Whats up with "authorized dealers"?

[PSWii60]

Ok. It all started several years ago when I was in the market for some towers. I inquired about the Def Tech Mythos One. So I went to the DT website and looked at the authorized dealers in my area. Upon arrival the place looked like a doctors office, and when I walked in I was approached by a salesman who asked what my needs were. I told him " I found you listed on the Def Tech website as an authorized dealer, let me see what you got!!" He responded "Oh, well we don't keep any here, we will have to order them for you." I replied by asking "why would I spend that kind of money on a speaker I can't listen to first ?" His reply "well we have alot of customers that have ordered them and there are happy." Needless to say I didn't buy any Def Techs.

Well currently I am away on buisness in Cleveland, and I did the same thing inquireing about PSB speakers. I just drove to a dealer and thy said the same thing (almost word for word no less).

Am I missing something here?? I would figure if a company wants to sell there products they would send review samples to there dealers.
I really like the look of the new PSB Imagine series. I ended up purchasing Aperions for my theater, but I wanted some PSB's to put downstairs with our plasma, but I'm not buying anything based off off a picture. I tried to contact PSB today to try to get some answers, but they are closed for Canadian Thanksgiving.

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

 

[Adam]

That's never happened to me, but I'll bump the thread for ya.

 

[jostenmeat]

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

No, but I live in CA where there's a ton of stores. I was a bit disappointed in going to a Quad dealer to find out they no longer carry their electrostats. HT is the money maker now.

I guess you will call the "authorized" stores first, from now on. Sorry for your troubles. That would be pretty annoying.

 

[markw]

Interesting...

What you say is disturbing.

Generally, an "Authorized" dealer is setablished to protect the name involved by having them maintain certain standards for service, provide a favorable atmosphere in which to demo the product and, AFAIKT, maintain control of sales and warranty work. IOW, if you didn't buy from an "authorized" dealer, your warranty was in question.

It appears that these "dealers" are relying on word-of-mouth and the brand's reputation instead of providing a proper demonstration of said product. They are merely order-takers. They are no better than a mail-order house and these brands might as well be internet only dealers, which is not impossible if this trend continues.

I suggest you contact the brands involved and get their take on this. I would be interested to read their responses, as I'm sure would be many others here.

 

[annunaki]

I believe a lot of this stems from the fact that the marketplace has changed. Most consumers are unwilling to see the value in paying Min. Advertised Price. for a set of speakers when they can get the same speakers for less online. Most retailers have been feeling the pinch of people popping into their shops auditioning product, utilising their knowledge and experience (in most cases) and then purchasing online, with or without manufacturer warranty.

Fewer people buy on actual value now as opposed to strictly price. Having a shop is expensive and if there is no profit turned, they cannot keep the doors open.

Manufacturers should be more willing to work with retailers in offering the display models at a very low price or even free depending upon the order placed with the review/demo sample. Some companies offer these programs, but the order expected to get the discount is usually way to much when placing an opening order for product.