By Clay Hankins
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and either upgrade your existing system, or maybe the entire electronics world is new to you and now you have to decide whom to hire to do the work.
The first question you should ask is "what do I want the most out of my experience?
Is it the lowest price?
Value?
Professionalism?
Expertise?
Of course all of those are important, but determining the most important elements can mean the difference in what kind of experience you have.
For example, if you’ve been shopping on the internet for that new 50" flat screen and call to ask a local retailer to beat the price, the answer is probably going to be no. However, if you want to be certain you’re getting what you paid for, from an authorized dealer, who researches the products (see upcoming blog "how to pick a manufacturer") and knows how to choose the right TV for your room, that’s where expertise comes in.
So why buy from a local retailer?
Service.
Many consumers don’t know that most electronics manufacturers invalidate the warranty on their products if they’ve been sold by unauthorized dealers. If you’re determined to buy over the net, check the manufacturer website or call them directly to see if the dealer is authorized to sell the product. When you buy from an authorized dealer, you know the product you get is the one that you ordered and has not been tampered with. That protects the manufacturer who doesn’t have to repair "altered" equipment, but most importantly, it protects you.
Shopping on the internet can and often is a rewarding experience. Again, make sure you check with the manufacturer to verify the e-tailer is authorized to sell those products. Often, local retailers can match the price of authorized e-tailers and then you get the value of a face to face relationship and the best price.
The other not so obvious element is that a local home theater store usually has trained people to pick the right equipment. We have saved clients lots of money and heartache by picking the right component for the job. You might not need a screen that large for your viewing area, or an amp that powerful. You may be better off to invest a little more money to get something that you won’t have to replace in six months.
We do the research so you don’t waste your money. Shop wisely and everyone wins.
-Clay Hankins is the CEO of The Audio Guy, LLC located in the Dallas, TX area and serving the Dallas Home Theater and surrounding area markets.
Comments