While vacationing in Maine I discovered this great little high end audio store and on several visits I enjoyed talking to the owner about all kinds of things regarding hifi (along with purchasing a few items.)
I was (ironically as you will see) particularly in agreement with the owner's opinion of "customers" who visit brick & mortar stores, ask many questions of the proprietor and use his/her knowledge and valuable time to decide on a product only to then purchase the equipment from a big box online store. (In fact I tend towards buying locally because I concur with his view on this point and also understand the benefits of such a relationship from the customer's point of view.)
As I said above, I was really happy to have found such a great place as they are truly hard to find now.
Here's the irony
Longplayer Stereo is in Brigeton Maine where I visit 1 week per year. I live 5 hours away.
Longplayer Stereo's website states:
"We are eager to obtain your business, but recommend supporting your local dealer. If you are unable to locate a dealer for specific products in your area we will be happy to serve you."
There are several real (brick & mortar) dealers with internet presence that presumably share the same sentiments.
I upgraded my turntable thru a dealer other than Longplayer (the purchase occurred not when I was in Maine.) It was a demo unit that I bought without a cartridge. Instead of just going online and buying a cartridge I called Longplayer to see what he had and if I could get one shipped to me. We talked for a bit and as he was in the middle of prepping an order for shipment (yes he is an online source that I am sure has sold goods decided on by folks who visited other stores and then turned to the internet) I fully intended to call him back to order a cartridge for rmy TT but things happen and I came into what I wanted at another dealer.
Well.
Today I got a call from the owner of Longplayer Stereo asking if I was the guy who was looking for a cartridge. I said yes but that in the interim of our last communication I had found the cartridge that I needed.
This is where the conversation got rather edgy and the owner went off on me for wasting his time etc. and that people like me just use people like him.... including telling me I should have bought a cheaper TT from him that would have included a cartridge blah blah (wah wah) which I thought was completely uncalled for and rather unprofessional. I ended the phone call.
Too bad, Longplayer seems to be a nice holdover from the good old days and, as I am planning the purchase some equipment ($$) in the near future they would be the logical place to go.
That's not going to happen. read more
