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From: jrh@inuxd.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Mail order discounters - fact or fiction?
Message-ID: <302@inuxd.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 25-May-83 09:55:18 EDT
Article-I.D.: inuxd.302
Posted: Wed May 25 09:55:18 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 29-May-83 07:10:31 EDT
Lines: 47




Has anyone had experience with mail order audio discounters?
I'd like the names and numbers of some reputable ones. I am
specifically looking for a discount on Hafler, NAD, and Polk
equipment. I've done some calling (to numbers I found in the back
of Audio magazine) and have got some pretty good prices -
but I don't want to take a chance. So, I turn to you, net.audio
readers for help and ask:

		1. Has anyone had personal dealings with any of
		   these outfits?

		2. It sounds like Polk and especially NAD have
		   a pretty strict franchising policy to prevent
		   discounting - but I have got discounted quotes.
		   Is there a way around a franchising policy?
		   Are these discounters illegal or simply
		   unethical? What kind of trouble might I get
		   into if I buy from them?

		3. Can you give me any hints to ensure that I 
		   don't get stung? It's been recommended that
		   I use a credit card, ask for the serial numbers
		   of the equipment ordered, and establish some 
		   sort of satisfaction guarantee. Would the
		   better business bureau know about these people? ...

		4. Specifically, has anybody heard of:
			  Audio Discount in Maryland
			  Direct Sound Marketing in Atlanta
			  The Thirsty Ear in Montana

		5. I live in Indianapolis. Can any recommend
		   a retail store within 200 miles (say Chicago
		   or Cincinnati) that I should try?



Thanks in advance. I anxiously await your replies.



					J. R. Holliday
					ABI-Indy
					inuxd!jrh