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  3. 1231607049

Supporting Local Audio Stores are we?

I know, money talks, bullshi* walks...
But having owned an audio store for about a dozen years, I know how tough it is to 'make a living' for a mom and pop store, without some sugar daddy/momma in the background funding the enterprize.
So, I am wondering if the nice folks of Audiogon support local businesses?
As I stated, "Money Talks" and I get it, we all want the best 'value' for our money. The question is...when does the price versus local support begin/end. When does the follow up and or service/set up outweigh the raw savings?
To be clear, I am not talking fantastic discounts, but a few percentage points off retail. I remember a painful transaction that I had once, during which a customer had taken home a particular CD player two weekends running, only to purchase elsewhere because he 'saved' $53.00 (on a $500. item). OUCH!
I contended that without the long term audition, he had nothing on which to base his purchase? How does everyone else see this?
Right now, its obviously a tough financial climate out there, but looking to more normal times, I am wondering how many of the readers/writers of Audiogon would forego price for service/set up? OK, forget buying great used pieces for fractions of original retail, everyone must probably assume that that's good for everyone, including the dealers, as this frees up customers who are now, 'back in the hunt'.

It will be interesting to hear back, it's been some time since the Brick and Mortar (at least for me) question was aired out.

Best,
Larry
lrsky

Showing 11 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
No.

There's no reason to purchase new equipment when there's so much high quality used equipment available.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
About three years ago, I decided I would never buy another audio component without hearing it in my system at home. Hearing a product in a dealer's showroom is of marginal value, IMO.

I have been able to home-audition Pass Labs products and a Heed Quasar phono preamp from dealers. Had I not had this opportunity, I'd never have considered the products.

So, I buy mostly used gear that I can own for several weeks to analyze, and that I can resell if I decide it's not for me. I usually can tell within a couple of days.

I would not buy factory direct without a 14, 21 or 30 day home trial period.
tvad
9,467 posts
 

01-11-09: Trelja
My recent experience in selling off a bunch of equipment has taught me that people buy on price, price, and price.
I agree for the most part, and I admittedly buy primarily on price, which is why the bulk of my audio purchases are on used gear.

However, if a dealer offers what I consider to be exceptional service, like providing a trial period in my home with the opportunity to return the item (sometimes with a restocking fee), then I will consider purchasing from this dealer. I have done so twice in the past year with dealers who provided in-home trials. One required a restocking fee ($100...no big deal for the chance to hear something valued at $10k in my home). The other dealer did not.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
What other retail business compares to high end audio, where the clientele pool is extremely small, and the product is a high cost luxury item?

Honestly, I can't think of a single retail business that compares, which is telling.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Tvad - Ferrari dealerships come to mind.
Ferrari (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

I thought of that as well. A primary difference is that many Ferraris tend to increase in value, making them long term investments with a consistent pool of potential buyers, whereas high end audio products depreciate quite fast.

The difference between the two products, and between the clientele, is significant enough to not make them comparable, IMO...but you're "Ferrari", so you certainly know the Ferrari culture better than I.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Luxury yachts is a good example. I wonder how dealers of luxury yachts are fairing?

Fortunately for yachts brokers, boats will always be boats. Technological progress doesn't sunset boats like it does consumer electronics.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I imagine a great number of yachts are sold over the internet or via telephone without the buyer ever visiting the broker's business or marina.

True?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
So, buying a yacht, and buying audio gear over the internet could be considered similar transactions in that no local B&M store is used in the process.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
There will always be a need, and a clientele for a high end audio B&M store that provides excellent service and is located in an area with a wealthy and sizable pool of potential buyers.

However, the small number of dealerships that fit this criteria are unlikely to sufficiently support the number of high end audio manufacturers presently in business.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Do I want a bargain? Sure, but the best price is not always the best deal.

Thoughts?
Lrsky (Threads | Answers)
Well, now we're into a discussion of value...the undefinable in absolute terms. Each has his own interpretation of value.

The shrinking number of B&M stores is the clearest indicator to me that value is of less importance than price to the majority of today's buyers.

Either that, or the majority of dealers don't provide the value that their customers desire, or they can't effectively convey the benefits of their service.

Teaching, or demonstrating value takes longer than paying at the checkout stand, and many buyers simply don't have the patience to take the time to understand what they may gain by utilizing a dealer who provides them with extra service and perks...the elusive value.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Are we audio nuts all dillitantes or are the sales people that inept?

Most audio nuts are dillitentes to varying degrees, and most sales people are inept (in my experience).

A lethal combination...in most instances.
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