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

oddiofyl said this:

I should say that Audio Visual Therapy in Nashua NH is excellent to deal with and while they didnt have the speakers in the finish i wanted in stock, it was more important that I got to listen to them . They spent time with different amps, putting a sub in the system , etc. Their service is top notch and guess what? It didn’t cost any more than if I ordered them on line, and that’s definitely not something I would do as they have treated me fair everytime I’ve been there.

This parallels my experience rather well with my local dealer, Duane Randleman.

@viridian 
As a native New Yorker, I share your sentiment. During the '80's I visited just about all the stores in the area, and with the exception of one or two, they all exhibited the traits you described:

Many are more concerned with their needs and likes than that of the customer

But, thankfully, we have Audiogon.
And, I have to say that finding John Rutan at Audioconnection was one of the best things that has happened to me. He really knows his stuff, but doesn't preach, and he offers free advice. What more can you want from a dealer?
B

Some dealers deserve it, but several do not...

viridian

I would not disagree with your regarding dealers. I spent about three years in my youth working for one in Denver. Lots of Sansei receivers.

After two kids had grown up I got back into music. Built a couple of Ralph's M-60's and had a pair of MM deCapo's. Sounded crazy good for not a lot of money. Never auditioned either of them. I couldn't have found anything like these at a dealer. 

That pushed me to become a dealer. I felt there had to be something better, much better. I did become a dealer, but to find those gems you speak of I had to kiss a lot of frogs. So many frogs. 

I totally get your attitude towards dealers, in a perverse way they caused me to become one.