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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
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 

@viridian

If after your auto rental experience, you decide this is the car for you, do you visit your local dealership and pay the window sticker price? Or, do you try to negotiate a lower price? If you do choose to negotiate and the dealer tells you the sticker price is firm - what would your decision be?


terry9
931 posts
 
Well GW, compare two scenarios.

1. You do your internet research and buy something. But it's not what you want. You sell it at a loss of $2000.
2. You audition that equipment and decide it's not for you. You buy something else instead.

See the difference? That audition was worth $2000. And you won't pay a dime?
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Asking a question and then telling the respondents that they are incorrect is disingenuous, at best, IMHO, and akin to trolling.

If your original question was rhetorical in nature perhaps it should've been framed in such a way that it did not require answers.

And yes, if I rent a car, and decide that it is for me I will always negotiate for price, but I have a relationship with one dealer, and as long as they are in the ball park, I will give them the business, as their service is stellar.

The other part of the question is speculative, as they are always willing to sell the car at market, but no, I would not pay sticker price. Nor did I take a test drive in their vehicle I might add. And exactly what does this have to do with your retail wretchedness?
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 
@viridian
"no, I would not pay sticker price"
Thank you. Welcome to the realm of the wretched!
sandbites
1 posts
 
"...as long as they are in the ball park, I will give them the business, as their service is stellar..." I'd do it this way

I'll  haggle with the B&M who let me audition, to as near as I can to the online price plus shipping to give the B&M a chance to get my business. If it's off a few bucks I'll get from the B&M.

 Call it idealisticl but nowadays I try to support local b&m's because when they're gone there'll be no one left to display what we want to buy. 
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