What do you wear to demo audio equipment?

We know from reading the press reports that folks who shop on the Internet are wearing their bathrobes

What do you wear to demo audio equipment?
I try to look like I have a lot of money.
11% (22 votes)
I try to look like I don't have any money.
12% (25 votes)
Don't think about it.
77% (158 votes)
Total votes: 205

COMMENTS
Bruno Bicek,Slovenia's picture

I wear normal daly clothing.

Andrew K.  Johnson's picture

For me it's just being clean...I wouldn't want a person to have to sit in the same chair I did after a few sets of tennis...I just try to make sure I don't appear dirty...and that's easy enough to accomplish!

Woody Battle's picture

Even dressed in my best, I have a hard time getting anyone's attention in some shops. Dressed casual, I have no chance.

Rikard's picture

. Poor guys get low prices. Read a book in psychology. Keep it Simple. .

Anonymous's picture

T-shirt, jeans and sneakers and a look of a filthy rich audiophile.

Rob's picture

I wear what I am comfortable in, which means very casual. When I started building my system, this obviously impacted the reception I got from various dealers. Quite frankly, the ones who didn't have time for me because of the way I was dressed (which were the vast majority), I didn't have time for myself; I spent my $16,000 with a dealer who didn't try to estimate what I was worth, but enjoyed introducing me to high-end sound, and both he and I were the winners. He was quite surprised at how much I ended up spending, and told me later he hadn't expected it. High-brow dealers, take note: You lose a lot of business with your attitude. I avoid you like the plague; you are a real disservice to high-end audio.

Bobaloo's picture

Have we turned into one of those supermarket magazines? Can we expect a column from Mr. Blackwell?

Hondo Lane's picture

The little puke at the audio store knows I have lots of money, so there's no hiding behind a sloppy outfit. He just sells, I just buy.

GUD2BDP's picture

I usually go to High-End salons on Saturdays. I usually wear jeans, a t-shirt (with a sweater in cold weather) and work-boots. Howerve, the sales guys notice my Rolex.

Todd Arola's picture

I demo stuff on the weekends and so I wear jeans and t-shirts like I do the rest of the weekend. I receive fine service, and I'm young (28) and still get good service. So much for any concerns about only older, apparently wealthier clients getting good service. Of course, I'm a "new economy" worker - maybe the salesmen can sense it?

Tom Selnau's picture

Comfortable clothing, but not looking like a bum. I usually look for equipment on my personal time and therefore casual is in.

David S.  Dodd, ddodd@aug.com's picture

Exactly who am I trying to impress—$8-$10/hour sales assistants? You've got to be joking. The only impression I make on the bricks & mortar personnel is possibly when I buy something. That said, I have never been treated with anything but pleasant attention in any of the high-end stores I have frequented, Sound Hounds, Listen Up, and Cherry Creek Audio, all in Denver, being three of my favorites. For the last 3 years I have lived in NE Florida and unfortunately do not have a high-end store within easy reach. I miss the experience.

koz's picture

when I am dressed well people take me seriously. most of my local retailers know me tho, they take me seriously anyway.

James's picture

I have noticed that Sounds Like Music in Phoenix, AZ treats all visitors with respect. While I was making a purchase there recently, the salesman took a moment while dealing with me to offer a teenage boy a soda and to put some alternative rock on a system centered around Revel Salons and Mark Levinson No.33s. Another high-end seed planted. I was impressed.

Ken's picture

I wear whatever I want, but I always park the Benz up front!

leroy w.'s picture

I'm not wealthy by any means, but I do put a priority on good stereo equipment. So, if a salesman is trying to pre-qualify me based on my modest car or my even more modest clothing, he is making a mistake. Likewise, if a salesman cops a (bad) attitude based on this limited information, he may be out a rather substantial sale.

Louis P.'s picture

You guys must be running out of questions.

Scott's picture

I usually wear a shirt, pants, shoes and socks when I'm shopping in a public place. Why should my clothing preferences be any different for an audio demo than they would be for a trip to Wal-Mart?

Robert Hamel's picture

I like to just stop in. It's not like its a social event, I just make shure I have my favorite music with me.

James R.  Garvin's picture

What I wear depends on what I am doing before I go to the store. If I am going from work, I am in a suit. If I go on a weekend, usually shorts or jeans, depending on the time of year. I do not change my dress to convey an impression, either positively or negatively, to someone who is ultimately there to provide a service to me.

kcso's picture

Whatever I have on that's comfortable. It's not a money thing. It's the music that counts!

FGC's picture

This question is a bit silly. If a dealer gives a toss about what I am wearing, they haven't been listening to me and thus they do not deserve my business.

Ren's picture

I dress casually and I am ignored in most high-end places, but not in your middle-of-the-road shop. So that's where I spend my money.

M.V.'s picture

I wear a trench coat with nothing underneath. I like to flash the audio equipment.

Barry Kohan's picture

Before starting Bright Star Audio 11 years ago, I was the general manager of a chain of high-end audio stores in Southern California. Many of our upscale clientel did dress the part, but quite often, after spending quality time with someone dressed on the shabby side, they would whip out a big wad of cash and purchase the components or system which we had presented to them. NEVER judge a book by its cover! We also would NEVER, EVER ignore someone coming into our store. All were greeted when they entered, and after no more than a few minutes to let them get acclimated, we would ask if they needed any help or had any questions. If they did not, they were always invited to stay as long as they'd like and asked to come by again as they left. It is shameful when I read about customers who are either ignored or denigrated at a retail audio store. The industry is here to serve the customer, not the other way around!!

Scot Forier's picture

I usually go to bricks-and-mortar audio shops when I have the time (usually late evening) and when the stores are open late (on Monday and Thursday evenings). I'm not about to drive all the way home to change into more "respectable" clothes to audition gear. If they don't appreciate the business I can offer them, they don't deserve my business.

Louis Perlman's picture

Yes, looks are all-important for that first visit to a dealer. It's not all that difficult to wear a freshly pressed suit and shined shoes and a decent tie, if that's what you wear to work. Otherwise and for weekends, invest in a couple of Polos (the solids are only $30 at Filene's); the salesman has to take you seriously, since you might actually be rich. Oh yes, and if you drive a junker, park where they can't see you from the front window.

Lacifer's picture

Who cares what you wear? The only difference is whether or not you want to make the sales clerk feel like an idiot because you look like a homeless punk, and then spend $1000 on a nice turntable.

martin's picture

Though, I try to look nice, however ! :-) Doesn't matter, meanwhile I know the guys there all personally.

David L.  Wyatt jr.'s picture

I wear whatever the hell I feel like. It's not like I'm there looking for a date!

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