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

@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. 

@danvignau Appreciate your point and perspective. It's very important that we all consider one another's position; I always remember that the salesperson is, well, a person who needs to make a living. I try to be up front about my intentions, and I always assure them I am not just using their store so I can go buy online.  That helps, sometimes, but not always.
@tomic601 Thanks for the kind words.
@firebird66 Love that story. The way we deal with the next generation is so crucial to who they turn out to be. After all, those "young kids" will soon enough be our doctors, nurses, business owners, teachers, etc. We will be in their hands (as a generation) soon enough. Mere self interest argues that they're treated with patience and kindness, now.

The ways in which dealers and salesmen turn people off aren’t limited to monetary issues.

I’ve gone into serious stores and pretty much without me asking anything, a salesman has decided that I wanted to hear his theories of audio purity to the point where I had to ask the owner if he could find me a different salesman who was interested in more than the opportunity to spew his theories without listening to see what I was in the market for or if I had any questions.

Assuming that you are a sheep without having any opinions yourself is just as annoying as assuming from your appearance that you don't meet their monetary standards to be a customer.

Have to wonder how people like that can stay in business.

When I worked High end audio or audio at all, I always fully entertained those who had not the cash. Even the teen kids. No problem.

They’ll be back, if you treat people right. One must always look good in their minds. They all eventually find themselves in the ’I know this guy, this great guy who knows some stuff’ mode, and they come to you.

I live in Portland, OR and we have a handful of terrific dealers. I did have a bad experience at one NW Portland location. This specific dealer sold the Rega Brio and Totem Rainmakers. I was interested in hearing that combination together as I was looking to spend around $1000 on an integrated amp. I could tell the shop owner thought I wasn’t worth their time.

When I asked to demo the combo I received a sigh from them since they had to hook the speakers up to the Rega Brio. And half way through only the second track they asked if I heard enough and then cut off the music. I was the only customer in the store so not sure what their hurry was. Haven‘t returned since. I understand I was looking at one of their least expensive products, but why carry this item if they have no interest in selling one to a customer.

After hearing the Rega Brio, and other comparably priced integrated amps (at other dealers), I realized I was making a side grade rather than an upgraded. Ended up increasing my budget to $2500 and made a purchase from a different dealer.

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...to add to what others are saying about Echo Audio, they really are that amazing. There’s been times when Kurt has handed me his iPhone and told me to go nuts streaming on any of their systems. He even encouraged me to disconnect speakers myself and hook anything up I wanted to. Very trusting and welcoming of him. Just one example of the many great experiences I’ve had at Echo. I have also been talked out of purchases at Echo too, and suggested I check other local dealers that may have products that better suited my needs. Pure high class from the folks at Echo Audio.