Store auditioning and then buying on-line from others. How do you feel about it ?

Although I won't waste an audio store owner's time, on the subject of "value added," for the most part I don't get much value added specifically from the dealer.  From the store and the ability to audition a piece of gear, yes.  But all the rest  - e.g. the idea of a dealer with his audiophile wisdom and experience guiding me through purchases...no...zilch.  

Like many here I've been doing this for a loooong time.  I've had lots of experience, have done the research, know what I'm interested in and why.  I don't need any guru help.   And that's one of the things that irks me most when I go to a certain kind of high end store: when the salesman just HAS to yap on via the presumption he knows better than I and must help guide me.  The most annoying are the salesmen who just can not turn off this chatty guru-mode.  It doesn't matter that in our first 5 minutes of talking I've given obvious evidence I've been at this for a long time, know what I'm talking about and what I want.  They will still go on as if I'm a newbie who needs education and help.  No.  All I need is to hear what I've come to hear, thanks.

The best salesmen by far are the chilled guys who don't swamp you with "How am I going to help you!" patter.  Within a few minutes they immediately recognize whether they are talking to an experienced audiophile or not, and when they see this they don't bother asking all the irrelevant questions, they simply let you hear what you want to hear, and don't hover, or operate the system like you are a dolt.  They just leave me alone to evaluate the sound.

THOSE are the dealers I have always ended up buying from, because they are the ones that make it possible for a confidence-inspiring audition.  Those are the true treasures of the high end audio store.

In all too many experiences of my recent speaker auditioning, the process made me hesitant to want to go back to the store.  (Though, there were certainly some very positive experiences as well).

@prof- I was using "value added" to include all of the various elements. I could not agree more with your feelings about the over-chatty or under-knowledged salesperson. Can’t get to the door fast enough.  In fact, it's one of the reasons why I don't go into B&M stores much.

@inna- I believe a moral compass, i.e., a strong sense of right and wrong (as opposed to legal vs. illegal or allowed vs. not allowed) is one of the most important if not the most important personality traits one can possess. But it has to be freely adopted and embraced from within, not imposed from an outside source.

@inna- I believe a moral compass, i.e., a strong sense of right and wrong (as opposed to legal vs. illegal or allowed vs. not allowed) is one of the most important if not the most important personality traits one can possess. But it has to be freely adopted and embraced from within, not imposed from an outside source.

+1 Swampwalker, nicely put.
Unfortunately, a concept that seems to be receeding these days...
B

Great topic , with gentlemen responding. I’m glad to read this thread . I live in Clovis, Ca. Fresno has zero audiophile shops ! ZERO ! Magnolia is high end here. 1 million people in this county and zero . I am totally dependent on you guys for advice . However, I have a local friend that is a former shop owner . He moved into estate law and closed his business. Recently I wanted an item from Rogue . He contacted them on my behalf and asked for dealer price . Being honest, he stated that is was not for him . Rogue politely declined and said “ they support their dealers “. So I went on line and contacted a Midwest dealer . I asked for a “ discount “, and stated there was not a dealer in my area . As a new customer , the rep paused and offered “ 10% off and free shipping “ . Dealer price is about 60%. I thought that was very fair and made a purchase from an authorized dealer with a full warranty . Now to the question of the thread . If I use a store for an audition and advise on compatibility, I buy from them . This pays off too if I have a problem requiring service or repair . I’ve also found that by politely asking , most stores will give a modest discount . Also I lack the knowledge and skill that an expert possesses and the help is well received. So I try to be frugal , but I support the Local Guy, where applicable, like the Local Trek bicycle dealer and the local Gunsmith . Regards , Mike. 

Personally speaking I wouldn’t do that.  I haven’t done it. 

However...one of the MOST annoying aspects of purchasing equipment on A’gon is the 3-4% “fee” most sellers, individuals and bricks and mortar retailers alike, tack onto their merchandise classifieds. 

In the past I have tendered offers on classifieds with the caveat that I don’t expect the “fee” to be included in the final agreement.  I have sold a fair amount of stuff here and have never levied a fee like that.  And I won’t. 

When B&M dealers on here state extra fees for credit cards and/or PayPal,  I have to wonder if they would have the audacity to try that if I walked into their store. Really?  “Thank you sir, and now I must add 3% to the total because you’re using a credit card.”
That is total, utter B. S.