How would you run an audio salon?

"...everyone plays favorites and no one has it all figured out." (Dave b)

Er, Chadnliz and I have it all figured out- fer the record-lol

"i would have a problem selling a product i don't personally like. i think it's a matter of integrity not to misrepresent your principles." (Mr. Tennis)

Mr. Tennis, I see your NOT a salesman! And if you ever did decide to open a store, may I suggest hiring some good salesman to do the job for you - lol
First off, what you think is good, and what you may like, is NOT NECESSARILY WHAT OTHERS WILL LIKE AND WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THEM! (Chocolate vs. Vanilla). Yes, you may truly believe that Chocolate is indeed better than Vanilla. But you would be wrong! - and it goes the same with audio.
Yes, your enthusiasm may help you a little in selling some gear. But at the end of the day, you need to find out what's right for your customers, NOT YOU!!
Your goal as an accomplished audio/video salesman would be RELATIONSHIP, RELASHIONSHIP, RELASHIONSHIP!- and you helping the custom get WHAT THEY WANT!...not what you want, or think they should have, because you like it, and/or you think it's the best! NO NO NO NO NO!!! This is why audiophiles and engineers make lousy sales people - lol.
It's not about you! Don't take it personal. When it comes to sales, its about helping the customer get what they want. You do this by building trust, qualifying them (what they've heard and liked/used in the past, etc), offering an option or two, overcoming any objections, and then closing the sale! (and, of course, follow up - relationship).
There is nothing more to sales of audio/video! - and you can still like what you like, and keep it to yourself. Because that will never ever help you sell anything!!
Note to self: EVERYONE owns different audio/video gear, and for good reasons! - even the professional mag reviewers...

OMG-like lol fer the record naked dude...you are such the MOTO! You are the poster child for average salesman of the year. Er, Note to self-never playnaked ...unless your payed for it!

I think some have it all wrong, this is a hobby and a passion so a run of the mill salesman is going to drive many true and intelligent audiophiles away. From the car, furniture, and many other examples people dont want to establish a relationship with some fast talking dueshbag salesman Your job is to give them access to products and answers to concerns and questions while the product sells itself. Naked, you can lol all you want and make as many suggestions as you wish but if you ran a store I bet it would be very much like seeing you naked.....an experience we all would prefer to avoid. Anyone claiming to have it all figured out is confirming they dont just by making that statement, as a friend once told me "Empty cans make the most noise". Note to self, if me saying note to self sounds as dumb as it looks then never do it again.

if i go to an audio dealer and detect that he is a selling a product he doesn't like, i won't buy it from him, period.

there is too much salesmanship and hype and too much bull.

i wouldn't go to a chevy dealer to buy a cadillac.

so, if i carried brand x,y and z and a potential customer had no interest in x, y and z, the customer would shop elsewhere.

another example, i would stop patronizing a restaurant, if i observed the owner eating at another establishment.

i don't think it's about salesmanship. it's about letting the customer decide for hi/herself, without the salesmanship. the performance of a product should sell itself.

i guess i have a different philosophical approach than most people.

I am with Mrtennis here. Lets say a complete HiFi novice, but great salesman opened a store and an Audiophile with no sales experience. Who do you think will succeed?
Sure, you have to have some sales skills, but the salesman will only sell once to a newbee. Audio is'nt selling baked beans, if I go into a store, I will have questions about a product someone is selling, if I get flannel back, I am out of the door.
As far as kit to stock is concerned, you can not stock only stuff you like, but you can only stock from companies you respect, have a long track record and give customer support. How are you going to know who those companies are unless you have been round the block? Most customers are'nt fools and I hope most audiophiles with a significant sum to spend, are'nt. Do you think we can not distinguish a knowledgeable enthusiast from a salesman, whose last job was selling baked beans. If you can't, perhaps you should'nt be allowed out with your credit card. Should I get a hard sell in an audio store, by someone denigrating my kit and other manufacturers, I will not be going back.