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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
inna
7,296 posts
 
I am willing to pay MSRP if I consider it fair. It doesn't matter what they call it.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hk_fan
480 posts
 
"Would yo be HAPPY to pay for test drive of the car?"

Yes, I would.. and if you're serious about buying something then I don't see why anyone would not be willing to put a little skin in the game to avoid wasting people's time.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Happy to pay for test drive?  Nobody would even accept money for that.  It is assumed a cost of doing business and I wonder why Audio has to be different? (some dealers already charge for audition).
gwbeers OP
76 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?


Well terry9

1. I wouldn’t have spent $5800 for a $7000 list item online, if that item wasn’t returnable. Plus, it’s the perfect audition, in my room, with my gear. No loss, great demo.

2. I audition that equipment and decide it's not for me. I buy something else instead. Agreed. 

Do you see a difference? I don’t. So, I wouldn’t pay a dime for an in-store audition, considering it would cost me $1200. 


jetter
3,038 posts
 
gwbeers, I am sorry up front if I am wrong, but I can’t help but believe that when you go into a brick and mortar store and test their equipment you already know that you are not going to buy it from them, but will purchase online. Why do I think that? Because no one is naïve enough and has been hiding their head in the sand long enough to not know that online dealers do not have the overhead that a brick and mortar stores have and by and large need to charge more. I will tell you one thing, get ready for the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision that online retailers are now required to collect sales taxes on purchases, unlike before. This will add another 6% or so to your (and my) purchase costs.

Now, if you go into the bricks and mortar store and tell them that you want to listen to their equipment but will pay the vendor that sells it for the least, that's being a man upfront.  By and large, what I am writing is geared towards dedicated audio stores, not so much Best Buys type stores.
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