What's your experience with snooty HiFi salesmen?

@tonykay 

Another audio wasteland here in Nevada! I just ran into this issue here at a shop in an expensive part of Las Vegas. Walked in to look for a preamp and get a general idea of the store and staff. Was ignored most of the time, sales staff acted busy talking to each other and on the computer, another was boxing up some piece of equipment. My wife joined after a while and got the same impression.

I finally asked someone a question about a preamplifier and was given curt single sentence answer then he returned back to the other sales person. Gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was engaged in something important or time sensitive. Asked another salesperson about room treatments and same thing short answer, pointed to the brochure and back to talking to other salesperson.

Guess I wasn’t dressed expensive enough for their time, and no I’m not young just the opposite. 

Unfortunately this is about the only store I’m aware of in my area but I won’t be doing business with them. 

Maybe a weekend trip to AZ shops TonyKay pointed out!

I have never really experienced bad customer service by a salesman/owner. I guess I have that look...

But at one time I was looking at Sonus Faber speakers. The salesman demonstrated the Cremora.

It all sounded fine with the music the salesman used. But when I had him play some CCR boy did the speakers distort! It was funny watching the salesman run to turn the volume down. So much for that demo.

ozzy

We are not stupid and so ignore their condescension. Remember that salespeople are trained to separate you from your money; don’t take it personally. 😉 Act accordingly by protecting your own interests and money as family members. In my experience, the boutiques are more interested in home theatre installations so if you don’t have at least $20K to spend you’re wasting your time. Regarding electronics, I learned from reading circuits and chipset literature, there is much commonality or "me too" with the expensive and affordable equipment. Open the hood and you may see different power supplies and passive components; however, the circuit topology coupled with the usual Analog Devices, AKM or ESS Sabre chipsets are exactly same as you would find in cheaper equipment. The technologies in Class A, AB and D amplifiers has matured so don’t believe the hype. Unless you really want to have a specific name plate on your stuff, you guys know the usual suspects, you may be restricted to dealers only. Go into the stores, have them turn on the equipment, don’t make small talk and only ask questions you already know the answers too. If you want to control the conversation, show interest and ask nicely "Why should I buy from you?"

OP i needs more info ... do you mean rootin tootin cocaine snooty saleasman or pinky held high whilst they look at you ascance with the snooty eye ... i have had good luck with both but usually outside of the hifi realm...

+1
@larry5729 

same company in Boulder same behavior. I buy cables from them sometimes if the price is right, I think you’re being very generous by saying they make you uncomfortable.

I ordered my cables over the phone, walk in and pay for them and leave

Bent in Boulder