Favorite Home Theater Dealer

AaronPeek · 02-01-2005, 09:29 AM

Who is your favorite store? I mean small stores not your best buys or compusas.

I work for a small home theater, two channel, home int. store and i want to see who else is out there and why you like them or why you don't.

I will refrain from saying where i work, as im not here to advertise, but to learn.

So where and why?

Elinor · 02-01-2005, 10:31 AM

I don't have a particular favorite, though I have had good experiences in Wood Market in Laurel, MD, Soundscape in Baltimore, and Tweeter in Owings Mills. Why? Because they don't high pressure me on anything, they answer my questions honestly, and the are willing to discount prices.

I CAN say I pretty much will NOT walk into a Grammophone store in the Baltimore area. In 3 different trips, I received treatment befitting a homeless panhandler when visiting their stores. Ok, well, maybe not that bad, but when you walk in with the $$ and the snotty guy says to your male companion "Can I help you Sir?" and you reply "Sir is keeping me company, I would like to see what speakers you have" ... and then he CONTINUES to speak to sir ... well, f them. They are insufferably snotty. Hate them.

Andrew Stoakley · 02-01-2005, 10:44 AM

Hi Aaron,

I have bought gear from a store in Burlington, Ontario (30 minutes southwest of Toronto) called 'Howell & Associates.' They are mostly a custom installer (have won numerous CEDIA awards) but also sell retail to individuals like myself. The owner, Clinton, was exceptionally helpful in procuring me my MX-800 remote at a great price. Why do I like them? Easy. Helpful, friendly, able to answer my questions intelligently and able to provide the time I required to feel comfortable with my purchase. Remember, I'm not buying a $30 pair of pants so I want the salesperson to know more than I do, and considering most of the people on this site are voracious readers and researchers, that poses a very high bar of knowledge.

Keep those ideas in mind when you are working with your clients or potential clients.. its those types of qualities I look for in potential salespeople.

Cheers,
Andrew

http://www.howellandassociates.com

kurtZoom · 02-01-2005, 02:09 PM

I like Kiefs in Lawrence KS. Check out http://www.Kiefs.com
Nice selection and personal attention. No pressure informed sales people. Several demo rooms set up. Low range to esoteric selection. HT, stereo audio and car stereo selection. They also offer three price levels for their gear...ranging from full service (with in-store warranty exchange) to "mail order". Their mail order prices are competitive with typical on-line sales...but if something breaks you are on your own with the manufacturer.

Dan_J_H. · 02-01-2005, 07:33 PM

I love the Gramophone store. I deal with only one salesman (Marty), who really knows the products. This store is located in Birmingham, MI.

**HTF Ads**

Parker Clack · 02-01-2005, 08:10 PM

I have been to Keif's and I agree with Kurt about the fact that they are great to work with and have selection that only a few around this area would attempt to have. Audio Mart, Audioport and Accent Sound in the Kansas City/Overland Park area are also good people to work with and have all kinds of home installations under their belts.

One of my other favorites is Independence Audio in Independence Missouri.

Parker

Adam Gregorich · 02-01-2005, 11:33 PM

Magnolia Audio Video. Used to be Mag Hi Fi. I don't know what the ones outside of Washington are like, but I have had no problem taking equipment home for a few days to try out, or bringing my own equipment in to compare to what I was looking at buying. We even have a "movie night" there once a year or so.

AaronPeek · 02-02-2005, 09:08 AM

You guys say you enjoy having no pressure put on you, but as someone who is a salesperson, at what point is it appropriate to put on pressure, From your point of view.

Tom Kay · 02-02-2005, 09:55 AM

Hi Aaron

Here's a thought from a customer's point of view, to respond to your question about pressure.

It's NEVER an appropriate time to pressure a customer. A skilled salesman will calmly and somewhat patiently make the customer feel like he's making his own mind up on the sale, and pressure himself from within.

I have seen some very effective low-key salesmen who make you want to explore their store and learn about what they offer and these guys build a client base over a period of time. I've also some real slimey urchins in my 44 years. I'm sure we all have. The moment I feel pressure, is the moment I feel like leaving or asking to deal with someone else.

I feel it's alright to come up to a customer and ask "Hello, can I offer you any assistance? or If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help you." No pressure and everyone feels welcome.

London Audio in London Ontario was my favourite store until I moved to Ottawa. I like the Audio Centre now, and both of these establishments understand that their customers have done at least some research, and simply want to learn more about the product when they come in. Nobody looks desperate to make a sale on any given day. I have no hesitation to come back at a later date, and they don't roll their eyes when they see me and say "Oh God, here's the guy that never buys anything!"

That tells you what kind of customer I am, or at least partly. I hope it also gives insight into when "pressure" is appropriate. Never says me.

Cheers, Tom.

Andrew Stoakley · 02-02-2005, 10:05 AM

For me, it's never. As the potential client or customer I can easily walk away and not feel bad about purchasing something from someone who is pressuring me. Make me want to buy the product from you, not feel pressured to buy it from you.

I have bought my entire home theatre system from the same guy over the past 10 years (minus the remote) because we have built a relationship of trust and honesty over that time. If you're serious about doing sales for a living you want to cultivate relationships that you can continue for many years. Sure, you'll get lots of one time customers, but there are those that will stay with you for your entire career and bring you potential commissions.

I think there's a big difference between pressuring someone to buy something they may not be sure about and guiding them towards feeling good about their purchase. It's your job to make sure your customer is happy and excited about their purchase or purchases, not reluctant and nervous.

Hope that makes sense.

Cheers,
Andrew

Tom Kay · 02-02-2005, 10:22 AM

To Andrew Stoakley

Hi Andrew. Thanks for including that link for Howell and Associates. I would say that I have seen some spectacular theaters in the 2 years that I have been researching/building my own HT, but overall they have one of the most impressive bodies of work that I have ever seen. I assume that they did all the design and/or installation of what they've shown in their gallery?

I'll be back to that sight to swipe a few ideas to put into my own construction. I can't afford to hire, so I'm doing (slowly) all the building/wiring/drywall/decor on my own. Just wish I had more time.

Cheers, Tom, Ottawa.