Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store

You said it Cerrot, I completely agree. Relationships have value.

JWN, you're not wrong, you can get plenty of new or near-new equipment on Audiogon at great prices. But we're not talking socks and t-shirts here, items which you buy and forget. Audio equipment sometimes requires adjustment/repair, and it's good to have people in the business who are on your side. There's great value in paying extra and cultivating a relationship with a local dealer in case you need help somewhere along the line. Additionally, many/most B&M dealers also have a healthy business dealing in pre-owned equipment, in which case they can be competitive against Audiogon while still offering the benefits of a local relationship. When I was looking for an integrated tube amp, I couldn't afford my dealer's new Leben, but I could afford their mint condition pre-owned ARC VSi55. Now, I could have saved a couple hundred waiting for that to pop up on Audiogon instead, but I wanted a local resource in case I need help with tubes, fuses, whatever. I was willing to pay more to have a local "partner" I could call for help.

Also, many B&M stores have awesome trade-up policies giving you full credit on your purchases towards new gear.

Not to go off the reservation here, but we are social creatures. We're built to move around, interact with others, shake hands, have eye contact, talk, share ideas and commerce. We're not supposed to sit in one chair, in our underwear, avoiding sunshine, clicking a mouse all day having things brought to our front door.

Begator I'm for dealers, there are people who don't care and will only by for the best price and that is the internet.

I know exactly what you mean, Jwm, we're on the same page. I agree there's a subset group of buyers for whom price is the only consideration - nothing else matters. I just wonder if too many salespeople prematurely "give up" on potential customers thinking that they are part of that subset group, when in fact all they need is the right salesperson to look them in the eye, speak to them respectfully, ask the right questions, and show them the value of an interpersonal relationship. Some people just have to be shown the way - until they've eaten in a Ruth's Chris, they think Applebees has the best steak :-)

Begator I agree with you. I want to share with you what a salesman once told me that I'm so good I can sell anyone who walks in that door. Today most salespeople who are young kids are not that good and a lot don't even know their products. It's a different time today where personal care does not seem to be as important.

No offense Bcgator but you just contradicted yourself by comparing Ruth's Chris and Applebees. That's like suggesting enthusiasts avoid spending money at Radio Shack and spend it at Best Buy instead. Unless of course you were kidding in which case my sincerest apologies. Good day sir.