PS Audio Revises Marketing to a Direct Sales Only Model


Discussion on the PS Audio Forum sponsored by PS Audio indicates that over the next 4 months PS Audio will be transitioning to a Direct Sales Only Model.  PS Audio CEO Paul McGowan acknowledged change was coming within the next four months.  Wish the best to PS Audio on the change.  I wonder what the impact will be on dealers currently holding new stock.  The thread on the PS Audio Forum is titled Is - PS Audio Going Direct Sale Only?
weedeewop
maybe its time for someone to set up a "demo dealer" someone that is not there to sell to you but to allow you to listen, feel and spend time with an item. maybe the manufacturers can pay them or you pay for the services maybe both. I'd love to go into a spot listen and look at new stuff and if I like something buy it online directly. I don't know if it's is a financial model that would work but interesting anyway. 

They could even have computers set up to access the direct sales of the product in the store with help from the staff. This way the manufacturers have a dedicated demo site with little overhead and reap the benefits of direct sales and dealers. 

 I think the distributor model is dead who likes paying a middle man. I don't but a local dealer (demo site) I do support in what ever capacity it warps into. 

 I like the knowledge a good dealer brings but hate the pressure of a sale. not to mention a spot to facilitate warranty work even if its just liaising with the manufacturer. 

Think of what it would be like to go into a space and see hear tekton, Zu audio, Schiit, PS audio gear (the list goes on) with out having to spend months playing the buy-listen and return game for how much loss each time (shipping and restocking fees alone could sink you). 

How much would you spend for a service like that? what's that type of service worth to you?
$100 says prices stay the same on the consumer end.  

Owners will now own yachts.
@gochurchgo  You may be right about the prices staying the same but Paul McGowan is dedicated to the audiophile community and there are few places to utilize a yacht in Boulder, CO.
Get the bhk 250 over the parasound, I did 10 months ago. But only your ears will tell you which 1 is better.
I bought a PS Audio Device, after hearing the device at a Dealership.
Following the audition, I investigated the options to purchase, and found the
Dealership Prices were varied by approx 20%.
I then researched the used market for about two months, and purchased a immaculate same spec model for approx 75% less than the most expensive dealership price.
I had no interest in PS Audio until I visited a Dealership, that had a system I was familiar with, on auditioning a DAC on the system, with the PS Audio Device, 
the outcome was a search to purchase a PS Audio device with the intention to purchase.
I wonder how many of PS Audio Dealership sales are generated from this type of introduction to their products.
When investigating devices at the price level and performance level, PS Audio compete in the Market at, a audition on a familiar / trusted system will be very important to assist in making a final evaluation and decision.
If a device ends up on a shortlist, a home evaluation is even more important at this price level and performance level.
I like my PS Audio device, but not enough to go to a show/event to specifically listen to it on a unknown / unfamiliar system, or watch you tube 'blurb' about the Company.
So if the Dealership network is removed from PS Audio interface with customers,
I personally don't see how they will generate new customers in the capacity they have been, or maintain loyalty with existing customers, who will have had the option to evaluate a product on a known trusted system.
In fairness to PS Audio, I don't have a algorithm analysis of their market status, or the internal brainstorming knowledge, that would create the energy to change a marketing strategy, so I don't know how this all gets condensed into deciding how each potential individual customer is going to embrace their new restriction to engage with PS Audio.  
Interestingly, a few miles from my home in the UK, a 'from the home' Dealership who I have spent a few £££'s with in the past few years, now has Jay's Audio Devices in stock. As I know that system very well, I can now in the near future take part in a PS Audio/Jay's Audio Comparison, with the DAC, that lead me to the PS Audio purchase.
That comparison is one that has been discussed on here, and I will be happy to present my assessment on that thread.