How to Choose a Reputable Dealer
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Now this is a frustrating subject for many. On the one hand you want to get the best price. On the other hand you want to make sure that the dealer backs up the sale and gives you everything that is promised. I am here to give you the honest truth. You probably won’t get both. That’s right, if you want both the best price and the best service to back up your purchase, it’s time to face the truth. Service comes with a price.
If you haven’t read our article on the Gray Market Dealers, please make sure you go to “The Anatomy of the Gray Market” and get fully acquainted with the deceitful tactics used by many dealers in the United States, who regardless of the low advertised price you are attracted to, will not be done with you until they make a healthy profit. As a matter of fact, they will probably try to use your good nature to their advantage. Again please read the “Anatomy of the Gray Market” to combat the less than honest audio visual dealers and to avoid falling into their webs.
We have all become very internet savvy and although you should do online searches for pricing, when you think you have found the deal of a lifetime, if you’ve never heard of the dealer, try doing an online search with their name. If they conduct business in a less than desirable fashion, hundreds (if not thousands) of “Buyer beware” blogs will come up. Obviously steer clear of that dealer.
There are three major criteria you should make sure your equipment dealer has.
1) A telephone number with a live person willing to help you
2) Competitive pricing
3) A tech/troubleshooting department for after the sale
A telephone number with a live person willing to help you – Buying expensive A/V equipment on the web is very risky. Some of the online “Camera and “Photo” shops rarely have a telephone number. They are into volume and keep their staff low and thus they maximize their profits. Most of them fill your order; charge your credit card, ship your product and they are done with you. Now once I find a dealer I like and have proved their worth, I don’t have a problem ordering online. But you should have a salesperson or a customer service person that can answer all your questions regarding this important purchase. There are plenty of dealers across the country that have caring, sensitive customer service people to help you. You’ll know when you find it, so don’t settle for anything less.
Competitive pricing – Although this is self explanatory, notice I didn’t say the lowest price. Be careful if you see a price that is so far below everyone else’s. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
A tech/troubleshooting department – If my equipment is not working properly after my purchase, I like to know that I can call the dealer and they will have those on staff that can help me. Even if the dealer doesn’t have the answer, a good dealer will know where to get help. Most manufacturers of pro equipment have product support hotlines and if they don’t have an answer, they should know where to call and get you answers. This kind of help should come with your purchase.
I assure you that you will not get this kind of support from dealers that sell solely online. So if you do pay a few dollars more for video equipment from a caring, helping dealer, put it in your expenditures under “peace of mind”.
Professional Grade VS. Consumer Grade - Here at MoreSalesWithVideo.com, we recommend both professional and consumer grade video equipment. But there is something you should know. The large consumer manufacturers don’t have the same zeal that the professional side has, to back up their consumer products. I have seen over the past few years quick replacements of pro equipment when problems arise, while trying to get help with consumer lines will have you calling 800 numbers, getting bounced back and forth for hours, trying to find someone who cares. Finally the manufacturer will make you ship it back, and it may take weeks for them to return your so called “new” product.
We have assembled a list of dealers who we feel fit the criteria stated above. Go to our section on Deler Picks to save you time and trouble. If you have a recommendation of a dealer that you have worked with that you feel should be on the list, feel free to Contact us.
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