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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
salevick
77 posts
 
My experience is not even close to the one described by the inital post. I have dealt with the dealer in Delaware that advertises in Stereophile and has customers from the modest to the very wealthy. One thing strikes me as constant. All are welcome and the owners and sales staff are knowlegeable, polite, and do understand competing lines, used items, audiogon and do allow home evaluations. In fact, just this past week a couple came from a section of Pennsylvania that was near to New York, North Jersey and Philadelphia, but they chose "my" dealer due to their professional attitude to all.
Steve Levick
photon46
1,088 posts
 
In my area, Tampa Florida, the retail situation varies a great deal. St. Cecelia's Sound Gallery offers the best possible service and buying experience. The owner is friendly, low pressure, and genuinely interested in music, audio, and happy customers. I haven't made any big purchases from him, but he's always gracious and happy to demo. Another long time hifi retailer that shall remain nameless seems to have gravitated towards only catering to those interested in home theater and/or those having very deep pockets. I've attempted to make three purchases there over the last few years, only to find they don't stock best selling speakers and cd players from the lines they claim to represent. Six months ago I attempted to audition one of the best selling speakers at the $4500 price point and they've still not gotten a pair on the floor. The sales person was very polite, but I got the feeling that as "two channel" listener, I was being regarded as a quaintly antiquated antedeluvian remnant of a bygone era. Another long time audio retailer in town has the lowest prices on cd's anywhere, so I frequent them often and pass through the audio rooms to the cd sales area. Not once have I even been spoken to by the sales staff as I looked at their equipment offerings in dozens of visits. Best Buy and Circuit City staff here also tend towards indifferent service. As mentioned before, you best do your own preliminary research.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
If you go to a fine restaurant, jeweller, clothing store or car dealership then you will often meet this same behavior.

The fancy restaurant remark reminds me of the movie, "The Jerk."

You live here? Oh, it's nice. Did you decorate it?

Navin R. Johnson: Yeah, I got all this stuff from the old Cup 'o Pizza place before they tore it down.

Marie: Good pizza. [the two are eating pizza in a cup]

Navin R. Johnson: Oh, this is the best pizza in a cup ever. This guy is unbelievable. He ran the old Cup 'o Pizza guy out of business. People come from all over to eat this.

And:

Navin: "Marie, now just stay calm. Stay calm. Don't look down, don't look down! Look up! Just keep your eyes up and keep them that way, o.k.!

Waiter there are snails on her plate. Now get them out of here before she sees them! Look away, just look away, keep your eyes that way! You would think that in a fancy restaurant at these prices you could keep the snails off the food! There are so many snails there you can't even see the food! Now take those away and bring us those melted cheese sandwich appetizers you talked me out of!"

Waiter: "Oui monsieur."

Navin: "Can you believe this? First, they didn't have the bamboo umbrellas for the wine, and now snails on the food! Two boobs! That's what he takes us for!"
prpixel
876 posts
 
Yes, Wal-Mart did real good with their attempt to go high end and sell designer labels (sarcasm). I live in Middle America suburbia, but I feel real uncomfortable going into a Wal-Mart. It's not worth getting mugged in the parking lot to save a dollar on a three pack of men’s underwear. I think Kmart is a step up.

Does anybody remember when Circuit City had their high end room? For a while they were carrying Carver and Onkyo among other brands.
240zracer
121 posts
 
My high end dealer isn't rude, he is non-existant. As far as I know, none of my components were ever available in the second largest city in Michigan. Oops, sorry, except for Levinson. There hasn't been a two channel demo room in my city in years. If there was, I would drive my rusty 1992 pontiac over there in the morning. Thank goodness for the internet and Audiogon.
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