Digital Smear???


I recently visited my local retail dealer of 10 years, Digital Ear of Tustin California. I was there to audition digital equipment. The storeowner questioned me as to where I purchased my current equipment (Thiel 2.3’s, Pass Labs x-150, x-2, Harm Tech Pro-Silway mkII, and Pro-9 all brands they carry). I explained to him that I have purchased all of my equipment from other authorized dealers and from Audiogon. In his rage, he said “because I did not purchase any items from him, that he was not going to let me audition any equipment, without purchasing it today.” I explained to him that I have always given them my first offer before purchasing elsewhere. Today, I was told by the sales manager, that “we don’t have a home auditioning program, and a 25% restocking fee would assessed, should I chose to return any equipment.” I have listen to equipment at the digital ear for over 10 years, and of course they let me hear the $50,000.00 system first. To my discouragement, high-end audio was only a goal. Now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve been banned for life. Digital Ear has no class or customer service. I am going to file a complaint with each and every manufacturer that they carry. Dealers often complain to manufactures that they can’t be competitive in retail environment. Manufactures need retail shops to sell their equipment. The Internet has brought the audio market to a competitive environment. Where is the balance? How would you have it? Has this ever happened to you? Any suggestions from the fine folks on Audiogon would be greatly appreciated. Banned for Life Al Bundy Ladies shoe salesman
albundy
I don't blame them for banning you. It seems all you have used them for is to audition components you never intended to buy from them, thus wasting their time. You used their services and then bought elsewhere to save a few bucks. Well now, my friend it is payback time. How can you complain that "Digital Ear" has no customer service when clearly, you are not a customer! Think about it ....
You are *older and wiser* ??, I don't think so. Gee, now you will have to go to another audio store. Wow, I bet they can hardly wait to have you spend the next ten years listening to their equipment, and not buy anything. If Digital Ear had any sense you would have discovered your new audio dealer about 9 years ago.
Sorry Albundy, no sympathy here either. What you have done with this dealer is pathetic. How would you feel if you were in their shoes. You may be older but I seriously question if you are wiser.
Same response here. People who think as you do, that the world owes you and you owe nothing in return, will be our undoing. When I give to a local dealer, I get advice, good future deals, and last but certainly not least, a friendship. This is not a one-way street!