Seems like un-authorized dealers sell stuff for so much less compared to authorized dealers. Is it worth buying from an un-authorized vs authorized place? I am looking to buy a Pioneer 7400 headunit and either JBL or Kicker mono amp

 

I say go for it, as long as they are legit and have a good rep. Many unauthorized dealers offer their own warranties. I haven't been disappointed yet.

 

It would depend on the store. Also I would try to see if your local shop is willing to lower their price. You should support your local stores if you want them to stick around. If they are not willing to deal with you then go elsewhere. My short answer is yes I would.

 

Does anybody know what kind of rep http://www.ikesound.com has?

 

Ikesound is pretty good. I have brought many items from them. Only problem is their shipping department. They might ship you the wrong items, so you have to send it back to get what you ordered.

 

I've had good experiences with Ikesound also. They sell on ebay as Scala1 (cheaper than the website usually). The only thing that I don't like is that they ship with UPS, but everybody does .

 

yep, sure would

 

Would I buy from an unauthorized dealer.... Hell No!!!! I have worked
way to hard for the cash to just **** it away to save a few bucks. Some years
ago transhippers and grey markets guys were welcome...it brought items to the market where there was none....then the problems came....True dealers had to compete with the low ballers and market share took a ****. Today many manufactures will support their dealers only....they should because its their bread and butter. Dont believe me..try to contact a "customer Service" department for a product....you almost get stonewalled. This was brought to us by unauthorized dealers.

So you want to save money on product...its common its reality. We all do. But how about these senarios:

- You buy a dvd/radio/video screen from an on line seller. They offer every brand and have a cool website. Everyone wants $2500.00 for the radio...they have it for $1600.00- cool you save $900.00. You get the deck in the a few days and find out its a referbished unit that has been "frankensteined" ....

-You go to a swap meet and see the amp and subs you want...and get a great price
you pay...then you notice the sign " No refunds no exchanges....30 day defective exchange only"

- you want a deck but the price is way to much at stores. You shop on line and find
the deck at a great price....you pay by credit card. You later find out that your card was charged 5 times for the amount of the purchase.

-you stop by a local authorized dealer because you have a problem with your
deck...you did not buy it from them,but they want to help you out. Just by luck the companies rep stops in for a visit...he hears the plight...you tell him you are happy with the product you just want it fixed. Cool...he will pull strings to get deck taken care of. He asks for name of dealer...you mention one he is not familier with...no problem..pull the deck and read serial number...it comes back to another dealer
an authorized one. hmm He makes a few phone calls. Informs you that you are not covered by manuafactures warranty and that no support or serviced will be preformed on your product. You get pissed and leave. What you dont know is that 1 dealer has lost all rights to sell that product and the other will
get a letter from the manufactures legal department....they will be sued.

All of the above are true...and they all happened within the last few days.
Hey its your call......how much is your time and funds worth?

 

Audioroach I agree but I also think their are good greymarket dealers. As I said I would check with your local dealer first because if you want them to stick around then you should support them. At the same time you should not be held hostage by them either. As buyer beware. These things also happen at local dealer by shady employees.


[Modified by nsxxtreme, 2:24 AM 3/20/2003]

 

But for the price you pay big deal. For instance my mb quart rsc 216s. If they get blown I can buy 3 more pair before I have spent the MSRP. Hmmm. 4 sets of speakers vs. 1 set with support.


[Modified by 1BlackHatch, 12:59 PM 3/20/2003]

 

Did you know that the speakers have a 3 year warranty from an authorized
dealer? Hmmmm...let see most dealers have a defective exchange policy with
the manufactures...you blew a set,you would have in all cases got a new one or the
problem parts replaced. Say they have the same policies with thier suppliers....you are more than willing to give any your hard earned monies needlessly...its true
"ignorance is bliss"

Nsxxtreme...very true,but because of our own mistakes in the industry..we have now created an era of which manuafactures take a hard stance on such issues.
( it was not always that way). Companies are suing and winning against unauthorized dealers,while others will ****** licienses from dealers in a instant
based on breach of contract. Who knows when this will end.

I just wanted to inform people that there are reasons why front line dealers
exist...and the service that comes with it. If we stop supporting them...they will
go away.