Sounds to me like he was just trying to sell product (like any salesman would), and you felt he owed you favors as a personal friend (letting you know about the new Levinson, when perhaps you should have researched it more...not that it's my place to criticise, we all make mistakes). I've found that in general, you can't be friends with those who sell you merchandise, because it's always about money deep down. You can't expect a bigger shop to treat you like a king, or something. Perhaps Terry just had something personal against you (not delivering the speakers, with you living so close by), or perhaps he really is a bad guy...I don't know. Either way, I've heard worse "I got screwed" stories, and you should count yourself lucky yours isn't among them. Specialty Hi-Fi is a nasty business, and contrary to all the propoganda by the "feel good" crowd, we all get bitten sooner or later.........................Kinda like driving a car, sooner or later you'll have an accident...so wear your seatbelt, and don't drive in a transfer truck's blind spot (I see too many people doing this on interstate highways). In other words, don't set yourself up to take a big loss before you make a big purchase in audio. All the best, Carl.