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
Chadnliz, if that wasn't meant for me, I apologize. As I read it I was the only 'John' on the thread. Yes, it is a common name (thanks Mom), but I was unaware of your inside joke.

As to 'who am I?', I seem to have been here much longer than you, though you do seem to be much more active than me in these threads.

Peace,
John
Chadnliz, I have noticed your last few threads on Audiogon that have been said quite vitriolic and venomous, as if one had a trailer and the roof had gotten a nasty leak, ( I am not implying that you live in a trailer btw).
May I suggest some chill pills? and learn to relax, try some camomile tea, listen to some Mozart, and Breathe.
Everyone is not out to get you.
As the only John on this thread says,
Peace.
Gawd with all due respect stay out of it, John and I had an issue that was started when he insulted me based on his misreading of my post....it has nothing to do with you. Please save judgement and lectures for you kids.

John, sorry for the interuption...I went back and edited the post when it hit me you must have been misundetood and I noted that so no worries, when I asked who you were it was because I didnt at first know who you were or why you came at me but in a previous post you noted your real name was John and thats where I put it all together. My joke was for John a dealer and he would get it...trust me.
I’ve never inquired as to how much a thing costs to produce. Never have I begrudged any for the differences between presumed or known, production costs and those fees invested in bringing it to point of sale.

As was said, It really is none of my business… unless I’m an investor in that enterprise.

I think some now not too distant inventions have simply changed how we are now able to do business. Regularly. Routinely, and with a bit of safety…. The ‘web’, is just that invention.

It’s changed the face of sales at large. Mighty quickly now folks are turning to it more so every day as a viable instrument for gaining both needs and wants. As familiarity grows and comfort levels increase by it’s presence and use, more dollars will go it’s way. Given the current retail atmosphere in general, B&M retailers are hard pressed to compete with it.

It is solely my preff that IF at all possible I would rather deal face to face than electronically, ‘byte to byte’, as it were. Always. Sadly, such is no longer the regular case… in my area, at least. Mostly.

The web factor has made it’s mark on audio for sure. The days of the affluent, aloof, and erudite high end audio establishments are numbered.

If I want to be ignored, or condescended too, I’ll just go over to my friends house and try to get her cat to come to me when I call it.

The days of sellers ‘catering’ to buyers have been changed. Albeit, this take it or leave it, … it’s not my job…. You want a what? Attitudes are more a sociological fall out, than anything else.

I doubt seriously those who do inventory goods, and have a commitment to service and support for their customers past, present, and future are likely doomed if not already entrenched in a major metro area… for little more reason than current and ongoing social attitudes, as well as the apparent ease of double clicking…. Or reaching out and touching someone across the globe by phone.

Routinely displayed elements of “Class” or it’s absence, also seem in short supply these days…. Or there’s far too much distinction between them, by some…. And adds into the mix of reasons for some of my statements as to why home grown affairs are falling away as of late.

As for value … in a valueless society, price remains king…. And that’s a tremendously sad epitaph.
Blindjim has nailed it. 7 words "in a valueless society, price remains king" Nothing more to be said. The man is a gentleman and a scholar. I doff my hat.