What would you do?

Well Jamie the concensus is your dealer has stuffed up and can get well and truly knotted. He is a complete imbecile in asking for the 200 pounds and has no redress whatsoever. So in future get a quote in writing and ensure your next dealer is 100% sure that he has taken every available step to ascertain that you are definitely not undercharged.
I suggest you let him know about the cretin you have been dealing with so that he understands the accuracy of each and every statement made.
Oh if only life could be so perfect.

This is not a Carcraft salesman you're talking about. It's not just about making a living and grabbing everything you can. He made a simple mistake.

I would go in personally and say I would pay you the £200, but I'm not 100% happy about it. See what the dealer's reaction is and if you don't like what he says, give him the lot back for a full refund. If I was the dealer I would offer you something for your inconvenience.

quote:

Posted Tue 16 August 2005 23:10
Fuck um.

Why is it that HIFI Dealers are revered and every other dealer is scum (Cars, Vacuum's etc?)

I think you'll find its' because generally the hi-fi dealer operates in a niche market. It's rare to get passing trade that is miraculously converted to the joys of spaghetti and plain looking boxes with no flashing lights.

There is also little commission so "sales" people tend to not apply and, because it's a niche, they don't last long as we can mostly see through them.

Therefore, they tend to offer a slightly better service than the rest of the retail sector. Of course, like anything else, it will vary, however, when one looks at cars, vacums etc. then it's possible to sell them on something quantifiable to most people e.g. look at how much it sucks up, "I like that colour" and so on. Real hi-fi sells on music so doesn't attract quite as many "sales on commission" type people who could sell their granny etc. The people involved have a genuine interest in the products and a financial need for a long-term relationship so a little more care is taken.

My dealer was 20 miles away. It's now closer to 30 and there's a Naim dealer all of 8 miles away with a great reputation. I'll be sticking with the original one because I trust them. "Fuck um" seems to me to be an inappropriate response in this context.

Clearly, the dealer has made an error of judgement in this case in several respects but that isn't enough for me to diss hi-fi dealers in general IMHO.

Mike

Just to keep you informed - I was toying with splitting the difference, not because I think I should but I reckon it would help negotiate future 'discounts' and aid that relationship.

However, having now seen his mark up on my traded gear (80% on one item and 120% on the other!!). Then he can go swing. I understand the needs of a trader in any market and he might not sell on very quickly, but both are polular and quality products in mint nick and he's asking more than double what he gave me. He can take is £200 out of that!

End of..

quote:

Originally posted by JamieWednesday:
Just to keep you informed - I was toying with splitting the difference, not because I think I should but I reckon it would help negotiate future 'discounts' and aid that relationship.

However, having now seen his mark up on my traded gear (80% on one item and 120% on the other!!). Then he can go swing. I understand the needs of a trader in any market and he might not sell on very quickly, but both are polular and quality products in mint nick and he's asking more than double what he gave me. He can take is £200 out of that!

End of..

Too right!

Bloody hell I must be dooing it all wrong! As all I try and do is to cover my tail on trade-ins in the hope of being able to sell more new gear! Am I a Dinosaur? Or are people who try and get away with this kind of mark up Dinosaurs? ie. Going extinct!

The most I can remember adding was 20% which I think is fair bearing in mind guarantees etc.

Comments please........



Regards,

Peter

Hmm,
If it is the dealer I think it is then it is sad that his loss is not greater.

Peter,
It all depends on your strategy in terms of keeping customers in the longer term, vs making a quick buck.
I for one really appreciate the decent 2nd hand and ex-dem purchases that I have made. It has enabled me to get a system that I would have otherwise not been able to afford, and with a warrenty and quality service. With the newer exotic kit the warrenty is essential in my eyes. Too many of the newer technologies are not reliable or have software quirks from hell.
The variance in pricing of 2nd user kit is amazing, sites like http://www.ex-dem.co.uk give the consumer rapid access to most hifi shops listingings (yours included) and they can see immediately the variance on an item. I know of one dealer that has got a 92 second hand for £450 along with a matching 90 for £450, strangely these have been in stock for at least 3 years (and yes the website is updated regularly).
David

I'm far more likely to buy new kit in the future from someone like Peter @ Cymbiosis knowing I'll get a great deal on my old kit. Pretty short-sighted to make a stingy offer for trade-ins when many of us have several Naim dealers within about an hour's drive.

I guess some people are probably loyal to their local dealer, which is fine, but then perhaps don't realise what other dealers are offering.

That's not to say you should get a demo in one shop then contact 20 other dealers trying to beat the deal. Price isn't everything, after all. However, if you feel the deal offered isn't that great, then you should be free to try somewhere else surely?

David, sounds like you've been bitten..?

quote:

Originally posted by JamieWednesday:
...Couple of days later, dealer gives me a call and leaves a message saying he's made a mistake and undercharged me £200, can I call him to arrange to pay the extra!! Now I don't want to damage a relationship as I'd probably use them again otherwise but I don't think I'm being unreasonable if I say On Yer Bike..! Or am I?

Had I been the dealer I wouldn't have mentioned the mistake.

In your place, I would have been upset if the dealer had simply left a message asking for the money. Consequently, I would either return the kit for a refund or pay the extra but use a different dealer in future. Keeping it and not paying would not be an option for me.

jamie

I would seriously consider the following :

1. Tell him you are not prepared to pay 1p more as you agreed a price and have a receipt to prove things if he decides to sue.

2. Point out his new prices on your traded-gear.

3. Tell him that you are not happy with what he did as you hoped to enjoy your new purchase.

4. Name and shame

5. Tell him you have done(4.)

6. Don't go back.

He will know that you are upset, stand by your word and also that you have been prepared to accurately detail the situation on the internet. It will be his loss - you have had the "bargain".

Open a nice wine, spin your favourite music and chill. He's not worth the stress so it is your obligation to worry him !

quote:

Originally posted by long-time-dead:
He's not worth the stress so it is your obligation to worry him !

I think it depends on your personality and your personal ethics. For me, keeping the kit but not paying the extra would be a source of great and prolonged stress because I see it as unethical.

Jamie, you asked "What would you do?"

As you rightly point out, you have the law on your side, but I suspect you are suffering from a pang of moral consciousness. You also want to keep a friendly relationship with a conveniently local dealer. You might also be concerned about the warranty.

It would really help if you were able to provide a few more facts, like
what equipment you sold
what equipment you bought
age and condition
price received
price paid

I can estimate that the kit you bought cost about £2,500 (give or take £100) and the dealer says he wanted circa £2,700 for it. How does the price you paid, compare to prices elsewhere? did you "suspect" the dealer was making a mistake, but keep quiet?

I don't know for certain that you got a fair price for your old kit, but I assume you did, because you never complained you didn't. I therefore assume that the dealer is now trying to sell your old kit at a stupidly high price (Jamie, it really would help if you could put some details on the table). So you didn't get "done" on your trade-in (but some buyer might!)

From what you have said, I don't think you will loose anything by walking away from this dealer, without even bothering to tell the dealer why . Just accept the (slight) inconvenience of having to travel few miles to another (decent) dealer, and the slight risk on the warranty. You thought you had a good dealer, but you didn't, so you haven't lost one.

If you REALLY want to give the guy one last chance, go into his shop when he's not busy; big genuine grin, hand out stretched, tell him you can now see the funny side of his joke but all is forgiven and you'd like to continue doing business in the future, without the jokes.

If he is genuinely sorry, fine. If he isn't, just politely walk away and forget him.

Cheers

Don

... but so much more satisfying to remind him that you know, have the power of law on your side and that his ex-customer will make his spends with a rival.

Warranty is not an issue - the Sale of Goods Act will cover that.

jamie - it's a win-win situation for you.

I mentioned this dilema to my wife over tea tonite.

she said do one of two things:

Don't pay up and tell the dealer why you are not doing so - price agreed on sale before paying etc

or

take the kit back for a full refund.

andy c!

I like the idea of a refund plus £200 for wasted time. I hadn't thought of that one.

Put it to your dealer and see what he says.

Allan

quote:

I like the idea of a refund plus £200 for wasted time. I hadn't thought of that one.

Put it to your dealer and see what he says.

Nice.
At a minimum it opens up the conversation and then you can decide on your ultimate course of action.
I like it!

You MUST keep us posted on what you do and the outcome. Better than reality TV...

David

The more I think about this, the more I realise the dealer must be a bit of an arsewipe. Good dealers make profits on either on what they buy off you or on what they sell to you, not both.

Asking for an extra 200 quid when he's already made a handsome margin from the deal is taking the piss. You point that out to him and move on if he doesn't accept that as fair comment.

quote:

Originally posted by JeremyD:
For me, keeping the kit but not paying the extra would be a source of great and prolonged stress because I see it as unethical.

Bollocks.

quote:

Originally posted by Cymbiosis:

quote:

Originally posted by JamieWednesday:
Just to keep you informed - I was toying with splitting the difference, not because I think I should but I reckon it would help negotiate future 'discounts' and aid that relationship.

However, having now seen his mark up on my traded gear (80% on one item and 120% on the other!!). Then he can go swing. I understand the needs of a trader in any market and he might not sell on very quickly, but both are polular and quality products in mint nick and he's asking more than double what he gave me. He can take is £200 out of that!

End of..

Too right!

Bloody hell I must be dooing it all wrong! As all I try and do is to cover my tail on trade-ins in the hope of being able to sell more new gear! Am I a Dinosaur? Or are people who try and get away with this kind of mark up Dinosaurs? ie. Going extinct!

The most I can remember adding was 20% which I think is fair bearing in mind guarantees etc.

Comments please........



Regards,

Peter

Morning Peter,

Are you a dinosaur?

Of course not, you provide a service alongside selling equipment and there are plenty of customers who want that service. Just look at how many satisfied customers you have on here.

There are however a number of dealers who see their next customer as purely a sale. They will make as much as they can out of him and are not bothered whether the customer comes back or not. Well thats fine if there are sufficient customers coming in. However doesn't that cause problems when the customers stop coming back.

I for one value a long term relationship with my dealer and knowing I can call in and receive the best possible service at any time is invaluable.

Regards

PB

Got to say i wouldn't even bother with any of it. Just forget about it and don't use the dealer again. if he rings up asking for £200 say "No, stop wasting my time - you SILLY man" etc, then hang up.

Lords, if someone rang me up asking for £200 for something I'd bought and paid for a while back I'd just tell 'em to bugger off.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve G:

quote:

Originally posted by JeremyD:
For me, keeping the kit but not paying the extra would be a source of great and prolonged stress because I see it as unethical.

Bollocks.

And a second pair from me.

Jeremy, do try and get a grip. Let's look at it this way: The highwayman has just robbed you. But you want to volunteer a donation to Ye Olde Highwayman's Retirement Fund? How odd.

"Warranty is not an issue - the Sale of Goods Act will cover that."

Legally - yes. And if its good quality Naim kit, its not likely to be called upon either.

But

If you have just fallen out with an unhelpful dealer, would you REALLY trust him with the repair of a piece of second-hand kit under warranty?

Or would you send it back to Naim and hope the £200 you have in hand is enough to cover the cost?

OK....if its a total write-off you will have to use the warranty/sale of goods act. But expect to go through the small claims courts etc

Life's too short, and Jamie wants to identify his options before he burns any bridges etc

Cheers

Don

I had a cell phone company do that to me years ago. The guy that signed me up was young and had made a mistake in my favor, unknown to me at the time. (He forgot to check a box on a form or something.)
Two years later we were adding a phone line and getting a new phone. Same guy (with a company promotion) said that he forgot to charge us $5 US a month and we owed that before we could upgrade.
Yeah, right.
We just told him we'd leave his service and move on to the other cell company (remember where there were only one or two cell companies?).
It caused him a lot of trouble with his management but we never paid.
Similar situation as I think about it.
I found no moral quandary in this, it was their mistake, I would have paid it if they had asked at the time, and 2 years had passed before they found the mistake. The amount was a rental fee for the phone we were returning to them.
But I got to "screw" a phone company and it was very satisfying!!!
David

quote:

Originally posted by JamieWednesday:
David, sounds like you've been bitten..?

Yes, I think Dave might have been ....in the past but not from me.

Anyway, regarding the £200.00 and speaking from the other side of the counter so to speak. I too back up the members comments above by awarding a third pair of bollocks!

There is absolutely no reason why you should concern yourself about it, given what I've read so far. So if Dick Turpin get's in contact about it again, you are perfectly within your rights to tell him to go park his horse where the sun don't shine!

Regards,

Peter