Asking for a demo is as straightforward as it gets.
A good dealer should arrange and set up a demo when possible and all the discussions could happen at the store at visit ime. This is my understanding.
Was I Expecting Too Much
Hi everyone. I'm looking for a heading check with a situation I encountered yesterday.
Background:
I'm planning to upgrade my turntable later this year - Q3 is my target. After my research, I've narrowed down to AMG and Brinkmann. I was able to audition an AMG Viella yesterday, and was looking to audition a Bardo or Taurus for comparison. I know my thought of trying to fit in a Brinkmann demo was last-minute, and some dealers are particular when it comes to appointments and allowing them time to setup their demo.
The Situation:
So I called the local Brinkmann dealer and inquired to see if a bardo or taurus happened to be setup. The salesman I spoke with said they had both, and he was going to check if a demo was possible. After a few minutes, I get a phone call back from the owner who seemed rather dismissive of my request. I explained that I'm currently doing my research and looking to hear some demos to help down-select, and that my purchase would be a few months from now. He asked for my budget which I found strange as I already stated what I was interested in demoing. Then the conversation turned to what gear I already own, which I understand sort-of. Then the owner basically said it doesn't make sense for me to demo anything now and to call back when I'm ready to purchase.
How am I going to know what I want to purchase without demoing the options?
Was I expecting too much by asking to hear equipment that I'm interested in? My opinion is a sale isn't guaranteed and an audio dealer, just like any other dealer, needs to invest some reasonable amount of time to capture a sale. You don't capture all the sales, but I didn't think I was being unreasonable in my request and certainly was not trying to waste anyone's time. I was pretty transparent with where I'm at and I guess he was reciprocating my transparency by telling me to go away. I felt "less-than" by this experience. As if I wasn't worth investing any time into.
Thoughts?
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- 93 posts total
@rdk777 +1 Mike |
@cbl117 , you have to know how this game is played. The owner was trying to figure out if you were "qualified." He does not want to waste time with people who are pulling his chain. So, next time you confront an audio sales person make them think you are bloody rich and you like the Bardo because it is a beautiful object. It also helps if you drive up in a 911. Then you will get all the attention you need and more. |
Cbl117, in the present tense, I had no particular dealer in mind. I was thinking of some like experiences I had back in the 70s In Manhattan with Lyric HiFi and some others. When Mike Kay was on the floor at Lyric he was a prince, even with a low life med student and intern like me. Later on when they got successful the guys he hired in his stead were plain rude, required an advance appointment to audition any thing, and that was after I’d bought an expensive (for me) pair of speakers at full list. More recently I remember trying to buy a pair of socks on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. |
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- 93 posts total