Why are dealers so scared to sell product out of


state. I was calling a few dealers out of state looking for better pricing on a product. Another reason I'm trying to buy out of state is to save the high sales tax in Southern California. A couple of dealers I talked to refused to sell product out of state.They said they have an agreement with the distributor not to sell out of state. It's amazing how distributors have such a hold on the retailer. High-end audio Isn't exactly setting the world on fire yet they have all these restrictions for the retailer. I can buy a rolex watch out of state or even a ferrari. Why can't I buy audio equipment out of state if I choose to? Yes, I know there are mail order companies that carry lines they can sell across state lines. The problem is these firms sell at list price and I'm not going to pay list for anything including audio equipment.
taters
Hah! 'Dealers' out of Nigeria are not affraid to sell anything anywhere especially without providing a merchandise.

Have Toyota Avalon '08 fully loaded. Moved to Paris due to the wealthy marriage and use it no more and will sell it for $4000 in mint condition. Once I receive wire transfer, I will send you 2 original sets of keys and enjoy the ride:-)
Taters ,, Edmonton, the Audio Ark. They even delivered the last few products .

Mrtennis , who can you buy direct from, a few odd ball brands ? Pass .
In the same sense that it is neither unreasonable nor unfair to expect a certain level of service when the cost of that service is incorporated into the price of a product, it is not unreasonable to ask for a discount if one isn’t getting that service.

A friend who used to own a traditional high-end shop had customers who took months to finalize a system purchase. The way these customers would hang around the shop, it was clear that they wanted this to be a special experience. They took hours and hours of his time and tied up his listening rooms. He had no problem with that and frequently invited them out for meals, concert events and sometimes introduced them to other customers in their homes. In short, he earned his commission.

On the other hand, I have walked into shops that had exclusive territorial rights to an entire product line, but only carried a few products from that line. When I inquired about auditioning something from that line that wasn’t in inventory, I was informed that I would have to make the purchase before they would order that product because they didn’t want it in their inventory. In those cases, since I am receiving none of the services that one associates with a hefty retail markup, it’s not unreasonable to ask for that markup to be lessened commensurately.

On the other hand
Phaelon,

Extremely good post. Your contrast of what a good dealer should provide, as opposed to the type service you get from a not so good dealer, is near perfect. Couldn't have said it better myself.

The only thing I would add is in reference to this in your post: "On the other hand, I have walked into shops that had exclusive territorial rights to an entire product line, but only carried a few products from that line."

Its almost certain that the good dealer that you talk about in your 2nd paragraph has exclusive territorial rights as well. He just knows how to run his business properly and does not use his customers just because he can.