sasaki@harvard.ARPA (Marty Sasaki) (10/03/85)
I'm sort of a semi-regular at a hi-fi store in Cambridge. They sell
mid to high end systems. I asked one of the salesmen about how many
top end systems they sell, and why people buy them. He responded that
most of the folks that buy the high end systems are affluent and
consider audio a hobby. Paraphrasing here: "Some people spend all of
their money on sailboats, some on sports cars. My customers spend
their money on stereo equipment." He went on to explain that he
wouldn't think about spending $3000 on speakers, he would rather spend
the money on his car.
This store definitely appeals to the snob, but they will deal with me
(I bought a tonearm, a platter mat, and some interconnects, hardly
large sales). They are honest and patient. I can go and listen to
their high end system and compare against their mid-level systems (as
long as they aren't busy). I can ask questions, look through their old
issues of audio magazines, and make a pest of myself (again, as long
as they aren't busy).
If you leave a deposit, you can take demo equipment home to play with
in your system. They will let you try out cartridges for a while (they
do like to install them and check things out, apparently cantilevers
often get broken during installation) to see if you like them.
There are three other stores in the area that treat their customers
similarly. Maybe other areas have problems, but the Boston area seems
to have lots of good places. Their prices aren't as good as other
places, but I feel a lot more confident buying from these stores.
So, my point is, there are good stores with good sales people. You
shouldn't mistrust someone just because they make their living from
selling you things. A consumer should be cautious, but their are
people that will give you a fair deal.
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Marty Sasaki net: sasaki@harvard.{arpa,uucp}
Havard University Science Center phone: 617-495-1270
One Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138