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Supporting Local Audio Stores are we?

I know, money talks, bullshi* walks...
But having owned an audio store for about a dozen years, I know how tough it is to 'make a living' for a mom and pop store, without some sugar daddy/momma in the background funding the enterprize.
So, I am wondering if the nice folks of Audiogon support local businesses?
As I stated, "Money Talks" and I get it, we all want the best 'value' for our money. The question is...when does the price versus local support begin/end. When does the follow up and or service/set up outweigh the raw savings?
To be clear, I am not talking fantastic discounts, but a few percentage points off retail. I remember a painful transaction that I had once, during which a customer had taken home a particular CD player two weekends running, only to purchase elsewhere because he 'saved' $53.00 (on a $500. item). OUCH!
I contended that without the long term audition, he had nothing on which to base his purchase? How does everyone else see this?
Right now, its obviously a tough financial climate out there, but looking to more normal times, I am wondering how many of the readers/writers of Audiogon would forego price for service/set up? OK, forget buying great used pieces for fractions of original retail, everyone must probably assume that that's good for everyone, including the dealers, as this frees up customers who are now, 'back in the hunt'.

It will be interesting to hear back, it's been some time since the Brick and Mortar (at least for me) question was aired out.

Best,
Larry
lrsky
jerry_gt3rs's avatar
jerry_gt3rs
83 posts
 
I have the luxury of being 10 miles from one of the countries true high end audio stores. They have been very gracious and liberal with home auditions and their staff goes to every effort to help me get the most from all them. I have purchased some new and also some demo pieces, often at prices only slightly higher that I see here. I think the support I receive is invaluable and has payed dividends.
Getting a well integrated system that delivers great musicality is the key for me and the folks at Goodwin's have helped make that possible.
luvwine
44 posts
 
I try to, but still buy mostly used. I just bought a pair of speakers from a local store as I got a few points off list and I auditioned and liked the speakers at the store (several times and even brought in some of my own equipment and hooked it up to the speakers)and I don't think it is right to take a lot of time from a store and not give them some business. Now, I also bought a preamp used that the same store sells. However, I saved over $2,000 doing so and the store did not stock that model so I could not get a demo. In fact, I am frustrate because I want to give the store more business in, for example, cables, but they don't have 'em in stock for me to borrow and try out. I am sure they don't stock them because of the expense of carrying inventory, but that becomes a "penny wise and pound foolish" proposition, to me, as service and education is where a store can "earn" my paying more than I can buy used and, if they don't provide the service, then I have less incentive to buy from the store. I figure I would not buy used if I was only saving 10-15%, but if I am saving a third or so then it is hard for me to justify paying that much extra just to support my local store.
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uru975
684 posts
 
On the net, via Audiogon various cables and power cords have come to me. I have auditioned pproducts from net brick and motar stores, when they were what I wanted or was looking for and passed the audition I bought them. As I rule though, I buy local, usually demo pieces. Have always gotten great service, long term loans (2 weeks to a month) and in my opinion great deals. Is a brand new piece of equipment better than a demo? Quite possibly, but is a demo better than a second hand piece again quite possibly. It comes down to this, and up to 10 or 15 percent difference the money goes locally. If we don't support our local stores, in time they will disapear and it is my bet that the quality in audio gear will go with them.
If a manufacturer has no middle man and to need to demo his equipment, he just builds what he needs to sell. With no chance to compare easily, except via friends, the quality does not have to stay there. As has been proven in the past. It is multiple outlets, from store selling new and used equipment, the net, Audiogon in particular, and people just putting stuff out there in the neighborhood that makes the market happen. There is enough room for everyone and for them all to make a buck but not a killing. As the old market adage goes, bears make money, bulls make money, hogs get slaughtered.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I live in a High End Audio Ghost town (Houston) with only 2 (1 really) high end store. They don't discount at all, are very nice, but service a very small clientel. I do a try to buy vinyl from only the local guys unless they just can't get it.

But it's tough to compete with the internet. I think the high end manufacturers that don't sell over the web for reasons of principal are stuck in the previous century. It's a small world, with great price discovery and unless you have a truly unique product or great following, both of which can disappear instantly, you are just costing yourself sales. The mark up on a lot of the high end audio gear is absolutely shocking.
catahula_bill
24 posts
 
It's getting tough to buy new because dealers carry limited stock. I have a dealer in my area that gives me good deals, lets me audition, hell he has shipped things to my house. when he has something i really like I try to buy.I try to use the used market to show me the way. I think once i'm more educated and want new items that are several thousand dollars, the used market will be very attractive, and might I say, I'm seeing very good deals these days in the used not new market.
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