Denon and the "authorized dealer" thing

[JackT]

Is it just me, or is Denon's policy of honoring warranties only on merchandise sold through authorized dealers simply a way to prevent discounting of their stuff? There are a number of other good audio gear manufacturers who do NOT have such a policy, and I am able to purchase their equipment at a discount without forfeiting the warranty, correct? For example, I am able to buy a Pioneer from ANY retailer and still get the Pioneer warranty, right?

 

[aarond]

For example, I am able to buy a Pioneer from ANY retailer and still get the Pioneer warranty, right?

No! Pioneer just has a larger autorized dealer list ie Walmart & Kmart would be included on Pioneers list.

 

[j_garcia]

They're trying to help the consumer in reality, though yes, they are also protecting their supply chain and their profit margins at the same time. They are in business to make money, are they not? They are trying to at least make sure you buy it from someone who will be able to help you if something goes wrong with your equipment.

 

[~JC~]

Let's hear it for profit margin

One does have to wonder why they should want to take such good care of their customers. So that word of mouth increases their sales? Maybe. To foster repeat business? I don't believe so. Audiophiles search out the best equip for the money that they can find at a particular time. Typically, a piece of av equip will last a number of years. Technology will change, and the consumer will look for what is "new and best". True, they may start at their familiar brand, but won't buy it unless it still represents the best buy for the money. I think it is a pure capitalistic attempt to squeeze the most dollars out of the consumer. Sure, they make a good product. But I wouldn't respect them if the industry standard profit margin was 45%, and they were making 85%. I would take my business elsewhere. Just my .02

 

[zildjian]

It's not a ploy to keep their products being discounted, just a way to control the quality of dealer who carries their product. I have gotten my Denon products from an authorized dealer AND at nice discount prices, so it shouldn't be a problem to find both if you find a good dealer. You can have your cake & eat it too, you just have to find the right authorized dealer.
Brad

 

[JackT]

No! Pioneer just has a larger autorized dealer list ie Walmart & Kmart would be included on Pioneers list.

After looking closely it looks like EVERYONE has this policy. I just only noticed it with Denon. Like you said PIO has the same policy, and HK has it too. So it looks like you have to pay full list to get a warrantied receiver.

 

[Nick250]

After looking closely it looks like EVERYONE has this policy. I just only noticed it with Denon. Like you said PIO has the same policy, and HK has it too. So it looks like you have to pay full list to get a warrantied receiver.

Not at all. A few months ago I was in the market for a Denon 3806. I went to my local authorized upscale B&M to check it out. They had it listed for the MSRP of $1299. After I checked it out I told the sales guy I wanted one but my budget was for no more that $1000. Sales guy goes over to his computer and looks up his cost and says "sure, we can sell you one for $1000 I'll go back to the stock room and get one for you." Could not have been easier. If you don't ask, you don't get. I always like to do business locally if I can. If something have been wrong with the 3806 I could have just gone back and exchanged for another with no having to ship things back and for and all the other hassle.

 

[outsider]

After looking closely it looks like EVERYONE has this policy. I just only noticed it with Denon. Like you said PIO has the same policy, and HK has it too. So it looks like you have to pay full list to get a warrantied receiver.

Actually, as a few have pointed out, you just have to find a good dealer that is willing to take care of you. The shop I deal with almost always sells for less than retail. Granted, you probably won't find the same kind of deal that you can find with some of the onine retailers, but the extra cost you pay out to a local dealer is returned to you in the form of service that an internet seller could never supply.

 

[shokhead]

Actually, as a few have pointed out, you just have to find a good dealer that is willing to take care of you. The shop I deal with almost always sells for less than retail. Granted, you probably won't find the same kind of deal that you can find with some of the onine retailers, but the extra cost you pay out to a local dealer is returned to you in the form of service that an internet seller could never supply.

What service would that be. You buy the receiver and go home. Ask questions at the store or e-mail them to the online store.

 

[godfatherofsoul]

What service would that be. You buy the receiver and go home. Ask questions at the store or e-mail them to the online store.

Well, questions range from, "My rear speakers don't work" - probably watching TV and nothing designed to come out of the rears - to "How does the video switching work?" Too many times people buy things from the internet and then think because I work for an authorized dealer that I should walk them through setting up thier receiver. If people were as educated about audio as some on this board, you could buy from anywhere and not worry with questions. But the truth is so many people want the best deal and have no idea how to work what they bought and then they demand service because they bought a product we carry! I'll step off my soapbox now...

Cheers!