WALKED OUT... Got on a plane flew to Texas bought some gear, and shipped it back to California.

Went back to the dealer in 2 months with pictures of the new equipment
2 1.2k power amps, MX150, C2500, ect.. The whole thing.. He CRIED!!

He had my money but wouldn't even say hello on the showroom floor.

I got a Christmas card from the dealer in Texas for 15 years. He retired.

BTW, he paid for the plane ticket too.

Regards
erik_squires
16,008 posts
 
Many dealers have survived by catering only to multi-million dollar installations and buyers who are not enthusiasts.

Their store front is mostly a joke, or the brands they rep force them to carry / show products they don't care about.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,343 posts
 
There was/is a particular store in Framingham, MA that treated me that way.  Thousands were spent in the store and always in cash, never asked for a discount and never got one.  Sometimes they went out of their way for me when I was buying something very expensive, but if I was spending a grand or less, the salespeople would walk right by me like I didn’t exist.   I don’t shop there any longer and now Audio Classics gets all my business. They treat everyone like gold weather you buy or not. 
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
There are certain things that successful salespeople learn early on in their careers, one of which, is to never judge a prospect by their appearance. I've sold homes to millionaires who drive old cars, wear thrift-store ties, and who are late on their haircuts more than once.

Frank
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 

oldhvymec,

That's a good story. It just shows the importance of a little bit of kindness and  respect. 

Charles

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