4yanx,
I think the major bone of contention is that you state:
"The treatment there can be indifferent, at best, and extremely rude at worst."
This means, at least to me, that the BEST one can hope to be treated, is with "indifference". I completely disagree with that statement. I was not treated that way in my first visit, and I dealt with Brian. And I did not buy anything until my third or fourth visit. I was merely gathering information, and he more than gladly provided it.
And I disagree with your last statement that Music Lovers (at least the Berkeley store) is always a pleasant visit. My first couple of visits there were much closer to the Audible Difference code of conduct than to the pleasant Analog Room visits I have made. My friend had the same experience as I in fact. (We actually joked that if the salesman looked down his nose at us much longer, his eyeballs would roll down his nose, and land in the cuffs of his pants!)
(However, I will freely admit, that once you find a decent salesman at Music Lovers, that the experience can be pleasant. (Interestingly enough, the one salesman there I did like was named Brian. Go figure, huh?!) However, it does go to show that even the best stereo stores have their off days, and their fair share of rude sales consultants.)
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
Have a nice evening!
I think the major bone of contention is that you state:
"The treatment there can be indifferent, at best, and extremely rude at worst."
This means, at least to me, that the BEST one can hope to be treated, is with "indifference". I completely disagree with that statement. I was not treated that way in my first visit, and I dealt with Brian. And I did not buy anything until my third or fourth visit. I was merely gathering information, and he more than gladly provided it.
And I disagree with your last statement that Music Lovers (at least the Berkeley store) is always a pleasant visit. My first couple of visits there were much closer to the Audible Difference code of conduct than to the pleasant Analog Room visits I have made. My friend had the same experience as I in fact. (We actually joked that if the salesman looked down his nose at us much longer, his eyeballs would roll down his nose, and land in the cuffs of his pants!)
(However, I will freely admit, that once you find a decent salesman at Music Lovers, that the experience can be pleasant. (Interestingly enough, the one salesman there I did like was named Brian. Go figure, huh?!) However, it does go to show that even the best stereo stores have their off days, and their fair share of rude sales consultants.)
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
Have a nice evening!