"High end" store snobbery

Hi-end audio is a rotten business and one most have failed at.  They have to act like snobs because they are charging far more than the performance of their gear really warrants.  This is normal in the industry.

Beyond that, they can't take anything in trade for more than a pittance because they can't turn it around and sell it for much, if anything.  If your old Yamaha whatever were worth so much, why couldn't you just sell it yourself?  They can't either.  It's a poor business model to pay anything for something you can't sell and make a profit on.

I really cant stand the snobbery. Its uncalled for. I am lucky to have a few nice places near. They are businesses that deal with customers and future customers so be respectful and nice because you never know. Had bad service at a place near me. I left went to another place I had never been. Spoke with the owner for an hour an a half about gear. I was potentially looking to up grade my integrated amp to separates to drive my magenpan 3.7i’s. The guy let me trial a couple of pass labs amps. Who do you think got my business? Those pass labs never went back to the store. Agree it is a tough business but come on money and potential future money is why they are in business. 

Did happen to my Father and I.

we were rained out one day mid week, drove to the Cadillac dealer in our work clothes, walking around looking, sales guy comes out, asks what we drove in, Dad pointed to his GMC Sierra diesel,, and no crapola, within 5 seconds, “I have paperwork, I’ll be at my desk if you need me, no handshake, he just turned and left. 
   He could have bought 4 caddy’s that day if he wanted.

don’t judge a book by its cover!

the following weekend, Dad and Mom bought a nice  5 series BMW, for my Mom. 
drove.to caddy dealer, spoke with the manager, guy received a tongue lashing about,missing the sale and being an arrogant untcay !

book,….cover!

The store in Bellingham, WA the OP refers to is Reference Media owned by Rob Rivinius and his wife.  I’ve purchased several products from Rob over the years and he is a true gentleman and a consummate professional.  He represents several high end lines including Boulder, Acoustic Signature, Koetsu, Egglestonworks, Ortofon, Martin Logan, Rega, Sonus Faber, among many other audiophile quality name brands.  Rob was kind enough with his time and expertise to fly to my new home in Idaho to set up and install $10k worth of tt, tonearm, and cartridge.  No idea who is on Rob’s payroll currently but I’m not convinced by the OP’s story that anyone treated him rudely. More than likely he had an item he wanted to trade in that had no value to a high end store and which can probably be purchased at Best Buy or from any online retailer.  If you are going to walk into a Ferrari dealer with a Pinto to trade in, you are probably in the wrong store.  

Also here to post in defense of Rob and Reference Media (from whom I have purchased Shunyata gear twice). Class acts and not snobs. Not taking a trade in on a $500 AVR is hardly an indictment.

There is no way Definitive or Seattle Hi-Fi (both of which I’ve also bought from) will take that on trade in either. Sell it yourself if you need the money and become a real cash buyer.