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Anyone else experiencing the rude highend retailer

I was recently following a thread because I was interested in buying a CD Player and contacted the retailer.
WOW! I thought I was the customer?
Everything I said was wrong and everything he said had to be gospel.Come to find out he was wrong and did not have complete knowledge of the product.
I then figured I'd go to a local shop and see what if any
new product lines they have.As soon as I told the gentlemen what I was looking for it was "why would you want to check out a cd player made in Italy".He continued to bash everything made outside the US(He is a Krell dealer).I am as Patriotic as they come(my dad was a lifer/Army Ranger's)But come on don't tell me everything else sounds like !@#$.Needless to say I won't be going back there.
I then took the plunge.I went to BEST BUY to look at an HD
Plasma(mine is an older ED)I could't even get any help there.
I know it's the XMAS season,however,I was literally the only customer there in both occassions.
Now,I go back to looking for a pre-owned unit and contact a few Audiogon members.I now get the the type of service I would have hoped for.I get to talk to someone on the phone who is not talking at me,but with me,I get info from folks whose product knowledge far exceeds the folks at the so called "high-end" store.
What would we do if Audiogon didn't exist?
The Highend retailer rolls his eyes if you even say the word Audiogon,however,in my opinion it is they that has allowed this gentle monster to grow due to their own greed and arrogance.
I know there are some fine HighEnd shops still out there,just not enough of them.I know of at least 3 smaller
shops in my area alone who just couldn't compete with the guys with all the money.Because of course that's where the Manufacturer wants his product line(more money means they can buy more)The small shops that educates,qualifies and helps the customer in a courteous manner does not have the space or money to display or stock the required amount of gear to be a dealer.So they are left with in some cases 2nd tier lines that in this day of hype just do not sell.
What a mess this all is ACCEPT FOR AUDIOGON that is.
Essential feedback welcomed,just not from Essential.
hiernote
aball
2,016 posts
 
Very few people know how to run a business. It continually appalls me to see how many hi-fi retailers (among many other types of businesses) that run themselves into the ground by acting like jack asses. I can't believe it either.

A dealer I know won't even let you take ANYTHING home to audition it! He wants you to buy first and then he proceeds to tell me there is NO return policy!!??!? Well heck, that is no more help that buying on Audiogon - but it sure costs a whole lot more! (IMO, warranty is just about worthless except for CD players).

There are some good dealers so don't give up hope but yes, be prepared to have to look long and hard for them. Oh well...

Arthur
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
Best Buy doesn't work on commision. (I don't think). You can never find anyone to help, no matter what the season...my experience, anyway.

Some high end dealers embrace audiogon. I can think of one in my state that is the Dealer for Wilson. I know that he has an interest in audiogon and doesn't bash you for bringing it up.

I have a feeling that a few more years will weed out most of the dealers that have the attitude you are speaking of.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Welcome to the 21st century. For a tv;---I think you better do your homework before you go to BB,CC, and the like.---For everything video hang at avsforum.com and learn. For audio,this is da place.---Even if they're polite and have some knowledge,I think today's buyer need to know what products do what---and understand the hi's and low's of their choices.--But,hey; that's just me.
eldarado
381 posts
 
I have a dealer in my area that is rude too. If I ever want to buy something that only he carries, I will buy used off the Gon, call a dealer in another city and ask if they will ship or drive to another city. I will go as far as to contact the manufacturer of a product he carries and tell them I will not buy from him and ask what they can do. He will not concede that any other product is better than what he carries, no matter what. His main customer base is non-informed people with a lot of money that believe what he says is gospel because they don't know any better and/or are too lazy to research.

The two shops that I like to go to are now focusing mainly on custom HT installs to make enough money to stay in business. They still have a couple of two channel setups but, not like three or four years ago.

We need to keep supporting the B&M stores that give good service in hopes that our support will keep them going long enough for the rude stores to lose customers to the good service stores.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
rude dealers is one reason why more manufacturers sell direct.

i hope this trend continues, although it adds a degree of risk and nuisance to the component selection process.

many manufacturers are cordial when receiving calls from customers and are usually a good source of information about the products they manufacture.

in short, retailing stinks.
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