It has been a mixed bag of experiences with me. I've had some iffy encounters with B&M stores, but borderline rude treatment in my experience seems to hinge more on being recognized as audiophile cogniscenti than looking like a fountain of cash. I've seen attitudes completely change with a few words indicating my next purchase wasn't going to be just a cool looking bobble used to impress my friends. However, I've largely moved on from B&M stores at this point. I get better guidance from the AG forum than I ever got from a salesman. Don't need them anymore. They are more trouble than they are worth, and the savings associated with buying used or the direct to customer model is too compelling to ignore.
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?
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?
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- 124 posts total
- 124 posts total