Digital Smear???


I recently visited my local retail dealer of 10 years, Digital Ear of Tustin California. I was there to audition digital equipment. The storeowner questioned me as to where I purchased my current equipment (Thiel 2.3’s, Pass Labs x-150, x-2, Harm Tech Pro-Silway mkII, and Pro-9 all brands they carry). I explained to him that I have purchased all of my equipment from other authorized dealers and from Audiogon. In his rage, he said “because I did not purchase any items from him, that he was not going to let me audition any equipment, without purchasing it today.” I explained to him that I have always given them my first offer before purchasing elsewhere. Today, I was told by the sales manager, that “we don’t have a home auditioning program, and a 25% restocking fee would assessed, should I chose to return any equipment.” I have listen to equipment at the digital ear for over 10 years, and of course they let me hear the $50,000.00 system first. To my discouragement, high-end audio was only a goal. Now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve been banned for life. Digital Ear has no class or customer service. I am going to file a complaint with each and every manufacturer that they carry. Dealers often complain to manufactures that they can’t be competitive in retail environment. Manufactures need retail shops to sell their equipment. The Internet has brought the audio market to a competitive environment. Where is the balance? How would you have it? Has this ever happened to you? Any suggestions from the fine folks on Audiogon would be greatly appreciated. Banned for Life Al Bundy Ladies shoe salesman
albundy

Showing 1 response by newbee

unfortunately for some of us in sub metropolitan areas(the boon docks) there are no small local dealers of high end equipment, i believe due to the emphasis on home theater and loss of interest by people under 50 in jazz or classical, as well as price shoppers and the internet. i envy those who can audition equipment at home on loan from local dealers before purchase. window shoppers, or price shoppers leave me cold! in my experience dealers who saw you as a regular, not necessarily exclusive,customer were willing to discount the price of their products. when you bought from them they knew you and were helpful in getting your equipment serviced, including boxing and shipping off to the mfg at times. in a perfect world these business' would suceed, however with the internet and price shopping they have not received the support needed to survive. i have no sympathy with anyone who conducts themselves as this gentleman did. he should be transported to audio hell, i.e. ny city where his attitude would be consistent with the attitudes of the audio salon owners there.