Why are dealers so scared to sell product out of

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.

Hi Zd542,
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, you’re right about my dealer friend; he was also a reasonable man. If a customer walked in knowing what he wanted and didn’t require much in the way of service, he would usually be offered a discounted price - at least for big ticket items.

Good luck trying to set others prices. If a store dosen't stock an item, they have none of their own money into it.

Taters,

some dealers/retailers have signed a disclosure agreement w/ the distributor(s) in which they deal there gear.

You will find other dealers/retailers that will sell across the nation. It will take some time & research to find those guys.

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