Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
I've bought a PS Audio Power Plant and some cables over the net, and sold some BDR cones on the web.
While we're on the topic of high-end audio e-commerce, have you tried your hand at the online market in <I>used</I> audio equipment?
I have bought over $10k in used audio equipment over the Internet over the last three years: 2 NAD amps, 1 ARC amp, 1 pair of AE-1 speakers, Kimber 4TC and Nordost flatline cables, etc. I have also bought over $10k in NEW equipment over the Internet. Brick-and-mortar retailers are quaintI have no problem giving them a 5% premium over Internet prices to compensate them for their listening premisesbut except for a very few, they insist on full retail. Consequently, I take my purchases elsewhere. Now then, don't cry for me, ArgentinaI didn't get to have a nice investment portfolio by being a fool. Brick-and-mortar retailers need to wise up. I agree that they are a very important component of the High End, but perhaps the notion of a "franchise" is quaint. Maybe dealers should be no more than demo agents for several manufacturers, and work on a strict commission from the manufacturers.
Most of my gear has been bought as a result of ads in rec.audio.marketplace. Some pieces I bought in person in response to ads placed by dealers in reasonable commuting distance, others from distant dealers by responding via email or telephone. I haven't been brave enough to buy from private individuals yet.
Yes, I have made several successful purchases that I am very happy with, from Saturday Audio Exchange, Qaudio, and Parts Connection. I also have had some negative experiences with sites like costsheets.com and ubid.com. Make sure you share all your experiences at sites like audio review and audio survey. If you know what you are doing, the Internet tips the scales in your favor, whether you are a seller or buyer.
I have and will continue to purchase over the Internet, as well as from local retailers. As a buying community, we need to spread the wealth. If we all stop purchasing from retailers, then what ? No place to audition, discuss, and dream. Retailers provide a valuable service; we need them. Please spread the dollars and keep us all listening.
Living in Canada, I personally did not think it was worst the extra long wait combine with not knowing if you lost your money because the transaction was not real, the exchange rate being what it is in Canada and the brokerage fees! I would prefer pay more here and get full warranty and service. Here's the big word once again, "service". Bernard Durand Ottawa bernard@foodery.com