How would you run an audio salon?

Blindjim, none of the above (no dog/happy marriage). Not critical either really, just reality! Any dealer is going to sell what he has to offer..Duh! I'd rather draw on a larger universe of possibilities for the customer. That being said, there is a very cool historic property for sale across the street from me...Hmmm, make a very nice high end salon:)

Since we're all dreaming here. If I was do something like setting up an Audio Salon, I would approach it more as a hobby, and not as something that my livelyhood and retirement would depend on. Basically it would be a retirement business, and would be geared more for social and music enjoyment than to make any kind of real money. IWO, if I could make it break even I would be happy. I would also specialize in used and vintage equipment with good reputations, and somewhat affordable in price. The market I would be after would be less the audiophile crowd, and more the crowd that enjoys music, and wants a good sounding system that's definely a cut above the "same old, same old" Mid-Fi offering but still falls within a Mid-Fi price range. And to do that I would probably have three or four systems put together at any given time that would not only be for sale, but also be systems that I personally could also enjoy. Of course, I would have various other components and speakers available for the music lover who might want to change a thing or two in the system to suit their particular music and listening needs. Of course, carrying used/vintage equipment would also mean that I would have to have the service available to keep these pieces running at their best. In addition I would probably would want to carry some CDs of independent, regional artists (emphasis on more acoustic based artists with genres being bluegrass, old-time, blues, folk and Celtic music) and every once in awhile maybe have some of these artist stop by for an in-store performance.

Good used/vintage equipmet with a good service department in a small college town with a good local arts community somewhere in wertern North Carolina or Virginia, and an appeal to the musicains and music lovers in that area could be a winning combination.

I saw this idea briefly mentioned in one of the mags but didn't feel it was amplified enough. I would try to cater to the ipod crowd. I'd write in HUGE graffitti-Crazy Eddie-like lettering; "Ipod users welcome!!! Come On In!!! Then hook up those suckas to these Sooloo/Voodoo systems (you know what I mean!;) and go from there. They'd be using their own 'pods and be listening to their own music! I Read that if you could convert as little as ONE percent (1%)of Ipod users it would be a HUGE jump/bump for the audiophile industry.

Dave you imply nobody here has it all figured out and at the same time pump yourself up as having all the answers yet you only offer an extra expense with no proof of expert qualifications. If you intend to "consult' housewives and teenagers thats fine but if your goal is to do something that most any honest and experienced dealer can provide to fellow audiophiles who can also ask around in these and other forums I suggest you dont quit your day job.

Dave_b

See, I'm kind of with Chadnliz here... sort of... I've been given superior info, help, assistance, and options from many folks here, private parties and dealers too.

Also I've not noticed the bias you point towards, or cluelessness being so widespread... guess I've not ran into them folks yet, but I've been active here for some years now. I suppose I should have by now though.

Information and it's value is how you find it and how you take it, not to mention how you use it, or don't.

I see this thread as a simple exercise in imagination... and likely some experiences. Past or present. My own notation was based on a combination of experiences and a local store which has stood the test of time now some 15+ years as I can best recall. The one I helped run and was the buyer for is flourishing, and the second still has the doors open. I'm not privy to the P&L statement of that one, but keeping the doors open is a stateent all by itself these days.

In fact there is one other nearby which IMO does none of my perscribed ideals and has also stood the test of time now about the same length, 18+ years. they went from once being customer friendly to well, not so friendly let's say... ONce they had a few locations, now only one.

Consequently, lots of plans can andd do work, I believe, but it's a mighty risky venture IMO. One I'd love to do again. This time though, more upscale.

Dealers do sell what they have. Duh. they have choices in what they want to sell as well, more often than not. there are items on the sales floor which are mere tools. Folks like to see lot's of stuff. Having lots of expensive stuff everywhere is just too damn expensive. 'Value' items have to be added for the eye, the mind, and for texture & choices. Sometimes you'll sell off them, sometimes you'll sell them.

Different strokes for different folks. if you paint your self into a corner by catering to a narrow facet of the economy, you got to have the best mousetrap out there, AND be able to sell it. The only time sales isn't involved is usually when no one else makes the same thing, or with loyal repeat buyers.... everyone else needds to be sold somehow.