How to Spot Good Stores
The Good, Bad and Just Plain Ugly
30/03/12 09:41
I've been asked many times "What makes a good audio store?".
Well, audio stores are in the business of selling product (like all stores are) and although some promote customer satisfaction, they are more interested in sales and seldom really make YOUR interests THEIR priority.
Some will be able to provide some assistance in product selection, but understand, they all want to sell you components from their product lines!
The Good...
These stores will often take time to discuss products they do not even sell, recognizing the product is worthy of your consideration, maybe offer an alternate in-store choice, but understands when your mind is set and leave you in peace to go on with your purchase elsewhere.
Good sales people recognize those customers that are browsing, fishing and buying and respond appropriately!
They will generally offer exceptionally good product lines to cater to many levels or performance and will configure components for you to audition.
They will also take time if necessary to advise on alternate component selection if they deem your selection to be "unbalanced" e.g. if one component you have selected is in a different "performance level" from the others, but then accept your choice should you care to rationalize your decision.
There are a few that will arrange "at home" auditions, but they are few and far between and tend to be limited to much higher priced items.
Some stores will even offer trade-in or consignment sales for component(s) you are replacing - just make sure you understand the terms!
The Bad...
A bad store can sometimes be easier to spot e.g. if they always try the hard sell to push a particular item or product brand within their store over other comparable in-store product.
Pushing product is designed to unload stock, for reasons such as...
Now, as long as the product they are pushing is the exact product you are looking for - who cares, you can get good deals this way
Just Plain Ugly...
Now, this may NOT be the fault of the store - more the fault of the sales person, so it's more a case of "guilt by association"
On more than one occasion I have come across a sales person who makes really disparaging comments about a component I am enquiring about, or worse, my personal component selection, probably in the misguided view that I will purchase something they would recommend to replace it - which is not very likely.
Some other indicators include:
JUST WALK AWAY!
Combine this with the indicators highlighted in "The Bad" - you've got a real nightmare store!
Hope this helps
Well, audio stores are in the business of selling product (like all stores are) and although some promote customer satisfaction, they are more interested in sales and seldom really make YOUR interests THEIR priority.
Some will be able to provide some assistance in product selection, but understand, they all want to sell you components from their product lines!
The Good...
These stores will often take time to discuss products they do not even sell, recognizing the product is worthy of your consideration, maybe offer an alternate in-store choice, but understands when your mind is set and leave you in peace to go on with your purchase elsewhere.
Good sales people recognize those customers that are browsing, fishing and buying and respond appropriately!
They will generally offer exceptionally good product lines to cater to many levels or performance and will configure components for you to audition.
They will also take time if necessary to advise on alternate component selection if they deem your selection to be "unbalanced" e.g. if one component you have selected is in a different "performance level" from the others, but then accept your choice should you care to rationalize your decision.
There are a few that will arrange "at home" auditions, but they are few and far between and tend to be limited to much higher priced items.
Some stores will even offer trade-in or consignment sales for component(s) you are replacing - just make sure you understand the terms!
The Bad...
A bad store can sometimes be easier to spot e.g. if they always try the hard sell to push a particular item or product brand within their store over other comparable in-store product.
Pushing product is designed to unload stock, for reasons such as...
- out of date product
- change of distributor - This may mean the store will no longer honour warranties on that product
- favoured products - due to larger markups
- favoured product - due to "a sales commitment" to manufacturer/distributor
- going out of business - YOU accept the risk!
Now, as long as the product they are pushing is the exact product you are looking for - who cares, you can get good deals this way
Just Plain Ugly...
Now, this may NOT be the fault of the store - more the fault of the sales person, so it's more a case of "guilt by association"
On more than one occasion I have come across a sales person who makes really disparaging comments about a component I am enquiring about, or worse, my personal component selection, probably in the misguided view that I will purchase something they would recommend to replace it - which is not very likely.
Some other indicators include:
- product returns prohibited - WARNING!
- in-store credits only - suck, but workable
- restocking fees - the worst!
JUST WALK AWAY!
Combine this with the indicators highlighted in "The Bad" - you've got a real nightmare store!
Hope this helps