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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
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,633 posts
 
No never. It sounds like an inferiority complex. Every dealer I've ever purchased from when I started out exhibited mutual respect. Now I usually buy direct and every builder I've dealt with is cool.
hilde45 how could anyone possibly be "your" dealer if not?
I cannot grasp the concept.
chorus
976 posts
 
The only "Survivors" in today's retail world will be those who
understand how to forge a relationship with a customer.

That means most hourly or commission help are eliminated
as the principle of treating everyone equally is not taught
or valued as viable any longer. 

The retailer offering home automation, theatre, lighting and security combo is the new survivor. Limited knowledge of high end audio should be expected from the store.

Covid is going to take down many of the few existing hifi retailers.

I hope I am wrong but...


decooney
2,116 posts
 
There are other professional dealers who respect and enjoy to earn your business. The smart ones know referrals and return business is  everything in today's world of the internet and online forums like this. 

@hilde45
Your local dealer just gave you a pass to take your money elsewhere. It happens and it was theirs to lose.  They lost and another dealer will gladly earn your business - and do a better job helping you to select the right speakers for your cool new Quicksilver Mono 60 tube amplifiers!  
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
I can't believe some of the stories I'm reading here. 

@wideload ... Wow. Sickening.
ardsley
4 posts
 
Unfortunately, I would have to add a "Yes" to the count. I had sold my old system (mostly Linn and Naim stuff, but with Fried Speakers...I miss them the most!) a while ago and wanted to get back into throwing my retirement money at audio equipment. I had just retired and moved and found a cute little audio shop near the center of town. When I walked in and told them I wanted to re-enter the hobby, I told them what I wanted and could spend (I knew I had to keep it under $2000 to avoid a divorce). Knowing that would mean that I would have to upgrade soon, they could have sold me a nice little system to meet my budget, but instead quoted me a McIntosh MTI100 and B&W 705 speakers. They "threw in the stands" for me. Total cost with wires, etc. was over $10,000 more than my budget! I went out and found a record store that sells used vintage stuff, and started there. It's all been replaced, but it was fun and a lot less costly (both in the wallet and peace-at-home). And I still have no idea why McIntosh would put tubes right next to the tonearm...just sayin'!
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