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Could I be a Retail Wretch?

I started a discussion here this morning to get some feedback on whether an external DAC would make an appreciable improvement over an internal processor’s DAC. During the discussion, I said that I typically visit a local audio dealer, to experience the equipment and then, comparison shop to find the best deal. The particular dealer I was referring to, emails me weekly, sends postcards monthly and catalogs quarterly. It’s always with an invitation to “see and hear the difference”. So I visit, and occasionally buy some small ticket items. But, when it comes to spending thousands on nationally available equipment, I don’t feel any obligation to limit my shopping to that one location.

When I shared my buying habits with the forum, I received responses that said using any brick and mortar stores to demo and then buying elsewhere “cuzz” it’s cheaper is just plain wrong…

I was surprised at that statement. I’m a value oriented person. I enjoy quality items. But I search for them at the best price - is that wrong? If there’s no competitive pricing or added value, why should I feel obligated?


gwbeers
Post removed 
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,052 posts
 
@onhwy61,

I think that's a pretty good standard btw. I don't recall that I ever set foot in an audio salon and not tell the dealer upfront that I was there just to get a look at what they had and that I was not there to buy that day.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Viridian, It is hard to tell dealer that I will buy or not buy the car if I never drove it. Test drive and presentation is treated as a service on behalf of the car maker. I just bought a car few months ago - 2019 brand new design. This car will not likely get to rental places ever. Do you think that I should still buy this car from this dealer if they ask couple thousand more than everybody else. There is no way of knowing how much, and they won’t tell you, unless you’re ready to buy.
gwbeers OP
76 posts
 

@viridian

If after your auto rental experience, you decide this is the car for you, do you visit your local dealership and pay the window sticker price? Or, do you try to negotiate a lower price? If you do choose to negotiate and the dealer tells you the sticker price is firm - what would your decision be?


terry9
2,354 posts
 
Well GW, compare two scenarios.

1. You do your internet research and buy something. But it's not what you want. You sell it at a loss of $2000.
2. You audition that equipment and decide it's not for you. You buy something else instead.

See the difference? That audition was worth $2000. And you won't pay a dime?
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