[Guvna]

Have recently purchased interconnects from a large Hi-Fi dealer. Upon getting my interconnects home, I discovered that the interconnects I purchased as "New" had been used, and were in a bit of a state. These interconnects weren't sold as ex-demo, but were on sale. The outer outer packaging could be opened and resealed as they weren't in a sealed type packaging.

The dealer apologised but had no more of the interconnects left. The week previous to this I had asked for advice on a set of interconnects and was advised to buy these interconnects, which I did. It's probably fair to say his advice was based on getting rid of his last few sets of a discontinued line, and not on what may have been the best option for me.

Would not have expected a service like this from a specialist dealer. Buyers beware.

[TIG80]

Well if the product is obviously used and the dealer is not giving you a discount to reflect that fact, you can but ask for a discount and the worst they can do is say no, or not take off as much as you may hope for. If they offer no discount, then politely decline the sale. Alternatively make a note of the model number and have a look at the prices used ones fetch on various sites e.g. ebay, hififorsale.com and go back to the dealer and say you can obtain them used for a certain price and used as a bargaining tool. One last thing though, some brands of cabling are very picky about how much dealers can discount their products, so they cannot knock a lot off the price. With regards to the dealer recommending them, it may or not have been because he had some to clear, a lot of dealers have brands that they recommend above all else, and use for all their demos and shop display system.

[Guvna]

I've had a satisfactory outcome from this, it was just a cautionary tale to let others know that even specialist dealers can try and pull the wool over your eyes.

[gerbilly]

Originally Posted by Guvna

I've had a satisfactory outcome from this, it was just a cautionary tale to let others know that even specialist dealers can try and pull the wool over your eyes.

Buy your cables from Mark Grant!!

[blue max 2]

Originally Posted by gerbilly

Buy your cables from Mark Grant!!

Wise words.

Much has been said about dealers demonstrating various components and selling on a 'return if you don't like them at home' basis. They are clearly going to have a fair proportion of returned 'new' goods. This is the main reason you may like to use a dealer. If they are having to sell this kit at a large reduction, they will probably lose any profit.

I bought a pair of phono leads from a dealer - they turned out to be home made ones stuffed back in a retail packaging. The shop closed down soon after. I didn't know any better and trusted them. That has put me off rather. That was before the days of the internet. Now I make sure I am more informed than the dealer. The tables have turned.

If those particular goods are 'returns', and the shop was trying to pass them as new, you can make some conclusions about the dealer. As for the leads, if they are what you want, a negotiated discount is the way to go - I am sure they will work just fine. Alternatively, get your money refunded and look elsewhere. I bought some Mark Grant cables from this forum (see cable power buys), as they were highly recommended. Their quality is a joy!

Graham