2. home-theater
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Should I expect a discount from dealer for buying and installing complete system

I am getting ready to purchase a complete Home theater system from my dealer. It will probably end up at or over $17000. I am buying all the equipment from him and they are doing the install. He sent me the proposal today and I was surprised that there was no package deal. All the equipment which includes a receiver, a 9 speaker Atmos system. I may only need 7 if I can use my already installed rear ceiling speakers, cables, 65" TV 4K DVD player some other things I need. plus speaker stands. It's a complete redo of my home theater and will require extensive installation as my home theater room was done when we renovated and the room was frame. All the wiring is hidden behind the walls and all the equipment is in the closet. A lot of holes will be drilled and crawling under the house and going into the attic to do the work. Am I out of line to expect a solid discount on the equipment?
Thanks,
Bob
galleybob
whart's avatar
whart
3,215 posts
 
I’ll add that despite the fact I haven’t done any major home theatre stuff in a while, I’ve had work done recently, including ethernet stringing, wall punching and routing, by an A/V contractor here in Austin, based on a flat rate. He went into the crawl spaces, did his due diligence and the quotes were reasonable. I’d definitely use this contractor again.
Ditto on major electrical work- though that may be different. When I had the sub system set up for the hi-fi in my new/old house in Austin, flat rate quote for the equipment and install, including parts and cabling. That was a serious job, including pouring a slab for the transformer, lots of cable pulling-- they did the hole punching, it was up to me to bring in someone to patch sheetrock and paint.
No issues over price, because it was all laid out up front. If there are variables, those should be identified up front.
galleybob OP
156 posts
 
He did have $3000 on proposal for labor. We agreed that if the back surround can be reasonably done by going under the house we will so the labor would go up. Other than that looks like $3000 is the quote which I find very reasonable for the amount and difficulty of the job. This business is known to be as high quality as you can go. I have no doubt that the job will be perfect. 
The owner keeps trying to save me money. He suggested today that instead of going ahead with buy two Paradigm speakers for close to $800 plus the labor why not just see how it sounds with my 2 front ceiling speakers. He said if I don’t like, I can always have the speakers installed. I think I will just go ahead and have the speakers installed 
duckworp's avatar
duckworp
262 posts
 
My view is that if a dealer is providing the level of service and demo opportunities that this one is giving you then that dealer deserves compensation for that service. Paying list price is that compensation. I know you intend to buy from him whatever, and all credit to you for that. I find it very discourteous when people demo at a dealer and take advice from a dealer and then go and buy the goods at the cheapest price online. And then these same people express disappointment that there are few high street audio dealers left.
galleybob OP
156 posts
 
Exactly, thirty years ago when I was interested in 2 channel separates I had a lot of different business's to buy from. I did buy and sell a lot of used equipment but I also bought from the stores. Now where I live the store I go to is the only high end one left. If I didn't know about them I would be shopping at Magnolia's 

soundscience
16 posts
 
I am a dealer.  My advice to all of you potential customers is to start off with a budget in mind.

You enter the Dealer's store, You greet each other and then you tell him/her I want a new home theater and my budget is X for everything installed and it must be completed by this date.

Your dealer should be able to demo the system and at that point it is either a good value to you or not. If not let them know.

The Dealer spends money on the gear you are listening to, heating and cooling, electricity to run the place, advertising so you know they are there. Insurance, better business bureau, chamber of commerce etc.  


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