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Ever feel like a "low dollar" customer that your dealer doesn't think worth their time?

I'm a careful researcher for audio gear and I also understand the value of brick and mortar stores. I am not OCD and I am not an irascible haggler. Indeed, I have told my local stores that if they carry something I like, I will buy from them and not try to find it cheaper on the net. I have purchased major pieces of gear from them.

Nevertheless, one local shop is erratic in how it treats me. Emails can take a long time to get acknowledged, and often exchanges take several back-and-forths to get clear questions answered. This shop sells gear at my price point and up to 10x more (think Wilson speakers, $7k power cords). I often feel I'm more like a fly buzzing around their heads than a valued customer trying to establish a customer-dealer relationship. I am trying to be loyal, but it makes me want to shop online. I could be reading the situation wrong, but this is definitely a pattern.

Has anyone else had the sense that they were too much of a "low dollar" customer to be worth the dealer's time?
128x128hilde45
aewarren
659 posts
 
@wideload 
I know both of the Seattle area dealers you mentioned and I am not surprised at either of your experiences as mine were very similar. I used to get different service at my bank's drive-thru when I was on my Harley than when I was in my Lexus. No one wants to be treated as if they're doing you a favor by taking your money.
nitroxpro
16 posts
 
Not just "Yes," but "HELL YES."
gs5556
1,235 posts
 
When you tell a store you are an interested buyer IF they carry something you like, you are not seen as a low dollar customer. You are seen as a waste of time. A dealer has a product line. If you are interested in one of those products -- and make it clear you are in the market for it -- you will get a much better response from that dealer. Even if you say I like the Wilson speakers you carry but I can't afford new do you have anything used, demo, blemished, etc., you will get just as an enthusiastic response.
cromaudionut
9 posts
 
I’ve been made to feel exactly that way.  I don’t have a big audio budget but I enjoy going to shops and engaging with salesman.  Just like you I’m a careful shopper and I expect that whether I’m spending $79 on a phono preamp, or thousands on a set of loud speakers, I want to be treated well.  I spend most of my time researching online well before I enter a brick and mortar to touch feel and listen and an engaging salesman will make the difference between me making my purchase in store or online.  If you don’t care about my $79 purchase then take the $79 merchandise out of your store.  There’s not many brick and mortar shops left so I’d think the owners would try to win more customers with great customer engagement.  
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,980 posts
 
@gs5556 they know I’m interested because I’ve auditioned their speakers before AND I bought other gear. But your point is well taken and it makes sense. On the other hand, why would it be a waste of time to try? Isn’t that what “sales” is all about? Maybe they’re already *too* successful? I don’t think that’s it...
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