Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
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- #1
So I've bought quite a few audio related items lately. I've bought everything except my speaker through Mike (he does not sell the speakers I am getting).
Today I reached out to Mike to enquire about another purchase (I was able to sell some other "toys" today to use for audio gear as I am only able to have so much money tied up in hobbies at one time). He does not have it in stock and offered to order it for me. I know my local dealer has that item in stock - I could go buy it tomorrow and have it this weekend. Know what? I wouldn't even dream of buying from the local dealer and instead will end up ordering through Mike.
So my wife and I chatted today and she said she agreed with standing by Mike, but asked me why I was doing it from a conversational point of view (not trying to suggest I get it elsewhere). So it got me thinking.
Sure I've spent quite of bit of money with Mike lately (by my standards - not his standards LOL). And he treats me just as well, is just as helpful, and just as enjoyable to deal with EVER SINGLE TIME I reach out to him. Never any games from him, and always gives me great advice which I always appreciate.
But it's also a two way street. I don't waste his time tire kicking. I am respectful of his time. If I start to talk about an item, he knows I am in actual buying mode and not just killing time. When I have a hard budget cap (due to Wifey), he understands and helps me find things within that budget and never makes me feel small for it - BUT I am up front with him and don't play wishy-washy games with him. He also knows he has my loyalty, as I want to have a long term MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL relationship, which I think is the best kind. I also would like to think of him as an audio friend even though it hasn't been that long.
Compare that with the speakers that I am working with the manufacturer on. The dealer while certainly friendly, is slow to respond, and seems like I need to do all the follow up (I am NOT saying anything bad about them.). They are like most of the dealers I have dealt with in my life. Not bad, merely pretty good. But I don't like "pretty good". That's not how I treat my customers, and that's not how I want to be treated when I CHOOSE (let's be honest, these are not purchases of necessity) to spend my money.
An example - I ordered weeks ago an amp from Mike. They told me it was on back order but I'd have it this coming Monday. I actually followed up a couple of time because frankly with all the supply chain issues, I didn't really believe it would happen by this Monday. Know what? It didn't. It is arriving early - tomorrow! That's pretty freaking amazing.
Maybe its because I've worked in sales and retail in past life, maybe it's because I know I can be quirky so I REALLY value someone who can put up with me, and maybe it's because I'm a big believer in when you find something good - don't mess it up.
Anyone else value business relationships like this, or do you have more of a "easy come easy go" view?
Today I reached out to Mike to enquire about another purchase (I was able to sell some other "toys" today to use for audio gear as I am only able to have so much money tied up in hobbies at one time). He does not have it in stock and offered to order it for me. I know my local dealer has that item in stock - I could go buy it tomorrow and have it this weekend. Know what? I wouldn't even dream of buying from the local dealer and instead will end up ordering through Mike.
So my wife and I chatted today and she said she agreed with standing by Mike, but asked me why I was doing it from a conversational point of view (not trying to suggest I get it elsewhere). So it got me thinking.
Sure I've spent quite of bit of money with Mike lately (by my standards - not his standards LOL). And he treats me just as well, is just as helpful, and just as enjoyable to deal with EVER SINGLE TIME I reach out to him. Never any games from him, and always gives me great advice which I always appreciate.
But it's also a two way street. I don't waste his time tire kicking. I am respectful of his time. If I start to talk about an item, he knows I am in actual buying mode and not just killing time. When I have a hard budget cap (due to Wifey), he understands and helps me find things within that budget and never makes me feel small for it - BUT I am up front with him and don't play wishy-washy games with him. He also knows he has my loyalty, as I want to have a long term MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL relationship, which I think is the best kind. I also would like to think of him as an audio friend even though it hasn't been that long.
Compare that with the speakers that I am working with the manufacturer on. The dealer while certainly friendly, is slow to respond, and seems like I need to do all the follow up (I am NOT saying anything bad about them.). They are like most of the dealers I have dealt with in my life. Not bad, merely pretty good. But I don't like "pretty good". That's not how I treat my customers, and that's not how I want to be treated when I CHOOSE (let's be honest, these are not purchases of necessity) to spend my money.
An example - I ordered weeks ago an amp from Mike. They told me it was on back order but I'd have it this coming Monday. I actually followed up a couple of time because frankly with all the supply chain issues, I didn't really believe it would happen by this Monday. Know what? It didn't. It is arriving early - tomorrow! That's pretty freaking amazing.
Maybe its because I've worked in sales and retail in past life, maybe it's because I know I can be quirky so I REALLY value someone who can put up with me, and maybe it's because I'm a big believer in when you find something good - don't mess it up.
Anyone else value business relationships like this, or do you have more of a "easy come easy go" view?
