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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
vantageaudio
182 posts
 
I'll probably get "slammed" for saying this but here goes anyway! I think there are two sides to this story. As a small manufacturer we support dealers, as long as the dealer gives added value to the products he sells. I agree that dealers should not be used as a half-way house for someone to just go in and audition gear and then go and buy as cheap as possible elsewhere. If this happens the dealer is not doing their job (i.e. they should be asking certain questions early on that will enable the dealer to very quickly identify the serious audio enthusiast/purchaser and know that they have a good chance of an actual sale even if the client could buy elsewhere for cheaper - back to service and added value from the dealer). If Albundy has been going to this same dealer for 10 YEARS the dealer must have been happy for him to keep coming in and listening without buying, otherwise this would have ended 9 years or more ago? So what kept the dealer happy all this time until now? What kept Albundy from actually buying anything from this dealer? What changed the balance recently? It would be interesting to get the dealer viewpoint on this. My 2 cents worth, regards, Richard at www.vantageaudio.com
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The question Al, it seems to me, is "have you bought equipment from them regularly in the past?" If you have only auditioned there (and brought home equipment regularly), and then gone for the lowest price elseswheres, then I would say neither of you has acted in a responsible manner. You for not being honest and the dealer for being rude. You should have known by now that this dealer was not providing equipment at the price you want to pay. The dealer also could have handled the manner more courteously, explaining the costs involved in running a high end shop. I buy mostly on net but would not feel comfortable going into a shop, spending lost of time auditioning, taking equipment home!!! and then looking around for the cheapest price. I buy lots of stuff on the net, but realize that I cannot then take a lot of a dealer's time and equipment without a realistic intention of buying from them. Sorry, I know its a dilemna, but not much sympathy here. However, the advantage of buying here is that if you don't like, all you're probably going to loose is the shipping costs and some time, if you keep your equipment up and buy at a good price.
jim
418 posts
 
Al, look on the sunny side. When you are "banned for life", you know that you have finally arrived. Quite an accomplishment.
chriskh
26 posts
 
I was starting to give-up hope on the human race with their lack of morals and values. I have a new sense of revived optimism in reading most of your responses. Anyone that would support what Albundy has done, please go to your parents and inform them that you did not raise you properly. Go to your parents and let them know that they did not teach you right from wrong. Digital Ear is also in my back yard, and it is of the highest quality. The fact that they have been in business for over 10 years demonstrates my point. There is good and bad with the Internet, unfortunately small businesses receive most of the bad.
no_money
638 posts
 
Sounds like the guy finally wised up. I am sure they would credit the 25% re-stocking fee towards another purchase, but I suppose that wouldn't work for you since you have no intentions of buying anything from them. You are the reason it is difficult to get loaners from hi-fi stores that do not all ready know you. Thanks for nothing.
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