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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
glupson
1,794 posts
 
"There are 2 shops close to me on Long Island and 4 within walking distance in Manhattan."

How far is "walking distance"?

Shopping and selling in Manhattan has slightly different reality than shipping from a warehouse in Kansas. Some of the expenses are higher and business model may be aimed more towards people who shop in a different way than you do. In the end, you may be happy you outsmarted the dealer and he may not care about it that much. Win-win situation.

A month or so ago, a dealer with showrooms full of nice/expensive products (along with less esoteric, for sure) responded to a seriously-interested youngish prospective buyer with "If I could get a dollar for every person who came in, got interested, and then said he would be back...". He did not seem dismayed, he simply stated the fact in some way. He actually offered significantly lower price on a $5000 amplifier.
Post removed 
glupson
1,794 posts
 
oddiofyl,

We actually had fun there. It was not me who was interested but the one I was with. Bonuses are coming in January or February (I forgot) so he will be back and will not be shopping around much. To add a twist, said amplifier may be cheaper in the store than on the Internet. I am not sure they offer discounts on the Internet.
mickeyb
173 posts
 
It’s low rent to use this guys time, knowledge and equipment and not even ask him to price match. He values you as a customer and you do not reciprocate. I’m a GC and people ask me for itemized bids just so they can shop their job out and have my numbers as a reference. No class. 
What is wrong with people? It’s pathetic that people think this type of behavior is even slightly legit when years ago you would’ve admitted it was a scumbag move. 
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
1,076 posts
 
Its great to be able to listen and test drive,  but I will never waste a salesman's time unless I am intent on buying something... Some of my best deals have been local.  I even buy tubes locally.  I want these shops to be there down the road.   


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