Visited a Store and was shunned
I live in an area where brick & mortar stores are not easily assessable to demo equipment. While traveling for business, I decided to stop by an establishment on the U.S. West coast. My interest was in the Dynaudio Confidence 20 since I’m looking to upgrade from the Contour 20i. I’m not here to name names or throw anyone under the bus, just purely to voice my frustration and disbelief on how I was treated.
I was greeted with skepticism and a general lack of interest in discussing the product. There were two gentlemen working that day and neither had any interest in answering questions or providing a listening demo. As a matter of fact, when I asked to listen to the Confidence 20 speakers one of them immediately said “no way”. Both speakers were on stands sitting next to several amplifiers so it wouldn’t have taken much time to setup.
I was intent on making a purchase that day and having the speakers shipped to my residence, but decided to leave the store based on my experience.
It’s a shame that most of us have to relay on equipment reviews when establishments such as this lack interest in the customers that support the hobby.
Music Lovers in SF is always welcoming, but Music Lovers in Berkeley I had a bad experience with a hard sell salesman (see my earlier post) after which I stopped trusting any dealer for a long time. I sent them an email noting point by point my bad experience, to their management credit they acknowledged my griefs and offered to do better. |
@kennyc - Ah, that is interesting, I've not been to their Berkeley store, just the SF one... |
At another store I answered their question telling them I buy used, then they were noticeably disappointed. Initially I was disappointed in them not understanding as the only way I can afford desired gear is to buy second hand, but in retrospect they wanted to make a sale so decided I was not a good candidate. Now I’m wondering unlike going to an audio show, am I using the audio store to demo then buy used elsewhere? On one hand it doesn’t seem right, but on the other hand I often can only afford used. |
I would definitely out them. There's no respect there. No respect should be given out of the goodness to the audio community list. Their name you don't have to say what city just give their name. I would like to say that I have had nothing but great experience on the West Coast. I live in southern Oregon. And I travel south and north for audio gear last time I was in Portland my nephew just needed a inexpensive, maybe $200 phono stage. And the guy asked me about my equipment. I heard what I had and immediately took me into. Listen to the bryston model T. Speakers, even though he knew we were only there for a two hundred dollar phonostage |
I am on the west coast - California. I must preface - I haven't been to a brick and mortar audio store in decades - not including 'magnolia' -- as brick and mortar audio stores are nearly non existent - there are a few in Palo Alto and SF bay area - but in silicon valley - decades ago - there were a dozen or more. Anyhow - I say all of that to segue into ... I am 52. |
