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Ever feel like a "low dollar" customer that your dealer doesn't think worth their time?

I'm a careful researcher for audio gear and I also understand the value of brick and mortar stores. I am not OCD and I am not an irascible haggler. Indeed, I have told my local stores that if they carry something I like, I will buy from them and not try to find it cheaper on the net. I have purchased major pieces of gear from them.

Nevertheless, one local shop is erratic in how it treats me. Emails can take a long time to get acknowledged, and often exchanges take several back-and-forths to get clear questions answered. This shop sells gear at my price point and up to 10x more (think Wilson speakers, $7k power cords). I often feel I'm more like a fly buzzing around their heads than a valued customer trying to establish a customer-dealer relationship. I am trying to be loyal, but it makes me want to shop online. I could be reading the situation wrong, but this is definitely a pattern.

Has anyone else had the sense that they were too much of a "low dollar" customer to be worth the dealer's time?
128x128hilde45

Showing 4 responses by mitch2

mitch2
3,689 posts
 
No, I never do because I wouldn’t waste my time on people like that.
Any retail outfit can decide which customers they want to cater to and any customer can decide what type of people they want to deal with.
You are what you tolerate.  Go find a better dealer.
mitch2
3,689 posts
 
Sorry @hilde45 , my post wasn't meant as a "talking to" but more about my distaste of folks treating others poorly and a reminder that you have options.  Unfortunately, those people just don't get it and don't understand the power of relationships and networking as related to sales.
mitch2
3,689 posts
 
@danvignau - good reminder that B&M businesses are just that, businesses, and that the owner and sales people who work there need to make sales to earn their living.  I had two friends that sold stereo equipment and when I started purchasing direct from manufacturers and used on-line, I quit going to their stores.  We are still friends but I didn't want to waste their time. 
mitch2
3,689 posts
 
@denverfred 
Believe me, the guidance you will get in well-managed stores has as much to do with what’s in stock and its gross margin as it does with satisfying your needs or desires.
Oh, one other thing: audio salespeople are not there to entertain you. They’re there to do business and you can hardly blame them if they ask you for an order before you split.
So true. It is a tough business to be in and probably only for those with a real passion for the hobby. 
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