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Describe the ideal high end audio dealership

Please describe, in detail ,your personal opinion as to what the ideal high end audio dealership would be. Sales/demo policies, store atmosphere/layout, trade ins/ trade ups, ect. What products interest you the most?

Are you more drawn to brand new designs? The Presence of large statement pieces on display? The reassuring presence of well established and familiar lines? What about newer lines that appear promising?

What characteristics would your ideal hi end audio dealership possess? What bothers you most?

Do you prefer the traditional brick and mortar storefront or a more personal approach offered by the home based dealership/appointment structured store?

Describe what you feel, in your personal opinion, are the greatest positive attributes of your favorite dealerships.

This thread is intended for the hobbyist consumers, not dealers or manufacturers.
chris74
phd
1,324 posts
 
The most important aspect of any high-end dealership is that the salesman knows more than you. I just hate it when the salesman has not familiarized himself with the features & sonics of whats being sold.

Second, I like to be able to borrow on loan a piece of gear for home trial. Most always this entails a drivers license with deposit or credit card but eliminates alot of footwork & headaches. This is important, I don't necessarily need to hear equipment in their showroom, I want to take it home and see what it sounds like in my room with my speakers and associated gear.

Finally it is great to see a variety of high-end gear to choose from rather than specializing in one particular brand.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
loaner's, loaner's and more loaner's. How the unit sounds in your rig/room is what it is all about. And yes, these dealer's are very hard to find, especially if you are not in a metro area. Next best thing is a 100% refund within 30 days if you return the item, no restocking fees and no store credit. Refund must be in the form of your original payment form. The future appears to be the 'in home' dealer as the brick and mortar business model doesn't really work anymore.

6550c's comments describe fantasy land, especially in today's climate. Many years ago I did 'floor plan' financing for about twenty audio dealers so I got to know the financial' s of those type business's. Forget about hiring salespeople, only the owner/manager model can make it today. Hey, there is always Best Buy.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I agree with alot of what has been said. I just wonder if the "ideal" dealership could stay in business.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
since the ultimate demo is one's own stereo system, the ideal arrangement would be a lending library, where you you try almost anything the store carried. no salesman, no advice, just good prices and let me borrrow what i want would be sufficient.

imagine walking into a store with a lot of components on display. i believe in trial and error. therefore, i would want to audition as many components as possible.
jazdoc
365 posts
 
We are very lucky to have multiple quality brick and mortar dealers in Seattle. A couple of standouts are Tim Ratcliffe at Experience Audio and Tom King at Definitive Audio. In addition, I've also had great service from Thom Mackris at Galibier Design. All three share a passion for 2 channel sound and provide dedicated, excellent customer service.
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