Could I be a Retail Wretch?

@elizabeth, 

I agree, with perhaps the inclusion of LA. I think wherever there’s a very diverse cultural demographic, the practice of haggling is inherently ingrained.

@oddiofyl

I was trying to avoid the use of any business names in a post about pricing policies, that might bias anyone’s opinion. The reference I made to that one store was only geographical in nature, I chose it because it is pretty much central to the other shops in that 25 block radius. But, if it put an uptick in floor traffic - great!

@gluson

Do a search for “hifi shops manhattan”. There are more in Manhattan, but Broadway and 8th Street is the center of the  “walking distance” radius I was referring to. 

Actually you are much worse then you think......although I had a guy come in and wanted to audition a 10K amp. He did listen and liked it. I let him take it home to try it in his home in his system and apparently it sounded good so he brought it back and bought the one he had seen on line.  That is enough to urge me to close my business. Not sure what you do for a living but a little respect would be nice....

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Well terry9

1. I wouldn’t have spent $5800 for a $7000 list item online, if that item wasn’t returnable. Plus, it’s the perfect audition, in my room, with my gear. No loss, great demo.

2. I audition that equipment and decide it's not for me. I buy something else instead. Agreed.

Do you see a difference? I don’t.

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You asked about a store demo. Now you change your tune to online. See a difference?

You asked for my opinion of your behaviour. I think it's sleazy. Just plain sleazy.

 Terry9

You completely misunderstood the post you’re referring to. But, I accept your opinion of my behavior. And, I will continue my belief that someone who is willing to pay $7000 for an item, that sells elsewhere for $5800, (because someone who is not willing to negotiate price but, has spent a few minutes demonstrating a product to them) is a schmuk. If you’re willing to pay $1200 to talk with someone for 20 minutes… call me, I’m negotiable ;-)

soundsrealaudio.

I have the utmost respect for any business person who interacts with retail shoppers. I understand your dismay and resentment with the customer you recounted. It appears you were certainly diligent, but, why did you loose the sale? After your generous interaction with the shopper, I have to conclude their decision was based on price.

Webrooming and Showrooming are retail shopping tactics that aren’t fleeting whims of a younger generation. Both have become a growing trend of tech-savvy educated consumers. And while retailers may view this with disdain, They need to develop strategies to compete in this environment. I believe the strongest defense for their longevity is negotiation.

I thank all the responders for their opinions. Thanks to those who accept or condone my shopping behavior and those who’s opinion find it “sleazy” “low class” or even “a scumbag move’... shameful monikers I’ll wear to the bank. ;-) 

 

One interesting point about WHY one 'should' sell to folks who are going to go elsewhere to get a lower price...    
You are going below the price you think you need to make a living. However it is not below the price you actually paid for the item.The plus is you AND NOT SOMEONE ELSE sold this person the device.            
I know some have the mental block about "if I sell this to him I have to sell it to everyone at the same price". No you don't .   
                               
I guess if you have no talent at reading people, this will not work, since you cannot really know who is going to go buy it someplace else. But if they say to you.. Haggling.. I can buy this at Joe's Junkyard for $xxxx. And you say goodbye.. You are not a smart businessman.