My Thoughts re: Dealers Posting on Audiogon


I originally posted this in a thread in the Speakers forum.  It's more appropriate here:

As a former audio dealer and long time Audiogon member who has walked the tightrope I will say that, while I do not have a problem with dealers posting on Audiogon, I do feel that there are some basic rules that should be observed, both by the dealer and by everyone else:

For dealers:
1- Clearly announce that you are a dealer
2- Try to be helpful, objective and educational
3- Understand that an Audiogon forum IS NOT a sales venue
4- If you mention or recommend on of your products, mention again that you are a dealer for this product so that it's clearly understood that you have a finalcial interest in your recommendation
5- Don't trash the competition or other brands

For Audiogon members:
6- Don't complain about dealers posting in Audiogon forums. They are A'gon members like anyone else. If you don't want to read dealer posts them just don't read them
7- Just because a dealer makes a recommendation in which he/she has a financial interest does not automatically make it a bad recommendation. If the dealer comment is in the spirit of the discussion and or answers a question then it's probably appropriate, IMO
8- Dealers, well *many* dealers, have a lot of experience that most just audiophiles do not have. If a dealer is posting to be helpful to the group and not just trying to sell stuff then take advantage of that experience. Their answers to your questions will guide you as to whether they are interested in being helpful members of the Audiogon community or just pushing gear.

I hope that this is helpful guidance. Just my opinions...
br3098

Showing 3 responses by 2psyop

It is not difficult to spot dealers who are arrogant, condescending and want to push their products. They state their wisdom? and experience as so much more valuable than whatever information anyone else is adding to a thread. The funny thing for me, when a few of these arrogant dealers (not all and I think some are very informative and cool) post, I take note to NOT BUY ANYTHING from them, even if it is a product they sell that is a good product. I would find another dealer selling that good product.  I just don’t like bullying and conceit. I don’t understand why other audiophiles like to be TOLD what sounds good and why moderators let these dealers derail a thread?
Nonoise,

Yes audiocircle does have manufacturer forums, but mostly they are for true fans of the products THAT manufacturer makes. If one posts any negative experiences they can/are banned from the forum by the moderator who is the rep or owner of said manufacturer. How do I know? Because I was one owner who was banned for being truthful about my experiences with three products. Therefore they are not really forums, in the sense of shared opinions, both negative and positive in nature. They stand as more advertising than forums...
Nonoise- Another interesting tidbit on a particular manufacturer and his forum on Audiocircle. I had a very bad experience with him and his equipment and from time to time shared those truthful comments with objectivity and honesty with other AC members and got banned. Years later I forgot about it, but recently I had received a private message from someone who got very burned by this same manufacturer and wanted to know if he had a chance to get his money back! I had thought (mistakenly) that said company would have changed it’s business model, or service or parts to give better customer service in all those passing years. I was wrong....