Supporting Local Audio Stores are we?

Many in this thread have focused on price. While equipment price is a major factor in this discussion, I believe other issues have significantly contributed to the reduced number of B&M stores. Those who are lucky enough to have maintained a great relationship with great audio shops are fortunate. I remember what it was like to go into an audio shop in the 70's; part fantasy, part retreat, part culture, and always something to look forward to. However, the internet has made things very hard for B&M retailers in many businesses, primarily due to the availability of information. Because of the internet, buyers no longer have to rely on sales people or their monthly Stereophile magazine for information about new equipment. This is compounded since the cost of maintaining a strong experienced sales staff has become too great in mid-sized (mainly HT) markets, so service suffers as buyers rely even less on their local shop for information. Also, small to mid sized shops cannot carry more than a few main brands of gear, so they push what they carry and buyers don't have the selection they can get by simply logging on and purchasing used or direct from manufacturers, or from internet dealers who handle a large number of brands. This factor becomes more important when you look at the number of small audio manufacturers putting out high quality, great sounding gear that even 10-15 years ago, without the internet, would not have had enough exposure to become viable in the marketplace. Even service is no longer benefitted by having a local dealer. I remember when the dealer maintained technical staff and I could have gear serviced by technicians "in the store." Now, you take your gear back to the dealer who simply forwards it on to the manufacturer or to an authorized service center. Anyone with access to a FedEx store can do that themselves. Therefore, I believe price is only one component and other factors such as deterioration of quality sales staff, limited selection, lack of technical service, and mostly proliferation of available information on the internet have eroded the mystique and viability of the once thriving B&M audio shop.

Old school themes in a new age of "me dfirst" & "Me... Me... Me" operetas forces change... somewhere…. By someone.

20 years ago any of the local high end shops offered all the amenities. Sadly, that has since changed.

10 years ago, despite the then present attitude of indefference and arrogance my local dealers were tryijng on for size at the time, one could still talk to them intelligently.... now and then.

Since the turn of the century, my local B&M outlets have become entrenched in that austere "We got the cure for cancer here so ante up", theme for committing to high end retail... by and large. Half do, and the other half are at the very least yet approachable.

NONE of these outlets have employees over 40 save the owners. Some have no working knowledge of anything other than SS equipment by the largest of majorities. Only one just outside my area has any working knowledge of analog, and tube gear. Naturally he can not carry every lineup, nor the entireity of any of the lines he inventories. His people skills however are far superior to these other yahoos.

Is it any wonder that those in similar situations have not fallen prey to mid fi large box outlets, and been scooted away from their local audio authorities by their poor experiences at these establishments?

We’ve spoken of price & value here, and I’ve alluded to simple change being the prime mover… but isn’t this debate one more of ‘RIGHT or WRONG’, than these 3 other FACTORS? In truth, isn’t competition always good? Good for the consumer, and the seller?

Competition provides us all utilities to suppluy both desires and staples. To be a cut above the rest (which should be a fundamental aspiration for any business ethic) presumes every effort should point towards that end… being top notch. The best.

Every sale has elements which must be attended too… Qualifying the customer…. Justifying the cost of the item…. And providing them a REASON to buy it or from you more particularly.

B&M stores either will acknowledge the value of establishing good customer relations and the viability of web based resources these buyers can and do possess, or they’ll die out. Likely sooner than later.

So then, is the case of supporting local dealerships a more complex dynamic than a simple one for so very many?

Or is it merely the right or wrong thing for us to be so myopic with our purchases when other avenues exist and yet continue to reinforce local over outside enterprises?

Like it or not that’s simple competition. But now, your competitors aren’t just down the street or close by.

I submit still more change is inevitable in both instances. I don’t think it’s a matter of being ‘pennywise & pound foolish’ either. Audio nuts are usually informed and intelligent sorts. If not straight away, they become so very soon… and we are all people. People as it happens require a bit more attention generally speaking.

We all appreciate being appreciated.

Store owners must develop or attain more arrows for their quiver. Exclusivity comes to mind, yet has it’s own shortcomings. Then there’s people skills. Availability. Service. Let’s not forgoe convenience either. Flexibility with pricing must now take a step up too.

Either you are in the race, or you are buying tickets ffor it…. Or ya just stay home and watch it on TV. None of those scenarios is either more right or more wrong… and they do translate to this topic.

One of the above 3 things, being in, going to, or staying home, occurs based upon whether or not a good enough REASON for them is being presented at the time a decision needs to be made.

For some it will always be price. For other’s, value is key. Brand loyalty for another. Ego counts for something here too. But all require a reason sufficient for them to pony up their ducks either at this place or that… on the whiz bang Yada Yada you sell or another gleaming zippity sap creation elsewhere.

I’ve been asking myself this one question when it comes to buying just about anything costing over a few hundred dollars…. “Why should I buy this from you” when I go to spend money.

Be it a conscious thought, or a subconscious one, I believe we all do that on some level.

… and so, we’ve passed onto REASONS to buy, from price, value, and the loyalistic morals and ethics of things…. Or so it’s how I feel about it all anyhow.

So… like the lady sang… “give me some kind of reason, and I’ll turn right back around”.

Mitch2 has, IMHO, presented the history of the demise of B&M dealers, in the most concise and intelligent manner possible.

This horse is not only long out of the barn, it has died! Folks who want to make money in the audio industry aught to pay attention to what guys like Kevin Deal are doing. There are a few more drops of blood in the rock, but you've got to squeeze the hell out of it.

Chadnliz,
With all due respects to you to, this is a public forum as far as I can gather, if one types something, I think everyone on here is entitled to add a thread or comment. If you want to say something personal to just one individual then why not shoot them an e/mail instead of on here for all to see, and maybe comment on? I do not have an axe to grind with you, just in case you think I do.
have a good day and happy listening.

Life is too short to let things like that bother me after I say my peace. Good day to you too and be well.