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Could I be a Retail Wretch?

I started a discussion here this morning to get some feedback on whether an external DAC would make an appreciable improvement over an internal processor’s DAC. During the discussion, I said that I typically visit a local audio dealer, to experience the equipment and then, comparison shop to find the best deal. The particular dealer I was referring to, emails me weekly, sends postcards monthly and catalogs quarterly. It’s always with an invitation to “see and hear the difference”. So I visit, and occasionally buy some small ticket items. But, when it comes to spending thousands on nationally available equipment, I don’t feel any obligation to limit my shopping to that one location.

When I shared my buying habits with the forum, I received responses that said using any brick and mortar stores to demo and then buying elsewhere “cuzz” it’s cheaper is just plain wrong…

I was surprised at that statement. I’m a value oriented person. I enjoy quality items. But I search for them at the best price - is that wrong? If there’s no competitive pricing or added value, why should I feel obligated?


gwbeers
inna
5,245 posts
 
No-one forces people to buy on-line, just don't buy new equipment on-line.
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 

This might be the time to start a local Audio Dealer fund raiser. What better way to assure the longevity of our local retailers than by giving them our continuous support. For just $19 dollars a month. just 63 cents a day, you can be a savior. You’ll be able to visit your local dealer anytime, during business hours, sample any piece of equipment and all without any guilt, because you are a member of the Audio Sustainability Society. As a member you’ll receive courteous, knowledgable, service with value-added decor and perhaps a generous selection of mints at the register. Of course you will still need to purchase at list price. Your membership fee won’t be deducted at the time of purchase as it is considered a donation for preservation. To extend the value-added experience, retailers could place donation boxes outside their front doors, for when they aren’t open. Just imagine the joy we can bring to every local audio retailer - when they realize that their community will support them and they will be able to survive charging full list price! 


oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
1,076 posts
 
The funny thing is good dealers don’t have to charge MSRP , and many times don’t if you ask.

I bet you paid MSRP for your iPhone and any other Apple stuff you own....

In my industry the MAP price is often only a few % off the MSRP, sometimes the MSRP is the price no matter where you buy it.

I do love it though when a potential customer of ours  gets a "good deal" from another vendor and that item gets drop shipped and then they call us to install it.... that's the best !!!  We install anything you buy from us at no charge,  if you buy it elsewhere you will pay us $500 to $1000 to install... or more. Where's the savings?  

Your last post in addition to being extremely sarchastic is a slap in the face to all the good dealers out there that work hard for their customers.
paulrandall's avatar
paulrandall
2 posts
 
About a year ago I auditioned some very well known speakers at a local store. Since the dealer had been so accommodating and helpful I decided to buy the speakers, which sell for $3500 everywhere, including online, from the local dealer. Imagine my surprise when he quoted me a price of $3000. This was not for a demo pair either, he had to order me a new pair. So it is at least worth asking about the price, as dealers want to make a sale and you never know.
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 

@oddifyll - The genesis of this post was my question, which was in regard to a local retailer I shop at. They discount lower priced items ($500 or less) but don’t discount the more expensive name brands…

“If there’s no competitive pricing or added value, why should I feel obligated?”

Many responses assumed that I hadn’t made an attempt to negotiate, which, of course I had. The fact that I knew the item I was interested in was available at a lower price and this particular retailer was not willing to sell below Manufacture’s SUGGESTED Retail Price, I had no feeling of obligation to make the purchase.

My sarcastic (and I apologize if it offended you) suggestion for dealer support, was intended as an ironic parody for those who want me to believe, it’s every audiophile’s obligation to sustain their local dealer at all costs.

This shouldn’t be interpreted as “a slap in the face to any good dealer out there…” but a kick in the pants, to the ones who don’t quickly adapt to the buying channels of webrooming and showrooming and develop a strategy to compete in this environment.

As to my iPhone, I get a pretty enticing discounted offer from my carrier every 2 years.


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