Burned out hi fi salesman

This is a funny thread, audiophiles are completely at fault for this situation.

Funny, I would say the opposite: Last time I got good service at a storefront dealer was ten years ago in Europe. Never mind that my first system after moving to the US was completely bought at retail, i.e. amp, CDP, turntable, all from the same dealer. And the service: Well the dealer told me since it was only a sub $3000 system he would not be able to spend half an hour to mount a cartridge. And that although this guy was hanging out at his shop the whole day waiting for customers to come in, with tons of downtime.

I agree that the current trend (better the trend for the last decade) to hunt down the best deal on everything from electronics to plasma TVs to DVDs has completely degenerated to an obsession for most consumers and is killing anyone who is trying to run a small business that focuses on service rather than price. But then the same is true in reverse for the high-end retailer. I found several only interested in selling 10,000+ systems, and best you decide 5 minutes after you enter the store while completely absorbing every lie and story the sales person told you. I caught too many dealers telling complete nonsense to their wonderfully naive "Hometheater customer" that Cinematic_Systems loves so much. Service starts on the service provider's side, not on the customer's side!

Sorry, but I would rather deal with all the enthusiasts in this hobby directly. All the manufacturers, direct distributors, small enthusiast dealers running their business out of their home have given me much better service than any regular store-front dealer so far. And they are by far busier and more limited in their time than any regular dealer I have been too. I never minded paying full retail in these cases, where there actually was a service.

Well, just my 2c....

Rene

I have top agree with most that seem to understand the salesman's point of view. After doing any job for 20 plus years you are going to get burned out. I know that I get tired of my career but it is what I do. I know people that try to leave but most of them come back to the same old career. We do what we do. I am sure that this salesman has seen an evolution of the audio business that would depress most. Imagine you spend hours with a prospect and then he goes home and buys it on the internet. Enthusiasm is fueled by hope and the prospect of success. After a number of years of getting burned that enthusiasm gets glossed over with serious doubt. IMO

Bravo! Cinematic Systems said it all and said it well. As did several others. Customers come to you to be informed, entertained and encouraged. Few feel any urge to compensate for these ministrations, however. When I was doing the audio sales floor thing, I never lasted more than 2 or 3 years at a time. It's just too taxing and it ruins your hobby for you.
Have you ever wondered about the gynacologist's wife? What the hell must she have to do to get noticed?

Cinematic Systems,

You are a salty fellow but made a couple of valid points.. If read my statement, the 5% applied to a certain level of equipmenet. Apples to apples. Sorry you don't like the Sonus Faber stuff. I personally am not crazy about the Dynaudio stuff. I guess that makes us even.

I could click on your system throw stones as you did with ease but it is not my style..

If you are in retail, you have been there too long...

KiD