I’ve been dealing with TMR for years, I don’t think they’re slipping but like a restaurant it depends who the chef is on duty. I think like many businesses they have suffered from high turnover. Find someone you like to deal with there and use them exclusively.
Problems I’ve seen is ad information. When you trade in gear you tell them how many owners there have been, how old it is, etc. I think (based on some deduction but could be wrong) they just repeat what the customer tells them in some cases. I’ve seen equipment that’s out of production for 15 years listed as 5 years old. Now in cases like Bryston, where the date of manufacture is in the serial number, I believe they would correct it. But otherwise how would they know.
Best deal with TMR is to trade in gear towards something you want. As the last poster said, you save on sales tax for one. And they will often be willing to negotiate on both pieces. They also give you a trade in credit, which increases the value of your trade. If you decide not to keep the new item then you don’t get the trade credit back. It’s a fair deal, I think, that allows you to get the best price while taking a little of the risk from “buy and try and return” folks off of TMR.
Overall, the hassle-free approach they offer is why I use them mostly, and over many transactions I’ve never had any problems with them, so that hasn’t slipped. Plus they pay all shipping on trade ins and consignments from you to them. No worrying about dealing with other ‘philes, whether they’re home or not when the stuff gets delivered, did they get it at all, etc.
Another benefit that some may not be aware of, if you consign your stuff with them and they sell it, they send you the money and the transaction is done. If their customer isn’t satisfied they deal with it from there. No ‘after-sales’ follow up with picky customers (or if there is shipping damage) for you.
