'In Home Dealers' are the future?

A couple of thoughts...

It would seem to me that the fact that you are always working with the owner is an advantage for the customer with home dealers. Most home dealers would seem likly to represent what they truly appreciate as opposed to buying to have items at different price points as stores do.

I have a great local dealer. They offer wonderful service and support that takes many forms. I feel badly for those without a quality resource such as mine. Their experienced, and professional staff has been my audio hobby an extremely rewarding. I would strongly suggest anyone with a long term interest in hifi do anything possible to pursue a relationship with a high quality retailer.

Commcat....where did you hear that high end retail prices are "declining rapidly." I buy from a brick and mortar who is 325 miles away from me and will continue to support that business as long as it exists. I agree with Tvad...where are these 25% off list dealers? That's never been my experience although the dealer I support usually gives me 20% plus off list.

High-End audio dealers are currently being offered "incentive pricing" by most of the manufacturers and their distributors. This allows retailers to discount prices by 20-30%, or more. There are a few retailers who refuse to budge and still demand the full MSRP even in the face of a seriously damaged economy. Possibly they purchased their inventory prior to wholesale price declines.