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
By Paul Barton you mean Paul McGowan, I think. Agree with your comment. I'm in same region.
Sorry, yes I meant Paul McGowan. Pretty big error.
Thanks hilde45 for catching me half asleep.
@denverfred No worries. We Denverites stick together!
And Paul Barton is in audio, so it's a pretty nice switcharoo.
I've got a pair of PSB speakers. Must have triggered one of the few memories I have left.
Can anyone get me a new brain fuse?
@denverfred  Now you've triggered an Agon discussion about whether it's worth paying more for an expensive, boutique "brain fuse" from an American maker or whether Chinese brain fuses are good enough. Not to mention whether said brain fuses can be tested in a double-blind A/B way and whether measurement is even up to the challenge. Buckle in.