On the importance of dealing with local audio dealer - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 06-25-2002, 03:36 PM

A while back ago there was a thread dealing with buying discount, mail-order audio equipment (buying cheap) versus dealing with a reputable local audio dealer (and paying a little bit more).

My advice is to pay a little more and deal with a local, reputable audio dealer.

If you recall, my Alpine h/u was having a bit of a problem with the AM radio reception. I asked around here, hoping for a quick-fix, but even after trying some of the fixes, I was still having problems.

I even came very close to buying a new antenna, not a cheap proposition.

So I decided to take my "problem" back to the dealer who sold it and installed it. Mind you, the h/u and CD changer were installed almost a year ago. So I was not expecting much.

First thing he did was geet me with a big smile and ask me if there was anything he could do to help. I was impressed that he even remembered me from a year ago.

When I explained the problem he first swapped my h/u for a newer unit, just to make sure that the problem was not with the unit itself. The AM reception in the new h/u was still bad.

So he went to the back of my car, tested the antenna cable and jiggled things around. Reception improved somewhat, but it was not up to his high standards.

So before I could say "get me another latte!"

he is in the back of my car, pulling out the old antenna cable and replacing it with a brand new one. He then tested the radio with the new cable and the reception is now so strong and clear, that I can now pull in stations that have been off the air for years.

I asked him how much it was for the new cable and he said...

Nothing, nada, zilch, gratis, free....

WOW...now, keep in mind that the antenna cable was the original, MB cable, now 12 years old. So his original installation had nothing to do with the reception problems that I was having. Also, please keep in mind that the AM worked fine for almost a year, and the problem only manifested itself over the last couple of weeks.

There was no reason for him to replace the cable, for free (no charge for parts or labor) except that he wants all his customers to be 100% satisfied.

In case you live in Ventura County, or nearby, and are looking for a good deal on stereo equipment, plus great service and 100% customer satisfaction, please check out Muntz Stereo, in the city of Ventura, California.

Also, if you are considering saving a few bucks by buying from a mail order company, think again. A good, reputable local dealer may cost a few pennies more, but in terms of customer satisfaction you will be much happier.

Give your business to the local guys, support them and it will pay off in the end.

Ashman · #2 06-25-2002, 06:48 PM

When it comes to stereo stuff, I almost always go local, but in the case of some stuff, since I do my own install work, I will mail order occassionally for minor things.

Alon

SCLJA · #3 06-25-2002, 11:55 PM

I am glad to see that some people can still see the value of a reputable local dealer, ( unfortunatley not every town has one )but for those that do if you don't use the ones you have they won't be there when you need them! I always remember thhat service sells and the rest comes after that whatever business your in. It looks like the people at Muntz know this and run a great shop.

Scott@lajollaudio

G-Benz · #4 06-26-2002, 03:15 PM

These days, most electronics are almost disposable...they can be made cheaply with 21st century technology...but it still takes 18th century "hands-on" diagnostics to fix properly.

I have no problem buying home equipment through the mail...but I don't have a 3.2 liter engine in my media room either!

Car media has to deal with a more dynamic environment, and can be subject to more electrical interactions, such as improper installation...a good rapport with a local installer can ease that pain.

I too have had great success with dealing with local installers. Sometimes they troubleshoot (and fix for free) problems that ultimately stemmed from some other vehicle conversion that "stepped on" their install.

As complicated as home media can be, it's still just pluggin in the AC plug, and matching up the coax and RCA cables.

Cars are way too complex and expensive these days...trust the install to a local shop.

Consider how far your warranty will stick when you call the mail-order comany about a problem with a unit...they can always blame your (alledgedly) slipshod install.