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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
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
back to the thread:

manufacturers have disenfranchised dealers for various reasons in the past. perhaps this is another nail in the coffin for audio dealers.

some manufacturers who have used a dealer network are instead, going direct.
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
'Us' audiophiles in terms of musical equipment sales are not even a grain of sand in the Sahara.The biggest selling album in the US last year was Radiohead with 28,400 sold, compared to 1 billion downloads (I am assuming legal downloads).
Why do we always assume the latest and greatest usually more expensive to be better? At the moment there are 9 Jl Audio subs for sale here on Audiogon, those have them say they are the best money can buy.Why are those new/nearly units for sale so soon after purchase?(few dealers' selling them also in the 9 I mentioned)
I am out of the 'buying new' vastly too expensive for me scene for the most part, except for maybe a cd player.I am, I believe fortunate in that when my 8" or 18" cones of my horn speakers need replacing I can just call Madisound/parts express for easy (cheap) replacement. My beloved speakers cost a fraction (5% approx) of the high end Alexandria's (et al) and are infinitely upgradeable until I die (probably), or Fostex go out of business, and if they are far down performance wise against the mega buck big boys, then I can live with that.



jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
01-19-09: Ferrari
Five years is not even a blip on the radar. Been at this since 1957.


Ferrari, I believe you have misinterpretted the conversation. I was responding to MrT's query of components that I have owned for over 5 years. I have owned gear for over 5 years previously, but none of my current gear has been in my system for over 5 years.

FWIW, you have obviously been at this for a long time, kudos. I wasn't even alive in 1957. I have been enjoying this hobby since 1976 though.

Cheers,
John
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Godbless

I'm sure you know this, but I'll say it anyway...

hype = sales.

Latest & greatest (?) = Sales.

System synergy (or lack their of) = sales

Money woes = sales

... also likes and dislikes, etc. all equal sales. Popularity too accounts for merch trading hands. On any given day look at the numbers of REL, Velodyne, Cardas, Shunyata, BW & Pass gear available.

Should numbers of listings indicate an item good or not so good?

I also think as there are numerous BM outlets for these same items, the volume being traded here makes a statement as well. Either BM's will adjust to the webs influence, and/or become more flexible with their cash paying customers, or they'll miss out on a share that could well have kept them going a while longer.

Around my local area, one can expect only 20% off on demos but with warranty yet no in house service. That's at just one place. The other's don't do even that. So my general area sucks for BM deals, and service. Just one has customer - people skills worth a darn too. Far as I'm concerned, and a number of others about me and here on A'gone, there's only one place to even try looking to for A&V gear sales. Consequently, the Web and phone calls to makers selling direct is truly the only way to go... but I still try to deal with the one BM worth going to here.

People in general, respond to being treated with respect. They also respond to being treated otherwise. The response merits both paths accordingly.
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